It was just a matter of time before the unflattering poll numbers of Arkansas Sen. Blanche Lincoln caught the attention of national political pundits. Chris Cillizza of The Washington Post’s The Fix blog wrote on Friday,
Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D) is getting squeezed between the demands of national liberals who want her to sign on to an up or down vote on the public option and the Republican bent of her state, which gave Obama just 39 percent in 2008. It’s not a comfortable place to be — particularly since polling data suggests Lincoln holds unimpressive leads over a series of unknown Republicans led by state Sen. Gilbert Baker. Lincoln, though, is bracing for a tough race with the national wind blowing directly in her face. And, she has demonstrated through four years in the House and more than a decade in the Senate that she knows how to find the sweet spot between the “D” after her name and conservative tendencies of Arkansas. This contest will almost certainly be her most competitive yet.
Mr. Cillizza ranks the 2010 Arkansas Senate race 8th in his ten most competitive Senate races next year. Barring a change in strategy from Ms. Lincoln, this race may continue to creep up his line.
I am extending a challenge to the other Senate campaigns here.
State Senator Kim Hendren has agreed to debate me in a series of Lincoln-Douglas style debates. Though I emailed twice and called the candidates, so far most of the other candidates have politely refused to respond. Even though on Facebook it’s open to all candidates for U.S. Senate, 34 have confirmed attendance, and 96 more said they maybe will be there.
Mayor John Gray says he won’t debate unless Senator Lincoln is there. Buddy Rogers says he’ll come if all the other Republicans come.
REALLY???
Here’s a chance to make sure the rubber meets the road. A chance to show that issues matter more than raising money from wealthy individuals and special interests. Here’s a chance to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.
So what say you :
Col. Conrad Reynolds
Fred Ramey
Tom Cox
St. Sen. Gilbert Baker
Curtis Coleman
Buddy Rogers
The first one is November 30th, with a reception from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and then debate from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at UALR in the DSC, Room C. It’s sponsored in part by a political science group at UALR.
So far, State Senator Kim Hendren is the only one with the character to say yes and will show up. I am the only one for the Democrats. The Green Party candidate, which I would think could appreciate the press, seems like he wants to add conditions to a display of true democracy.
There is another debate being organized at ASU and another one at U of A, Fayetteville by student groups.
This is an open challenge to all the Senate candidates.
I asked David Sanders & Pat Lynch to co-moderate. There are also professors at UALR preparing questions.
My email is drew@prittforarkansas.com to RSVP
Who will answer the call and who is just talk?
Stay tuned!