The Tolbert Report

Sen. Gilbert Baker answers the question about whether he running for the U.S. Senate. He says that he is focusing on the legislative session and working to represent his constituents but will be making a decision following the session.

Baker discusses the poll numbers released yesterday on Sen. Blanche Lincoln and says that this shows she can be beaten.

Baker spoke to a crowd of around 40 at the Central Arkansas Republican Club in Little Rock. He talked about the three things Republicans need to do to complete: return to the basics of family values, speak up for small businesses, and restrain government spending.  He was very careful in what he said and was clear that he had not made a decision but he hinted the decision could be coming soon after the legislative session ends in a few weeks.

When asked if he thought there would be a Republican Primary race for U.S. Senate he said, “I think a Republican Primary would be great.” He pointed out that the primary process strengthened him in his previous races and made him a better candidate. He also said that whoever does run will have to be able to raise a good deal of money in order to be able to compete with Sen. Lincoln. He said, “If I do get in the race, I will raise enough money to compete.”

I had an opportunity to visit briefly with Baker after he finished speaking. Sitting next to me while quickly eating his desert before he had to rush back down to the capital, he reiterate that he honestly had not made a decision. I pressed him as to when he might decide. “It will be soon,” he told me.

Your guess is as good as mine, but if I had to call it, I would say he is in.