The Tolbert Report

We rumor mongers have been speculating for months on who would step up to the plate to challenge Sen. Lincoln and now we have one official challenger.  State Senator Kim Hendren this morning announced, “Today I am announcing my intent to be a Republican candidate for the United States Senate in the 2010 election.”   The Tolbert Report speculated on this several weeks ago, after speaking with Sen. Hendren about his intention.  His answer back then certainly sounded like someone planning to jump in saying that he thought Washington could “use a bit of adult supervision.” 

Hendren brings to the table a wealth of experience in state politics and the ability to self-finance his campaign.  His appeal is somewhat of an oddity as he is very conservative on the social issues but somewhat of a moderate on fiscal issues.  For example, he voted in favor of the increase on the cigarette tax and has been a champion of a law requiring motorcyclist to wear helmets.

Hendren was first elected to the Arkansas Senate in 1979 as a Democrat and ran unsuccessfully for various statewide offices in Democratic Primaries in the 80’s including challenging Bill Clinton for Governor in five-way Democrat Primary.  Hendren then took a long break from politics, achieved great success in the business world, before returning in 2001 as a Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives and then on to the State Senate in 2003 where he currently serves.

Hendren’s announcement comes as speculation swirls on several other possible Republican Senate candidates, particularly Gilbert Baker and Tim Griffin.  Both men have been making the rounds at the Republican events and both sound very much like someone running for higher office.  An announcement could be eminent for either one. 

Griffin has said that his decision will come by June 1.  Zack Stovall of the Arkansas News Bureau speculated that Griffin’s announcement could come as early as this week, perhaps at the Saline County Lincoln Day Dinner this Friday evening where Griffin is scheduled to be the keynote speaker.  Sources within the Griffin camp confirm the he is still very seriously looking at running even after Hendren’s announcement today and a final decision could come at anytime.

Baker said Tuesday on KARN that he will be making a decision within the next two or three weeks.  Baker is also hitting the Lincoln Day Dinner circuit scheduled to speak to the Craighead County Dinner in Jonesboro on May 2.  Some Arkansas politicos, including everyone’s favorite left-winger Max Brantley and right minded columnist David Sanders, have speculated that Hendren’s announcement means Baker is out.  The thinking here is that Hendren and Baker both appeal to the same base within the Republican Party and therefore Baker, who has a bright political future, will not risk losing his Senate seat and chair position on the Joint Budget Committee in a Senate Primary that he may lose.  They could be right but something tells me Baker is not out just yet, although I admit Hendren’s candidacy hinders his primary chances.

Brantley also throws out the name of Curtis Coleman of Safe Foods and formerly of Curtis Coleman Evangelism.  My history with Coleman goes way back and I can tell you that he would have some major issues to overcome as a candidate.  Hopefully, Coleman will not run.

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UPDATE – Word comes in that Griffin is quite the motorcycle enthusiast.  I guess Hendren will be glad to see he has his helmet with him in this picture!

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UPDATE II -  I inquired of Baker regarding the rumors that he may be out and he assured me that he has not yet made a decision but will soon.  As for Hendren’s announcment, Baker said that he is “thrilled that there are other good people looking at the race.”

Also, Elizabeth Aymond, candidate for President of the Arkansas Young Republicans, twitters that Griffin speaking to the Arkansas College Republicans tonight came very close to announcing.

UPDATE III – Sen. Hendren’s interview on KARN today did not sound as certain as his press release, saying he is “considering running” and a formal announcement will come late this summer or this fall if he decides to run. Maybe I am splitting hairs but it had a slightly less certain tone than his press release had on Saturday.

UPDATE IV - Sen. Hendren clarifies for me saying, “I intend to run, and win, the race for the U.S. Senate in Arkansas.” Confindence!