Despite Politico Report, Gilbert Baker Says His “Status Is Still Unchanged” (UPDATE II – AP reports he is open to running)
Politico’s scorecard blog weighed in on the Arkansas Senate race with a new poll and observations on the potential candidates. In a recent poll conducted by The Political Firm, Sen. Blanche Lincoln’s numbers continue to show a great degree of vulnerability. According to the poll, only 37 percent of Arkansans support keeping her in Washington while 48 percent say it is time for a change.
The scorecard writes off Sen. Hendren’s chances after the recent controversy over his comments on Sen. Schumer. But points out that more creditable opponents may soon be entering the race. It quotes an unnamed senior advisor to Sen. Gilbert Baker as saying he is “leaning toward” entering the race and is putting together a campaign infrastructure.
I asked Sen. Baker about this and he stopped just short of denying the report, saying simply that he “status is still changed.” Last I spoke to Baker he told me that he is still seriously considering whether to enter the race but that it could take some time.
UPDATE – A source closely connected to Sen. Baker has confirmed the Politico report. Apparently Baker is making the sort of serious assessments candidates make right before entering a race and has already begun lining out a strategy and campaign team if he does jump in.
UPDATE II – The Andrew “the Machine” DeMillo with AP caught up with Baker today (5/20) at the Kiwanis Club of Conway. Consistent with the above report, he indicated that he was more open to running for Senate but did not indicate a timeline.
Baker also took the opportunity to distance himself from remarks state party chairman Doyle Webb made regarding Rep. Kathy Webb’s sexual orientation.
May 15th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Tolbert: Despite Politico Report, Gilbert Baker Says His “Status Is Still Unchanged”: Politico’s s.. http://tinyurl.com/qfxdsu