The Tolbert Report

The above artwork has been floating around some Republican circles this past week. Apparently there are some people who would like to see State Rep. Davy Carter of Cabot jump into the First Congressional District Race. I am not completely sure who is behind it but the DraftDavy.com website was registered on Friday.

Carter would certainly be a formidable opponent to take on incumbent Democratic Incumbent Rep. Marion Berry who sounded less than enthusiastic about his 2010 campaign in an interview this week. Carter has impressed a lot of people with his first term in the state legislature and he is originally from the heart of the First District in Marianna. He also has strong ties to one time Senate candidate and former President of Arkansas Farm Bureau Stanley Reed who would likely lend Carter his support. However, Carter would first have to face Rick Crawford of Jonesboro in the Republican Primary.

I spoke with Carter yesterday who told me that although he was flattered by the effort, he was not planning a run “at this time.” Hmmm, sounds similar to Rep. Berry’s statement earlier this week that he was planning to run “at this time.” If the rumors of Rep. Berry’s retirement turn out to be true, could Carter jump in the race? We will see.

UPDATE - Roby Brock of Talk Business chases down even more rumors on his blog, included one I have heard as well that Sen. Blanche Lincoln might be looking for a graceful exit.  Roby has more contact on that side than I do so I will refer you to his blog for those rumors.

UPDATE II – Rep. Carter sends along the following statement to Brock (who appartently is Carter’s go to guy for breaking news)

“I will not be entering the 2010 race for Congress.  Although I sincerely appreciate the encouragement, I am committed to my role at Home Bancshares (Centennial Bank), raising my young children, and serving my constituents in the Arkansas House of Representatives.”

Tags: 2010 Candidates