Beebe Does Not Heart Halter (and other things you probably already know)
Politico caught up with our own Gov. Mike Beebe in Washington at a meeting of the National Governor’s Association and took the time to ask him his opinion of Lieutenant Governor Bill Halter’s prospects for 2010. From their report…
“I do not know what Bill Halter will do. I don’t think anybody else knows what Bill Halter will do, with the possible exception of Bill Halter,” Beebe said. “I think he’s looking at the congressional race, I think he’s looking at the Senate race. I think he’s looking at reelection. I think what he ultimately has expressed interest in down the line, is being governor,” he added.
As for a prospective Halter primary challenge to Lincoln, one of the most vulnerable Democratic incumbents in the country, Beebe said the two-term senator would begin with a considerable advantage over the lieutenant governor in a hypothetical match-up.
“I’ve seen polls that suggest it’s about 2-to-1 her,” said Beebe.
Beebe has a strained relationship with Halter that dates back to 2006, when the two briefly tangled in the Democratic primary for governor before Halter swapped races. The two have also clashed on legislative issues such as instituting a state lottery. When asked if he had a good relationship with Halter, Beebe offered a wry smile before replying flatly, “we’re cordial.”
If Halter does jump into the Democratic Primary for Congress or Senate, it will be interesting to see how active a role Gov. Beebe plays with Halter’s opponent. He obviously will not be throwing his support behind Halter but will he sit out or campaign against him in public or more likely behind the scenes.
Speaking of the Lieutenant Governor’s race, the field is starting to firm up on the Republican side. Roy Ragland let me know this morning that he will not be running. He and his wife were recently the victims of a hit and run accident in Little Rock. Ragland wife’s injures are more critical but Ragland let me know this morning that she is improving. I hope you will join me in praying for her recovery.
Jim Keet is still gearing up for a primary challenge to the only announced candidate Mark Darr; however Keet’s plans will not be finalized until Halter shows his cards as Keet has made it clear he has no intention of challenging Halter.
Tags: 2010 Candidates