Baker unsure about bid for U.S. Senate seat
It's not an election year. But one U.S. Senate seat up for grabs in 2010 is already attracting candidates.
With one confirmed candidate and several other Republicans showing interest in opposing U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln, who is seeking re-election for a third term next year, Sen. Gilbert Baker said Friday he's not ruled out a campaign against the senior senator.
"Some folks have encouraged me to run, and others have discouraged me," Baker said. "I'm trying to take a few more days and make the best decision possible.
"There are two things that impact my decision: My family, I still have young children. Secondly, I really am enjoying my service in the state Legislature. The folks of District 30 have re-elected me there, and I really enjoy serving those people."
Other GOP hopefuls are interested in the seat.
State Sen. Kim Hendren, R-Gravette, announced he was running. Former interim U.S. Attorney Tim Griffin and Safe Foods CEO Curtis Coleman of North Little Rock have both expressed interest in the job.
"I am considering it. But I'm in no position to make a decision," Baker said.
Whether Baker decides to seek the national office, he said the upcoming race will take place on different terms.
"These are difficult economic times," Baker said. "There are a lot of questions that need to be asked relating to the economy the federal government's role, taxes so I think this is a volatile time. So a Republican or Democrat that is incumbent, I think, is a little more vulnerable."
Lincoln has come under some criticism recently with her stance on the Employee Free Choice Act, or "card check." Lincoln has voted in favor of the legislation in the past, but has since changed her position on the act that would do away with the secret ballot system employees can use to organize or form unions.
"While I may not have been clear about my position in the past, I am stating today that I cannot support Employee Free Choice Act in its current form and I can't support efforts to bring it to Senate consideration in its current form," Lincoln said in a statement earlier this month.
Baker, like most of the GOP, thinks the Employee Free Choice Act would be bad for the state.
"I believe our representatives should say, beyond a shadow of doubt, is that we don't support the card check approach for unionization in Arkansas," Baker said. "That's my belief. I think the secret ballot system is so ingrained and important that that approach is not what we need in Arkansas. It's not what we need in the country."