'08 election sets stage for 2010

LITTLE ROCK (AP) Goodbye, 2008 elections. Hello, 2010.

Even before the polls closed and votes were cast in the election two weeks ago, Arkansas Democrats and Republicans were already thinking about the next election. But the greatest interest so far isn't on any position near the top of the ticket.

The prospect of redistricting and a term-limited incumbent means the field for the secretary of state's race could be crowded in 2010. Democrats face the prospect of at least six candidates vying for the job. Secretary of State Charlie Daniels, a Democrat, is term-limited and his exit may make the office one of the most sought-after in two years.

Republicans are hoping to recruit candidates for the highest open spot on the ballot in 2010, a U.S. Senate seat.

So far, one candidate Sebastian County Clerk Doris Tate, a Democrat has announced for the secretary of state spot, but several others are weighing a race. State Land Commissioner Mark Wilcox, who's also leaving his office due to term limits, says he's likely to run for secretary of state.

Pulaski County Clerk Pat O'Brien and state Sen. Hank Wilkins of Pine Bluff, both Democrats, also say they're considering a run for the office. Other names on the Democratic side include state Sens. Steve Faris of Malvern and Tracy Steele of North Little Rock, who both say they're keeping their options open but wouldn't say whether they're weighing a run for the spot.

Republicans don't have any definite candidates so far, but the possibilities include Deena Burnett Bailey, whose husband Tom Burnett died on hijacked Flight 93 in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Bailey, who was appointed by the party to the state Election Commission, has not said whether she's considering a run for the post.

Interest will shift to the top of the ticket as 2010 gets closer. Republicans say they plan to mount a strong challenge to U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln's re-election bid. Unable to find a candidate to run against Democratic Sen. Mark Pryor this year, the GOP is eager to face off against Lincoln, whom they view as more vulnerable.

"I think we'll even have a primary for it," Republican Party Chairman Dennis Milligan said. "I think there will be some quality candidates that will actually be vying for that opportunity to run for that seat."

Some Republicans hold out hope that former governor and presidential candidate Mike Huckabee will run for the Senate seat. Huckabee hasn't expressed any interest in the job, but a matchup against Lincoln would likely draw plenty of money and attention.

No GOP hopefuls have said they're weighing a bid, but names that Republicans have mentioned as potential candidates include Rogers Mayor Steve Womack and state Sen. Gilbert Baker of Conway. Womack has focused on illegal immigration as one of his pet issues.

"I ran for mayor because I thought I could do a better job," Womack said. "If that same spirit were to consume me over the next year, I would never discount the opportunity to go somewhere and impact our state or nation in another way."

Baker, the former state GOP chairman who won re-election to the Senate in this month's election, said he's not eyeing another run for office and is trying to prepare for next year's legislative session.

The trickiest part of the election for Republicans may be finding someone to take on Gov. Mike Beebe as he runs for a second term. Beebe enjoys a high approval rating and his push for another cut in the state's grocery tax could hand him another selling point for voters.

Few names have cropped up yet among Republicans for candidates who would be willing to challenge Beebe's second term, but the tone and success of his upcoming legislative session could change that.

If Beebe sees a repeat of the 2007 session where lawmakers easily approved nearly all of his legislative priorities, a challenge would be a difficult task. A rocky session could offer a prelude to a rocky re-election bid.

Democrats say it's premature to start publicly mapping out their strategy yet.

"The Democratic Party of Arkansas is continually focused on electing Democrats but with the last election less than two weeks behind us, it's premature to get into details of 2010," Democratic Party of Arkansas spokeswoman Darinda Sharp said.

Here are how the field for the state's other statewide offices look so far:

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR: After voters backed his constitutional amendment authorizing a state-run lottery, Lt. Gov. Bill Halter seems less likely to face any opposition in the Democratic primary for the state's No. 2 spot. No Republicans have announced any plans to challenge the former Clinton administration official and few names have surfaced as potential candidates.

ATTORNEY GENERAL: Democratic incumbent Dustin McDaniel has already received his first contribution for his 2010 bid, and a political action committee he created to raise money for lawmakers will probably help keep away any primary challengers. So far, no Republicans have publicly said they're considering running against McDaniel's re-election bid.

TREASURER: Democratic incumbent Martha Shoffner says she plans to run for another term in the post, which she won in the 2006 election. The only woman currently holding constitutional office, she seems unlikely to face any primary opposition and no Republicans have said they're considering running against her.

AUDITOR: With current occupant Jim Wood set to leave office because of term limits, the state auditor position is one of three races that won't feature any incumbent. Daniels says he's considering running for the office as his secretary of state term ends, but says he won't make up his mind until after next year's session.

LAND COMMISSIONER: Wilcox's exit from the post also opens up this office. So far, Democratic Rep. Monty Davenport of Yellville is the only potential candidate who says he's eyeing the position.

DeMillo covers Arkansas government and politics for AP.