Seven Candidates to Square Off in GOP Senate Primary

Though the Republican party failed to field a candidate to challenge Mark Pryor in 2008, seven will battle this spring for the Grand Old Party's nomination to run for the seat currently held by Blanche Lincoln.

Colonel Conrad Reynolds has informed his supporters via email he intends to file on Monday at 11:00 AM. Reynolds is running for the GOP nomination for US Senate to replace Democrat Blanche Lincoln in November. He announced his candidacy on July 20 of last year, before it was obvious Lincoln was in trouble. Since he entered the race, the field of GOP candidates has become extremely crowded.

Four have filed for the seat already, including Curtis Coleman, Fred Ramey, State Senator Kim Hendren, and Congressman John Boozman. Two others, Randy Alexander and State Senator Gilbert Baker, will also file on Monday according to The Tolbert Report.

At one point there were 9 announced candidates running for the Republican nomination. But last month Tom Cox, North Little Rock businessman and co-founder of Arkansas Tea Party, Inc., announced he was withdrawing from the race. Just this week, Buddy Rogers let us know he too had stepped out of the crowded field.

For months polls have shown Lincoln will struggle against whoever wins the GOP nomination, but this week the Senator learned she will also have to win a tough primary battle that will be decided in May. Lieutenant Governor Bill Halter, who's backed by radical leftists in the Democrat party, came out with guns blazing against Lincoln on Monday. And in less than a week, his campaign has received promises of millions in contributions from left-wing organizations like Moveon.org, ActBlue, and the AFL-CIO.

Reynolds to host BBQ at RPA's Sarah Palin event

The following is a press release from Colonel Conrad Reynolds' Campaign

CONRAD CARES
Reynolds to host Blue Collar Republican Barbeque

CONWAY - Republican United States Senate candidate Col. Conrad Reynolds (U.S. Army, Ret.) announced today that he will be hosting a good old fashioned barbeque meet and greet in the west parking lot at the Verizon Arena on Tuesday February 16th just before the Sarah Palin event.

Conrad Reynolds says “Our Republican Party is at a crossroads. We are poised for perhaps the biggest political comeback since the 1994 midterm elections. Americans, Arkansans are frustrated and disillusioned with career politicians and politics as usual. The voters are looking for an brave new alternative vision. The Republican Party must supply that vision. We must provide voters with more than rhetoric and platitudes. Now is the time for twice the action and half the talk, and that's why I am running for US Senate.”

“Reagan, Eisenhower and Abraham Lincoln understood what a great honor and privilege it is to serve the people of this great nation. And so do I, because it’s what I have done with my life for the past three decades and it will be what I will do with my life until the day I die. It's an honor to serve the people of Arkansas. And I want to do just that on Tuesday. These are tough economic times, so I am holding a free barbeque tailgate party before the Sarah Palin event for those everyday folks that might not have the resources to attend the $500 per person reception or the $175 for the dinner but they want to be involved.”

“Service to our fellow citizens is one my core beliefs and I am not afraid to roll up my sleeves to help people. I will do whatever it takes to get the job done, whatever it takes to get this country, this state and this party back on track. You have my word on it.”

Please check out our new YouTube video message to veterans, veteran’s families and active duty military personnel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBAK9J_Yv00

Give us a call or send us an email if you would like to volunteer or contribute to the campaign.

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*LCRC does not endorse any candidate until after the primary election. This post is for informational purposes only and in no way constitutes an endorsement by the LCRC. LCRC will post press releases from any Republican candidate who submits them to email:webmaster@lonokegop.com .

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RPA Newsletter 2-13-10

The conservative movement taking place in Arkansas is impacting our great state in positive and productive ways. Senator Blanche Lincoln currently has a 62% disapproval rating and today she is seen as the most vulnerable Democrat in the Senate Let’s take a look at her dwindling popularity…

August 26, 2009 - Arkansas Sen. Lincoln's Approval Slump Continues

“Democrat Blanche Lincoln will have to address a serious popularity slump back home as she gears up her 2010 bid for a third Senate term in Arkansas. Lincoln held a 36 percent job approval rating, to 44 percent disapproval, in an Aug. 21-24 Public Policy Polling survey of Arkansas voters. CQ Politics rates the general election race as Democrat Favored.”

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/polltracker/2009/08/arkansas-sen-lincolns-approval.html

January 11, 2010 - New Levels of Vulnerability for Reid and Lincoln

“The decision of Connecticut Sen. Christoper J. Dodd to retire in the face of an increasingly bleak re-election outlook shifted attention to two other Democratic senators fighting for their political lives in 2010 – Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas. Given these developments, the fact that both senators start the year trailing in general election match-ups in the most recent polls and the deepening political crisis facing Democrats, CQ-Roll Call is changing the race ratings to Tossup, from Leans Democrat, the most competitive ranking in the system.”

http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000003176626

February 12, 2010 - Lincoln: No 1 in Vulnerability?

Sen. Blanche Lincoln appears to be on her way to earning the dubious title of most vulnerable Senate incumbent of the 2010 cycle.

“The moderate Arkansas Democrat has become a top target of national Republicans in 2010, especially after Sen. Christopher J. Dodd (D-Conn.) announced in early January he was not to going to seek re-election. Meanwhile Lincoln’s weakness at home, which has been reinforced by multiple recent polls, has drawn some of the state’s best known Republicans into the race. Given these developments and the worsening of the political mood for Democrats, CQ Politics is changing the rating of the Arkansas Senate race from Tossup to Leans Republican.”

http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docid=news-000003293331&topic=Feature

The people of Arkansas deserve a Senator who is willing to stand up for Arkansans in Washington! Let’s continue working together to help conservatives win in 2010!

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“Arkansas Welcomes Sarah Palin” is just days away! If you want to take part in one of the biggest conservative gatherings the state of Arkansas has ever seen, get your tickets now:

http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1B00442EDF6359DD?artistid=1399963&majorcatid=10005&minorcatid=0

Republican Party of Arkansas - p: (501) 372-7301 | f: (501) 372-1656

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Col. Conrad Reynolds message to veterans

Dear Friends,Supporters and Veterans, Please check out this new video message to Veterans, Active Duty Military, families of veterans and patriotic Americans from the best US Senate Candidate , Col. Conrad Reynolds. Here's a link. It's on YouTube. Please watch it and rate it 5 STARS!

You can certainly give money if you like. But a 5 star rating is just fine. Help us send a good honest man to Washington.

We know that many of you would like to help the campaign. You can start by forwarding this video to as many people in your contact lists as possible.

If you would like to volunteer, please call us at 501-205-4900 9am-9pm everyday. We'll be opening the first of many call centers around the state in Mountain Home in a couple of weeks. We're looking for space in NW Arkansas for our next call center. And we have a big list of items that folks can loan us or donate to the campaign. Call us for details.

Thank you,

Roman Schroeder
Operations Officer
Col. Conrad Reynolds for US Senate

*LCRC does not endorse any candidate until after the primary election. This post is for informational purposes only and in no way constitutes an endorsement by the LCRC. LCRC will post press releases from any Republican candidate who submits them to email:webmaster@lonokegop.com .

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Coleman wins big in 3rd District GOP straw poll

With nearly the entire population of Arkansas announcing their candidacy to run against Blanche Lincoln in November, surpising things are going to happen.

According to Curtis Coleman's campaign, today in the only Republican stronghold in the state of Arkansas Coleman won a resounding victory against all opponents. Taking 43% of the 101 votes in the 3rd District Republican straw poll, he received more than twice the votes of his nearest opponent State Senator Gilbert Baker who took 20%.

The following is a press release from the Coleman campaign:

( FAYETTEVILLE , AR – 23 JAN 2010 Conservative Republican U.S. Senate candidate Curtis Coleman was awarded a victory by grassroots workers and party activists at the 3rd Congressional District’s Republican Straw Poll. Coleman received 43 percent of the 101 votes cast, followed by state Senator Gilbert Baker, 20 percent; and Randy Alexander, 9 percent. “I am honored by the confidence expressed in me by these leaders of the Republican Party of Arkansas,” Coleman said. “I will not waver, I will not quit and I will not let you down in this fight to protect our fundamentals of freedom.” Eight of the nine candidates attended the two-day events in Fayetteville , Ark. and participated in a candidate’s forum. Curtis Coleman is Cofounder and former President and Chief Executive Officer of Safe Foods Corporation. Founded in January 1999, the Arkansas company is helping make food safer on four continents. Coleman stepped aside from his position as CEO of Safe Foods in September 2009 to focus 100% of his time on his campaign to represent Arkansas in the U.S. Senate seat currently occupied by Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D).

*LCRC does not endorse any candidate until after the primary election. This post is for informational purposes only and in no way constitutes an endorsement by the LCRC. LCRC will post press releases from any Republican candidate who submits them to email:webmaster@lonokegop.com .

Coleman Calls Brown Win Part of "Triple Crown Victory"

The following is a press release from Curtis Coleman's campaign:

(LITTLE ROCK, AR – 20 JANUARY 2010) Calling it part of a “Triple Crown victory for all Americans”, Curtis Coleman, conservative Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, congratulated Republican Senator-elect Scott Brown on his historic come-from-behind victory in Massachusetts. “Scott Brown’s victory in the Democratic bastion of Massachusetts gives enormous impetus to the snow-balling momentum building across the country to return to elected officials who actually listen to and faithfully represent the wishes and views of their constituents,” Coleman said. “This is a Triple Crown victory with McDonnell / Christy / Brown. Arkansans will contribute to this celebration on November 2 when they make it a grand slam home run with McDonnell/Christy/Brown and Coleman.” “We must remember that this is not just about winning elections,” he said. “This is about stopping Washington’s out-of-control spending and reducing the size and cost of government. This is about making healthcare more affordable and more accessible for all Americans while we stop the government’s takeover of our most personal healthcare decisions. This is about creating jobs and lowering taxes for America’s hard-working families.” “We’ll be winning more elections all over the country in 2010,” Coleman said, “but we must not lose sight of the goal of recovering the liberties we’ve been losing one election, one bill, and one vote at a time. The time for compromise on fundamental freedoms has passed. We must use our victories as conservatives to recover what we’ve lost as Americans.”

*LCRC does not endorse any candidate until after the primary election. This post is for informational purposes only and in no way constitutes an endorsement by the LCRC. LCRC will post press releases from any Republican candidate who submits them to webmaster@lonokegop.com .

Joe the Plumber Campaigning for Col Conrad Reynolds

The following is a press release from the Reynolds campaign:

Conway- Republican United States Senate candidate Col. Conrad Reynolds (U.S. Army, Ret.) today announced further details regarding his upcoming Arkansas speaking tour with special guest Joe the Plumber. Colonel Reynolds and Joe the Plumber will tour Arkansas for three days starting in Hot Springs Village on Monday January 25th and ending in Rogers on January 27th. Each event will feature speeches by Col. Reynolds, Joe, and members of the local community, followed by a chance for pictures and personal face time with Col. Reynolds and Joe. Arkansans have demanded a candidate who not only has a message they can support, but a resume that proves they can get the job done once the elections are over and the real work begins. Please come and take this opportunity to find out more about Col. Reynolds and why he is the best guy for the job. Monday (25 Jan 2010) 9:00am Hot Springs Village at the Coronado Community Center 150 Ponderosa Way, Hot Springs Village, AR 71909 11:30am Little Rock at the Little Rock Club Ste 2435—30th Floor, 400 West Capitol Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72201 7:00pm Little Rock at the Whole Hog Café 2516 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, AR 72202 Tuesday (26 Jan 2010) 9:00am Fairfield Bay at the VFW 2531 Highway 330 South Fairfield Bay, AR 72153 12:00pm Mountain Home the VFW 214 West 7th Street, Mountain Home, AR 72653 5:00pm Jonesboro at the Hilton Garden Inn 2840 South Caraway Road, Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA 72401 7:30pm Searcy at the Lightle Senior Center 2200 East Moore Avenue, Searcy, AR 72143 Wednesday (27 Jan 2010) 8:00am Fort Smith at the Holiday Inn 700 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901 11:45am Rogers at Mad Pizza 2603 West Pleasant Grove Road, Rogers, AR 72758

*LCRC does not endorse any candidate until after the primary election. This post is for informational purposes only and in no way constitutes an endorsement by the LCRC. LCRC will post press releases from any Republican candidate who submits them to webmaster@lonokegop.com .

Blanche Lincoln Schedule--January 4-8, 2010

It's no secret by now that Senator Blanche Lincoln has abandoned any pretense of representing Arkansas voters in the Obama Administration's quest to take over the US health care system. She's counting on her traitorous Christmas Eve vote putting the issue to rest, on Arkansas voters to accept defeat and be ruled by the desires of her and her elitist colleagues.

Now is the time to gather our strength. Make sure she returns to Washington with the understanding that Arkansans feel betrayed and will vote accordingly in 2010. She can still stop this madness when the House and Senate present a reconciled bill. She must feel the pressure.

The following is a list of events and locations where voters can find Senator Lincoln during the Senate recess. If at all possible, please make plans to attend one or more of these events to communicate your displeasure with Lincoln's refusal to represent Arkansas voters.

The following is a list of my schedule of events for January 4-8, 2010:

Monday, January 4—Searcy, McCrory, Augusta 1:00 p.m. Tour of Bryce Corporation plant. 500 Benton Avenue, Searcy. 4:00 p.m. Meeting with Mad Butcher employees. 901 N Edmonds Avenue, McCrory. 6:30 p.m. Keynote speaker, Celebrate Augusta dinner. White River Rural Health Center Augusta Wellness Center, 906 N. 4th Street in Augusta.

Tuesday, January 5—Little Rock, Stuttgart 11:45 a.m. Keynote speaker, Downtown Kiwanis Club of Little Rock. The Little Rock Club, Regions Bank building, 30th Floor, 400 W. Capitol, Suite 2435. 6:30 p.m. Keynote speaker, 70th Annual Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce Dinner. Occasions, 2114 South Main Street, Stuttgart.

Wednesday, January 6—Sheridan, El Dorado 9:00 a.m. Keynote speaker, Sheridan High School Assembly. Sheridan High School, 700 West Vine Street. 2:30 p.m. Meeting with poultry growers. South Arkansas Community College, Library, El Dorado.

Thursday, January 7—Little Rock, Conway 12:00 p.m. Keynote speaker, Annual Quality Asphalt Paving Conference. Holiday Inn- Airport, 3201 Bankhead Drive, Little Rock. 4:00 p.m. Press availability following tour Conway Hewlett-Packard facility. Meadows Technology Park, Conway.

Friday, January 8—Gillett 7:00 p.m. Annual Coon Supper in Gillett. Gillett High School cafeteria. Please try to attend one or more of these events to let Senator Lincoln know she's let Arkansas down. Share|

Health Care Lies from Senator Lincoln

For weeks, Senator Blanche Lincoln allowed Arkansas voters to believe she just might save them from the prospect of a government-run healthcare system. It turned out she had no intention of listening to the majority. Senator Lincoln chose to represent the Harry Reid/leftist zealot-wing of the Democrat Party, against the will of the majority of Arkansas voters.

Following her vote to support passage of the final version of Harry Reid's 2,034 page bill, Senator Lincoln sent an "eNewsletter" to those who had previously contacted her about this issue. Following the Democrat game plan that's been used throughout the debate on health care reform, Lincoln's letter is filled with lies, omissions, and misrepresentations.

Senator Lincoln Lies About Her Priorities

Near the end of her newsletter, Lincoln claims "my first priority remains the people of Arkansas and not any political party or partisan organization, and I will not support legislation that does not serve the best interests of our great state." In fact, her vote to support this legislation is a slap in the face to the 64% of Arkansans who oppose the bill.

It was obvious to anyone paying attention as far back as November, and Lincoln would have to have been wearing blinders if she didn't notice. Before she voted for cloture on the bill drafted by the Senate Finance Committee, Zogby released a poll showing the sitting Senator held a slight lead over her potential Republican challengers in next year's election. When asked who they would vote for if Lincoln voted for the health care bill, the tide turned.

But when voters were asked how they would vote in a Lincoln-Baker race if Lincoln voted in favor of the healthcare legislation, the incumbent Democrat fell behind her possible GOP challenger 37-49.

It's quite obvious Lincoln's first priority wasn't with the people of Arkansas when she voted for Reid's government takeover of the US health care system.

Senator Lincoln Lies About Medicare Cuts

Lincoln's newsletter also claims "I have worked hard in this bill to ensure seniors will not see a reduction in the Medicare coverage and benefits they have always relied upon." But that's not consistent with the near $500 billion in cuts to the program that even President Obama's Department of Health and Human Services says is likely to cause fewer doctors to treat medicare patients.

Though she states "I believe in the promise our government made to working Americans - that if we work hard, Medicare will be there to help us in our golden years," she voted for Reid's bill that will, according to Senator Tom Coburn (a medical doctor from Oklahoma), deny treatment for ailing seniors!

For instance, the Reid bill (in sections 3403 and 2021) explicitly empowers Medicare to deny treatment based on cost. An Independent Medicare Advisory Board created by the bill—composed of permanent, unelected and, therefore, unaccountable members—will greatly expand the rationing practices that already occur in the program.

Evidently Lincoln believes in empty government promises to Arkansas' seniors!

Senator Lincoln Lies About Transparency

Lincoln also boasts in her newsletter, "Throughout this process, I have pushed to ensure the Senate is conducting this debate in a public and transparent manner." But her definition of transparent may not be as clear as one would expect.

Though she did set up a health care resources page on her website, Lincoln didn't quite fulfill her promise to post ALL relevant information on the page in a timely manner.

In fact, Lincoln was a participant in closed-door meetings that forged the final version of Reid's bill. The text of that "compromise" apparently wasn't considered a "health care resource" because it wasn't posted on her site for all to see. Even though Harry Reid sent the text to the Congressional Budget Office two weeks before the first vote on the bill, Lincoln agreed to keep it hidden from her constituents in Arkansas!

"[T]he real action on the bill is taking place not on the Senate floor, but in [Majority Leader Harry] Reid's office, just steps away. That's where he's struggling to bring together the liberal and moderate wings of his caucus, in an effort to get the 60 votes he needs to thwart the united GOP front that will otherwise prevent the bill from winning final approval. On Sunday, Obama will address a closed meeting of Senate Democrats, presumably for a pep talk, and also to give them more guidance on just what he wants from a final health bill"

Apparently the Senator grew tired composing her newsletter, because she lumped several blatant lies all in one sentence when she said, "I support the revised Senate health care plan because it will curb rising health care costs over the long term, expand access to quality, affordable, health insurance plans to more than 400,000 uninsured Arkansans, and reduce the federal deficit by $132 billion in the next 10 years-all without a new government plan that places taxpayers at risk."

Senator Lincoln Lies About Bill's Impact on Deficit

First, the $132 billion deficit reduction is a flat-out lie that was exposed the day before Lincoln voted for passage of the Senate bill. Democrats, including our less-than-transparent Senator Lincoln utilized accounting methods that would have been the envy of Bernie Madoff and Enron to come up with their fictitious figure.

Harry Reid had to shift more than $200 billion in costs to a separate "doctor fix" bill to arrive at his contrived figures. Taking that into account instantly puts the net cost of the bill in the red, but there's even more trickery up the sleeves of Blanche Lincoln and Harry Reid. The day before the final vote, the CBO released a statement showing the devious Democrats were inappropriately double counting $300 billion to arrive at their claimed deficit reduction.

Assuming Lincoln, Reid and the rest of their Democrat colleagues didn't take any as yet undiscovered lessons from Madoff and Enron, we're looking at a $370 billion increase in the deficit over the next 10 years. Hardly the deficit neutral bill promised by Lincoln and the other dishonest Democrats.

Senator Lincoln Lies About Bill's Impact on Health Care Costs

According to the Obama Department of Health and Human Services' own Office of the Actuary (OACT), Reid's bill will increase national health expenditures over the next 10 years. The OACT reports that we can expect health care costs through 2019 will be $234 billion more than they will if Congress doesn't pass this bill. OACT states that, if this bill passes, $20.90 of every $100 will be spent on health care in 2019. If Congress does nothing, Americans are expected to $20.80 of every $100 for health care in that year.

Contrary to Lincoln's claim, health care costs will increase under the bill she voted for last week.

Senator Lincoln Lies About Government Plan

Actually Senator Lincoln claimed this bill doesn't have a "a new government plan that places taxpayers at risk." What she actually means is this isn't going to be a taxpayer funded government plan, but a plan that is owned by private industry and run by the government.

The bill calls for the government to dictate to private insurance companies what benefits they must include in their plan, who must be qualified to participate in their plan, and how much they can charge for their plan.

A government-run plan, but privately owned. How long does anyone expect that to last?

At least 64% of Arkansans don't expect it to last, and more likely expect it to turn into a single-payer government system before all is said and done. Senator Lincoln doesn't represent Arkansans, she represents big-government liberals seeking more control of our lives and freedoms.

Blanche Lincoln is perfectly willing to twist the facts and make back room deals behind closed doors to satisfy her wealthy out-of-state donors. With their money, Lincoln believes she can buy your vote. Or spend enough money to hide her allegiance to rich, out-of-state liberals.

In November, Arkansans will have the opportunity to let her know, in no uncertain terms, that we don't believe her lies.

Join our fight to elect a Senator who will represent Arkansas, not the liberal wing of the Democrat Party.

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Tell Blanche Lincoln to "Pick up the phone!"

Originally posted on America, You Asked For It!

Today or tomorrow, Arkansas Democrat Senator Blanche Lincoln plans to vote again to move Harry Reid's Senate health care bill toward passage. This, in spite of the fact that 60% of her constituents oppose the bill.

With a vote looming on such important legislation, legislation that will impact every man, woman, and child in America, one would expect Senator Lincoln to want to hear her constituents' opinions on the matter. But no!

She won't even take their calls. Her office phone goes unanswered today. But just in case they're reading the emails, please click here to email the link for the video below to Senator Lincoln today. If you're from out of state, use Zip Code "72023", and city "Cabot", street address "112 S. First Street" to be sure the system let's you through. (That's the address of Democrat Representative Marion Berry's Cabot office.)

Tell Lincoln to "Pick up the phone!" by copying and pasting the following link in your message: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Qh7bQ5cocE

You can also try calling her office at 202-224-4843, but good luck getting through.

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2010 GOP Candidates Slam Blanche Lincoln's Dead of Night Vote

After both Democrat Arkansas Senators voted for the unwanted Socialist "Obamacare" bill, it's obviously time to start thinking about the candidates running for Blanche Lincoln's seat next year.

The following is a list of links to statements made by announced candidates for Arkansas' 2010 Senate race in response to Lincoln and Pryor voting for a bill that most Arkansans have made clear they don't want. This vote was intentionally held at 1:00 AM on the Monday morning when many Americans started their Christmas vacations, so all candidates may not yet have had an opportunity to respond. We will update this list as other candidates release statements on the vote against Arkansas values.

State Senator Gilbert Baker Baker Calls out Lincoln for her Dark-of-Night Vote for Obamacare Conway, Ark. – “A bad bill passed in the dark of night is still bad in the light of day. Sen. Lincoln had the power to stop this health care bill that will lead to increased taxes, higher health care premiums, cuts to Medicare, and taxpayer-funded abortions, yet she chose to cast the 60th vote needed for passage. Arkansans are now seeing the light; Sen. Lincoln continues to stand with her liberal allies, not Arkansans. I will never be a swing vote for government-run health care. I support common sense reforms that are deficit neutral and leave medical decisions in the hands of patients and their doctors.” ...Read More

Curtis Coleman Coleman Says Lincoln Guilty of “Grievous Dereliction of Duty” (LITTLE ROCK, AR – 21 DECEMBER 2009) In the wake of Sen. Blanche Lincoln’s midnight vote to move the Senate version of healthcare legislation to final passage later this week, conservative Republican businessman and U.S. Senate candidate Curtis Coleman accused Lincoln of “grievous dereliction of her duty”. ...Read More

Tom Cox Washington Has Lost It's Way Last night’s vote solidified for me why I founded the Arkansas Tea Party. These people in Washington have lost their way. They have forgotten why America is the greatest nation in the world. They forgot the principles in which our nation is grounded. ...Read More

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While you slept...

Early this morning, around 1:00 AM, while most Americans lay fast asleep, the Democrat dominated US Senate voted to move forward on what has affectionately come to be known as "Obamacare." Both Arkansas Senators, Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor, voted for the so-called health care reform that a majority of Americans, including a majority of Arkansans, don't want!

Wheeling and dealing to get some Democrat holdouts to sell out their constituents, Harry Reid used earmarks and President Obama used threats to secure the 60 votes necessary to overcome a Republican filibuster. Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) was supposedly holding out for a tougher stance against federal funding of abortion, but decided to give up on that principled position when Harry Reid (D-NV) offered him $500 million in earmarks for Nebraska.

Nelson's vote cost the American people five times as much as the $100 million it took last month to get Mary Landrieu (D-LA) to sell out the people of Louisiana. But Nelson may have demanded a bigger bribe after President Obama threatened to jeopardize national security as payback if the Nebraska Senator didn't give up his demands to save the lives of unborn babies.

Barack was apparently willing to close Offutt Air Force Base as retribution for Nelson's lack of support for the President's number one priority on his domestic agenda. Offutt contributes ~$2.4 billion to the local economy of southeast Nebraska, but more importantly serves as a key component of our nation's security. The base is home to the Air Force's 55th Wing, the largest wing in Air Combat Command and the second largest in the Air Force.

55th Wing Mission Statement

"The 55th Wing's mission statement is, "Provides dominant intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic attack, command and control and precision awareness to national leadership and warfighters across the spectrum of conflict any time, any place."

Though Arkansans are overwhelmingly opposed to the bill, Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor put up no resistance. Arkansas received no special earmarks, no special treatment, no money for the votes of two Senators who are supposed to represent citizens of our state. Lincoln and Pryor didn't need to be threatened by the President, they willingly capitulated without resistance.

Two weeks ago, both Arkansas Senators were part of a dubious "compromise" created behind closed doors and without Republican input. But their constituents were denied Lincoln's promised transparency when the text of their deal was kept hidden until this weekend. There's only one reasonable explanation for not allowing the public to examine the text.

Because they knew it wouldn't stand public scrutiny!

Lincoln and Pryor no longer represent their Arkansas constituency!

RPA Executive Director: "Let's make our voices heard."

Letter from RPA Executive Director Chase Dugger:

As the Democratic healthcare scheme moves closer to a final vote, we have one question for Sen. Blanche Lincoln: how will she vote? As you all remember, last month Blanche Lincoln was the 60th vote to advance the healthcare scheme in the U.S. Senate. She said at the time, “I, along with others, expect to have legitimate opportunities to influence the health care reform legislation that is voted on by the senate later this year.” The problem is she has been silent ever since – refusing to stand up for two-thirds of her constituents who oppose this legislation and voice their concerns. We all know there is a price tag of nearly $1 trillion associated with the bill. Even Democrats like Arkansas governor Beebe shutter at the cost: Gov. Mike Beebe (D-AR) Says Dems’ Bill Burdens State With $205 Million In Unfunded Mandates While Arkansas Already In Budget Crisis. “The day before the House approved a $1.2 trillion healthcare proposal, Beebe said his office had determined that it would add $205million to the state’s Medicaid budget by 2015 … he said he was definitely opposed to the price tag it would bring the state. ‘We’re running a pretty tight budget now, and I don’t know where we’d get that,’ Beebe said.”(Andrew DeMillo,” Analysis: Beebe Playing Role In Health Care Debate,” The Associated Press,11/15/09) Time is running out. The Senate is trying to ram this bill down our throats on Christmas Eve and I’m asking for your help. Let’s make our voices heard. Everyone who receives this email should call Blanche Lincoln’s office at (202) 224-4843. Our goal is to make sure Blanche Lincoln listens to Arkansans and there is no better way than launching a massive call into her office. In addition, email her office by clicking here and copy me at communications@arkansasgop.org at the state party and ask her to vote no on the healthcare scheme. A massive grassroots effort is underway and we need your help. Thank you for all you do. Chase Dugger RPA Executive Director

RPA Chairman Call to Action

Letter from Doyle Webb, Chairman, Republican Party of Arkansas

Friends, As the debate over President Obama’s healthcare scheme rages on, I’m asking for your help. Blanche Lincoln will be a deciding vote on whether our country is saddled with another trillion dollars of debt and we need to make our voices heard. Media reports indicate Sen. Ben Nelson (NE) is the only undecided vote. The thing is Blanche Lincoln has been silent on how she’s going to vote. Don’t you think as a fellow Arkansan you deserve to know how your elected officials are going to vote? Call Blanche Lincoln today and tell her to vote no on the healthcare scheme and ask her office how she intends to vote. Don’t delay! Harry Reid and the Democrat leadership want to ram this bill down our throats before Christmas. Call Senator Lincoln today. Sincerely, Doyle Webb Arkansas Republican Party Chairman Contact Senator Lincolns Offices: Washington D.C. Office Phone: (202)224-4843 Little Rock Office Phone: (501) 375-2993 Dumas Office Phone: (870)382-1023 Jonesboro Office Phone: (870) 910-6896 Fayetteville Office Phone: (479) 251-1224 Texarkana Office Phone: (870) 774-3106

Thursday: Business Forums on Health Care Reform

Americans for Prosperity is paying close attention to the health care reform debate in Washington. What do these bills mean for business and what impact will they have on our economy?

The group is holding important strategy sessions on Thursday, December 17. Bring your questions, as they will have policy experts to wade through the details with you. Their guest speaker is Dr. Erick Novack of Phoenix , Arizona. Dr. Novack is an orthopedic surgeon, who has testified before Congress this year on the health care reform bill.

Once again, Senator Blanche Lincoln will be a deciding vote on this issue, making YOUR participation critical Please take the time to forward this invitation to your business contacts as well. Please RSVP to teresa.oelke@afphq.org.

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Conway

Join AFP for a free breakfast

When:	7:30 a.m Thursday, December 17
Where:	Nabholz Construction Co. Conference Room 612 Garland Street Conway
Hosted by:	Nabholz Construction Company Americans for Prosperity Arkansas Campaign for Responsible Health Care Reform Association of Builders and Contractors

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Little Rock

Join AFP for a free luncheon

When:	11:30 a.m. Thursday, December 17
Where:	Wyndham Hotel 2 Riverfront Place North Little Rock
Hosted by:	Nabholz Construction Company Americans for Prosperity Arkansas Campaign for Responsible Health Care Reform Association of Builders and Contractors

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Fort Smith

Join AFP for a free dinner

When:	4:00 p.m. Thursday, December 17
Where:	Holiday Inn 700 Rogers Ave. Fort Smith
Hosted by:	Crossland Construction Company Americans for Prosperity Arkansas Arkansas Progressive Group Campaign for Responsible Health Care Reform Association of Builders and Contractors

Tonight's Coleman Fundraiser in Cabot Canceled

Curtis Coleman has canceled tonight's scheduled fundraiser in Cabot at Crossroads Cafe. His campaign issued the following statement and promised to reschedule at a later date.

We regret to inform you that the meet-and-greet fundraiser for Curtis Coleman tonight at the Crossroads Cafe in Cabot has been rescheduled to a future date to be determined. There was a misunderstanding with the venue, but the rescheduled event will be at the same location.

We apologize for any inconvenience this is to you, and hope that you'll continue with us in our fight to unseat Blanche Lincoln next year.

The campaign has scheduled a fundraiser in Little Rock at Larry's Pizza tomorrow night from 6:00-8:00 pm. Tickets are $25 per person and more information can be found here.

Coleman for Senate Fundraiser in Cabot

*This post does not constitute an endorsement of any candidate by LCRC. The Committee will be happy to announce events for ANY Republican candidate on this blog in an effort to keep the electorate informed.

On Monday, November 30, Republican US Senate candidate Curtis Coleman will hold a fundraiser in Cabot. Tickets are $25 per person.

Event:	Lonoke County Arkansas Coleman for Senate Dinner
What:	Fundraiser
Start Time:	Monday, November 30 at 6:00pm
End Time:	Monday, November 30 at 8:00pm
Where:	Crossroads Cafe 3472 Hwy 89 South Cabot, AR 72023 (501)843-0297

Curtis Coleman is running for the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic Senator Blanche Lincoln (who just voted to move forward with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's version of a government takeover of the US health care system) in 2010.

Download an invitation

Senate Votes for Gov't-Run Health Care Today!

Today is the day everyone!

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has scheduled a vote tonight at 8:00 pm EST on cloture for his version of Obamacare--a government-run health care system in America. Released late Thursday, only 2 days ago, he's already demanding a vote that will ultimately determine whether this bill passes and we're stuck with professional bureaucrats deciding who gets what medical care and when!

Less than 72 hours for Republican Senators and the American public to scour the 2,074 pages in an effort to discover just what chains Senate Democrats seek to bind us with!

With 60 votes tonight, debate on the bill will be limited to 30 more hours and our hope for a successful filibuster will be avoided. This little trick will also enable Senators like Lincoln and Pryor an opportunity to vote for the bill now and against the bill's passage when 60 votes are no longer needed.

They're betting that ordinary folks don't understand the process and they'll be rewarded for voting against the bill's final passage, after they created that loophole for themselves. Pryor and Lincoln believe we're illiterate idiots who will robotically pull the lever for the incumbent when they're up for reelection!

Please call Senator Lincoln and Pryor today and tell them we know what they're up to--AND WE'RE NOT FOOLED!

Let them know a vote for cloture today will guarantee they're ouster when they're up for reelection...2010 for Lincoln, and 2014 for Pryor.

Please don't sit back and assume everyone else will stop this. Grab your phone, get to your keyboard, and let Lincoln and Pryor know they work for us!

Lincoln, Blanche L. - (D - AR) Class III 355 DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510 (202) 224-4843 Web Form: lincoln.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm

Pryor, Mark L. - (D - AR) Class II 255 DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510 (202) 224-2353 Web Form: pryor.senate.gov/contact/

Please let them know YOU will work to replace them if they vote FOR cloture today!

Here's a sample email you can copy and paste into the Senators' web forms:

Senator Lincoln,

I know (and am informing everyone else I know) that if you vote for cloture tonight, you're giving yourself political cover to vote against this bill when it comes up for final passage.

These types of shenanigans and shell games will no longer work on the American people. We have awakened, we are educating ourselves, and we are beginning to understand how the game in DC is played.

Therefore, if you vote with Reid tonight, I will devote every ounce of available energy to your defeat in 2010.

Please vote with the people of Arkansas tonight, and against Reid's 2,074 page bill.

Thanks,

[Your Name Here]

---

Senator Pryor,

I know (and am informing everyone else I know) that if you vote for cloture tonight, you're giving yourself political cover to vote against this bill when it comes up for final passage.

These types of shenanigans and shell games will no longer work on the American people. We have awakened, we are educating ourselves, and we are beginning to understand how the game in DC is played.

Therefore, if you vote with Reid tonight, I will devote every ounce of available energy to your defeat in 2014.

Please vote with the people of Arkansas tonight, and against Reid's 2,074 page bill.

Thanks,

[Your Name Here]

Health Care Protest atSenator Lincoln's Office Tonight!

Tonight the Pulaski County Tea Party will be holding a candlelight vigil outside Senator Lincoln's office in Little Rock.

Time: November 20, 2009 from 6pm to 7:30pm Location: Senator Lincoln's Little Rock office Organized By: Pulaski County Tea Party

Event Description: The Pulaski County Tea Party is holding a candlelight vigil on Friday, November 20th from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at Senator Lincoln's office in Little Rock. Please join us in sending Senator Lincoln a message to vote "no" in the upcoming healthcare vote on Saturday. Arkansas has the power to kill the healthcare reform bill in the Senate if Senator Lincoln follows the will of the people. Candles and hot cocoa will be provided. Senator Lincoln's office is at 912 West Fourth Street in Little Rock.

The Senate plans to vote on this monumental government takeover of the health care system on Saturday, hoping to catch the American people off guard as the US House did when it voted on its companion bill, HR 3962.

Please make plans to ensure Senator Lincoln knows you oppose this legislation tonight!

Flip Flop Blanche Lincoln

Hat Tip: ARRA News Service

Call and email Blanche Lincoln to tell her she represents us. Not the Democratic Party bosses in Washington, DC!

Contact Senator Lincoln and tell her Arkansans don't want Obamacare!

Email Senator Lincoln

Washington, DC

Phone: 202-224-4843

Little Rock, AR

Phone: 501-375-2993