[Guest post by DRJ]

Arkansas Democrats have a choice in today’s Senate election:

“Democrats have held the Senate seat that is currently up for grabs in Arkansas for 131 years. Sen. Blanche Lincoln and Lt. Gov. Bill Halter hope to keep it that way. But the two Democrats are battling over who deserves to keep their party’s streak going.
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The potentially pivotal primary is attracting national attention. Lincoln, seeking a third term and endorsed by President Obama, is running as a moderate Democrat who prides herself on finding pragmatic solutions, even if it puts her at odds with her party. Halter, backed by several labor unions, has flanked his campaign to the left of the senator and supports many positions that liberals identify with.

A third candidate, Arkansas businessman DC Morrison, has very little name ID in the state and polls show low support for him.

Lincoln led in several polls ahead of the primary election. But support for Morrison could pull away votes from her and force a run-off next month between the top two vote getters. A candidate would have to receive at least 50-percent of the vote in the primary to avoid a run-off.”

The race has been heated, with critics calling her “Bailout Blanche” and her chief opponent “Dollar Bill.”

Arkansas Republicans have even more choices, with Rep. John Boozman holding a comfortable lead over 7 opponents. Boozman will also need to get 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff.

Here is the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website for the Democratic primary results.

— DRJ

UPDATE — It appears that Republican John Boozman has squeaked by with 51% of the vote, but the AP reports Democrats Lincoln and Halter are headed for a runoff:

“Lincoln led Halter 44 to 42 percent with more than half the state’s precincts reporting. The Associated Press projected the race was heading to a runoff.

Halter’s campaign considered Tuesday a victory, noting that he won three counties in Lincoln’s old congressional district.

Halter’s candidacy was backed by a coalition of progressive groups and labor unions angered by Lincoln’s perceived rejection of the Obama administration’s agenda.”