2010 Supreme Court race heating up

I'm in need of catching up on some announcements. Position 3 of the Arkansas Supreme Court is up for election, and Beebe appointee Elana Wills is unable to seek re-election to the post. Wills was appointed to fulfill the remainder of retired Justice Tom Glaze's term. So far, two have annouced for the position, and both are about as far geographically from Miller County as you can get in this state. Court of Appeals Judge Courtney Henry of Fayetteville announced last week, and 2nd Judicial District Circuit Judge John Fogleman of Marion is making his formal announcement today at the Capitol.

I'm pretty good friends with Henry's husband Mark, I have a lot of close friends with Judge Fogleman, and I've gotten to know both candidates personally over the last several years. I have a pretty convenient excuse to stay out of this one in that I have my own race to run, but my law partners are still mulling it over. Even though both have just now formally announced, their campaigns have been gearing up for several months.

More legislative announcements

Democratic Rep. Johnny Hoyt of Morrilton (pictured right) has announced his candidacy for the Arkansas Senate. He's seeking the seat being vacated by Senate Pro Tem Bob Johnson, who's term limited. Another interesting race will be the election to replace Rep. Dawn Creekmore in eastern in Saline/southern Pulaski counties. Democrat Vicky Morris is the only announced candidate, but others are considering the race, including former congressional candidate Andy Mayberry. Speaking of Creekmore, everyone is expecting her to announce soon for the Senate seat being vacated by term-limited Sen. Shane Broadway (D-Bryant). Others said to be considering that seat include Rep. Dan Greenberg (R-Little Rock), former Reps. Dwight Fite (D-Benton) and Jeremy Hutchinson (R-Little Rock), and former state GOP Chairman Dennis Milligan. The Sunday Democrat-Gazette ran an article on several of the 2010 races, and CapSearch has posted an incredibly informative spreadsheet of potential candidates in 2010. Click here for that (.xls file).

In the Arkansas House, 34 seats will be open due to term limits, and several others could open up depending on who announces for other positions, such as:

(1) 2nd termer Johnny Hoyt has already announced his intention to run for state Senate;
(2) 2nd termer Gene Shelby has announced his intention to run for state Senate;
(3,4,5) 2nd termers Bobby Pierce, Tracy Pennartz, and Dan Greenberg have all been listed as potential Senate candidates;
(6) 1st termer Jonathan Dismang has formed an exploratory committee for Senate;
(7) David Sanders floated 1st termer Davy Carter as a potential US Senate candidate;
(8) Darrin Williams could run for state Senate;

We could potentially have close to a 50% turnover in the House depending on what happens in some of the races featuring incumbents. 2nd term Rep. Lance Reynolds is expected to remain as a candidate for the House rather than challenge Rep. Monty Davenport for Land Commissioner, who has already announced for that position. 13 of the 35 Senate seats are open due to term limits.