LITTLE ROCK, ARK. – Senator Blanche Lincoln and Lt. Governor Bill Halter will head to a June 8 run off election, extending their bitter Democratic primary race for an additional three weeks.
With 89 percent of precincts reporting Lincoln had 44.6 percent of the vote while Halter had 42.4 percent.
Lincoln, a two term incumbent senator, has been widely referred to as the most vulnerable Democrat in the entire 2010 midterm election.
“They wrote us off…”a clearly excited Lincoln told the crowd at her victory party, “they’ve got another thing coming!”
Halter framed the runoff as a victory for his campaign, “In eleven weeks we’ve conquered eleven years of incumbency.”
“So if you believe if Washington works for you, then Senator Lincoln should be your choice,” said Halter.
Lincoln said she understands Arkansans are frustrated with Washington, but assured her supporters that she’s part of the solution, not the problem.
Lincoln challenged Halter to change the tone of the race, which has been among the most bitter in the country. “I want to call on Halter to end his negative ads, and I will too,” said Lincoln and added, “I Call on these outside groups to take down their negative ads and go home!”
Halter will thank voters in Little Rock Wednesday morning, while Senator Lincoln will rush back to Washington for votes.