When Halter released his announcement video, Lincoln responded:
I know that I am the target of both political extremes but that’s what makes this campaign so important to all of us. This Senate seat belongs to Arkansas, not to outside groups that are angry I don’t answer to them.
Of course, given Lincoln's woeful favorability ratings in Arkansas (easily the worst in the country for any senator), it's clear that it's her constituents are angry.
So who is she answering to?
One of three Democratic senators who supports blocking U.S. EPA's ability to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from power plants draws one of the highest amounts of campaign contributions from electric utilities.
Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) received $162,202 from utilities since 2005, placing her fifth overall for power plant money among senators seeking re-election this year, according to data from the Center for Responsive Politics.
Contributions from power companies came during a period where Congress has considered a number of sweeping climate and energy bills. Lincoln chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee and also sits on the Energy & Natural Resources and Finance committees, giving her votes on policies affecting rural electricity service, energy businesses and taxes [...]
"We support our friends," said Patrick Lavigne, director of media and public relations for National Rural Electric Cooperative.
Sort of explains everything, doesn't it? Lincoln's camp is right about one thing:
Senator Lincoln is accountable to Arkansas voters alone.
According to the polling, Arkansas voters can't wait to hold her accountable.
Contribute to Bill Halter
Bill Halter for Senate
Volunteer