Rogers man sets run on Lincoln

ROGERS — A financial adviser from Rogers announced Tuesday that he will run as a Republican for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. Blanche Lincoln, a Democrat who is running for her third six-year term.

Buddy Rogers is the seventh GOP contender to announce his candidacy for the seat.

"I am running for Senate because I believe Arkansas deserves a senator who represents Arkansas values all the time, not just occasionally as re-election nears," Rogers, 61, told a group of about 25 people gathered at Cafe Baristo, a coffee shop.

"With a radical administration in place and an irresponsible Congress often making the administration's bad ideas worse," he said,"Arkansas and the nation can no longer afford our go-along get-along Sen. Lincoln."

Using a trash can as a lectern, Rogers briefly outlined his resume: Raised in Pine Bluff; college degrees from the universities of Arkansas, Missouri and Texas; 21 years of active military duty; teacher of leadership, communication and literature; owner of Rogers Wealth Stewardship.

"My Ph.D. in English is proof that I can and will read and understand long, boring documents," he said. "That's a skill Sen. Lincoln seems not to bother using on legislation."

"Also, I understand the subtle corruptions of power, insignificant at first but accept them and you are a compromised legislator. ... I have resisted those corruptions in my profession, and with God's help will continue to."

Rogers moved to Northwest Arkansas in 1996, after serving in the Army. His wife, Brenda, is from Rogers.

Benton County Judge Dave Bisbee introduced Rogers, telling the audience that he is supporting two candidates in the race - Rogers and state Sen. Kim Hendren, R-Gravette. Bisbee said both men are among his best friends.

Afterwards, Bisbee said he would support any of the Republican candidates in the race except for state Sen. Gilbert Baker of Conway. Bisbee said Baker voted against him for Senate president pro tempore in 2006.

"I enjoyed my service in the state Senate with Sen. Bisbee, and I think he's doing a good job as county judge," said Baker in response to Bisbee's comment. Baker re-fused further comment.

This is Rogers' first run for public office in Arkansas. During the 1980s, he served as chairman of the school board at the American elementary and junior high schools in Stuttgart, Germany.

During a question-andanswer session, Rogers said he decided to run because "I looked at all the other candidates, and I didn't see anybody who's better qualifiedthan me."

With roots in southeast Arkansas, Rogers said he believes he appeals to all quarters of Arkansas.

"I don't think any part of the state is foreign territory," he said. "I don't think any part of the state should be ignored."

In response to another question, Rogers said if elected he would draft a law implementing term limits for U.S. senators. Rogers said he would also change the "lavish retirement plans" that congressmen get.

In a biography given to reporters, Rogers said he is for "low, simple taxes" and against government bailouts. Rogers stated that "government cost-shifting and overregulation have hobbled" the health care system. He recommends "eliminating government-imposed inefficiencies while providing a safety net."

Besides Rogers, Hendren and Baker, other Republicans in the U.S. Senate race include retired Col. Conrad Reynolds of Conway; businessmen Curtis Colemanand Tom Cox, both of Little Rock; and Fred Ramey of Searcy.

Greenland Mayor John Gray announced that he is a Green Party candidate in the race. Trevor Drown, a former Green Beret living in Russellville, is considering running for the seat as an independent.

Lincoln also may face a challenge for her party's nomination. State Sen. President Pro Tempore Bob Johnson of Bigelow has said he's considering a run for the Democratic nomination.