Arkansas News Bureau

LITTLE ROCK — State Rep. Monty Davenport announced Tuesday that he plans to run for state land commissioner next year.

Davenport, D-Yellville, is the first candidate to announce for the office, now held by Mark Wilcox, who is term-limited.

Filing period for the 2010 state primary, to be held on May 18, runs March 1-8.

A real estate broker and cattle rancher, Davenport said his farming background and his experience in the state Legislature give him the necessary experience for the job of commissioner of state lands.

“I grew up on a small farm near the Buffalo River in Marion County, where I learned an appreciation for hard work, and to treat people with respect,” Davenport said. “That is approach that I have taken throughout my life and is the approach I took at the Capitol as state representative, and I will continue to do so as land commissioner.”