By Rob Moritz
Arkansas News Bureau

LITTLE ROCK — The Republican Party of Arkansas has scheduled a straw poll for U.S. Senate candidates next month in an early gauge of strength for would-be GOP challengers to Democratic incumbent Blanche Lincoln.

All of the seven announced Republican candidates said today they would take part in the straw poll planned for Dec. 5 during the Winter Republican Leadership Summit at Hot Springs.

Recent polls have shown support sagging for Lincoln, who is seeking a third term in the 2010 election.

To participate in the GOP straw poll, candidates have to show they have raised enough money to cover the party’s traditional $10,000 filing fee, filed papers with the Federal Election Commission to make their candidacies official and must buy at least one block of 10 $15 tickets to the Dec. 5 event.

State GOP Executive Director Chase Dugger said the decision to have participation requirements was made to make sure the candidates are serious and have the necessary campaign funds to be on the May party primary ballot.

“We are and we do meet all the requirements,” Fred Ramey of Searcy said.

“Yes, I’m going to participate, yes I’m sufficiently funded to do so,” Buddy Rogers of Rogers said.

“We’ve been planning to be down in Hot Springs ever since the idea was broached,” said Ryan James, spokesman for candidate Conrad Reynolds of Conway.

GOP officials discussed the straw poll during an Oct. 30 meeting at party headquarters in Little Rock, James said.

Representatives of candidates Gilbert Baker of Conway, Tom Cox of North Little Rock, Curtis Coleman of Little Rock and Kim Hendren of Gravette also said the candidates would participate in the straw poll.

Along with balloting, the GOP state committee will meet and grassroots training sessions will be held during the party summit, which begins Dec. 4.