He's popular, but he's a Republican representing a Blue State. People are going to have to decide if they want a Republican who often votes with the Democrats, or a real Democrat.

People in this state often elect Republicans to keep an eye on the Democrats. Democrats are entrenched, and voters want balance.

People are aware of the difficulty he has encountered within the state, and that has tarnished his national reputation.

We're representing a lot of groups. We're representing all the underdogs. We're representing the state of Arkansas. We're representing the Sun Belt Conference. We're representing a lot of frustrated fans for the last 30 years or so that haven't been to a bowl game.

The blue-chippers wouldn't even talk to Kansas State,

In my state, the Republican Party was the most progressive party.