LITTLE ROCK — State Rep. Charlie Collins says he's dropping his bid for Arkansas lieutenant governor and backing U.S. Rep. Tim Griffin's candidacy.
Collins said Thursday he would instead seek re-election for his state House seat. Collins announced his decision shortly after Griffin said he'd seek the Republican nomination for the state's No. 2 post.
Collins said he believed Griffin was the "crystal clear favorite" for the GOP nomination and the general election in the fall. His decision leaves state Reps. Andy Mayberry and Debra Hobbs, along with Griffin, as the only Republicans running. Former Highway Commissioner John Burkhalter is the only Democrat running.