LITTLE ROCK — Republican U.S. Sen. John Boozman says he believes he's in a strong position for his re-election bid next year, despite a recent poll showing the Arkansas lawmaker with a 38 percent approval rating.
Boozman filed paperwork Monday at the state Capitol to run for a second term next year. Former federal prosecutor Conner Eldridge filed last week to seek the Democratic nomination to challenge Boozman, who was first elected to the Senate in 2010.
The University of Arkansas' annual Arkansas Poll last week said 38 percent of respondents approved of Boozman's performance, with 18 percent disapproving. Forty-four percent didn't know or refused to respond. The poll didn't ask about Eldridge.
The university surveyed 800 Arkansans between Oct. 19 and Oct. 25. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.
Boozman said he thinks he's in a stronger position now than when he launched his Senate bid in 2010.
Monday marks the end of the one-week filing period for candidates in Arkansas. Hopefuls for state and federal office have until noon to file their paperwork at the state Capitol, while nonpartisan judicial candidates can file by 3 p.m.
Arkansas lawmakers voted earlier this year to move up the state's primary from May to March 1.
