Ark. GOP sets rules, timing for Senate straw poll (UALR Public Radio) - The state Republican Party says Senate candidates who want to participate in a straw poll next month will have to show they've got the money to mount a serious bid.

The state GOP on Monday announced the schedule and rules for a straw poll the party plans to hold Dec. 5 during the Republican Leadership Summit in Hot Springs among those seeking the party's Senate nomination. So far, seven Republicans have said they want to seek the nomination to challenge Democratic Sen. Blanche Lincoln next year.

The party said in order to participate candidates will have to prove they've made their candidacy official with the Federal Election Commission, buy at least one block of ten $15 tickets to the event and prove that their campaign can afford to pay the $10,000 filing fee that's previously been required by the party for the office.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2010, UALR Public Radio