Retired USAF General To Challenge Boozman

Retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Bernard Skoch of Elkins says he'll challenge 3rd District U.S. Rep. John Boozman in the Republican primary.

In announcing for the race Monday night in Fayetteville Skoch said the country is in "dire straits" and said the economic and budget policies are out of control.

Skoch recently resigned as chairman of the Arkansas Independent Caucus, a conservative group that opposes government-funded bailout programs.

Boozman was first elected in a special election in 2001 and has won re-election to four full terms since. He hasn't had a primary challenger since winning the seat.

The only other announced candidate is independent Jerry Coon of Rogers who must gather the signatures of 2,000 registered voters to get his name on the ballot.