I’m not surprised. The Republican Party of Arkansas is in some deep trouble as they watched their candidate Asa Hutchinson not only lose but Republican voter turn-out decrease in the state in ‘06. 

State Sen. Gilbert Baker, R-Conway, announced Wednesday he plans to step down as chairman of the Republican Party of Arkansas.

Baker, first elected state GOP chairman in 2004, succeeding the late Lt. Gov. Win Rockefeller, said his initial commitment was for one two-year term. He agreed to stay on following the 2006 election cycle in which Democrats easily swept all races for statewide offices and gained seats in a state Legislature they already dominated.

“I was asked by many to stay on for continuity and to help provide stability during a very challenging time for the RPA,” Baker said Wednesday.

“The party will now be better served by someone who can give more time and energy to the organization,” Baker said. “I believe there are individuals, willing and qualified, to lead our party successfully through the 2008 election cycle.”

He said he expects the party to elect a new chairman possibly in May.