WASHINGTON Sen. Blanche Lincoln has declined to pick a side in Tuesday's presidential primary, setting her apart from other top Democrats in Arkansas.

LITTLE ROCK -- In the peculiar culture of Arkansas, where the passions of football and politics can merge, the winner of the Great Stadium Debate could be Gov. Mike Huckabee.

With Bill Clinton off the ballot, Arkansas reverted to its old ways and voted for a Republican for president and Democrats for Congress in Tuesday's elections.

One thing you can count on: When times get tough, Americans will crowd around a ready optimist. Optimism is woven into the very fabric of Old Glory, an essential part of our self-made, self-sustaining mythology.

LITTLE ROCK - Eight of 10 Arkansas voters support proposed Amendment 3, which would define marriage as only between a man and woman, according to a new poll by the Arkansas News Bureau and Stephens Media Group.

But don't ask him how a deceased candidate got into a runoff for the Democratic nomination for one of the state's highest offices against an air-conditioning contractor who spent a few bucks. ''That is amazing. I can't explain it,'' Petty said.

WASHINGTON -- Look for shorter speeches, swifter decisions, fewer late nights.