Steve Womack expected to run for Republican nomination for John Boozman's seat in Congress; David Whitaker earlier announced a race for the Democratic nomination for the Third Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives

WOMACK NEWS RELEASE Rogers Mayor Steve Womack announced today that he has formed an exploratory committee in preparation for a potential campaign for the United States Congress.Arkansas’ Third Congressional District, covering most of northwest Arkansas, is expected to open with current Representative John Boozman likely to announce his candidacy for the United States Senate on Saturday.  “I am from the Third District, having graduated from Russellville High School and Arkansas Tech University,” said Mayor Womack.  “For the last eleven years, I have had the pleasure of leading one of Arkansas’ most dynamic cities, Rogers, and am uniquely aware of the issues facing America and this district.”    Womack, 52, is also a retired colonel with the Arkansas Army National Guard and led a battalion in a peacekeeping mission in Egypt in 2002, the first Army National Guard unit called to active duty following the 9-11 attacks.  Mayor Womack said “with our nation at war, and with my record of service in uniform, I believe I have much to offer this district and our country.” Mayor Womack was elected to his first term in 1998, and has been unopposed in his last two elections.  He has presided over a city that has added more than $1 billion in investment since taking office.  Among his signature developments are the Rogers Adult Wellness Center, Pinnacle Hills Promenade, the new Mercy Medical Center of Rogers, and the World Trade Center.  Additionally, Mayor Womack has a record of strong fiscal management, ending Rogers’ deficit spending and balancing the budget without tax increases.  “A number of people have encouraged me to seek higher office, and I am humbled by their support,” said Mayor Womack.  “The opportunity to keep a conservative voice representing the Third District in Washington is important to me.”  Mayor Womack’s other honors include Citizen of the Year in 2007 by the March of Dimes; former chairman of the Arkansas Service Commission in 2001; and chairman of the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission in 2005-06.  Womack is married to the former Terri Williams of DeWitt, Arkansas and they have three grown children.  They attend the Church at Pinnacle Hills in Rogers.  Whitaker resigned his position as Fayetteville's assistant city attorney a couple of months ago to seek the Democratic nomination with the expectation of running against Boozman. Whitaker is also a military veteran and has been a leader of the statewide Democratic organization. link below- http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/2010/02/running_in_the_3rd.aspx