Ark.'s Ross Uses Fellow Dems as Foil in House Bid

FORDYCE, Ark. — As the only congressman in Arkansas seeking re-election, U.S. Rep. Mike Ross should have plenty of reason to fret as he runs when many Democrats and incumbents are endangered.

But Ross is one of the few Democratic candidates his party isn't worried about as it tries to prevent GOP gains in blue-leaning Arkansas.

Ross is distancing himself from President Barack Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He's also making clear that he's no Blanche Lincoln, the Arkansas senator fighting to win re-election.

Ross is running ads touting that he never moved to Washington. It's a contrast to criticism Lincoln has received for moving to suburban Washington.

His Republican challenger, Beth Anne Rankin, is trying hard to undercut Ross' image.