State Sen. Gilbert Baker (R) said Monday that his campaign had raised over a half-million dollars since announcing on Sept. 1 his bid to take on Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D).

Baker said in a statement that his $500,000 haul is a sure sign that “Arkansans believe the next United States Senator should be a check and balance to the extreme agenda of the national Democratic Party.—

Despite his fundraising success, Baker must face down a very crowded primary field before he can take on Lincoln.

State Sen. Kim Hendren (R), who is the brother-in-law of former Sen. Tim Hutchinson (R) and former Rep. Asa Hutchinson (R) is in the race. Tom Cox (R), who helped organize the Arkansas tea parties on tax day this year, is also in, as is Fred Ramey (R), retired Army Col. Conrad Reynolds (R), supermarket chain owner Curtis Coleman (R) and financial adviser Buddy Rogers (R).