The Hill's Hans Nichols reports today that the Democratic field is narrowing in Arkansas as both parties seek to find a standardbearer that could lead them to victory in the 2006 gubernatorial contest. In "Ross will not run for governor", Nichols leads thusly:

Rep. Mike Ross (D-Ark.) will not run to replace term-limited Republican Gov. Mike Huckabee in 2006, ending weeks of speculation about a potentially bruising primary in Arkansas.

Ross, who won a seat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee this year and is fast emerging as one of the party’s fundraising stars, told his staff of his decision yesterday morning.

Nichols mentions that this should leave the nomination Attorney General Mike Beebe's for the taking, though this might not be the case. As reported a week ago, former presidential candidate General Wes Clark is seriously considering a bid for the Democratic nomination as well.

With these two heavyweights on the Democratic side possibly battling to be able meet either Undersecretary of Homeland Security Asa Hutchinson or Lt. Gov. Win Rockefeller, the Arkansas gubernatorial race will be one to watch this cycle.