Newsmakers: a conversation with Blanche Lincoln

Senator Blanche Lincoln made the news all over the country last week, having successfully beat back a well-financed primary runoff challenge from Arkansas Lt. Governor Bill Halter. She came under fire from the left wing of the Democratic party for her moderate views and votes but, evidently, the voters of Arkansas were ready to respond to her appeal not to let outsiders decide who should represent them.

What perhaps not many people know about her is that Senator Lincoln has a deep interest in rural economic development and specifically in microenterprise development -- something she has in common with former President Bill Clinton, who returned to Arkansas to campaign for her.

In the wake of Lincoln's huge primary victory, what better way for Microbusiness Conversations to launch than with a 2008 interview with the Senator about rural development, small businesses and -- of course -- politics?

Welcome to Microbusiness Conversations.