LITTLE ROCK – A retired Army colonel said Monday he’s seeking the Republican nomination to challenge U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln next year, joining a crowded field that lacks big-name candidates.

Conrad Reynolds of Conway told The Associated Press that he’s running for the GOP nomination for the seat held by Lincoln, a Democrat seeking a third term. Reynolds has never run for public office before.

“It’s an uphill battle, but my first challenge right now is to win the Republican primary,” Reynolds said. “I intend to win with hard work and determination.”

The 49-year-old Reynolds said he hopes to raise about $500,000 between now and the end of the year for the Senate race. Reynolds said he was working on a contract with the Department of Defense since retiring from the military in January but has since stopped so he could focus on the Senate race full time.

Several Republicans have been eyeing a run against Lincoln, who has more than $3.2 million in the bank for her re-election bid. Other Republicans running include Sen. Kim Hendren of Gravette, businessmen Tom Cox of Little Rock and Fred Ramey of Searcy.

The state GOP has identified Lincoln’s race as their top priority in next year’s election, but so far it hasn’t found any candidates with the potential to match her fundraising. Lincoln reported last week that she’s raised more than $2.9 million since the beginning of the year for her re-election bid.

Other Republicans considering a run against Lincoln include Safe Foods CEO Curtis Coleman, who managed former Gov. Mike Huckabee’s failed bid for the Senate in 1992. State Sen. Gilbert Baker of Conway, a former chairman of the state Republican Party, has also said he’s considering running for the GOP Senate nomination.

Steve Patterson, Lincoln’s campaign manager, declined to comment on Reynolds’ candidacy.