Associated Press - September 1, 2009 2:24 PM ET

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln says she hasn't been avoiding holding town hall forums on health care until the end of the summer recess.

Lincoln is holding the first of 3 town hall meetings starting Wednesday with a forum in Russellville. Lincoln also plans similar meetings in Jonesboro and Pine Bluff this week.

Lincoln's holding the meetings as she faces a growing field of Republicans who want to challenge her in next year's election, and the possibility of a primary fight with Democratic Senate President Bob Johnson.

State Republicans have criticized Lincoln, accusing her of avoiding public forums on President Barack Obama's push to overhaul the nation's health care system.

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