ARKADELPHIA - Former U.S. Attorney and candidate for the U.S. Senate, Conner Eldridge was in Clark County today, where he engaged with students, educators, community leaders, and law enforcement. Eldridge visited the Arkadelphia High School, where he spoke with students and educators about a range of topics including recent news involving law enforcement and communities. He then spent time at the Clark County Courthouse, talking with law enforcement and community leaders while highlighting the support of a group of law enforcement officers backing Mr. Eldridge in his bid for the U.S. Senate.
"Supporting law enforcement, ensuring that all Arkansas voices are heard, and working to address difficult issues are central parts of my campaign for the U.S. Senate," said Eldridge. "I am proud to have served as a prosecutor and to have stood with law enforcement for many years, including right here in Arkadelphia. It is also vital that we hear the perspectives of all communities -- including a diverse group of high school students -- on important issues involving law enforcement and community relations. I will take this commitment to hearing from all Arkansans and this no-nonsense approach to the U.S. Senate. As Senator, I will work day in and day out to support law enforcement and to find solutions to difficult, systemic problems."
Eldridge first met with approximately 25 high school students to hear their thoughts on issues effecting the community, the state, and the country, including recent national stories involving law enforcement and community relations. He then met with a group of law enforcement supporters, most of whom Eldridge worked with when he served as a Clark County prosecutor and U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas. Eldridge served as U.S. Attorney from 2010-2015, prior to his campaign for the United States Senate.
Eldridge also highlighted the A-Chance program, which was started in Clark County and five other counties in Arkansas. The program, active in Clark, Crawford, Ouachita, Sebastian, Union, and Washington counties, helps children in violent and crime-ridden homes recover and succeed in school and life. The concept is simple and free to taxpayers: when a child has a police incident at their home, their school is appropriately notified so that the child can get the attention, counseling and support he or she needs.
In announcing their support of Conner, the group of law enforcement officers present, including Clark County Sheriff Jason Watson, Arkadelphia Police Chief Al Harris and many others spoke to Conner's commitment to law enforcement as a Clark County Prosecutor and U.S. Attorney. Clark County Prosecuting Attorney Blake Batson mentioned the numerous cases the group gathered worked on together--including violent drug trafficking, child abuse and murder.
Eldridge further commented, "We must work together to both prevent and prosecute violence, regardless of who is involved."