LITTLE ROCK - The second U.S. Senate debate and Town Hall was held today at the Arkansas Baptist College in Little Rock and moderated by local news anchor Craig O'Neill. Questions were also proposed by students and community members attending the debate. All U.S. Senate Candidates were invited to debate. Libertarian candidate Frank Gilbert and Democratic candidate Conner Eldridge mutually agreed to participate in the debate on the Arkansas Baptist College campus. Senator John Boozman was also invited to participate, and a podium was reserved for Senator Boozman on the stage, but Senator Boozman did not attend the debate.
During his opening remarks, Eldridge focused on his positive vision for Arkansas and the U.S. Senate. He also illustrated Sen. Boozman's refusal to engage with the Arkansas people yet still vying for their votes, saying, "It's not [Senator Boozman's] seat. This Senate seat belongs to the people of Arkansas."
Among other topics discussed at the Arkansas Baptist College, the two candidates discussed issues related to the Supreme Court, trade, foreign policy, and economic growth. Eldridge spoke of the importance of manufacturing in the Arkansas economy, criticizing his opponent for votes that shut down manufacturing facilities in Arkansas. "If you go to shut-down manufacturing plants in Ft. Smith and Rogers and shuttered plants all over the state, it really drives home the effect those deals have on Arkansans. I am for free trade, but it must be fair trade."
Eldridge also spoke about criminal justice reform, emphasizing the need to both support law enforcement and address systemic issues within the judicial system. "We must call out those who don't follow the law, support law enforcement, and also have a discussion about these systemic issues we have."
The debate closed with a discussion about bridging the ever-increasing divide in the U.S. Senate and improving the productivity generally of the legislative branch of government. Eldridge said he would bring his "white-board" approach to governing as a U.S. Senator. "From day one I'd assemble a group of Senators from all parties, check the party labels at the door, list the top issues we face as a country and have an intellectually-honest discussion about the things we can do to fix these problems," said Eldridge.
Eldridge and Gilbert indicated that they would be open to participate in additional debates and hoped that Senator Boozman would join.