FAYETTEVILLE - The first U.S. Senate debate and Town Hall was held today at the University of Arkansas and moderated by former Northwest Arkansas television anchor Larry Henry. Questions were also proposed by students 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 University of Arkansas’s Fayetteville 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.
Current Northwest Arkansas television anchor Dillon Thomas had committed to moderate the debate, but withdrew forty minutes prior to the start of the debate, notifying the candidates of his withdrawal because of pressure resulting from phone calls from other people who were not participating in the debate.
Eldridge focused on the future for Arkansas families in his opening remarks. “With the news today that the family household income in Arkansas is 49th in the nation, we can and must do better for our state. This election is about the future, and we have a choice this November between the status quo with someone who has been in Washington, DC for 15 years, and the opportunity to elect someone who will fight for a better future for all Arkansans. The people of Arkansas are working too hard, for too little. Arkansans deserve a U.S. Senator who will fight for them every day, make their voices heard, and work as hard as they do to create a better future. As your next United Senator, that is just what I plan to do.”
Among other topics discussed at the University of Arkansas, the two candidates discussed issues related to ISIS and national security, medical marijuana, education and college affordability. Conner Eldridge stated that he supports efforts to reduce the costs of college and would push for legislation to provide some relief for student debt. Eldridge also noted Sen. Boozman’s record against student debt relief, such as voting to prevent students from refinancing their student loans. Eldridge also emphasized the need to better care for our veterans, such as help provided by the Veteran Jobs Corps bill. Eldridge stated, “Senator Boozman voted against the Jobs Corps bill after first telling Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans that he would vote for it. That is unacceptable.”
Eldridge and Gilbert indicated that they would be open to participate in additional debates and hoped that Senator Boozman would join.