LITTLE ROCK - Former U.S. Attorney and candidate for the U.S. Senate, Conner Eldridge has announced that he will be participating in the second U.S. Senate debate of the 2016 election year this Friday, September 30, at 12 p.m. Originally scheduled on the Philander Smith College Campus, the debate will now be held at Arkansas Baptist College in their Old Main Auditorium in Little Rock; the time of 12 p.m. remains the same. Democrat Conner Eldridge and Libertarian Frank Gilbert agreed to debate, and Senator Boozman has been invited; local news anchor Craig O'Neill will moderate. The forum will consist of a 60-minute debate and a town hall portion, in which the candidates will answer questions from the audience. Other members of the media are invited to participate; if interested, contact Graham at graham@connerforarkansas.com or 479-422-5579.
"I'm excited and eager to engage with voters and discuss issues important to Arkansas and America this Friday in Little Rock," said Eldridge. "I appreciate Arkansas Baptist College for opening its doors for this debate to take place and look forward to answering questions from Arkansans. Unlike my opponent, I believe this is too critical an election year to be absent or hiding from the voters of this state. That is why I've traveled to all 75 counties -- most of them more than once -- and relish all opportunities to discuss real issues with the people of Arkansas."
Throughout the campaign, Eldridge has repeatedly challenged Sen. Boozman to debates around the state, even showing up in the Senator's hometown in late July with two podiums at the ready. Senator Boozman has also declined debate requests from local news stations and non-partisan Arkansas groups. Eldridge and Libertarian Frank Gilbert participated in the first U.S. Senate debate in Fayetteville on September 16, which Sen. Boozman refused to attend.
"There's too much to talk about to be sitting on the sidelines," said Eldridge. "This is the greatest country on earth, but we also have serious issues that require strength, fortitude and leadership to address, and right now Sen. Boozman is showing he is not willing to lead. His excessive foreign travels, his lack of accomplishments in Washington, and his unwillingness to face voters all show how out of touch he is with Arkansas. I'm excited for the opportunity to debate with Frank Gilbert and I know Arkansans are eager to hear our different visions for Arkansas and the U.S. Senate."