Boozman, Hill beat back GOP challengers; Eldridge issues debate challenge

U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., and U.S. Rep. French Hill, R-Little Rock, cruised to an easy victory Tuesday night, setting up November election battles.

In unofficial numbers, Boozman led challenger Curtis Coleman by a nearly three to one margin while Hill led Republican Brock Olree by a 84-16% margin. Hill will face Democrat Dianne Curry and Libertarian Chris Hayes this fall.

Boozman said the win in the GOP primary was due to a hardworking staff, both in state and in Washington, D.C., working on issues. The state’s senior senator also said he has worked hard on constituent services and helping people to deal with problems.

“We have worked hard to help Arkansans in a conservative manner,” Boozman said.

Boozman said the ongoing presidential campaign will have no bearing on the Senate race and he will support the Republican nominee this fall.

Boozman will now face Democratic candidate Conner Eldridge and Libertarian Party candidate Frank Gilbert in the general election. Eldridge, who is the former U.S. Prosecuting Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, congratulated Sen. Boozman on his win and challenged him to five debates and five town hall forums. The invitation also included Gilbert.

Eldridge’s proposal is for a debate in each Congressional district and a statewide televised debate on AETN. The forums, according to Eldridge, would be held in Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Pine Bluff, Rogers and Texarkana, with forum attendees able to ask questions.

“I congratulate Senator Boozman on securing his party’s nomination for the U.S. Senate, and I look forward to an honest, respectful campaign focused on the issues,” said Eldridge. “Voters deserve to know where we stand on the issues, and so I call on Senator Boozman and Frank Gilbert to join me in participating in five televised debates and five town hall forums across the state. Arkansans deserve to have their voices heard and their questions answered.”

Eldridge hit the campaign trail late Tuesday night with stops in Morrilton, Russellville and Clarksville. On Wednesday, Eldridge is scheduled to visit Van Buren, Fort Smith, Huntsville, Harrison, Marshall, Clinton and Conway as part of a Hear AR Voices road trip, his campaign said.