Democrat to switch from Secretary of State’s race to Lt. Governor

Dr. Anthony Bland, a previously announced candidate for the Democratic nomination for Arkansas Secretary of State, said he will now run for Lt. Governor.

Bland said he was encouraged by the Democratic Party of Arkansas, his family and friends to make the switch. He also indicated that the other Democrat announced for Secretary of State, Susan Inman, was a better candidate than him.

“As a business owner, and having education in business law and business administration, I have the qualifications to serve as Secretary of State, but Susan Inman has the hands on experience,” said Bland in a press release. “In fact considering her vast experience with the election process, she may be the best qualified candidate to ever seek the office.”

Bland said he will pursue the state’s No. 2 post to push for a variety of policy issues, including eduction, health care, jobs and wages.

He is the only announced Democratic candidate for Lt. Governor, the post currently held by Republican Lt. Governor Tim Griffin, who said he’s seeking re-election. Bland had harsh words for Griffin.

“I’m looking forward to winning the nomination so I can face Griffin. The Lieutenant Governor is a Trump enabler who is out of tune with the people of Arkansas. I intend to call him out on his support of the Trump agenda,” Bland said.

“I welcome a Democrat opponent to the race,” Griffin tells Talk Business & Politics. “Hardworking Arkansas taxpayers want to continue bold, conservative leadership to reform government that taxes too much and spends too much so we can grow jobs and compete.”

Bland is a graduate of J.A. Fair High School and Arkansas Baptist College. He has a Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Business Administration Degree from the University of Phoenix. He is currently completing a Master of Theological Studies Degree from Regent University.