A Day of Debates, featuring Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General and Gubernatorial candidates, will be held on Thursday, April 21 at Little Rock Union Station, lower level. A luncheon will also be part of the day’s schedule. The event is hosted by Arkansas Press Association and sponsored by Arkansas Farm Bureau and the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas.
Rex Nelson of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and Roby Brock of Talk Business & Politics will be debate moderators.
“Many in the press are familiar with the political debates the Arkansas Press Association and its 100 member newspapers generally host at its annual convention in election years,” APA Executive Director Ashley Kemp Wimberley said. “This year, to bring more attention to these important races, we are dedicating an entire day for four key debates.”
The day will kick off with a debate among Lieutenant Governor candidates at 9 a.m., followed by the Secretary of State candidates debating at 10:45 a.m. The luncheon will be held at noon, and the afternoon’s debates resume at 1:30 p.m. between Attorney General candidates. The event will wrap up with a gubernatorial debate at 2:45 p.m.
“Newspaper readers are among the most politically engaged, and are the demographic most likely to show up to vote,” said Wimberley. “This event will be an ideal forum and opportunity to shine a statewide spotlight on the candidates so they can share what skills, values, priorities and experience they have to offer our state.”
Tickets are $100 each and include all four debates and the luncheon. One eight-seat VIP reserved stage-front table remains available for $1250. Tickets for the event are limited, and can be ordered online at arkansaspress.org/event/APADebate.
Working media should email ashley@arkansaspress.org for credentialing for the event.
The Arkansas Press Association was founded in 1873 and is the oldest professional trade association in the state. The Association has 100 member newspapers and more than 100 associate members.
