Electric Chair Option Disputed At Bentonville Debate

BENTONVILLE -- Two Republican candidates for attorney general reaffirmed their support for the death penalty, but candidate Leslie Rutledge said resuming use of the electric chair, as opponent David Sterling recommended, was impractical.

"That thing's in a museum," Rutledge said of device. "You can't just pull it out, plug it in and start using it. It's not that simple, and the chief legal officer of the state and the attorney general should know that."

The manner and type of lethal chemicals used in executions is a matter of ongoing court challenges. Sterling, an attorney from North Little Rock, said he would agree with resuming the use of the electric chair until those issues are resolved. Rutledge is an attorney from Little Rock.

The two candidates made their remarks at a debate hosted Thursday by the Republican Women of Bentonville, held at the Arvest Community Room near the city's town square. Republican candidate Patricia Nation didn't attend. The winner of the May 20 Republican primary will face Democrat Nate Steel of Nashville in November.

Both candidates said they believe Act 746 of 2013 allows the open carrying of firearms in the state. Attorney General Dustin McDaniel, a Democrat who isn't eligible to run for re-election because of term limits, has issued an opinion the new law doesn't authorize that.

"I've talked to the sponsor, I've talked to lawmakers who voted for it and open carry was their intent," Sterling said. Rutledge agreed, noting the question on the issue was posed by Benton County Sheriff Kelley Cradduck, who expressed concern about the uncertainty in the law and the opinion. "When the chief law enforcement officer of Benton County has to ask for clarity in the law, it's serious," she said.

On other issues, Rutledge said drug courts are at least a partial solution to the chronic backlog of state prisoners in county jails. Drug courts enforce strict probation and rehabilitation requirements on people entering the program by pleading guilty to non-violent drug offenses. She said she would support expansion of such programs. Sterling also said he would work together with legislators and law enforcement officers to find a solution.

"The state needs to come pick them up. I understand that's easier said than done," Rutledge said of prisoners.

Ken Yang of Benton, GOP candidate for state auditor, was another guest at the forum. Primary opponent Rep. Andrea Lee, R-Russellville, didn't attend. Yang emphasized his family business experience and his management and work in political campaigns. The winner of that primary will face Democrat Regina Hampton in the fall.

Dennis Milligan of Benton, GOP candidate for the state treasurer, also came to Thursday's forum. His primary opponent, Rep. Duncan Baird, R-Lowell, didn't. The winner of that primary will face Karen Garcia, a Democrat.

NW News on 04/04/2014

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