CLEVELAND -- Two of Arkansas' state constitutional officers denounced Hillary Clinton on Tuesday evening, telling delegates and a nationwide audience that the state's former first lady is unworthy of the presidency.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Attorney General Leslie Rutledge delivered back-to-back blistering attacks on the presumptive Democratic nominee, questioning her honesty, integrity and fitness for office.

Both said that because of the geography, they were especially attuned to the perils Clinton poses.

"Ladies and gentleman, I hail from the great state of Arkansas. We know from personal experience that we don't need Hillary Clinton in the White House," Hutchinson told the crowd.

Describing 2016 as a pivotal moment in the nation's history, the governor said, "There has never been a more urgent time for leadership. America's strength and boldness are desperately needed on the world stage, and a new energy is demanded at home to build our economy and to defeat terrorism. Strength, boldness and new energy are not words that describe Hillary Clinton," he said.

The governor said a Clinton presidency would mean more of the same, adding, "If you liked the last eight years, then Hillary will give you double for your trouble," he said.

During his five minute address, Hutchinson accused Clinton of bungling her service as secretary of state. "Hillary Clinton's bad judgment, as you heard last night, has left us four dead Americans in Benghazi ... instability in Egypt, Syria and Libya, the rise of ISIS, the resurgence of Russia, an emboldened North Korea, inappropriate ties between foreign governments and the Clinton Foundation, and a more dangerous world," he said.

Moments after Hutchinson stepped off the stage, Rutledge took his place behind the lectern and launched her own attack on Clinton.

"Sometimes Hillary Clinton speaks with a New York accent. Sometimes an Arkansas accent. But, y'all, this is what a real Arkansas woman sounds like," Rutledge said, a line that was greeted with cheers.

"Hillary may not know where she's from, but Arkansans know exactly who I am."

During her four-minute speech, Rutledge said she is "a Christian, pro-life, gun-carrying conservative woman and I'm the first female and first Republican elected attorney general of Arkansas, the very same office Bill Clinton held when those two launched their careers of corruption."

"Hillary says when they left the White House, they were poor, and, while they've made millions, she's still poor in all the ways that really count. Poor judgment, poor policies and poor decisions. Hillary is a lawyer, but she acts like the law doesn't apply to her," she said.

Repeatedly, Rutledge questioned the character of the Clintons.

"What we know about her scandals is bad. What we don't know may be worse. Why did Bill's speaking fees skyrocket as soon as she became secretary of state? Why did donors to the Clinton Foundation receive favorable treatment from the State Department? Deception and dishonesty are all second nature to Hillary. As my Daddy likes to say, 'Hillary will lie even when the truth would serve her better.'"

Rutledge said that it's good to break barriers, but not if it imperils the nation.

"I broke a glass ceiling. I know the importance of doing so, but a historical milestone need not come at the expense of America," she said.

Members of the Arkansas delegation jumped to their feet when both speakers took the stage, and they cheered as they left.

"They did phenomenal. They did an awesome job. I thought they represented our state well, and I'm very proud to have Leslie as our attorney general and Asa as our governor," said Barbara Durkee, a Ted Cruz supporter from Subiaco.

Christy Barnett, a delegate from Siloam Springs, said both candidates "did exceptionally great representing Arkansas."

Susan Gessler, a delegate from Fayetteville, said she was especially impressed with Rutledge.

"I thought she brought the house down," Gessler added.

Late Tuesday, Hutchinson said he enjoyed his moment on the stage.

"It was really extraordinary to be able to speak to that large of a crowd," Hutchinson said. "It went extremely well, and I think we got our message out and I'm pleased with it."

Rutledge said it was exciting, not nerve-wracking.

"It's such an honor to stand on a national stage and to represent the people I love so much and that I work for every single day," she added.

Metro on 07/20/2016