News

Public Officials
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson – “I agree with the approach outlined by Sarah, and I expect the next administration will need to put additional resources into prison expansion.”

U.S. Sen. John Boozman (Ark.) – “Nothing is more important for Arkansas families than public safety. @SarahHuckabee knows this, and I’m glad to see her thoughtful, multi-faceted approach to move the needle and make Arkansas a better place to live when she’s governor.”

U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton (Ark.) – “I’m glad that our next governor @SarahHuckabee is taking this issue head-on. Truth in Sentencing is compassionate toward victims, it’s common sense, and it will keep violent criminals off the street. Sarah has my full support in her work to keep Arkansans safe.”

U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04) – “@SarahHuckabee knows that Arkansas families are worried about public safety. We are lucky that our next governor is working to solve that problem and putting our families first.”

Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin – “Thank you & Amen! I am excited about the opportunity to work closely with @SarahHuckabee @lbengilmore & the legislature to reform our criminal justice system & make Arkansas safer.”

Sen. Breanne Davis (R – Russellville) – “Powerful plan to address our state’s growing crime problem from our next governor @SarahHuckabee. Public safety is a top priority and this plan will ensure Arkansans are safer. Let’s get it done!”

Sen. Ben Gilmore (R – Crossett) – “@SarahHuckabee’s plan will address one of the most important issues in our state. I look forward to working with her to implement this plan & create a safer Arkansas for our communities and families. I appreciate @LtGovTimGriffin for being a leader this issue as well.”

Sen. Kim Hammer (R– Benton) – “Appreciate our next governor putting out a strong plan to reduce crime in Arkansas. This is a serious approach that will produce results and I look forward to partnering with @SarahHuckabee.

Sen. Bart Hester (R – Cave Springs) – “Our next governor must be clear-eyed about the rising violent crime plaguing our state and the need for reforms.@SarahHuckabee has a plan to tackle these challenges, and she will have a partner in me in the Legislature to increase prison capacity, support victims, make AR safer.”

Sen. Missy Irvin (R – Mountain View) – “I look forward to working with our next governor @SarahHuckabee on her tough plan to tackle our crime problem. Arkansans deserve a safe place to live and raise their family.”

Speaker Matthew Shepherd (R – El Dorado) – “I applaud Sarah’s emphasis on public safety and look forward to working with her along with my legislative colleagues for a safer state for all Arkansans.”

Rep. Austin McCollum (R – Bentonville)– “My support for Sarah Huckabee Sanders continues to grow with the release of her plan to address our rising crime problem. Excited to work alongside her to get this done for the safety and protection of the people of Arkansas.” 

Rep. Aaron Pilkington (R – Clarksville) – “Sarah Sanders is taking the crime issue head on with smart policies that are not only common sense but proven to work.”

Rep. David Ray (R – Maumelle) – “Love this. Protecting our citizens should be the top priority of government. There are many legislators ready to work with our next Governor to make this a reality.”

Rep. Dwight Tosh (R – Jonesboro) – “As a retired State Police Captain I’ve been very concerned by the rising crime we are seeing across the state. I applaud our next Governor, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, for taking a tough stance on crime and making public safety a top priority. I look forward to working with her on this important issue.”

Rep. Danny Watson (R – Hope), former Arkansas highway patrolman – “Quite frankly, if we don’t have safety, we’ll have nothing. I wholeheartedly support Sarah Huckabee Sanders’s public safety plan.  Sarah’s approach to crime is a breath of fresh air and I look forward to working her to combat our ever-increasing crime problems. The criminals will not like this plan and that is why I support Sarah!”

Britt McKenzie, Republican Nominee for House District 7 – “@SarahHuckabee is the real deal and her plan for promoting public safety in AR is the only path for keeping our great State safe and secure for future generations.”

Law Enforcement Officials
Carol Crews, prosecuting attorney, 20^th judicial district – “With violent crime on the rise across our country and in Arkansas’ capital city, we need harsher penalties for repeat and violent offenders. I am glad to see Sarah acknowledge this in her campaign and to take necessary steps to ensure we can protect the people in our communities from those who choose to do others harm.”

Daniel Shue, prosecuting attorney, 12th judicial district- “Today, Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced her plan for public safety in Arkansas, and she offers a tough but fair approach to the crime problems being faced by Arkansans. Sanders opined that Arkansans should never consider defunding the police, and her determined decision to increase our prison capacity will serve to incarcerate violent criminals which allows space in our county jails to be utilized for misdemeanants and participants who receive specialty court sanctions. In short, her planned policies will provide for “a safer, stronger Arkansas”. We can never feel free unless we feel safe.”

Nathan Smith, prosecuting attorney, 19th judicial district – “In order to ensure that Arkansas remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family, we must first prioritize public safety. An expanded prison system is needed to keep violent and repeat felons off our streets. I applaud Sarah for rejecting the radical, soft-on-crime policies that have ruined so many American cities and instead putting the needs of law-abiding citizens before criminals.”

Chris Walton, prosecuting attorney, 22^nd judicial district – “Sarah Huckabee Sanders correctly identifies critical problems with our criminal justice system. Lack of capacity in our state prisons is a major problem. Our county jails house too many state prisoners. In addition, inadequate capacity dictates outcomes when it comes to parolees who violate their parole. The citizens of Arkansas expect parolees to be supervised and revoked if parole is violated. I applaud Sarah’s decision to not only highlight these issues, but also her commitment to correcting them.”

Lafayette County Judge Danny Ormond – “As County Judge and as a former a Sheriff I am proud to hear today’s announcement on public safety by Sarah Sanders. Over the last several years I have seen our local law enforcement officers become more and more frustrated with criminals in our county. With overcrowding in our state facilities and local jails being fill to maximum capacity it is great to hear we are going to tackle this issue under Sarah Sanders.”

Baxter County Sheriff John Montgomery – “As an 18-year veteran Sheriff, I am excited to hear about Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ plan for public safety. For many years the can has been kicked down the road because no one wanted to tackle this tough issue. It is refreshing to know she is committed to do what is necessary to protect Arkansans from violent felons and repeat offenders and to stand up for the victims of crime.”

Faulkner County Sheriff Tim Ryals – ”As Sheriff of Faulkner County, I witness daily the reality of recidivism, shortened sentences, parolees committing crimes that have no consequences, mental health issues, and of course, overcrowding issues in our jail. It is a breath of fresh air to hear that Sarah Sanders is in tune with the needs of the citizens and with the law enforcement communities across the state of Arkansas. Sarah has made a commitment to place a priority on Public Safety providing resources for agencies and prisons, and she recognizes that victims have rights, too! I personally know the character, heart, and sincerity of Sarah, and I know that every bullet point stated in her letter will be addressed when she becomes our next Governor. Thank you, Sarah Sanders, for your commitment to those who protect the families of Faulkner County and the state of Arkansas.”

Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr. – “Sarah’s public safety plan embodies the importance of understanding that a comprehensive public safety plan is a critical element in working towards solving key public safety concerns for Arkansans. Her plan provides hope of the benefit of communities in Arkansas being stronger and safer through the strengthened collaborative efforts of public safety stakeholders within Arkansas.”

Randolph County Sheriff Kevin Bell – “Violent crime is out of control in Arkansas. We need a strong pro police Governor who is willing to help law enforcement and will push for laws and policies that will help combat crime. Sarah is the person for the job!!”

Saline County Sheriff Rodney Wright – “It’s refreshing to hear that our state has a gubernatorial candidate who not only recognizes but acknowledges violent crime in Arkansas and offers solutions as well. Peace is not obtained through weakness. The strengths of political candidates, law enforcement leaders, and community leaders are the secrets to success.”

Union County Sheriff Ricky Roberts – “With all the negativity surrounding law enforcement it is exciting to have Gubernatorial Candidate Sarah Sanders, that not only supports the men and women of law enforcement, but stands beside us in our efforts to make our communities in Arkansas a safer place to live.”

White County Sheriff Phillip Miller – “As the chief law enforcement officer of the county, I know that the primary role of government is the safety and security of our citizens. Sarah Huckabee Sanders knows that as well and has a great plan to address the issues facing us. I am proud to support her, and I ask each of you to support her as our next Arkansas governor!”

Sergeant Matt Huckabay, Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office – “Sarah’s public safety plan is a fantastic and fair plan that will help make Arkansas a better place to raise a family.”

Organizations
Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Director Gary Sipes – “The Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police would like to assert our support for Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ plan for Public Safety and specifically her plan to devote resources to increase prison capacity. It is imperative that violent criminals are kept behind bars and that the backlog in county jails is addressed.”

Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association Director Scott Bradley- “The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association is excited to hear that gubernatorial candidate Sarah Huckabee Sanders has a plan for Arkansas public safety. It is time that we address the violent crime, illegal drugs that are plaguing our state, and a failing parole system. The men and women in law enforcement need support now more than ever!”

Arkansas State Police Association President Coty Williams- “Our members took an oath to protect the property and life of the citizens of our great state. Not one of them took the oath in hopes they would prosper financially. They did it because of their calling to serve. The nature of their job is affected by many different things. One thing that they are directly affected by is public policy, good and bad.  While we can’t (and don’t) endorse political candidates, we can praise good public policy. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ announcement of her public safety policy deserves praise. Our members are affected by violent criminals every day. Often, they are repeat offenders who have seen no real consequences. Our members and the public deserve better. This type of tough on crime policy and support of law enforcement embraced by political leaders like Sanders and others, places them standing squarely behind our members’ mission. This will allow our members to stand squarely between criminals and citizens.”

Arkansas Young Republicans – “Drugs and violent crime are endemic problems that cause heartbreak and despair among our communities. We fully support @SarahHuckabee’s plan to build a safer future for Arkansas!”