Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Pryor Seeking AG Post

Saying he is ready to give Arkansas his best, Mark Pryor has announced his candidacy for Attorney General.

"I was raised to believe in the value of public service, the greatness of our democracy and to believe that we must all work together to make Arkansas a better place to live," said Pryor, a Democrat.

Acknowledging the long tradition of public service in his family, Pryor said, "I have a deep respect for what they have done for this state. Now it is time for a new generation to rise to the challenge."

Pryor outlined five primary issues areas he will focus on as Attorney General:

• Keeping violent criminals off the street

• Keeping utility rates affordable

• Fighting for a sound and sensible environmental program

• Ensuring the rights of crime victims don't take a back seat to the rights of criminals

• Fighting con artists who prey on Arkansas' most vulnerable citizens.

"My decisions as Attorney General will be based on the law and my principles. My principles are grounded in my faith, family and community," Pryor said. "I know what my principles are they are not for sale.

"I know who I am," he added, "I am proud of what I've done, and I know what I can do as Attorney General."

Pryor is private practice attorney focusing primarily on civil litigation and workers compensation. He served in the State House of Representatives from 1991 to 1994.

Pryor is married to Jill Pryor, and they have two children: Adams, 4 years, and Porter, 2 years.

Pryor is the only Democrat to announce his candidacy for Attorney General. Current Attorney General Winston Bryant, a Democrat, is not running for re-election. Betty Dickey is the only Republican to enter the race.

The primary election is scheduled for May 19.