Ark. Dem. State Senate Candidate Apologizes for Physically Intimidating Opponent

A Democrat running for state Senate in Arkansas raised eyebrows when he appeared to physically intimidate his opponent after a candidate forum at the University of Arkansas Tuesday.

State representative Greg Leding approached his Republican challenger, Dawn Clemence, after the forum. He pointed a finger in Clemence’s face, speaking aggressively before hopping up on the stage where she stood and standing very close as she backed away. Towering over her, he then put a firm hand on her shoulder before suddenly walking away.

The incident was captured on video from several angles.

Leding has since apologized, saying his behavior was “not acceptable.”

“I’ve worked very hard to serve all the people who live in the district I represent — work that has consistently included legislation and advocacy for women, teachers, students, firefighters, working families, and more — and that work’s been misrepresented in this campaign,” his statement read. “I was frustrated, but it’s not acceptable to act on that. I apologize to Mrs. Clemence.”

“My opponent called out to me from the stage. So she wouldn’t have to lean down to talk, I joined her on the stage. I apologize for patting her shoulder as we parted.”

Clemence, however, disagreed with his account of the incident.

“Unprovoked, you were pointing your finger and yelling at me, using vulgar language, intimidating me, blocking me and threatening me,” Clemence wrote afterward on Twitter.

“When you encroached on my personal space, pointed your finger in my face, and placed your hands on me, you demeaned the office you currently hold and the one in which you seek,” Clemence later told Leding in remarks to 40/29 News.

“I am a tall guy. I certainly wasn’t trying to be intimidating,” Leding told the same news station.

Clemence and Leding, who represents Fayetteville in the state House, are locked in a race for the seat in state Senate District 4.