PHOTO: Betty Eckhart, pictured at right, accepts the Bob Riley Democrat of the Year Award at the 2025 Clinton Day Dinner. Eckhart is pictured with Clark County Democratic Party Chairman Zach Bledsoe and Judy Harrison, chair of the Clark County Democratic Women Committee. | Submitted photo
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ARKADELPHIA, Arkansas — In spite of it being the opening day of modern gun deer season, Democrats turned out big for the 29th Annual Clinton Day Dinner Saturday evening, Nov. 8, 2025, at the Henderson State University Garrison Center Ballroom. Over 300 people from all over the state came to meet party candidates, recognize current and former office holders, honor heroes, and hear the keynote speaker, former U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor.
Pryor recalled the substantial political contributions of his late father, former Arkansas Governor and U.S. Sen. David Pryor, and his friend Dale Bumpers, also a former Arkansas Governor and U.S. Senator. He said that we should not forget lessons from the past while moving forward today. Stating that “politics has always been hard,” the key is listening to and talking with people with opposing viewpoints from your own.
According to Pryor, some Arkansas elections were very close in the last two election cycles. Pryor gave examples of Democrats losing by very narrow margins in parts of the state – enough to break the Republican supermajority in the next election if Democrats and Independents would get out the vote.
In summary, he stated that he believed that most Arkansans are tired of the negativity and the government stalemate and want legislators to find common ground to find solutions to local, state, and national problems. He encouraged Democrats to run for local offices.
One highlight of all Clinton Day dinners is to recognize the Clark County Democrat of the Year. Betty Eckhart was named the recipient of the Lt. Governor Dr. Bob Riley Award. Riley was a war hero, public servant, professor, and active Democrat who worked incessantly to help people in need. In the Bob Riley spirit, Betty Eckhart is a servant of the county and the community. She serves or has served on numerous boards including Group Living, Inc. and the Ross Foundation. She is an advocate for public schools, voters’ rights, and women’s health. She and her husband, Tim Kauffman, donate their time and resources to help local nonprofits. She works unrelentingly behind the scenes, not asking for or wanting recognition.
Two heroes of the Clark County Democratic Party, Dr. Anna Farris and Ms. Sue Warner, passed away during the past year and were honored with tables for family and friends. Farris was the founder of Clark County Democratic Women and Warner was an inaugural member. Both were dedicated educators and active in both the state and national Democratic Party.
Candidates for local and state offices were present, including those running for Governor, House of Representatives, and U.S. Senate. Funds raised will be used to support Democratic candidates.