Hiland won’t run for attorney general

CONWAY — Cody Hiland, the 20th Judicial District prosecuting attorney, said Thursday that he has decided not to seek the Republican nomination for attorney general.

Hiland, of Conway, issued a statement in which he announced his intent to seek re-election to a second term as prosecuting attorney. His four-year term ends in December 2014.

He did not mention the attorney general’s race in the statement but disclosed his decision in a brief interview.

Hiland, 41, had said in May that he intended to seek re-election, but he continued to receive encouragement to seek the statewide office.

In the statement, Hiland said he would begin circulating petitions to file for re-election in late November. As prosecutor, his jurisdiction includes Faulkner, Van Buren and Searcy counties.

In the interview, Hiland said his decision was best for his family. He and his wife, Jana, have four children.

“It’s always flattering when there are those who think you can be successful in higher office, but I think sometimes politicians spend too much time looking for greener pastures than blooming where they’re planted,” he said.

The prosecutor’s position “is one of the best jobs in the state and one of the most fulfilling, and to hold that office in your home county is invaluable,” he added.