Eldridge calls for suspending Syrian refugee relocation

LITTLE ROCK — Democrat Conner Eldridge called Wednesday for suspending the resettlement of Syrian refugees, splitting with the White House as he faces an uphill bid for an Arkansas U.S. Senate seat.

The former federal prosecutor said the background check process for the refugees needs to be reviewed in the wake of last week’s attack in Paris to make sure that those entering the country don’t have ties to terrorist organizations. Eldridge is the only Democrat running to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. John Boozman, who has called for a temporary moratorium on refugee resettlement.

“We must punish ISIS, not refugees. We should focus on destroying ISIS and ending the Syrian conflict once and for all, which would allow Syrian refugees to return home,” Eldridge said in a statement released by his campaign to The Associated Press. “I support suspending refugee resettlement in the U.S. at least until we review the resettlement program’s vetting process, which I believe is a responsible and reasonable action to ensure our safety here at home.”

Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Monday said he opposes relocating any Syrian refugees to Arkansas, joining other Republican governors who are resisting such efforts. Hutchinson has said there aren’t any plans to relocate any Syrian refugees to the state.

Eldridge’s stance puts him at odds with President Barack Obama, who has sharply criticized Republicans for trying to bar Syrian refugees. The White House on Wednesday threatened a presidential veto of House Republicans’ legislation aimed at increasing screenings for Syrian and Iraqi refugees before they enter the United States.

Eldridge also said he believes Congress should declare war on the Islamic State, though he said every diplomatic and military option should be explored before the possibility of American troops on the ground is even discussed.

“I am frustrated by the president’s foreign policy as well as a Congress that has failed to show any responsible leadership on this issue,” Eldridge said. “We need a tougher, smarter foreign policy that takes the fight directly to our enemy. It’s past time for the United States to build a global coalition that will wipe ISIS off the face of the earth through overwhelming, immediate force.”

Eldridge has distanced himself from the White House on key issues as he challenges Boozman in Arkansas, where Republicans have swept statewide and congressional offices by tying Democrats to the president. Eldridge earlier this year said he opposed the nucle-

ar agreement with Iran backed by the White House.

Boozman is being challenged by North Little Rock businessman Curtis Coleman in the March 1 Republican primary.