Some Political Candidates Facing Criminal Charges

Some local races could be more confusing after elections than before. That`s because some candidates for office either face criminal charges or were already convicted. For some voters it could mean if their candidate is elected, he may not stay in office, if he`s convicted or sent to prison. It is illegal in Arkansas for convicted felons to hold political office. Either way, will leave plenty of questions to be answered. David Freppon was still shoring up votes with less than 24 hours to go before elections. The White County Justice of the Peace is running for County Judge, against the incumbent Bob Parish. But he`s also running against charges that he was convicted of felony arson 36 years ago. He`s says it`s really a misdemeanor. "That`s what I paid the fine for and done two months in jail," said Freppon. A similar situation is brewing in Pine Bluff, where Alderman Jack Foster is still running for mayor, after being convicted in September of extortion-related charges. And in Conway, state house candidate Alan Fortney has ended his campaing after acknowledging that he was convicted of three misdemeanors years ago. "I`m not saying I didn`t do it because I did," Fortney said, Friday, Oct. 29. "It`s just a shame that something 15 years ago had to come out like this at this particular time." But Fortney`s name will still appear on the ballot. For some candidates either a conviction or the appeals process remains to be seen. "It`s very difficult for a person to win election under those circumstances, unless the people supporting you believe, somehow, you were principally attacked," explained UALR Political Science Professor Dr. Art English. In the meantime voters will decide who wins, before a court decides who will actually take office. Alderman Jack Foster is still awaiting sentencing. The Jefferson County Prosecutor`s office is asking a judge for a hearing to remove him from his position as alderman immediately afterward. Meanwhile, David Freppon will have his day in court in December. He`s charged with violating the political practices pledge, which is also a felony charge.