A video surfaced late Tuesday night showing two State Senate candidates getting in a heated argument after a forum.

The video shows the argument escalating when State Representative Democrat Greg Leding shook his finger in Republican Dawn Clemence’s face and jumped onto the stage to speak up close.

Clemence said Leding just started yelling at her saying that she needed to stop lying. She said he then made other remarks she can’t repeat.

Clemence said the argument was intentional with Leding trying to get her to react as he continued to push her backwards.

Community members and political leaders are calling out the Democratic Party in the video’s wake.

Arkansas Republican Party Executive Director Sarah Jo Reynolds said what happened is unacceptable

“I was honestly appalled. I had to watch it a couple of times, and I just thought his behavior was despicable,” Reynolds said.

Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin also released a statement saying, “Democrat Greg Leding’s own video demonstrates that he attempted to physically and verbally intimidate his Republican opponent Dawn Clemence. His behavior is unacceptable for anyone.”

KNWA reached out to Leding for an interview, but he provided no comment other than a public apology, stating, “I was frustrated, but it’s not acceptable to act on that. I apologize to Mrs. Clemence.”

Clemence also claims this may not be out of character for her opponent

“I have had several people in the district… they’ve approached me and said they had similar interactions with him when there was a disagreement,” she said.

With thousands of views and comments on the video, some constituents are outraged as this comes in the midst of early voting.

“The voters of that district, but the people of Arkansas deserve better than somebody who engages in that type of behavior, who just wants to attack his opponent when he feels that she’s being a liar,” Reynolds said.