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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has signed an executive order allowing farmers to use tax-free dyed diesel on highways, citing high fuel prices. Sen. Cotton called on federal officials in March to pause penalties for farmers wishing to use this fuel for highway travel.

arkansasonline.com

Cotton asks federal officials to let farmers use tax-exempt off-road diesel fuel on roads | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., wants the federal government to temporarily pause penalties for using off-road diesel for on-road use as fuel prices rise amid the ongoing Iran war.

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

A final debate schedule from Arkansas TV. Cotton has NOT committed to taking part in a televised debate with Shoffner and Wadlin.

The following candidates have committed to participating in Arkansas TV’s debates:

U.S. Congressional District 4 – James Russell (D) and incumbent Bruce Westerman (R). The debate will livestream and air Monday, Oct. 12, at 10 a.m., and will repeat at 6 p.m.

U.S. Senate – Hallie Shoffner (D) and Jeff Wadlin (L). The debate will livestream and air Monday, Oct. 12, at 1:30 p.m., and will repeat at 7 p.m.

Arkansas Governor – Incumbent Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R), Fred Love (D) and Colt Shelby (L). The debate will livestream and air Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 10 a.m., and will repeat at 7 p.m.

U.S. Congressional District 1 – Incumbent Rick Crawford (R), Steve Parsons (L) and Terri Yarbrough Green (D). The debate will livestream Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 11 a.m., and will repeat at 6 p.m.

U.S. Congressional District 3 – Robb Ryerse (D), Bobby Wilson (L) and incumbent Steve Womack (R). The debate will livestream Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 2:30 p.m., and will repeat Thursday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m.

Secretary of State – Kelly Grappe (D), Kim Hammer (R) and Michael Pakko (L). The debate will livestream and air Thursday, Oct. 15, at 10 a.m., and will repeat at 6 p.m.

U.S. Congressional District 2 – Incumbent French Hill (R) and Chris Jones (D). The debate will livestream and air Thursday, Oct. 15 at 1:30 p.m., and will repeat at 8 p.m.

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Get ready for another round of super PAC ads in Arkansas' Senate race: America One has dropped $446,005 in media production and placement opposing Democrat Hallie Shoffner.

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Rep. Steve Womack has announced the death of his mother, Liz Rider. She was 92 years old. "She raised seven children and loved each of us deeply. I was fortunate to share a remarkable relationship with my mother throughout my nearly 70 years on this earth."

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

It's not uncommon for farmers and other producers to travel to Washington to advocate for various issues. But after years of poor economic conditions and a spike in input prices thanks to the Iran war, Arkansas agriculture leaders are pressuring Congress to do something for a struggling industry.

arkansasonline.com

Arkansas agriculture leaders push Congress to help struggling farmers | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

WASHINGTON -- After years of poor economic conditions, Arkansas agriculture leaders traveled to Capitol Hill this week to stress the needs of a struggling industry.

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

"Usually, when I would express an opinion about what LSU was doing, Lane would reply with a screenshot from ChatGPT that supported LSU's position, which was almost always wrong." www.espn.com/college-foot...

espn.com

Inside the SEC's tangled legal battle with LSU and Lane Kiffin

It's a twisted tale of grandstanding politicians, colorful characters and college football's most polarizing figure.

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Sabato's Crystal Ball at UVA has changed its rating for the 2nd Congressional District contest (Hill v. Jones) from Safe Republican to Likely Republican. Not a major change, but still a change the Jones campaign will like. centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/...

centerforpolitics.org

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

French Hill and GT Thompson on the Senate's failure to move forward with the CLARITY Act: "We remain committed to continuing to work with our Senate colleagues to send critical framework legislation to the President’s desk that secures the United States’ leadership in financial innovation."

"Today’s vote does not change the need for Congress to enact clear rules of the road for the digital asset ecosystem. Only Congress can provide the lasting legal certainty that consumers and businesses need to participate in these markets with confidence and necessary protections.

"The House has worked across multiple Congresses to establish a functional digital asset market structure framework for the digital asset ecosystem. Until statutory certainty is achieved, we look forward to partnering with the federal financial regulators as they utilize existing authorities to develop rules and issue guidance governing digital assets.

"We remain committed to continuing to work with our Senate colleagues to send critical framework legislation to the President’s desk that secures the United States’ leadership in financial innovation."

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

From me: It’s unclear whether the three candidates for Arkansas' U.S. Senate seat will debate this fall. Democrat Hallie Shoffner and Libertarian Jeff Wadlin have accepted Arkansas TV’s invitation, but Republican Tom Cotton has not. Instead, he has agreed to an event by conservative Salem Media.

share.google

Arkansas’ U.S. Senate candidates consider debates hosted in state | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

WASHINGTON -- With less than two months until Election Day, it is unclear whether the three candidates for Arkansas' U.S. Senate seat will share a debate stage this fall.

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Before the GOP midterm convention gets too underway, I should mention none of Arkansas' members of Congress are scheduled to speak tonight or tomorrow. Neither is Arkansas Gov. Sanders.

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

From Cotton's campaign (in a fundraising email): "Hallie Shoffner has been raising MILLIONS of dollars. And not just from Arkansans. She said she’s seen a WAVE of donations come in from across the entire country."

Alex,

When my Radical Leftist opponent donated to Kamala Harris 25 times, she probably thought it would pay off for her one day.

That day is TODAY.

Hallie Shoffner has been raising MILLIONS of dollars. And not just from Arkansans. She said she’s seen a WAVE of donations come in from across the entire country.

And the timing is suspect.

Once Radical Socialists learned she donated to Kamala and AOC in the past, they began activating their networks of Socialist donors.

And of course, this is happening RIGHT BEFORE THE MOST IMPORTANT DEADLINE OF THIS ELECTION!

The FINAL End-of-Quarter Deadline before Election Day is here. And Shoffner is about to post a number so large that it FORCES the DNC to funnel millions more to her campaign.

We can’t stop people from donating to her; we can only watch it happen.

But what we CAN do – what we MUST do – is post our own number that’s so impressive it makes the Left think twice about wasting resources in Arkansas.

We need to raise $1,000 before midnight to make that happen.

Will you rush $5 as soon as you read this? It will take 30 seconds and could save the Senate Majority.

That’s all I’m asking for. 30 seconds and $5.

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Reposted by Alex Thomas

Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

From me: As President Trump explores waiving higher tariffs on some beef imports, Arkansas cattle leaders say the president should be doing more to help domestic producers. "We understand the need for imports, but can we play at a level playing field here?"

arkansasonline.com

Arkansas cattle leaders predict no gains from Trump beef import plan | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

WASHINGTON -- Arkansas cattle leaders dismissed President Donald Trump's plan to waive higher tariffs on some beef imports, emphasizing that domestic cattle producers need help with their herds.

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Former VP Harris has endorsed Chris Jones in Arkansas' 2nd District contest: "At a moment when so many people are hurting – when the cost of housing, groceries, gas, health care, and child care is squeezing families – Dr. Chris Jones has made it clear that he will work every day to lower costs."

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

arkansasonline.com

Arkansas cattle leaders predict no gains from Trump beef import plan | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

WASHINGTON -- Arkansas cattle leaders dismissed President Donald Trump's plan to waive higher tariffs on some beef imports, emphasizing that domestic cattle producers need help with their herds.

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Sen. Cotton: "Dolly Parton’s legacy was more than just music. She left a profound impact on Arkansas children through her Imagination Library. May she rest in peace."

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Reposted by Alex Thomas

Library of Congress @librarycongress.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

The Library is devastated to learn of the passing of Dolly Parton, a music legend and titan of children's literacy. Her Imagination Library program has earned multiple Library Literacy Awards and, in 2018, she visited us to donate its 100 millionth book to our collection and host a story time. 🦋❤️

Dolly Parton reads to children in the Library’s Great Hall in 2018. Photo by Shawn Miller.

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

A little update: One of the super PACs in this story, Arkansans for Democracy and Justice, has filed a termination report with the FEC. One of its final transactions: A $3872.98 contribution refund to America One.

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

For those wondering if this poll has shaken analysts' projections of Arkansas' U.S. Senate contest, it has not. Still solid Republican from the Cook Political Report: www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/sena... Still safe Republican from Sabato's Crystal Ball: centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/...

cookpolitical.com

2026 CPR Senate Race ratings | Cook Political Report

2026 CPR Senate Race Ratings: current 7-point ratings (Solid D to Solid R) for all 35 Senate seats up in 2026, updated regularly by our nonpartisan analysts.

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Democratic Senate candidate Hallie Shoffner: "Had I been on that committee today, I would have voted to advance it because ‘something’ matters when it comes to crop insurance, conservation funding, and safety net programs to keep a farm in business."

“American farmers and families deserved better than what happened today in the Ag Committee. To be fair, we've deserved better for a long time. Ever since the last Farm Bill expired in 2023, it’s been a patchwork of temporary extensions instead of a real reauthorization.

“Agriculture is Arkansas's largest industry, and it is collapsing. We are also the hungriest state. Today’s vote forced the choice between badly needed farm assistance and ensuring our most vulnerable have access to food.

“It was perhaps the perfect illustration of how broken the system is. Not one hungry kid or farmer facing bankruptcy who has to live with the outcome had a say in creating this bill.

“To be clear, this Farm Bill is insufficient. But it is something. Had I been on that committee today, I would have voted to advance it because ‘something’ matters when it comes to crop insurance, conservation funding, and safety net programs to keep a farm in business. And I would have continued to fight to restore funding for food assistance programs that serve children, seniors and people with disabilities.

“Arkansans deserve a Senator who will fight for them and hold colleagues accountable to negotiate a real Farm Bill that builds a prosperous farm economy, keeps farm families financially whole, and puts fresh, healthy, affordable food on our tables and in our kids' school cafeterias.”

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

The DCCC (House Democrats' fundraising arm) has added Arkansas' 2nd District contest to its list of Districts in Play (Chris Jones is looking to defeat Republican incumbent French Hill in November). dccc.org/2026-distric...

dccc.org

2026 Districts In Play - DCCC

In 2026, Democrats are going on offense in 46 critical Districts in Play. With 3 seats standing between Democrats and reclaiming the House majority, we have an aggressive and disciplined strategy to g...

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

From me: A super PAC ended July by spending more than $730,000 opposing Hallie Shoffner, the Democratic candidate in Arkansas' U.S. Senate contest. America One spent the money on text messages and media against Shoffner, who is challenging Republican incumbent Tom Cotton this fall.

arkansasonline.com

Super PAC spends more than $730,000 in July to oppose Democratic Senate candidate Hallie Shoffner | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

WASHINGTON -- A super PAC ended July by spending more than $730,000 opposing the Democratic candidate in Arkansas' U.S. Senate contest, according to recent Federal Election Commission filings.

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Nothing yet from the chair, Arkansas' junior senator.

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Here's an interesting tidbit from Wednesday's FEC filings: Republican incumbent Tom Cotton still has a financial advantage in his Senate race, but Democratic challenger Hallie Shoffner actually received more in contributions than Cotton in the last quarter ($679,230 v. $545,916).

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

From me: Asa Hutchinson and Lindsey Graham were once colleagues in the House. Then, they became managers during the Clinton impeachment trial. The former governor on Graham: "He's one of those that developed power in Washington not based upon seniority, but based upon his ability to communicate."

arkansasonline.com

Asa Hutchinson, Vic Snyder among Arkansans remembering Lindsey Graham | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

WASHINGTON -- Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson remembers U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., as a person who developed political influence through "his ability to communicate."

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

Sen. Cotton on Lindsey Graham: “A lover of liberty and a true patriot, Lindsey never stopped working on behalf of South Carolina and America. His premature death is a tragedy for all those who knew him.”

“Lindsey Graham was an American original. A truly self-made man, he lost his parents at an early age and cared for his younger sister. That same sense of responsibility and duty took him into the Air Force and the Congress. Lindsey was a great champion for our military, our troops, and our national security. A lover of liberty and a true patriot, Lindsey never stopped working on behalf of South Carolina and America. His premature death is a tragedy for all those who knew him. Anna and I join all Arkansans in extending our deepest condolences to Lindsey’s family and friends.”

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Senate candidate Hallie Shoffner has released a statement saying someone "with what appeared to be a weapon" came to her home over the weekend. Her husband turned the person away. According to the campaign, the Little Rock Police Department is investigating the incident.

This weekend, an individual with what appeared to be a weapon came to our home seeking a member of our campaign team. My husband turned the individual away who then left without further incident. We are grateful that my family is safe and appreciate the swift response of the
Little Rock Police Department as they continue investigating what occurred.

Public service comes with scrutiny, tough questions, and passionate disagreement. I welcome that. I chose to run for the United States Senate because I believe Arkansas deserves leaders who are willing to listen, engage, and have difficult conversations when you are asking someone to entrust you with their vote.

But there is a line that should never be crossed.

Campaign events, town halls, community meetings, phone calls, and emails are the appropriate places to share concerns or disagreements, not showing up unannounced at someone’s home. Public officials, candidates, and their families should all be able to feel safe where they live.

As a wife and mother, this is deeply disturbing and personal. My husband and our son did not choose to run for office. They deserve the same sense of safety and peace in our home that every Arkansas family deserves in theirs.

Political violence and intimidation have no place in our democracy. We can disagree passionately without inflicting fear and menace into our neighborhoods or our homes.

I remain committed to traveling our state, listening to Arkansans, and having hones conversations about the challenges we face. This incident will not deter me from doing the work the people of Arkansas deserve.”

I ask everyone, regardless of party or viewpoint, to reject intimidation and reaffirm that respect, decency, and the safety of our families are values we all share as Arkansans. That is the kind of state, and the kind of country, we should continue building together.”

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Sen. Cotton: "I admit that I’m not the biggest soccer fan, but I’m glad President Trump urged FIFA to do the right thing. ... I wish liberals could put their country ahead of their politics just once, but I guess that’s asking too much."

"I admit that I’m not the biggest soccer fan, but I’m glad President Trump urged FIFA to do the right thing. Good for President Trump, good for Folarin Balogun, good for the USA. I wish liberals could put their country ahead of their politics just once, but I guess that’s asking too much. Let’s join together tonight and cheer our team on to victory."

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Rep. Crawford and his band Triple Nickel is performing at the Great American State Fair, but there are some things worth mentioning, like the fact the World Cup watch party is playing right behind him and you can sort of hear the game mix with the band.

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Rep. French Hill achieved a major policy victory on Tuesday when the House passed the bipartisan housing package. Hill was an instrumental player in putting the legislation together. The president will sign the bill into law later today, even though he says it is "of minor importance."

The Elizabeth “Pocahontas” Warren centric housing bill, which is of minor importance compared to lower interest rates, and even FISA, pales in comparison to passing THE SAVE AMERICA ACT. That is what Americans, both Dumocrats, Republicans, and everyone else, care about. Get the bad Republicans to approve it or, better yet, Terminate the Filibuster and approve it, AND EVERYTHING ELSE REPUBLICANS HAVE EVER DREAMED OF. The Dumocrats will do it in hour one, 100%. Republicans will feel very stupid if they don’t do it first. I’ll be watching with tears in my eyes!!! President DJT

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

I'm tuning into the Chris Jones rally with former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and I want to point out the banner in the background addressing "affordability and accountability for all."

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Cotton to Fox on the Iran deal: "President Trump deserves credit for making Iran weaker than it's been in decades ... I do have concerns that certain aspects of this deal are steps in the wrong direction."

youtube.com

June 18, 2026: Cotton joins The Story with Martha MacCallum

YouTube video by Senator Tom Cotton

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

After some questions overnight about whether Senate Intel would hold its confirmation hearing with Clayton as planned, this from Sen. Cotton: "We will proceed with his hearing as scheduled unless the president directs him not to appear or withdraws his nomination."

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Among the witnesses for this House Natural Resources Committee field hearing in Hot Springs: "Mr. Kevin Costner, Actor/Director, West Hollywood, CA"

youtube.com

Great American Outdoors Act 250 | Field Hearing

YouTube video by House Committee on Natural Resources GOP

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Rep. Rick Crawford has made it clear to me that he has not been a fan of the Senate this year. Judging by these tweets from the House Intelligence Committee, it seems his feelings have not changed.

Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries, and Mark Warner are all Members of the Gang of 8, read-in to the highest levels of national security threats. But as 45 countries descend on North America for the FIFA World Cup, these Democrat "leaders" are allowing the reauthorization of FISA 702 to devolve into a personality contest for the Director of National Intelligence, who does not even have the authority to conduct 702 targeting or collection.

This is a complete abdication of their constitutional responsibility to protect the American people. It's reckless and irresponsible.

The U.S. is at an elevated threat level with the FIFA World Cup games beginning this week, America’s 250th Birthday and related celebrations this summer, Iran and its proxies targeting U.S. military personnel daily, and the 25th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks later this year.

.@HouseGOP passed a full 3-year reauthorization of the critical national security authority- FISA 702 on April 29 with important reforms to enhance transparency and accountability. Now, Senate Democrats have chosen to compromise U.S. national security and the safety of Americans for strictly political games. This is unserious and very dangerous behavior.

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

From the song "Make America F-k Again": "Don't know why everybody's afraid of me/I'm a sensitive boy when push comes to shove/I got that Hunter Biden energy/I'll make a hooker f--k around and fall in love."

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Cut to me in the Senate Press Gallery making a whole bunch of noise. Thanks to Chris with the @senatepress.bsky.social for keeping me in the loop about overtime. #soundthesiren

static.klipy.com

Carolina Hurricanes Stormy Celebrates Goal

ALT: Carolina Hurricanes Stormy Celebrates Goal

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Inbox: "Governor Sanders Declares June as Fidelity Month"

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

A federal judge sided with a coalition of current and former federal lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., in ruling last week that Congress acted inappropriately in blocking cost-of-living increases to congressional pay. More here: www.arkansasonline.com/news/2026/ma...

arkansasonline.com

Federal judge gives Crawford, others favorable ruling in pay lawsuit | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

WASHINGTON -- A federal judge sided with a coalition of current and former federal lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., in ruling last week that Congress acted inappropriately in bloc...

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Sen. Cotton on Tulsi Gabbard's resignation: "I thank Tulsi Gabbard for her service in this administration and in uniform, and I wish her the very best as she supports her husband Abe in his battle with cancer. Please join me in sending them prayers for a full and fast recovery."

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Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

From me: U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton launched his reelection bid last year with a robust war chest and name recognition worthy of a national political figure. His candidacy has received additional help in recent months from super PACs able to go after his leading opponent, Democrat Hallie Shoffner.

arkansasonline.com

Super PACs spend $2.3 million total on Arkansas’ U.S. Senate race to boost Cotton, attack Shoffner | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Two super political action committees, America One and Arkansans for Democracy and Justice, have reported around $2.3 million in combined independent expenditures to the Federal Election Commission so...

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