iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

I've talked to Democratic leaders and PACs about whether there's any interest in boosting Shoffner (similar to what's happening in Kansas' U.S. Senate race), and that interest isn't there (at least for the time being). There's still time on the calendar, and we really need some objective polls.

000

Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

The America One Policies survey from February/March showed Cotton leading Shoffner 58% to 36%.

100

Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Before anyone thinks this poll shows the race is over ... We don't have multiple (and recent) objective, nonpartisan polls for #ARSen. There's the Hendrix College poll from August, and that's it.

121

Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Hallie Shoffner, who's challenging Cotton this fall: "Do you know what else we don’t like? "$4/gal gas and $6.50/gal diesel"

020

Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Cotton: "No one likes changing the clock, me included, but Congress has enacted permanent Daylight Savings Time multiple times before and repealed it each time once Americans experienced absurdly late sunrises in the winter."

"No one likes changing the clock, me included, but Congress has enacted permanent Daylight Savings Time multiple times before and repealed it each time once Americans experienced absurdly late sunrises in the winter. Arkansans don’t want their kids going to school in the pitch dark, and I’ll always put Arkansas first."

110

Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

A quiet Saturday: On Truth Social, Trump urges Sen. Tom Cotton to back down from his opposition to making Daylight Saving Time permanent, and apparently shares the senator's *cell phone number* to get people to urge Cotton to change his mind.

112

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.

011

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.

130

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.

110

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."

101

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.

011

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.

000

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

001

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."

020

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

Shoffner HAS accepted the Salem Media debate invite. “And if this is the only debate Tom Cotton will agree to... “Bring. It. On.”

I have accepted the Salem Media debate, pending details and scheduling that have not yet been forthcoming from Salem Media organizer, Storm Paglia.

I understand Salem Media is a national conservative media company, not our nonpartisan Arkansas PBS affiliate. I'm not accusing anyone of rigging a debate.
I'm asking Arkansans to look at Salem Media content and decide for themselves.

But here's the thing: I was a farmer. I'm a mom and a wife. I'm the daughter of two aging parents.

I walk into systems that weren't built for people like me every single day.

I'm not afraid of this one.

And if this is the only debate Tom Cotton will agree to...

Bring. It. On.

011

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.

122

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.

000

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

The email has a link to the following donation option.

010

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.

211

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

Keep in mind that national Republicans tried to tie Harris' appearance at a state Democratic Party dinner in April to Shoffner, who did not attend. bsky.app/profile/alex...

000

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

The Cotton campaign is using this endorsement to go after Hallie Shoffner, who has made small donations to Harris and other Democrats. Spokesperson James Arnold: "Arkansans deserve to know whether Hallie Shoffner has sought this endorsement, and if not, why not?"

100

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.

001

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."

101

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.

001

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."

100

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.

194335057162

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.

000

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.

120

Alex Thomas @alexhousethomas.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

When Cotton won reelection in November 2020, an October 2020 poll had him leading Libertarian Ricky Dale Harrington Jr. 62.5% to 27.5%. Democrats did not have a candidate on Election Day. Cotton would win the contest with 66.5% of the vote. talkbusiness.net/2020/10/trum...

talkbusiness.net

Poll: Trump, Cotton on cruise control for re-election in Arkansas - Talk Business & Politics

Arkansas’ six electoral votes are heavily favored to go to President Donald Trump, and one of his main allies, U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, should return to Washington, D.C. regardless of...

100

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.”

100

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

2040 Strategy Group: "Overall, this analysis shows potential for Shoffner to capitalize on weak support for the incumbent, Tom Cotton. At baseline, we note significant dissatisfaction with Cotton — whose unfavorables are much higher than Shoffner's."

000

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

Add this to the pile of good news for Arkansas Democrats, I suppose: Senate candidate Hallie Shoffner has released a poll showing Republican Tom Cotton leading 46%-43% with a 4% margin of error. 2040 Strategy Group conducted the poll among 586 likely voters.

100

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...

131

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.

020

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

Rep. Crawford, the House Intel chair, with a lengthy statement: "Once again, unelected bureaucrats in the Intelligence Community manipulated and concealed intelligence to mislead the President, Congress, and the American people."

Once again, unelected bureaucrats in the Intelligence Community manipulated and concealed intelligence to mislead the President, Congress, and the American people. They did this to make the intelligence say what they wanted it to say, instead of the facts of what we know and what we don’t know.

These types of corrupt acts are what I have been fighting against for nearly 4 years. Since I became Chairman, this has been my number one priority and, thanks to the assistance of President Trump, we have been able to expose multiple such abuses leading up to tonight. Specifically:

- In July 2025, I released, in coordination with then Director of National Intelligence Gabbard, the 2017 HPSCI Majority Staff report on the Russia Hoax, which showed the American people how individuals in the intelligence community manipulated and fabricated intelligence in a conspiracy against a President of the United States.

- Then in June this year, following three years of my Committee investigation detailing the manipulation and concealment of intelligence by analysts on Anomalous Health Incidents (AHIs), former Director Gabbard recalled the Intelligence Community Assessments (ICAs) on AHIs, which involved similar corrupt acts.

To be clear, there are great patriots working in the Intelligence Community who are dedicated to doing the right thing to uphold U.S. national security. But we learned tonight of some whose actions are an affront to the Constitution and rule of law. Their actions dishonor those serving their country honestly.

I have seen far too many instances of intelligence bureaucrats who think they not only know better than the American people, but better than the Presidents the American people elect. This is unacceptable. Americans and their elected leaders must be able to trust the Intelligence Community and the intelligence they produce—it’s a Constitutional and national security imperative.

To those politicians or talking heads who want the American people to ‘move on’ from 2020 and ‘stop looking back and look forward’—my response to you is we cannot go forward with an eroded, weak foundation. We must look ahead while also seeking to fully understand what went wrong and hold bad actors accountable. Telling the American people to just 'move on' is an arrogant and patronizing affront.

Instead, tonight, President Trump trusted the American people with the facts, allowing them to arrive at their own conclusions. We, the American people, deserve that much. As a country, we are trying to move forward, but sometimes sunshine is the best disinfectant.

"Now it's time to hold people accountable, or this will keep happening. It’s not too late. I will continue working with President Trump and trusted members of his team to do just that."

001