The following is a statement released by Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) explaining why he opposes a move to challenge electoral votes at this week’s joint session of Congress.
“I share the concerns of many Arkansans about irregularities in the presidential election, especially in states that rushed through election-law changes to relax standards for voting-by-mail. I also share their disappointment with the election results. I therefore support a commission to study the last election and propose reforms to protect the integrity of our elections. And after Republicans win in Georgia, the Senate should also hold more hearings on these matters. All Americans deserve to have confidence in the elections that undergird our free government.
Nevertheless, the Founders entrusted our elections chiefly to the states—not Congress. They entrusted the election of our president to the people, acting through the Electoral College—not Congress. And they entrusted the adjudication of election disputes to the courts—not Congress. Under the Constitution and federal law, Congress’s power is limited to counting electoral votes submitted by the states.
If Congress purported to overturn the results of the Electoral College, it would not only exceed that power, but also establish unwise precedents. First, Congress would take away the power to choose the president from the people, which would essentially end presidential elections and place that power in the hands of whichever party controls Congress. Second, Congress would imperil the Electoral College, which gives small states like Arkansas a voice in presidential elections. Democrats could achieve their longstanding goal of eliminating the Electoral College in effect by refusing to count electoral votes in the future for a Republican president-elect. Third, Congress would take another big step toward federalizing election law, another longstanding Democratic priority that Republicans have consistently opposed.
Thus, I will not oppose the counting of certified electoral votes on January 6. I’m grateful for what the president accomplished over the past four years, which is why I campaigned vigorously for his reelection. But objecting to certified electoral votes won’t give him a second term—it will only embolden those Democrats who want to erode further our system of constitutional government.”
Senator Cotton has landed on the wrong side of this issue. Unfortunately, by being cautious instead of bold, he has sadly eliminated himself from any future Presidential consideration. It will forever haunt him. I make this prediction based on the many social media outlets I follow. The negative reaction from Conservatives like myself far outweighs the positive comments. Too bad for him, he was one of the good guys…
If “ certify“ meant to count votes and rubberstamp it, the constitution would not have required Congress to do that. A clerk could do that. The constitution meant that Congress would be the final verification that this was a legal election without fraud, which of course we know it is NOT.
He’s a coward. If voter fraud has disenfranchised American voters in other states , then why would members of congress do what they can to rectify it? We’re supposed to accept fraud just because you don’t think it’s in the constitution , senator?
The problem with Republicans is they always want to move on and get issues behind us instead of taking a stand right now and fighting for what’s right. Too many weasels giving us lip service to get elected, but then governing as swamp creatures going along with the DC culture. If we can’t unify over a clearly stolen election then many of us aren’t going to support the Republican Party any longer. What’s the point?
Cotton is rotten. He is making excuses for challenging in the Senate which is another firewall of protectection provided in the constitution. It’s amazing how many cowards are afraid to check the evidence which, no doubt, is why our founding fathers provided a few options to address.
So heads they win, tails we lose, according to Cotton. They cheated but if we fight it we’re wrong because they might fight to block our next win. But, if we don’t fight now, there won’t be a next time for us, ever.
I am so disappointed in you, Senator Cotton. I have watched you for years and considered you one of the true patriots in the Senate. You are no different than any other feckless politician. The country I love so much and the integrity it stands for to less fortunate countries, has been thrown under the bus by you. Disappointed, and sadly surprised.
Tom Cotton is a Typical Republican Coward! If Election Integrity is not confronted now, the Dems will not need to challenge the Certification of the Electoral College ever again,Tom! They simply turn over all the elections going forward to Dominion Voting systems, Mark Zuckerberg, & the CCP! Presto, Magico, Dems & CCP win in perpetuity! Grow a pair Tom Cotton, stop the steal! Election integrity Now!
It is ok with you Senator Cotton that what you FEAR is accomplished by fraud! Our founding fathers prepared a remedy for such as this election. Our constitution is trampled when we allow people to take office by fraud. I remember Al Franken went to the senate by the very same means as the fraud in this election. Also done by demicRATS. And you are a partner to their crime against America! You deserve to be recalled!
Just another corrupt politician. If he feels there’s fraud he should stand up for it. I’m believing some of these people have something to hide, or they’d all want to investigate and find the truth.
You should only accept the certified Electoral Votes if they are LEGAL. If they are presented fraudulently, then you should ABSOLUTELY reject them!
By NOT rejecting them, knowing that the Democrats want to abolish the Electoral College system, you are going to end up with no say at all for your own electorate.
Have you actually thought this through? This all seems like weakness and double-speak to me.
Senator Cotton, you are completely wrong! If we let them steal the Presidential election they will come after you and your next election! How much are you willing to pay the evil crooks behind this plot to ruin our election integrity, just so you can hold your seat?
Senator Cotton makes a good point about the future of the Electoral College.
This election, with all its “irregularities”, is EXACTLY the type of situation the framers envisioned may happen. This, they created a mechanism is the Constitution to deal with it, and the Republicans objection are using that mechanism.
And yes, Sen. Cotten, the framers did essentially leave the issue of the election to the states; the state LEGISLATURES, not the state courts and not the state’s Governors.
The constitution is under attack NOW! There won’t be a constitution to ‘erode’ if you don’t do your duty. For God’s Sake Mr., do your job.
I understand the fear of what if’s however , what would it matter if elections allow such election fraud . Then elections would be lost or won by the whoever is the biggest fraud . We need to have this fight and reconciliation NOW before it’s too late
So, when the fraud & subsequent cover-up (files erased) is revealed & acknowledged, which it will be, what exactly is the consequence &/or remedy?
To the senator cotton they did not rush though election law changes they illegally changed the election law and that is a big difference and that is where your job picks up
What gutless statements made Mr Cotton of Arkansas. If he could reach between his legs and feel to see if he on fact has no balls, he should leave the work that he was elected to do, to someone else with the balls to stand up for what’s right. Had it been his election, you can bet your ass he would then.
So Mr Cotton, you’re saying… it’s ok that the dem’s cheated and won THIS election. Let’s go ahead and let them have it, BUT let’s do a study to see how they cheated so we will know before the next election, right? Is this what you’re saying?
I think you just secured a position as a nominee for the democratic party!