Sen. Tom Cotton sends letter warning constituent to stop contact

Rep. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., answers questions during an interview at the Associated Press bureau in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Rep. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., answers questions during an interview at the Associated Press bureau in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton is warning one of his constituents, in writing, not to contact his office any more.

Stacey Lane of Fayetteville said she received the letter after dropping "F-bombs" during phone conversations with Cotton’s staff members.

Shortly thereafter, she was ordered to back off.

“This letter is immediate notification that all communication must cease and desist immediately with all offices of US Senator Tom Cotton,” the Oct. 17 letter states. “All other contact will be deemed harassment and will be reported to the United States Capitol Police.”

A local activist posted about the letter on Facebook on Wednesday. Soon, a copy of the letter was circulating.

“Have I used expletives? Yes,” Lane said. “I like to think I use them appropriately and to get people’s attention.”

The activist said she’s concerned about the direction of the country, about Republican efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and about the leadership of President Donald Trump.

“I’m just speaking up for my country, and I’m trying to sound the alarm as loud as I can,” she said.

Cotton, a Republican from Dardanelle, maintains Lane’s comments crossed a line.

His spokeswoman, Caroline Tabler, said constituents who communicate in a way that is harassing and vulgar sometimes receive the type of letter that Lane got.

Similar letters are sent if threats are made, Tabler said in a written statement.

“These letters are rare and only used under extreme circumstances,” she added.

Read Friday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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