Ramsey Touchberry | November 18, 2024 7:00 am
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) is about to transform from a rank-and-file Republican into one of the most influential lawmakers in Washington, D.C.
Next year, the second-term senator will become the third-ranked Republican as Senate GOP Conference chairman after ousting a sitting leadership member and will assume the coveted helm of the Intelligence Committee.
But his rise to power didn’t happen overnight. His pointed political takes, close ties to Trump-world, and his messaging strategy of selective media appearances but marginal reporter engagement offer windows into why his peers elevated his stature, according to senators and current and former top aides.
“It has been a rapid leadership ascension for Tom Cotton, but it’s been 10 years in the making,” said John Martin, a former Cotton legislative director and partner at political consulting and lobbying firm Capitol Counsel. “It’s those relationships he’s got with members that allowed him to.”
Read the full article here: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/senate/3232125/tom-cotton-next-powerbroker-senate-republicans/