A Conversation with
Senator Tom Cotton
What were your career goals when you first entered government? How has that changed over time? ‘Career goals’ may be the wrong phrase. Politicians and bureaucrats often think of their government service in terms of their own careers instead of what’s best for Arkansas or the country. My goal is advocating for the right path for Arkansas and our nation—and that hasn’t changed. What has been one of the biggest challenges you’ve had to face in federal government? The sheer size of the federal government. Even as a United States Senator, I’m still only one of 100. Working towards progress in such a large system with so many opinions and moving parts is difficult, and that’s why we need as many good, thoughtful Americans in government as we can muster. How do you maintain a work/life balance? It’s easier than you may think. Ecclesiastes advises that there’s a time and season for everything. Mark hard boundaries for work, family, service, and then respect those boundaries. If you prioritize correctly, the rest will fall into place. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career to date? Do what you believe to be right and stand by it, regardless of the pressure or opposition. I was lucky to have early examples of this in my life—like my drill sergeant, who always said, “Do the hard right over the easy wrong”—or my dad, who always counseled the “do-right rule.” Elected officials get blamed—often rightly—for pandering and flip-flopping when they lose their moral compass. When I was first elected to the House, Senator Tom Coburn encouraged me to stand firm for what I believe, regardless of the shifting winds of popularity. When we find ourselves on the losing side of public opinion on any given issue, in the long run, people will respect that adherence to conviction more than a willingness to throw those convictions away for political gain.
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The Arkansas Banker n Summer 2020
How would you describe your leadership style? What experiences have you had to cultivate that style? Lead from the front—do the hard things yourself to prove to others that they can and should be done. By doing so, we inspire others with the courage to do those things as well. My Army education was one long training in leadership, and that leadership is just as dynamic and essential in politics as it is in the military. Tell us about your experiences working with the Arkansas Bankers Association. My staff and I have a great relationship with the Arkansas Bankers Association and with their CEO, Lorrie Trogden. I enjoyed being a guest speaker on a recent ABA conference call, and they have been a great partner during the pandemic – both as a source of information and by helping us disseminate info to Arkansans. Banks across Arkansas are economic engines in the communities they serve. From financing farming operations, to helping a young couple buy their first home, to providing capital to an entrepreneur, banks in Arkansas touch almost every aspect of our state. ABA does a good job of communicating the concerns of these banks to us, and I hope we do a good job of listening and taking action to address those problems. What has been your greatest achievement that you are most proud of? (Professional, personal or both) My greatest achievement has been the privilege of making a life with my family—my wife, Anna, and my two sons, Gabriel and Daniel. Any philosophy or motto you try to live or work by? Do the hard right over the easy wrong.
