HOT SPRINGS -- The Democratic Party of Garland County says its members were denied entry into an event U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman held in Hot Springs Village on Thursday, even though many had preregistered for it, but a spokesman for the congressman said it was a private event.
"This was a private campaign event, paid for with campaign dollars, and that is separate from anything that we do in the official office," spokesman Ryan Saylor said in a telephone interview Thursday. Saylor said the campaign was within its rights to only admit people who were supporters of the congressman.
"When the congressman holds an official event with taxpayer dollars, those are open to the public, and these individuals have participated in these events; they have been to a Coffee with the Congressman in Hot Springs Village and spoken with the congressman about their concerns," Saylor said.
"I thought that we had a very cordial conversation, and they were able to express their views [at the earlier event], and the congressman was able to provide his view," Saylor added. "He listened to them, and they listened to him. But for them to claim that they were denied entry into an event, and for them to claim they've been denied access to the congressman, that's just an unfair categorization."
Westerman, a Republican representing the state's 4th District, is from Hot Springs.
An invitation to Thursday's event sent out via email stated: "The Second Annual Biscuits with Bruce is next Thursday! This is a free campaign breakfast for my grass roots supporters at the Balboa Pavilion in Hot Springs Village on May 11th. This will also be a great chance to meet with Congressman French Hill, Lt. Governor Tim Griffin, Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, and Land Commissioner John Thurston. The Hot Springs Village Big Band will also be there for live entertainment as we enjoy breakfast and fellowship. If you haven't already done so, please RSVP below for breakfast purposes."
Hayden Shamel, chairman of the Democratic Party of Garland County, said in a news release Thursday afternoon that the county party is "highly disappointed" in Westerman and his staff for denying the Democrats entry.
"Elected officials should represent all of their constituents, not just those with whom they agree. Nowhere in the advertising for this event was it made clear that Democrats would not be welcome. The claims that these were paid protesters seeking to disrupt are blatantly false, as these individuals were there for the exclusive purpose of understanding the motivations for Congressman Westerman's recent vote," Shamel said.
The release said Democratic Party of Garland County member Amy Tweedle recorded video as party members were denied entry, and the video was posted to the party's Facebook page.
Tweedle said the party members were seeking to gain insight into the reasons Westerman voted to repeal and replace the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, arguing that the American Health Care Act "will negatively impact the lives of thousands of Arkansas residents," the release said.
The Democratic Party of Garland County plans to hold its own rally at 2 p.m. Saturday at its Hot Springs headquarters, 608 W. Grand Ave., the release said.
State Desk on 05/16/2017