Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) explained in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette his decision to ratify the Electoral College vote tomorrow.

“First, Congress would take away the power to choose the president from the people and place it in the hands of whichever party controls Congress. This action essentially would end our tradition of democratic presidential elections, empowering politicians and party bosses in Washington.”

“Second, Congress would imperil the electoral college, which gives small states like Arkansas a voice in presidential elections. Democrats have long complained about Republican candidates winning the electoral college and thus the presidency without a majority of the popular vote. If Congress becomes a new battleground for determining the results of the electoral college, a future Democratic majority could deny the presidency to a Republican president-elect who didn’t receive a majority of the popular vote.”

Vice President Mike Pence’s office told NBC News that he is still expected to preside tomorrow over the certification of the Electoral College vote, contrary to what Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) told reporters.

Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA), the Senate president pro tempore, says he and not Vice President Mike Pence will preside over the certification of Electoral College votes, since “we don’t expect him to be there,” Roll Call reports.

Grassley also said he will listen to debate and that “it would be really wrong for me to say I have my mind made up.”

A Grassley spokesman later clarified to the New York Times that the senator does not “have any indication Pence won’t be present,” although that’s exactly what he said.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) claimed that “Antifa scumbags” threatened his wife and newborn daughter while demonstrating outside the family’s Washington, D.C., residence.

He said protesters “screamed threats, vandalized, and tried to pound open our door.”

The Hill: “Video of the event shared on Twitter showed a handful of protesters holding what was billed as a ‘candlelight vigil’ outside the residence, while largely remaining on the street. At one point, several protesters are seen carrying a sign to the front door of the residence and ringing the doorbell while an activist speaks over a megaphone. A woman is seen inside looking out the window, but not answering the door.”