East Texas Congressman Opts for “Telephone” Town Halls

TYLER (AP/Staff) – A conservative East Texas Republican Congressman has chosen to forgo town hall forums before constituents for fear of drawing demonstrations by protesters of President Donald Trump. In a statement issued Tuesday, Rep. Louie Gohmert said he was concerned that “groups from the more violent strains of the leftist ideology … who are preying on public town halls” would “wreak havoc and threaten public safety.” Instead, Gohmert said he is holding “telephone town halls.” He said that in the time it takes to appear live before 30 to 100 constituents, he can communicate with thousands by telephone conference with telephone company assurance that participants are residents of his East Texas district.

Gohmert also is addressing groups such as the Tyler Young Professionals Network, which he addressed at a Tuesday luncheon. About 60 people, some associated with a movement called Indivisible and some not, showed up outside that event hoping to have a few words with Gohmert, but he refused. Lee Hancock of Flint says they’ve been trying to meet with him for over a month. She says they have concerns about the Affordable Care Act and other issues.