Gerald Dial: Alabama should expand Medicaid
I was born in Delta, Alabama, and I have spent the majority of my life in Lineville, working as a teacher, a coach, and as a state senator in the Alabama Legislature. I served my country in the Alabama National Guard as a Brigadier General and have a strong sense of duty for the state of Alabama. I know the joys and the challenges of life in rural Alabama, and I am committed to keeping our rural areas strong. As a retiring legislator and a former chairman of the State Senate Health Committee, I can appreciate the struggles our lawmakers face in trying to fund key state services. However, I also understand the importance of quality health care in our local communities, and I believe that by not expanding Medicaid we are missing a huge opportunity to strengthen our local economies. For years, we have used state dollars to recruit industries to locate in Alabama, and we have been very successful. We now have an opportunity to support existing health care jobs and make sure every Alabamian has access to care when they need it, and where they need it. Investing in Medicaid expansion will keep our rural hospitals open, save hundreds of local jobs, and provide basic insurance coverage to almost 300,000 Alabamians. These are our friends and neighbors, hardworking Alabamians who don’t earn enough to afford health insurance. They work in our local restaurants, in our local retail shops and build our houses. Medicaid expansion would enable them to continue working while keeping their family healthy. What happens if Alabama passes up this opportunity? More hospitals will close. Already, six rural hospitals have closed since 2011, and 88 percent of the remaining rural facilities continue to operate but are losing money every day, providing care to thousands of un-insured individuals. Many have had to eliminate services, cut staff and, if nothing changes, a number of them will likely have to close their doors. And when a community loses its hospital, it also loses doctors, pharmacies, and other providers, devastating the community not only in terms of access to health care, but in job and economic losses. I realize we don’t have all the answers on how Medicaid expansion will be funded. But I do know that for every $1 the state invests, the federal government will return $10 to the state. That’s a good deal for Alabama and one that we can’t afford to pass up. And remember, that federal funding comes from tax dollars we are already sending to Washington, dollars currently funding expanded Medicaid programs in 33 other states and in Washington, D.C. Instead of sending our money out of state, let’s invest that money in Alabama’s health care industry. We’ve got to find a way to keep our state’s health care system viable. I urge all Alabamians to find out more about Medicaid expansion and the tremendous benefit it will have, particularly in our rural areas. I’m afraid that the cost of doing nothing is too great. ••• Gerald Dial represents District 13 in the Alabama State Senate, which includes all or parts of Randolph, Lee, Cleburne, Clay, Cherokee, and Chambers counties.
Legislators tackle opioids
Alabama is at Ground Zero in the opioid overdose crisis — last year the state had the highest national number of opioid prescriptions, more than the state’s total population, according to a report by insurance provider Blue Cross Blue Shield. Which is why State Senators — Lineville-Republican Gerald Dial, Springville-Republican Jim McClendon, and Scottsboro-Republican Steve Livingston — along with representatives from Kaleo Inc., will hold a press conference on Thursday at the State Capitol in Montgomery to announce phase two of a statewide effort to combat the opioid crisis in Alabama. There, state leaders and members of the media will be briefed on the success of phase one, and announce the beginning of a supplemental grant of EVZIO® devices. “Opioid abuse continues to be one of the most critical issues our society faces — over 49,000 Americans died last year from opioid overdoses,” Dial said. “This affects every family in Alabama, and we need law enforcement agencies, schools, churches, and private companies to come together to rid this scourge from our state.” In May, Kaleo Inc. donated of 872 boxes, which each hold two devices, to carry in state volunteer rescue vehicles. The device called Evzio auto-injects the life-saving drug naloxone and contains a voice recording that talks an untrained non-medical professional through administering it.
Five days until runoff election, final day for absentee ballot: get voting information here
With the Alabama runoff election only five days away voters in the Yellowhammer State need to know where to vote, and who’s on their ballot. Absentee ballots are available for those who cannot be physically present to vote, but today, July 12 is the last day to complete an application. According to the Secretary of State’s office here’s how to apply for an absentee ballot: To obtain an absentee ballot, write or visit the local Absentee Election Manager (usually the Circuit Clerk), request an absentee ballot, and provide the following: name and residential address (or other such information in order to verify voter registration) election for which the ballot is requested reason for absence from polls on election day party choice, if the election is a party primary. (It is not necessary to give a party choice for a general election; however, in a party primary a voter may participate in only one political party’s primary; thus a choice must be designated so that the appropriate ballot can be provided. If the voter declines or fails to designate a choice for a primary or primary runoff ballot, the absentee election manager may send only the ballot for constitutional amendments.) address to which the ballot should be mailed voter signature (If a mark is made in place of a signature, it must be witnessed) The absentee ballot application must be returned to the Absentee Election Manager by the voter in person (or by the voter’s designee in the case of medical emergency voting) or by U.S. Mail. No absentee ballot application may be mailed in the same envelope as another voter’s absentee ballot application. Here are the links to the statewide runoff candidate’s campaign websites: Lieutenant Governor’s race: Will Ainsworth Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh Attorney General’s race: Troy King Steve Marshall Commission of Agriculture and Industries race: Gerald Dial Rick Pate Supreme Court place 1 race: Brad Mendheim Sarah Stewart Civil Appeals Court, place 1 race: Christy Edwards Michelle Thomason Criminal Appeals Court, place 2 race: Rich Anderson Chris McCool Sample Ballots: Jefferson County – Republican: Jefferson County – Democratic: Madison County – Republican: Madison County – Democratic: Mobile County – Republican: Montgomery County – Republican: Montgomery County – Democratic:
Here’s how much statewide runoff candidates have raised, spent since the primary
The July 17 runoff elections less than a week away. Campaign finance reports have been filed weekly with the Secretary of State’s office since the June 5 primary. Looking a them now serves as a good marker of how much support candidates are receiving, and how much money they’re spending on their campaigns in hopes of cinching their party’s nomination. Recap of the month Statewide runoff races have taken a negative turn with Lt. Governor candidates Will Ainsworth and Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh firing shots back and forth at one another via television ads. Restarting their campaigns following the tragic death of Steve Marshall‘s wife Bridgette Genery Marshall, Marshall’s opponent Troy King vowed to keep on message of his political record and qualifications going forward. However, on Monday he filed a complaint against Marshall with the Alabama Ethics Commission, accusing Marshall and his staff of accepting PAC-to-PAC money despite the state’s ban. Even the race for Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries took a dark turn earlier this week after Gerald Dial released a campaign ad dredging up a 32 year old divorce document between his opponent Rick Pate and his ex-wife, Carolyn Pate. A look at the numbers Note: All numbers come from weekly campaign finance reports filed from period June 1 to July 6 Lieutenant Governor’s Race: Will Ainsworth Raised: $93,425 Spent: $568,543.94 Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh Raised: $513,300.57 Spent: $658,060.05 Attorney General’s Race: Troy King Raised: $421,610 Spent: $422,598.28 Steve Marshall Raised: $515,344.60 Spent: $263,341.06 Commission of Agriculture and Industries race: Gerald Dial Raised: $58,240 Spent: $209,533.40 Rick Pate: Raised: $97,100 [35,000 in receipts from sources other than cash] Spent: $152,766.52 Supreme Court place 1 race: Brad Mendheim: Raised: $178,050 Spent: $183,521.10 Sarah Stewart Raised: $11,000 Spent: $263,179.52 Civil Appeals Court, place 1 race: Christy Edwards Raised: $120,500 [Receipts from other sources $1,200] Spent: $129,110.69 Michelle Thomason Raised: $23,525 [$51,124.96 in receipts from other sources] Spent: $86,965.83 Criminal Appeals Court, place 2 Rich Anderson Raised: $7,600 Spent: $19,105.23 Chris McCool Raised: $87,000 [$1,448.86 in receipts from other sources] Spent: $107,820.36
Ag Commissioner race takes dark turn with ‘flat out lie’ in new ad
With just eight days to go before Primary Runoff Election Day, accusations are flying in the Yellowhammer State. In race for Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries candidate Gerald Dial is hurling insults at his GOP-opponent Rick Pate. In a newly released campaign ad, Dial dredges up a 32 year old divorce document between Pate and his ex-wife, Carolyn Pate. The ad references a June 1986 divorce petition filed by Carolyn, that states “the Wife avers that the Husband has committed actual violence to her person and from his manner and conduct toward her, she is reasonably convinced that he will commit further violence upon her person, intended with danger to her life and health.” “I denied that then and I deny that now,” Pate told the Decatur Daily referencing the alleged violence. He explained both he and his wife exchanged mean comments during the divorce, but now are on good terms and exchange annual Christmas cards. According to Pate, in May Carolyn “wrote a note ‘to whom it may concern’ that said they had a good marriage until the divorce, when hurtful words were exchanged.” By the time the final divorce documents were filed, there was no mention of violence or restraining orders as the two were on more amicable terms. In defense of Pate Ronda McCaul Walker, a former candidate for Alabama’s State Senate District 25, took to Facebook Monday to call out Dial’s ad. “Voters say they hate negative political ads, so why do candidates continue to go negative? Because negative campaigning gets votes. You say you hate it, but then you go and vote for the most negative candidate in the race. If the negativity and lies didn’t fool you, trust me, candidates wouldn’t do it,” wrote Walker. “There is a political commercial running right now about my friend Rick Pate for Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries that tells a flat out lie. A nasty one, too. Rick’s opponent accuses him of spousal abuse, an accusation he fabricated from a 32 year old divorce document.” Pate’s current wife, to whom he’s been married to for 30 years, Julie Dismukes Pate also took to Facebook in defense of her husband. “Rick denied this claim and in the final divorce papers nothing was mentioned about it,” Julie explained. “By the time she returned to her home in CA, they were on amicable terms and she has recently written a letter to that effect for Rick to share.” Read Walker and Dismukes Pate’s full posts below. Ronda McCaul Walker Voters say they hate negative political ads, so why do candidates continue to go negative? Because negative campaigning gets votes. You say you hate it, but then you go and vote for the most negative candidate in the race. If the negativity and lies didn’t fool you, trust me, candidates wouldn’t do it. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that the law allows political candidates to lie in their TV ads. Yep, honesty and proof of claims required for brand advertising are not required for political ads. Nike & Coca-Cola would be sued for lying to you on a TV commercial, but it is perfectly ok for a politician to lie to you during the 6 o’clock news. The onus is on you to verify the facts purported in the ad, but most people don’t go to that trouble they just buy the lie hook, line, and sinker. There is a political commercial running right now about my friend Rick Pate for Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries that tells a flat out lie. A nasty one, too. Rick’s opponent accuses him of spousal abuse, an accusation he fabricated from a 32 year old divorce document. Rick’s ex-wife recently wrote a letter saying Rick NEVER abused her. But that inconvenient truth doesn’t seem to matter to Rick’s opponent. Rick Pate and his wife Julie Dismukes Pate have been married for 30 years and they have two sons. Imagine the impact of this lie on his family. It’s not ok. We say we want better people to run for office. We say we are tired of the liars and cheaters. Well, let’s prove that on July 17 and reject the same ole, same ole. I encourage everyone in the State of Alabama to vote for my friend Rick Pate for Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries. Vote July 17! Julie Dismukes Pate SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT – Gerald Dial has started running his negative commercial against Rick in the race for Commissioner of Ag and Industries accusing him of domestic violence. I am going on record right now and saying that it is a LIE! It is a lie by a desperate career politician who will say anything to get elected. THE TRUTH – Gerald Dial searched Rick’s legal record and found NOTHING – not an arrest, not a lawsuit – NOTHING until he came across a divorce document from 32 years ago where his ex-wife claimed she felt physically threatened and had a restraining order issued against Rick. Rick denied this claim and in the final divorce papers nothing was mentioned about it. By the time she returned to her home in CA, they were on amicable terms and she has recently written a letter to that effect for Rick to share. Rick never did anything to harm his ex-wife and also in 30 years of marriage has certainly never done anything to harm me. This is a LIE by a despicable old career politician who needs to be sent home. I know that I do not need to convince those who know Rick personally, but please help us spread the TRUTH to those who do not. Thanks for standing with us, Julie July 17 runoff In the June 5 primary, Pate took home 40.37 percent of the vote. Meanwhile Dial garnered 29.98 percent. As no candidate received at least 50 percent of the statewide vote, the two are headed to a runoff. They will face-off on Tuesday, July 17 where voters will decide who advances to the general election. As no Democratic
Meet your presumed new Agricultural Commissioner Rick Pate
Incumbent Agricultural Commissioner John McMillan announced in January that he would not be seeking reelection, opting for a run for State Treasurer instead. Four candidates stepped up to the plate seeking election in the June 5 primary, with former state Sen. Gerald Dial and Lowndesboro Mayor Rick Pate both garnering enough support to tip the race into a a runoff election. The runoff race took a dark turn when Dial began hurling insults at Pate and lying about him in a campaign ad. But the negative campaign strategy didn’t work, Pate won the runoff election with nearly 57 percent of the vote. Now, facing no Democratic challenger in the November general election, Pate has presumably won has race, and will become Agricultural Commissioner in 2019. With that in mind, here are the five things you need to know about Rick Pate: 1. He’s a cattle breeder and farmer. Pate’s father, Harold Pate was an award winning cattle farmer, and charter member of the National Cattlemen’s Association. “Pate is said to have done more over a longer period of time to promote and advance Charolais cattle in Alabama than any other individual,” said Auburn University. His son, candidate Rick Pate is now one of the owners and operators of the Pate Charolais farm, a Charolais cattle farm and breeder in Lowndesboro, Ala. 2. He’s been the Mayor of Lowndesboro since 1997 First elected in 1997, Pate has been the mayor of Lowndesboro, a town with a population of 107, since 1997. Under Pate’s leadership the town, southwest of Montgomery, has more than $1.2 million in cash reserves. In fact, the town operates a water system, which has twice been named the second-best-tasting water by the non-profit Alabama Rural Water Association. 3. He holds a bachelors degree in Horticulture. Pate attended the University of Auburn’s agricultural school, and earned a bachelors degree in Horticulture. Growing up, and spending nearly all of his life on a farm, has given him an affinity for farmers, and their lifestyle. “When I was approached about running for commissioner of agriculture and industries, I saw it as an opportunity to serve our state and promote the agricultural community that I know from my upbringing,” Pate said announcing his campaign. 4. He owns an award-winning landscaping business. Pate has built Pate Landscape Co., Inc. into an award winning, profitable business over 36 years. It currently employs 23 people. The firm has completed projects such as the Bryant-Denny Stadium Expansion in Tuscaloosa, AU School of Nursing & Pharmacy, Wetumpka WindCreek Casino and Hyundai Motor Manufacturing in Montgomery. 5. He holds several positions in the Alabama Republican Party. Not only a member of the Alabama Republican Party, Pate is vice-chair of the Lowndes County Republican Party and serves as the Lowndes County Place 1 member of the Alabama Republican Executive Committee.
Five things you need to know about Gerald Dial
The primary elections are over, but some highly sought spots still remain open due to the primary races resulting in runoffs. One of those races is for the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries seat. Incumbent Agricultural Commissioner John McMillan announced in January he would not be seeking reelection, opting for a run for State Treasurer instead. Four candidates stepped-up to the plate seeking election in the June 5 Republican primary. Former state Sen. Gerald Dial and Lowndesboro Mayor Rick Pate both garnered enough support to tip the race into a a runoff election set for July 17. With that in mind, here are the five things you need to know about Gerald Dial: 1. He served 37 years in the military, retiring in 1997 as an Assistant Adjutant General of the Alabama National Guard Dial joined the Alabama National Guard in 1959, over the course of his 37 year career in the military he attended the Alabama Military Academy and the Engineering Officers Basic Course. In 1968 he also completed the rigorous training required to become a United States Army Ranger, and was ranked as the Assistant Adjutant General of the Alabama National Guard when he retired in 1997. 2. He served in the state legislature as both a senator and a representative. In 1974 Dial was elected to serve as a Representative to the Alabama House, a position he held for one term. After his term as a representative, Dial sought election to the Alabama State Senate District 13 in 1983 and won. He then held his position until 2006 coming back to the race in 2010 to win the district back. This year, instead of seeking re-election, he’s joined the race for Agricultural Commissioner citing his 44 years of service in the Alabama Legislature as enough experience for the job. 3. He’s currently one of the President’s pro tempore at Troy University. Then governor Guy Hunt appointed Dial to the Troy University Board of Trustees in 1991 where he now serves as President pro tempore for Area 5. “Sen. Gerald Dial is one of the best public servants that I have met throughout my life in Alabama,” Troy Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. told the Trojan News Center. “For 26 years he has served as a member of the Troy University Board of Trustees and he has served well. Leadership in its truest sense is about pulling people together and focusing them in a common direction. Sen. Dial is the essence of a servant leader and one of whom we can all be proud.” 4. He was appointed by former governor Bob Riley to serve as the Executive Director of the Alabama Rural Action Commission. Dial served as the Executive director of the Alabama rural action commission from 2007 to early 2018, he was appointed for the position by then governor Bob Riley. According to his campaign website, while serving in this position, Dial “helped secure grants for infrastructure improvements, rural broadband initiatives, and community development.” 5. He financed his campaign through his timber business Pate, Dial’s opponent claimed he was the only farmer in the primary race, but Dial says that’s not true. “I am a farmer as well,” Dial told AL.com. “I financed my campaign off of timber.”
Tracy “T.O.” Crane, former candidate, endorses Gerald Dial in Ag Commissioner runoff
A former Republican candidate for the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, Tracy “T.O.” Crane threw his support behind Gerald Dial in the office’s runoff election on Wednesday. Crane, who failed to garner enough votes to win the nomination, made the decision to endorse Dial over Rick Pate after assessing the two runoff candidates’ experience, background, and vision for Alabama’s largest industry – agriculture and forestry. “Gerald Dial is an honorable man who will fight the status quo at the Department of Agriculture and Industries,” stated Crane. “I support Gerald Dial in the Republican runoff election on July 17, and I ask my 55,000 supporters to do the same. With Gerald Dial, we can count on food safety and economic growth being at the top of his agenda.” Crane is a 5th-generation farmer from north Jefferson County. He worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for almost twenty years out of the Birmingham, Ala. field office. Early in his career, he worked with the Office of Independent Counsel on the Whitewater Investigation in Little Rock, Ark., which investigated President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary Clinton. “Tracy Crane is one of the leading experts of food safety in the world. His endorsement of my campaign is important to every Alabama family that cares about the safety of our food, a major component of the Agriculture Commissioner’s job,” commented Dial. Dial faces Pate in the July 17 runoff election. In the primary, Pate took home 40.37 percent of the vote, to Dial’s 29.98 percent. “When you go vote on July 17th, keep your family’s safety in mind and vote for Gerald Dial for Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries. Alabama can’t afford any other choice,” Crane concluded.
Get to know: Gerald Dial, Republican candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries
State Sen. Gerald Dial is one four Republican candidates vying for their Party’s nomination for Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries this year. Born and raised in Alabama, Dial has been serving his community, his country and his state for most of his adult life. From working for Lineville High School as a teacher and coach, to working as a real estate developer, and serving on the Lineville City Council, Dials’ even served in the Alabama National Guard as a brigadier general. Dial’s no stranger to state politics. He was first elected to the Alabama State House in 1974 and served there until 1982, and has been serving in the state’s upper chamber since he was elected in 2010. Now he’s running for Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries because he wants to “want to protect, produce, promote our state’s agricultural interests.” With easily the catchiest, and most upbeat campaign ad of the entire election cycle, Dial has recently surged in the Agriculture Commissioner race. Here Dial is in his own words: Significant other? How long married? Kids? Married 57 years to Faye B Dial a retired Teacher/ Melanie Dial Lamb /Jason Dial Education background? Professional background? BS degree from West Al -Former Teacher-Coach ( football, basketball) 36years In military National Guard retired as a Bg(Al). What was your first job before college/adulthood and after? First job working at state park during summer / Teacher-Coach/owner operated of building Supply Co/State Representatives/State Senator. In 45 words or less, why are you running for office? This is the second most important job in government. It oversees the largest economic part of our state representing a $70 billion industry. I want to protect, produce, and promote our state’s agricultural interests, increase our exports, expand irrigation, and protect our food supply. Did you speak with anybody in your political party before deciding on running? Receive any encouragement? From whom? Yes Agriculture leg chairs. Farmers Federation members all I spoke with encouraged me. Who do you count on for advice besides significant other or clergy? Fellow legislators, members of congress and the local farmers. I maintain constant contact with also U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. Who is your political consultant? Campaign manager? Brett Buchanan Who was the first person to contribute to your campaign? Why did they donate? My wife. She had faith that I will make a difference and she understands how hard I will work to make a difference. Who, if anyone, inspires you in state government? N/A Why do people mistrust elected officials and what are you going to do about it? I have served for years and you have to be trusted and honest with the people all the time. What are 3 specific policy positions that you’re running on? (Please don’t simply say “education” or “improving the schools”) Protecting food supply Increasing food production Promoting Ag exports What is a “disruptive” issue (i.e. ride-sharing) you are interested in? Over regulation of Agriculture. Name one current state law you would want repealed? Sales tax on food. Who was the best governor in Alabama’s modern history? Each had distinct assets and liabilities. What will set you apart from other candidates in this race? My experience my work ethic and my ability to work with others. What’s the first thing you read each morning? Email my daily inspiration. Where do you get your political news? Email – tv news. Favorite TV series? No time. I watch sports. Social media presence? Twitter handle? Facebook? Who posts you, campaign staff, combination? Facebook. I post. In 140 characters, what’s a Tweet that best describes your campaign message. N/A Hobbies? Fishing Favorite sport and sports team? Troy Trojans/Alabama Tide/ Auburn Tigers With less than two weeks until voters head to the ballots, AlabamaToday.com is inviting all candidates running for office in Alabama this year, to complete a questionnaire we believe offers an interesting, albeit, thumbnail sketch of who they are and why they are running. If you are a candidate and would like to complete the questionnaire, email Elizabeth@ALToday.com.
Here’s everyone the NRA has endorsed in the 2018 election cycle
An endorsement from the NRA‘s Political Action Committee, the NRA Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF), can be a game changer for many candidates. “When provided with the facts, the nation’s elected officials will recognize that “gun control” schemes are an infringement on the Second Amendment and a proven failure in fighting crime” says the fund. “The importance of this premise lies in the knowledge that, as one U.S. Congressman put it: ‘The gun lobby is people.’” The NRA-PVF makes its decisions based on voting records, public statements and their responses to their NRA-PVF questionnaire. Here are the candidates who the NRA has endorsed, who they believe will stand up for Alabamian’s Second Amendment rights: Statewide races Governor: Kay Ivey Attorney General: Steve Marshall Agricultural Commissioner: Gerald Dial State Senate Races District 4: Paul Bussman District 6: Larry Stutts District 8: Steve Livingston District 10: Mack N. Butler District 12: Del Marsh District 21: Gerald H. Allen District 22: Tom Butler State House Races District 10: Mike Ball District 12: Corey Harbison District 14: Tim Wadsworth District 16: Kyle South District 22: Ritchie Whorton District 23: Tommy Hanes District 31: Mike Holmes District 33: Ronald G. Johnson District 45: Dickie Drake District 48: Jim Carns District 49: April Weaver District 65: Elaine Beech District 88: Jeremy Arthur District 105: Chip Brown
2018 statewide election ad roundup: May 18 edition
The June 5 Republican and Democratic primaries are only 18 days away and Alabama’s candidates have taken to the internet and the airwaves with campaign ads in hopes of swaying Yellowhammer State voters to their side. In the gubernatorial race, only former Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb, and Governor Kay Ivey released new ads this week. Ivey released a new radio ad while Cobb continued her campaign tradition; issuing two new ads for the ninth week in a row. Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh introduced just one new ad this week, while Will Ainsworth rolled out the big guns this week introducing 7 new ads in the Lieutenant Governor’s race. Steve Marshall was the only candidate introduce an ad in the Attorney General’s race, and Agriculture Commissioner candidate Gerald Dial released his first television ad this week — with a jingle that will definitely get stuck in your head. Gubernatorial Ads Republicans Kay Ivey: Title: Values Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Principled Democrats Sue Bell Cobb: Title: Fixing Alabama’s D+ Roads Published: May 15, 2018 Tone: Reformative Sue Bell Cobb: Title: #It’sTime an Alabama Governor Cared About Our Healthcare Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Wellness Lieutenant governor ads Republicans Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh: Title: A Proven Leader for Lieutenant Governor Published: May 15, 2018 Tone: Virtuous 1 Will Ainsworth: Title: Brett Stanton on Will’s Fight for Public Education Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Stable Will Ainsworth: Title: Kendall Ainsworth on Will’s Alabama Values Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Familial Will Ainsworth: Title: Chris Lane on Will’s Promise for Alabama’s Natural Resources Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Impassioned Will Ainsworth: Title: Whitney Mastin on Will’s Next Generation Initiative Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Steadfast Will Ainsworth: Title: Jason Satterfield on Will’s Pro-Business Approach Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Dedicated Will Ainsworth: Title: John Mullins on Will’s Drive to Find Meaningful Solutions Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Contributory Will Ainsworth: Title: Judy Miller on Will’s Fight for the Alabama’s Next Generation Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Hopeful Will Ainsworth: Title: Roseanne Mabrey on Will’s School Safety Initiative Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Optimistic Attorney General ads Republicans Steve Marshall: Title: Mikayla’s Story Published: May 14, 2018 Tone: Dedicated Agriculture Commissioner Republicans Gerald Dial: Title: It’s Dial Time! Published: May 16, 2018 Tone: Joyful
Ten Commandments Bill to be Amendment One on November’s election ballot
Amendment One for November’s upcoming elections has been set. Alabamians across the state will have the opportunity to cast their ballot for or against Amendment One, which if approved by the voters would add an amendment to the state constitution that would give properties belonging to the state, such as court rooms and schools, the option to display the Ten Commandments. Secretary of State John Merrill held a press conference Friday morning at the State Capitol in Montgomery to sign a proclamation announcing the amendment. Lineville-Republican State Senator Gerald Dial shepherded the proposed state constitutional amendment through the 2018 session of the Alabama Legislature. He believes the amendment should be passed, as “it is proper that Alabama schoolhouses and courtrooms be permitted to acknowledge God and his moral law.” “Last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C., and there is a marble engraving in the courtroom depicting Moses holding the Ten Commandments,” Dial explained. “Virtually all of our nation’s founding fathers recognized that the Ten Commandments are the basis of our Judeo-Christian legal foundation, and it is proper that Alabama schoolhouses and courtrooms be permitted to acknowledge God and his moral law.” Republicans supporters of the proposal say it will reaffirm religious liberty, which is already under law. Meanwhile, Democratic opponents of the proposal think it would end up doing more harm than good; that it violates the separation of church and state, and would motivate federal lawsuits that could cost the state money. Amendment One will be joined by three additional constitutional amendments on the November 6 general election ballot.
