Former Congressman Sonny Callahan has died at 88
Former Congressman Sonny Callahan died Thursday at the age of 88. Born in 1932, Callahan, a Republican, represented Alabama’s First Congressional District from 1984-2003. Callahan was also a member of the Alabama House of Representatives from 1971-1979. He retired in 2003 after being elected to congress eight consecutive times. He was a Navy veteran and originally ran as a Democrat but switched to the Republican party after an unsuccessful run for Lt. Governor. Gov. Ivey ordered flags be lowered to half-staff at the Alabama State Capitol Complex in Montgomery and in Callahan’s former district in south Alabama. They will stay at half-staff until his internment. Governor Kay Ivey said in a statement, “It is with genuine sadness that I share the passing of longtime Congressman H.L. “Sonny” Callahan of Mobile. Congressman Callahan passed away peacefully in his sleep last night. Without question, Sonny’s service to Alabama and to America was unrivaled. He was one of South Alabama’s most beloved public servants, and his legacy of helping others stands out as just one of his many wonderful qualities. “Our state and nation have lost a giant of a man. My thoughts and prayers are extended to Sonny’s family, friends, and longtime staffers. As such, I am directing the flags at the Alabama Capitol Complex, and the flags in AL-1 immediately be lowered until the day of his interment.” Rep. Jerry Carl stated on Twitter, “My heart is heavy this morning as I learn of the passing of Congressman Sonny Callahan. Sonny was a mentor to me for years, and he leaves behind an incredible legacy of statesmanship and service to our country. My prayers are with his family and friends during this time.” My heart is heavy this morning as I learn of the passing of Congressman Sonny Callahan. Sonny was a mentor to me for years, and he leaves behind an incredible legacy of statesmanship and service to our country. My prayers are with his family and friends during this time. https://t.co/fpzcrhrDZO — Rep. Jerry Carl (@RepJerryCarl) June 25, 2021 Rep. Mike Rogers stated, “We are mourning the passing of Fmr. Congressman Sonny Callahan. Beth and I send our prayers to his family and loved ones as they grieve.” We are mourning the passing of Fmr. Congressman Sonny Callahan. Beth and I send our prayers to his family and loved ones as they grieve. Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." — Mike Rogers (@RepMikeRogersAL) June 25, 2021 Terry Lathan posted on Twitter, “Sonny was a friend and patriot who loved Alabama. He was a respected warrior for his district. He would pound a desk trying to get things done and right wrongs. Sonny was an iconic political activist that the Gulf Coast still owes deep gratitude for for his work.” Sonny was a friend and patriot who loved Alabama. He was a respected warrior for his district. He would pound a desk trying to get things done and right wrongs. Sonny was an iconic political activist that the Gulf Coast still owes deep gratitude for his work. #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/Z1VvbyN41U — Terry Lathan (@ChairmanLathan) June 25, 2021
John Wahl elected chairman of Alabama Republican Party
John Wahl, a butterfly farmer and a state GOP officer, was elected Saturday as the new chairman of the Alabama Republican Party. Wahl replaces longtime chairwoman Terry Lathan who did not seek a fourth term. “I believe it’s important for the Republican Party to stand for the conservative values we are based upon and defend the God-given rights of every individual,” Wahl said in a statement issued through the party. “We are the party of free speech, equal rights, family values, and fair elections. A lot of these values are under attack right now, and I am committed to defending them as chairman of the Alabama Republican Party.” Wahl previously served as the ALGOP senior vice chairman. He was a member of Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s transition team. “Very excited for my friend John Wahl as he takes on the chairmanship of the @ALGOP. He is going to do a fantastic job and I look forward working with him,” Tuberville wrote on Twitter. Wahl raises butterflies for zoos, botanical gardens, and exhibits. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Alabama GOP chair Terry Lathan will not seek reelection in 2021
Terry Lathan, Alabama GOP chair, will not seek reelection for a fourth term in 2021. Yellowhammer News reported that Lathan informed the ALGOP State Executive Committee members of her decision in an email on Tuesday. Lathan’s duties will continue until the Republican Party holds its winter meeting February 27 in Montgomery, AL.com reported. In a statement released by the party, Lathan said, “Now that we have reclaimed our U.S. Senate seat for the GOP, our finances are secured, our ‘family’ is stable and we are in outstanding shape across Alabama, I have decided to step aside as ALGOP Chairman. Just as I prayed and felt strongly about running, I also have asked guidance and received the answer it is time to serve the Republican Party in other ways. After 42 years of service to our Party and its causes, I plan to travel different roads of service.” In a statement to Yellowhammer News, Lathan stated, “Words cannot adequately express my gratefulness for the support and trust I have received from our State Executive Committee, County Party members, donors, and elected officials as Chairman since 2015. From being the longest-serving Chairman of six years since 1985 to being the current longest serving female State Chairman – as well as in the top five of State Chair Seniority on the Republican National Committee – I am deeply honored to have served my Party in this role.” Jeff Poor broke the news on Twitter, stating, “Breaking: Terry Lathan(@ChairmanLathan) won’t seek reelection as @ALGOP Chair in 2021.” BREAKING: Terry Lathan (@ChairmanLathan) won’t seek reelection as @ALGOP chair in 2021 #alpolitics 🚨🚨 — Jeff Poor (@jeff_poor) December 15, 2020 Other Alabama leaders have also sent well wishes to Lathan. Jerry Carl posted, “Thank you for your years of hard work and service to the party, @Chairman Lathan!” Thank you for your years of hard work and service to the party, @ChairmanLathan! #al01 #alpolitics https://t.co/8CqCNOmx5r — Jerry Carl (@CarlForAlabama) December 15, 2020 In response on Twitter, Lathan stated, “I’m not going anywhere. I’m just warming up.” Thank you Chad- I’m not going anywhere. I’m just warming up 👊🏽🐘🇺🇸 @CNibbz https://t.co/z2wtWZLrkA — Terry Lathan (@ChairmanLathan) December 16, 2020
Record Democratic turnout not enough for Jones in Alabama
Alabama U.S. Sen. Doug Jones received more than 200,000 more votes this year than he did when he won the seat three years ago. But despite record Democratic turnout, it wasn’t nearly enough in the deeply red state as Republican former college football coach Tommy Tuberville racked up huge margins to handily defeat Jones and Democrats’ hopes of maintaining inroads in the Deep South state this year. Jones, who was considered the Senate’s most endangered Democrat, topped former President Barack Obama’s 2008 record for most votes for a Democratic candidate in Alabama, state Democratic Party Executive Director Wade Perry said. Yet huge GOP numbers pushed the incumbent down to just 40% of the overall vote. Tuberville made fealty to President Donald Trump the central pillar of his campaign and told voters at a campaign stop that, “God sent us and elected Donald Trump.” Boosted by GOP enthusiasm, straight-ticket voting, and fame from his coaching days at Auburn University, Tuberville won about 60% of ballots, running about two percentage points behind Trump in the state. “Alabama, welcome back to the Republican U.S. Senate,” Tuberville shouted after taking the stage to loud cheers at his election night party in downtown Montgomery. “I am going to fight like heck against Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi,” he said. “I will be guided by our shared values, conservative values and I will always vote with the majority of people in the state of Alabama.” Tuberville’s victory followed a campaign where Tuberville shunned most media outlets in favor of conservative talk radio and he declined to debate Jones. Jones, a former U.S. attorney best known for prosecuting Ku Klux Klansmen responsible for Birmingham’s infamous 1963 church bombing, became the first Alabama Democrat elected to the U.S. Senate in a quarter-century when he won in 2017. His victory was aided by scandal after Republican Roy Moore, already a controversial figure in the state, faced allegations of sexual misconduct from decades earlier. Some Republicans in the state sat out that race or supported Jones. Republicans were eager to portray Jones’ 2017 win as an anomaly, and hammered at Jones over a handful of votes, including the Democrat’s decision to convict Trump during the impeachment trial. “He will be the perfect example in political science classes around this nation of how to lose a U.S. Senate seat with $15 million dollars because you ignored the will of the majority of the people. It will be a short class,” Alabama Republican Party Chairwoman Terry Lathan said of Jones. Jones, despite outspending Tuberville 4-1, lost by a wide margin. “There’s nothing else we could have done. It was a record Democratic turnout, exceeded only by a record Republican turnout,” Alabama Democratic Party Executive Director Wade Perry said Wednesday. “We’ve got two years to do a better job. We’ve got some work to do,” Perry said. “I’m proud of Alabama Democrats and very proud of our staff. We worked very hard and had a record turnout. It just wasn’t enough.” David Mowery, an Alabama-based political consultant, said “Republican DNA is hard-baked into the state” making it a difficult path for any Democrat, even a well-funded one. He said Alabama does not have the growing suburban populations that have helped turn some southern states into battlegrounds. “We’re a Republican state and the only thing that can change that is a big-league scandal and a known bad actor like Roy Moore,” Mowery said. Although he was denied a full term in the Senate, Jones said there was work to continue. “At the end of the day, my time in the Senate is going to be over, but our time is just beginning, our time to make our state so much better than what it has been, to make sure we continue the march of progress,” Jones said as he stood with his family on stage. Jones said he did not regret the votes, such as impeachment and opposing Trump’s Supreme Court nominee — which fueled conservative outrage against him — because he said those were votes he took on principle. Ahead of Tuesday, Jones had acknowledged he faced an uphill battle to keep the seat in a campaign that seemed as much about laying groundwork for the future. He helped install new leadership at the Alabama Democratic Party. The senator also lamented a political environment that has moved to partisan rancor and away from bipartisanship. “The Senate doesn’t have that kind of deliberative spirit anymore,” he said. “There’s a lot more friendliness and bipartisanship that goes on behind the scenes that folks don’t see, but it needs to be on the floor of the Senate, it needs to be in front of the cameras, it needs to be where people can see these great debates on policy, and on issues, and how you can find that common ground.” Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
District Attorney Jeremy Duerr switches parties, sworn into the Republican Party
The Alabama Republican Party announced today that 5th Judicial Circuit District Attorney Jeremy Duerr switched from the Democrat to Republican Party at the Tallapoosa County Republican Party quarterly meeting in Alexander City. “District Attorney Duerr contacted me several months ago expressing his interest to become a member of the Republican Party citing several changes in the values of the Democrat Party which did not align with his conservative Christian values,” Tallapoosa GOP Chairman Terry Martin said in the press release. “He gave a moving speech to the Executive Committee as he shared his views stating that the attacks from the Democrat Party regarding the defunding of police were in direct conflict with him being the top law enforcement official in the Fifth Judicial Circuit,” Martin continued. Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan welcomed Duerr into the party, stating, “We are honored to have DA Duerr as our newest member of the Grand Old Party. There’s a reason 66% of partisan elected offices in Alabama are held by Republicans. The Democrat party leaders and platform are too far out of the mainstream for Alabamians.” Duerr was sworn in as the Fifth Judicial Circuit District Attorney in 2017. He ran as a Democrat and filled the spot of E. Paul Jones, when he decided not to seek another term. The position covers cases in a four-county area that includes Tallapoosa, Randolph, Macon, and Chambers counties.
Senate race shapes up to be a contentious slugfest
After pulling off one improbable victory, Jones is not ceding his chances of another in a race setting up to be both pricey and combative.
What’s in a place number? Secretary John Merrill and GOP Party Chairman Terry Lathan weigh in on the importance of Kay Ivey’s pending Jefferson County Probate appointment
Several weeks ago, Alabama Today reported on a letter from Paul DeMarco on behalf of Jefferson County Republicans. The letter called on Governor Kay Ivey to appoint a Republican to the open Place One probate judge seat recently vacated by Judge Alan King after 19 years of service. According to multiple sources, Judge Sherri Friday and her supporters are pushing a plan to have Ivey move her from Place 2 to Place 1 and then appoint a conservative to replace her. Why the musical chairs? The move is because Place 1 is where the power and influence lay. The Place 1 judge is responsible not just as the main elections official for the most populated county in the state, but also for choosing the county’s two conservators. Friday has long been eyeing the move from 2 to 1 and announced her intention to run as early as 2017 when King announced he was retiring, but then changed his mind. Whoever Ivey chooses to appoint to the seat will hold it for four years until King’s term is up. Their duties would include presiding over the July 14 Primary Runoff Election, the November 3 General Election, the 2022 Election Cycle, and the 2024 Election Cycle. They would also oversee two presidential elections and one midterm election cycle. Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan echoed a familiar sentiment of those watching this appointment, “Democrats fought us on everything for 136 years. They walked over us when they were in the majority. They never gave us the time of day and wouldn’t now if they could. If given an option, we need the Republican appointments for their policies and philosophies.” Lathan, one of Ivey’s biggest and most vocal supporters, pointed out that, “The governor has appointed Republicans that have been appreciated. We will always want a conservative Republican if possible.” When reached for comment on potential details for the appointment, Ivey’s office declined to say who is under consideration or when a decision might be reached. At least two different Republicans have been confirmed to have submitted their names for consideration. The idea that Ivey, her chief of staff former Congressman Jo Bonner, or her appointments team would waste such an opportunity is perplexing to many. Over a half dozen individuals who campaigned for Ivey told Alabama Today via Facebook that they’re concerned that Ivey’s staff has forgotten the conservative promises she made to them and the state when elected. Multiple people have said that they have written and called her office in opposition to the Friday appointment to Place 1. More than one pointed out on social media that Ivey is doing favors for Jefferson County Democrats as if they would do anything for her. In fact, according to the Secretary of State’s website, the results of the 2018 general election for Jefferson County was Walt Maddox 152,103 versus those who supported the Governor 105,661. According to a post by Yellowhammer News, “A search of the state’s online campaign finance database shows that Friday made four donations to Democratic entities or candidates last cycle, totaling $3,080. This included two donations to then-State Rep. Patricia Todd (D-Birmingham). Todd infamously attempted to “out” Governor Ivey during that same campaign cycle, with the result of Todd having her post-legislature job offer unceremoniously rescinded by the pro-LGBTQ+ “One Orlando Alliance.” They went on to note her friendship with U.S. Senator Doug Jones, whose law firm contributed to her campaign three times. In a statement to Alabama Today, Secretary John Merrill’s office said that he has spoken to the governor about the appointment highlighting the election cycles the appointee will preside over. He stressed the importance of the role of the individual who receives the appointment saying, “The role of the probate judge is extremely important. Due to the administration of the election, the probate judge oversees the recruitment and training of poll workers who are on the front lines of preventing voter fraud and any potential breakdowns at the local level.” Right now, the state is facing multiple attempts to undermine sections of Alabama Law that exist to protect the integrity of the elections and ballots. Merrill stressed the level of influence that the appointee would have on future elections by saying, “The probate judge has a significant level of influence. I cannot emphasize how important it is that this person is involved, interested, and informed on all things related to elections.” There is no doubt by conservatives, not just in Jefferson County, but around the state that this would be a tremendous and unprecedented gift to Democrats. For those interested in weighing in, you can send the governor a message here or call her office at 334-242-7100.
Reactions to passing of beloved republican activist Judy Carns
Judy Carns was the wife of State Representative Jim Carns.
Terry Lathan unanimously re-elected Alabama Republican chair
Terry Lathan was unanimously re-elected Saturday as chair of the Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP). The approval came by acclamation from the 400-plus member Alabama Republican Executive Committee during the ALGOP’s Winter Meeting at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center (BJCC) in downtown Birmingham this past weekend. This will be will Lathan’s third-term in the position. She ran unopposed. Below are a few items Lathan is “exceptionally proud” that highlight her and her team’s accomplishments in the 2018 election cycle: Another record-breaking general election: a statewide officer sweep, additional seats in the Alabama legislature with 71 Democrat to Republican seats flipped resulting in devastating defeat of the so called ‘Blue Wave’ in Alabama Raising over $1.188 million that fully funded our campaign plan and annual Party needs Funding and executing a seamless successful 2018 general election plan Added races expanding our base plan which produced big wins Defending and growing GOP seats in 29 counties that had head-to-head races with Democrats Maintained an aggressive year-round social media footprint to push our Party content and messaging Lathan is a native of Mobile, Alabama where she lives with her husband, Jerry. They have two adult children. She is a former public school teacher and has been volunteering with the Republican Party for over 40 years. She has served as Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party since February 2015, making her the longest serving female ALGOP state chairman. If re-elected will be the longest serving chair since 1985.
ALGOP welcomes two former Democrat elected officials with open arms
The Escambia County Republican Executive Committee recently welcomed two former Democrat elected officials to the ALGOP: Circuit Clerk John Robert Fountain and Tax Assessor Thad Moore, Jr. Jackie Gay, Escambia County GOP Chairman, made the following statement regarding the new Party members: “We look forward to working with Mr. Fountain and Mr. Moore as we continue to advance conservative policies and principles. Both men display professionalism in their offices and are active in community service. We are happy to have both of these conservatives join our Party.” Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan took to social media to welcome to former Democrats with open arms to the state party. “Two more county Dems switch to the GOP in Alabama in Escambia County! More walking away from the party of resistance, obstruction and left wing policies #alpolitics #WalkAway,” Lathan tweeted. Two more county Dems switch to the GOP in Alabama in Escambia County! 🐘👏🏽 More walking away from the party of resistance, obstruction and left wing policies #alpolitics #WalkAway pic.twitter.com/XejDwRZ3Mo — Terry Lathan (@ChairmanLathan) January 29, 2019 Later, in a statement, she added to her thoughts. “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Fountain and Mr. Moore to the Alabama Republican Party team. It is clear the policies of our Party are working to better the lives of Alabamians and those on the opposite side of the aisle are taking notice,” said Lathan. “Mr. Fountain and Mr. Moore are among the large numbers of Democrats who have walked away from the liberal policies of the Democrat Party. We welcome all who share our Party’s principles and values. We are proud that 67% of all partisan elected officials in Alabama are Republicans.”
Terry Lathan announces re-election bid for third term as ALGOP Chair
Seeking her third term in office,Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan announced her plans to run for a third term. “It is with humility and excitement that I announce I am running for a third term as chairman of the Alabama Republican Party. It has been a true honor and privilege to serve the ALGOP as state chair. During the four years I have been chairman, we have seen historic gains electing Republicans,” said Lathan. Below are a few items Lathan is “exceptionally proud” that highlight her and her team’s accomplishments in the 2018 election cycle: Another record-breaking general election: a statewide officer sweep, additional seats in the Alabama legislature with 71 Democrat to Republican seats flipped resulting in devastating defeat of the so called ‘Blue Wave’ in Alabama Raising over $1.188 million that fully funded our campaign plan and annual Party needs Funding and executing a seamless successful 2018 general election plan Added races expanding our base plan which produced big wins Defending and growing GOP seats in 29 counties that had head-to-head races with Democrats Maintained an aggressive year-round social media footprint to push our Party content and messaging “After forty-two years as a GOP volunteer, I still stand on our Party’s platform, values and foundation of conservative beliefs. That will never change. Elected officials, opinions and situations may change, but my lifelong commitment to Republican principles will never yield,” Lathan continued. “I will continue to reject the perception that politics gives people a ‘free pass’ to lower the bar of integrity and am determined that it is raised for all who serve in the public arena. Service in the political realm should demand the highest standard of behavior and principles. Perfection is not attainable, but personal behavior choices and honorable actions are.” Lathan is a native of Mobile, Alabama where she lives with her husband, Jerry. They have two adult children. She is a former public school teacher and has been volunteering with the Republican Party for over 40 years. She has served as Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party since February 2015, making her the longest serving female ALGOP state chairman. If re-elected will be the longest serving chair since 1985.
Parker Griffith says Doug Jones “dead man walking” over stance on border wall
With no end in sight of the government shutdown, there’s more at stake than the border wall that President Donald Trump is demanding and the paychecks that are being held up for federal employees. According to voters and insiders Senator Doug Jones may be seeing his reelection chances slip away as well. Jones is quoted by the New York Times as saying, “I’m just not going to throw money at anybody who is with a gun to my head,” referring to Mr. Trump’s $5.7 billion request for the wall. “Let’s get the government open.” Former Representative Parker Griffith, a conservative Democrat and early supporter of Jones told the Times, “He’s a dead man walking.” Griffith followed by noting that the electorate math doesn’t favor democrats saying, “He leaned into his base, and his base is not big enough to elect him.” Jones, who filled the seat left vacant by Jeff Sessions when he became Trump’s first Attorney General, is widely considered to be one the most vulnerable senator in the country. CNBC listed the seat as one of the seven most likely to flip. The Hill listed it as one of five “most competitive”. They reported that, “Alabama is the only solidly Republican state where a Democrat will face reelection in 2020, and while Jones doesn’t yet have a top-tier challenger, the GOP is already eyeing his seat as its best pick-up opportunity in the next election.” In a story titled, “Can Doug Jones win a full term in Alabama” Roll Call analyst Stuart Rothenberg for Roll Call said, ” I don’t think Jones has much chance at all of holding on to his seat next year.” Alabama state Republican Party Chairwoman Terry Lathan told the Washington Times “I’m already calling him, ‘One and Done Doug.’ Our people are champing at the bit, and I’m telling you it is on fire right now in my state.” Ann Lynch, an 86-year-old retired schoolteacher, told the New York Times, “I voted for Jones, I did, but he doesn’t support the wall. I don’t like that, of course. I think we need it. Trump knows we need it.” In the same story, small business owner Angie Gates echoed a similar sentiment. “For us, because we’re a small town, the shutdown is kind of difficult. But there’s also things in politics that may be worth doing. If Doug Jones doesn’t support the wall, I don’t support him.” However, fellow small business owner Pam McGriff, a 56 year-old Republican, would be willing to change her vote if Jones would change his mind. “If he would go up there and balk the Democrats, like Schumer and Pelosi, and say, ‘Hey, I think Trump is right,’ and all that kind of stuff, I wouldn’t mind splitting my ticket.” Sheila Pressnell, 61, agreed. “Senator Jones, bless his heart, he’ll be a one-term senator. The only reason he got it was because he was up against a child predator.” Some disagree, saying that pandering would be transparent and would ultimately backfire. John Anzalone, a Democrat pollster in Alabama said “He’s a guy who’s going to be true to himself. Authenticity is what sells in a place like Alabama.”
