Get to know Luther Strange, Republican running for Alabama U.S. Senate seat

11 Republicans and eight Democrats will officially move forward to their party’s August 15 primaries to vote in the Alabama special election to replace Jeff Sessions in the U.S. Senate

With a little over three months until voters head to the ballots, AlabamaToday.com is inviting all of the candidates, including appointed-incumbent Sen. Luther Strange, 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.

Today’s candidate spotlight features the sitting Senator, Luther Strange. The Birmingham, Ala. native  who served as the Attorney General of Alabama for six years before his appointment to the U.S. Senate in February.

Here he is in his own words:

1. Significant other? Kids? My beautiful wife is named Melissa, and we have two wonderful sons and a young grandson.
2. Education background? Professional background? I went to Shades Valley High School in Homewood before heading to Tulane on a basketball scholarship. After graduating from Tulane Law School I worked as a lawyer in various capacities and then served as Alabama’s Attorney General for six years.
3. What was your first job? Paper route
4. In 25 words or less, why are you running for office? To help President Trump repair the damage from eight years of Obama and be a conservative, common sense voice for Alabama in Washington.
5. Did you speak with anybody in your political party before deciding on running? Receive any encouragement? From whom? It was a family decision with input from Jeff Sessions and Richard Shelby.
6. Who do you count on for advice? Melissa has been my best friend and closest confidante for many years. She’s always who I talk to first when I need advice.
7. Who is your political consultant? Campaign manager? Jeff Roe and Michael Joffrion
8. Who was the first person to contribute to your campaign? Why did they donate? Old friends who know my desire to be in public service.
9. Who, if anyone, inspires you in state government? Our selfless law enforcement officials are who inspire me the most. Daily, they risk their lives for our safety.
10. Why do people mistrust elected officials and what are you going to do about it? I think most folks feel that politicians are not listening to them anymore. I plan on not just listening to what my constituents have to say, but to be their voice in Washington.
11. What are 3 issues that you‘re running on? (Please don’t simply say “education” or “improving the schools”)
    1. Protecting our borders and reforming our immigration system so that the needs of Americans are put first.
    2. Repealing Obamacare and returning to a market-based approach to healthcare that encourages innovation and spurs competition, so that health care becomes both truly affordable and accessible.
    3. Reforming our tax code and lifting the heavy regulatory burden on our job creators so that we can get our economy going strong.
12. What is a “disruptive” issue (i.e. ride-sharing) you are interested in? Helping President Trump disrupt Washington.
13. Who was the best governor in Alabama’s modern history? I’d have to say that Kay Ivey has this one wrapped up.
14. Are yard signs an important part of campaigning in your district? They’re an important part of an overall campaign strategy.
15. What’s the first thing you read each morning? Calling Jesus
16. Where do you get your political news? Fox
17. 60 Minutes or House of Cards? Too busy playing with my grandson.
18. Social media presence? Twitter handle? We have a campaign page on Facebook. And you can find me on Twitter @lutherstrange and on Instagram @lutherstrangeforsenate.
19. In 140 characters, what’s a Tweet that best describes your campaign message. I fought corruption and radical Obama agenda policies in Montgomery; ready to drain the swamp and roll back Obama-era damage in Washington.
20. Hobbies? Hunting, fishing and playing with my black lab, Sophie.
21. Favorite sport and sports team? Tulane basketball

Get to know the other candidates running for the seat, here.