GOP debate takeaways: Marco Rubio-Jeb Bush rumble, Donald Trump largely quiet
Celebrity businessman Donald Trump was again center stage as the Republican presidential field gathered Wednesday night for the third debate of the 2016 campaign, but for the first time, the billionaire seemed reduced to the role of a supporting cast member. An early rumble between former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio showed they were willing to fight for the spotlight. Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, the leader in some recent preference polls, stuck to his soft-spoken style, while Texas Sen. Ted Cruz had some highlight moments – especially early on. Here are a few takeaways from the two-hour matchup in the swing-state of Colorado. — BUSH, RUBIO RUMBLE Simmering tension between Bush and Rubio, who are vying for the same traditional Republican donors and supporters, spilled into plain view just 15 minutes into the debate. Bush seemed prepared to go after Rubio for missing votes in the Senate, but appeared ill-prepared for Rubio’s quick response – that he’s only attacking him because he’s behind. “Marco, when you signed up for this, this was a six-year term and you should be showing up to work,” Bush said. “I mean, literally, the Senate. What is it, like a French work week? You get like three days where you have to show up? You can campaign, or just resign and let someone else take the job.” But Rubio was ready with his reply, citing the percentage of votes missed by previous senators who ran for president, including President Barack Obama. The detail of his response showed he had been prepared for the attack – and that he knows it could be viewed as a liability. “The only reason why you’re doing it now is because we’re running for the same position, and someone has convinced you that attacking me is going to help you,” Rubio said. — A QUIETER TRUMP With the moderators focusing more on Bush, Rubio and some others, Trump seemed unusually quiet. He was asked only a few questions by the moderators from CNBC and interjected himself into other questions far less than in the first debate, when he seemed in command of the debate stage. One of his longest responses was on his company’s bankruptcy record. His use of legal bankruptcy, he said, shows, “boy, am I good at solving debt problems.” As has been the case on each of the crowded debate stages, some candidates – including Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie – seemed to disappear for long stretches of time. That was also the case for former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, though he jokingly compared the bloated federal government to a runaway blimp making news Wednesday and later pointed out that he was wearing a Trump tie. — CRUZ PUSHES IN Cruz was a champion college debater and those skills were on display Wednesday. He deftly recapped the moderators’ quizzing of his opponents, describing those interactions as antagonistic. “These questions illustrate why the American people don’t trust the media. This is not a cage match,” he said. The rebuke drew some of the loudest, most sustained applause of the evening. Cruz said the Republican debate is a stark contrast with the Democratic contest, “where every fawning question” was about “which one of you is more handsome and wise?” Christie, Trump, Rubio and others joined in the media bashing. So, too, did Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Preibus, who told reporters the moment the debate ended that he was disappointed in both the debate’s moderators and CNBC. Cruz, a freshman Texas senator who has made his name by defying his fellow senators, also had one of the most memorable quips of the night. Asked by moderators to describe his worst characteristic, as he would in a job interview, he said with a smile: “I’m too agreeable, easy-going.” — CARSON QUIZZED During the August debate, Carson meekly said at one point, “I wasn’t sure I was going to get to talk again.” This time, as the leader in some recent preference polls, the moderators showed that people are taking a closer look at his background and his policy proposals. Carson said he’d like to have an across-the-board tax rate of 15 percent and get rid of all income tax deductions and loopholes if he were president. He also was questioned about his involvement with a medical supplement company called Mannatech that has come under legal scrutiny. Although he appears in promotions for the company, he called it “absurd” to say he has a relationship with them. When a moderator pushed him about whether perhaps that showed is weak on his “vetting process,” the crowd began to boo. Carson smiled – spotting his chance to pile-on the media as other candidates had done. “They know,” he said of the audience. — SICK OF IT ALL Asked about his biggest weakness with the first question of the debate, Kasich dismissed it and began a tirade about the seriousness – or lack thereof – in the Republican campaign. “We are on the verge, perhaps, of picking someone who cannot do this job,” he said ominously, noting – without using their names – Carson’s proposal to end Medicaid and Trump’s talk about deporting all immigrants who are in the country illegally. A few moments later, as Carson discussed his flat-tax proposal, Kasich piped back up: “This is the fantasy that I talked about in the beginning,” adding, “It’s not responsible.” “We cannot elect someone who doesn’t know how to do the job,” he said. Trump had a quick analysis of why Kasich’s tone had turned so negative: “His poll numbers tanked, and that’s why he’s on the end. And then he got nasty.” Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
Alabama Congressional delegation splits on budget deal vote
The Alabama Congressional delegation split votes Wednesday as the U.S. House of Representatives approved a two-year bipartisan budget agreement. It was not your typical split however, as Republican Congressman Mike Rogers (AL-03) joined Democrat Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) in supporting the bill, making him one of only 79 Republicans to support the measure along with 187 Democrats. The rest of the delegation — Reps. Bradley Byrne (AL-01), Martha Roby (AL-02), Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Mo Brooks (AL-05) and Gary Palmer (AL-06) — were among 167 representatives, all Republicans, who voted against. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 would raise the $18.1 trillion debt limit by $1.5 trillion until March 15, 2017, after the next President assumes office. The bill also would raise sequester spending caps by $50 billion in fiscal 2016 and $30 billion in 2017 and would make changes to the Social Security disability program. “Our national debt currently exceeds $18 trillion and this budget deal would guarantee it increases,” said Palmer who voted against the bill. “It continues the too familiar trend of spending money now with hopes of finding ways to pay for it in the future. For instance, $35 billion of the pay for’s occur in 2025, which is simply unacceptable. Instead of passing this bill, which pushes us in the wrong direction by increasing spending and raising the debt limit, we should have answered the call of the American people to reduce the national debt and balance our budget.” Rep. Sewell sees things differently. “While this bill is not a perfect one, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 breaks the sequester stronghold that has stifled our domestic and defense spending priorities,” Sewell began. “Alabama was hit hard when the sequester was implemented, and this bill loosens the arbitrary spending caps that hampered critical investments in domestic programs. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that the direct effect of the budget agreement will create 340,000 additional new jobs in 2016, and a total of 500,000 jobs by 2017. These jobs are critically important to hardworking Americans who continue to struggle to make ends meet and provide for their families.” The bill now heads to the Senate where it is expected to be taken up quickly. Once there, Alabama Senators Jeff Sessions and Richard Shelby have indicated they both would reject the agreement.
Birmingham Business Alliance presents 2015 Small Business Awards
The Birmingham Business Alliance named the winners and finalists of this year’s Small Business Awards, handed out at a celebration Tuesday night at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel. Movers and shakers from throughout Birmingham were in attendance to honor the small businesses that provide the backbone of our community. Betsy McAtee, president & CEO of Dreamland Holding Co., took home top honors as Small Business Executive of the Year. As part of the award, McAtee will serve as Executive in Residence at the Brock School of Business at Samford University, where she will advise and mentor students and participate in other sundry events like judging the annual Regions Bank New Venture Challenge business plan competition. Aside from McAtee’s marquee win, ten other awards were handed out last night including the following: Barfield Murphy Shank & Smith LLC, Small Business Champion of the Year Tracey Morant Adams, Jesse J. Lewis Jr. Small Business Advocate of the Year Golden Flake Snack Foods, Legacy Business of the Year The Watkins Agency, Small Business of the Year Award, with one to 15 employees; Simplified Logistic Solutions and Slade were named finalists. o2ideas, Small Business of the Year Award, with 16 to 50 employees; Reliance Financial Group and Zeekee Interactive were named finalists. Bridgeworth LLC received the Small Business of the Year Award, with 51 to 250 employees; Kassouf & Co. and Intermark Group were named finalists. Tamika Holmes of T.D.H. Corp. LLC received the Young Professional of the Year Award; Marshall Rathmell and Hunter Strickler were named finalists. The Red Barn received the Nonprofit of the Year Award, with a budget of less than $500,000; aTeam Ministries Center and Maranathan Family Learning Center were named finalists. Hand in Paw received the Nonprofit of the Year Award, with a budget more than $500,000; Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund and Alabama Kidney Foundation were named finalists. Isotope Eleven Inc. received the Technology/Biotechnology Business of the Year Award; Vincari and MedSnap LLC were named finalists. Pack Health received the Emerging Business of the Year Award; In the Sports Zone and Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cakes were named finalists. Creative Concepts received the International Trade Excellence Award; SEPCO and Alignment Simple Solutions were named finalists. SisterGolf received the Dr. A.G. Gaston Emerging Minority- or Woman-owned Business of the Year; Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cake and Snatch My Waist were named finalists. Betsy McAtee was named Executive of the Year; Jake McKenzie, CEO of Intermark Group, and Demetrius Paschel, president and CEO of Paschel Productions LLC, were named finalists. “The BBA’s Small Business Awards are a great way to celebrate Birmingham’s unique and thriving entrepreneurial culture,” said Brian Hilson, the business consortium’s CEO, following the event. “We consider the companies and professionals honored each year with these awards as great ambassadors for our city and vital to our economic development efforts,” said Hilson.
Governor Robert Bentley makes 7 appointments to 5 boards recently
Things have been slow in the Governor’s appointments office. Governor Robert Bentley made only seven appointments to five different boards recently. You can find more information on open board positions on the appointments webpage. Below are Bentley’s recent appointments: Local Government Records Commission: responsible for conducting surveys of public records created by counties, municipalities, and other agencies of local government; issuing retention guidelines and other regulations for local government records, based on their evidential, informational, and historical value Cliff Mann Bradley Kendrick Lisa Hanks Jefferson County Circuit Judge Pat Thetford – eff. Nov. 5th Indian Affairs Commission: responsible for dealing fairly and effectively with Indian affairs; to bring local, state, federal resources into focus…for Indian citizens of the State of Alabama; to provide aid…assist Indian Communities Stanley A. Trimm Dale County Board of Registrars: responsible for registering voters and maintaining voter rolls. Kristi Colvin Rehabilitation Council: advises the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services on a number of issues related to vocational rehabilitation services. Tom Schwarz
Paul Ryan wins Republican nomination for House speaker
Republican Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI) moves one step closer to becoming the next House speaker, winning his party’s closed-door nomination for the top Congressional position Wednesday afternoon. Ryan, the GOP’s vice-presidential nominee in 2012 and the current chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, won the nomination the secret-ballot defeating rival Rep. Daniel Webster of Florida. Ryan received 200 votes compared to Webster’s 43. Next up, an official vote will take place Thursday morning on the House floor, where the House Ways and Means Committee chairman needs to secure a required 218 votes to replace retiring speaker Rep. John Boehner (R-OH), who is scheduled to leave Congress Friday. Pending tomorrow’s vote, the 45-year-old will be the youngest House speaker since Rep. James Blaine (R-ME) when he was speaker in 1869, at age 39. Last week, Ryan wrote a letter to his GOP colleagues announcing his run for speaker. Read his full letter below: Dear Colleague: Over the past few days, I’ve been thinking a lot about our country, and it’s clear to me that we’re in a very serious moment. Working families continue to fall behind, and they are losing faith in the American Idea: the belief that if you work hard and play by the rules, you can get ahead. At the same time, a weaker America has led to a more dangerous world. Our friends and rivals alike wonder whether we will pull ourselves out of this stupor. Instead of rising to the occasion, Washington is falling short—including the House of Representatives. We are not solving the country’s problems; we are only adding to them. But now, we have an opportunity to turn the page, to start with a clean slate, and to rebuild what has been lost. We can make the House a more open and inclusive body—one where every member can contribute to the legislative process. We can rally House Republicans around a bold agenda that will tackle the country’s problems head on. And we can show the country what a commonsense conservative agenda looks like. That’s why I’m actually excited for this moment. I’ve spoken with many of you over the past few days, and I can sense the hunger in our conference to get to work. I know many of you want to show the country how to fix our tax code, how to rebuild our military, how to strengthen the safety net, and how to lift people out of poverty. I know you’re willing to work hard and get it done, and I think this moment is ripe for real reform. That’s because, whatever our differences, we’re all conservatives. We were elected to defend the constitution. We share the same principles. We all believe America is the land of opportunity—the place where you should be able to go as far as your talents and hard work will take you. We all believe in empowering every person to realize his or her potential. And we have the know-how to apply these principles to the problems of today. I never thought I’d be speaker. But I pledged to you that if I could be a unifying figure, then I would serve—I would go all in. After talking with so many of you, and hearing your words of encouragement, I believe we are ready to move forward as a one, united team. And I am ready and eager to be our speaker. This is just the beginning of our work. There is a long road ahead. So let’s get started. Sincerely, Paul Ryan
Viewers’ guide: Rising tensions on display in 3rd GOP debate
Expect the 10 candidates participating in the third Republican presidential debate to highlight rising tensions in the unsettled field. Political outsiders Donald Trump and Ben Carson are the front-runners in national polls, and they may take aim one another during the 8 p.m. EDT debate in Boulder, Colorado. But the anticipated sparring among the experienced politicians in the race could prove just as intense, given the dwindling time for them to stand out in the crowded contest. The 2016 voting starts Feb. 1 in Iowa. Some things to look for in the two-hour debate: — JEB THE REASSURER Jeb Bush‘s standing in the race has never been weaker. The former Florida governor is the son and brother of presidents. Because of his overwhelming financial advantage, he was considered the front-runner for several months, even when he started to lag in the polls. But his campaign showed signs of financial distress last week by announcing a big payroll cut. The internal problems shined new light on Bush’s liabilities, including underwhelming showings as a campaigner. He needs to have a strong night to help reassure nervous supporters that he has the strength to survive a suddenly uphill battle. — ET TU, RUBIO No one is better positioned to benefit from Bush’s struggles than his Florida protege, Marco Rubio. Especially after Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker quit the race, the 44-year-old first-term senator is considered one of the few candidates who can bridge the GOP’s warring factions by appealing to establishment and hard-line wings. Bush’s team has identified Rubio as its greatest threat. The two may be longtime friends, but expect Bush to go on the attack. Rubio has largely avoided getting dragged into the back-and-forth so far. He may have no option Wednesday night. — IT’S NOT BRAIN SURGERY Carson, a retired neurosurgeon, may be one of the least known candidates despite his top-of-the-pack polling. After playing bit parts in the first two debates, Carson has become a higher priority for his rivals, particularly those chasing the antiestablishment vote. None has gone after Carson more aggressively than billionaire businessman Donald Trump, who has questioned Carson’s energy, policies and religion. The soft-spoken Carson has refused to counterattack, but expect him to defend himself and explain his positions in the face of mounting pressure. His aides also hope he will tone down the rhetoric; during the campaign he’s made references to Nazis and slavery. — TRUMP LOOKING UP Only in the past week or two has Trump shown signs of vulnerability, but the showman is the ultimate wild card on the debate stage. He has shown a willingness to say or do virtually anything on national television, and heading into the debate, he has jabbed at just about every challenger – none more so than Carson. Based on the ratings in previous debates, people are drawn to the Trump show, but are they growing tired of his act? — THE OTHERS New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was a political powerhouse not long ago. Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul was among the most interesting figures in politics. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz was a champion college debater. Former technology executive Carly Fiorina was an earlier debate winner. Yet all came into Wednesday night’s round as supporting actors. With 10 candidates on the stage for two hours, there simply won’t be enough time for everyone to stand out – and some of them need to. Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
Judge blocks Ala. from ending Planned Parenthood funding
A federal judge has blocked Alabama’s effort end Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood dealing a setback to Republican Gov. Robert Bentley. Wednesday morning U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson issued the 66-page decision directing the state to restore funding to the embattled group, stating the governor’s letter terminating the contract with Planned Parenthood Southeast (PPSE) failed to include a reason for the cancellation. In August, Bentley sent a letter terminating the state’s Medicaid contract with Planned Parenthood after the legitimacy of using any taxpayer dollars to fund the nation’s largest abortion provider was called into question after the pro-life group Center for Medical Progress (CMP) released of a series of undercover videos detailing Planned Parenthood’s harvest and sale of fetal organs and body parts after abortions. Following receipt of the letter, PPSE took the state to federal court, arguing the state didn’t have solid legal reason to end the Medicaid provider agreements with the two state clinics. Today’s ruling is the latest victory for Planned Parenthood in recent clashes with Republicans over funding. Susan Watson, Executive Director of American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama said, “Judge Thompson has rightly recognized that the State of Alabama’s termination of the Medicaid provider agreement is a violation of federal law. The State of Alabama cannot impermissibly target abortion providers for unfair treatment. Today’s ruling is a victory for the women of Alabama.” Following the order, Governor Bentley weighed in, “For the last two months, Alabama has denied payment to Planned Parenthood Southeast. The good news is that as a result of the strong opposition by Alabama and a few other states to the practice of accepting reimbursement for harvesting fetal organs, the national Planned Parenthood organization has changed course and will no longer continue this deplorable practice. I am disappointed, and vehemently disagree with the Court’s ruling today. We are reviewing the opinion and will determine the next legal steps within the appeal period.”
Presidential hopeful John Kasich to return to Alabama to campaign
Republican presidential hopeful John Kasich will return to the Yellowhammer state next week in hopes of wooing SEC primary voters. Governor Kasich will be at Wintzell’s Oyster House in Mobile (605 Dauphin St.) for a rally at 5 p.m. Tuesday. During the event, Kasich will present his petition and filing fee to Republican Chairwoman Terry Lathan and make his pitch as to why Alabamians should cast their ballots for him in March. Kasich was last in Alabama in August, when he was endorsed by Gov. Robert Bentley. Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill announced Kasich’s upcoming visit in a news release Wednesday morning. Along with several other southeastern states, the Alabama Legislature passed a bill to move Alabama’s presidential primary to March 1 in what is now being referred to as the SEC Primary. “We’re excited to welcome Governor Kasich back in Alabama! With the assistance and full support of the Alabama Legislature, one of the most significant things we have done in the Secretary of State’s Office is change the primary date to March 1,” Merrill said. “Since the March primary legislation passed, two of the top Democratic candidates and seven of the top Republican candidates have made campaign stops in Alabama, which is unheard of for our state. When Presidential candidates are choosing to visit and re-visit Alabama, it is proof the SEC Primary is working.” Other candidates who have visited Alabama recently include former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Dr. Ben Carson, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Sen. Ted Cruz, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Sen. Rand Paul, Sen. Bernie Sanders, former Sen. Rick Santorum, Donald Trump and before bowing out of the race Gov. Scott Walker.
Conservation advocates file lawsuit against Army Corps of Engineers over Black Warrior River mine
Conservation groups have filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers‘ approval of a permit for a new mine on the Black Warrior River. Black Warrior Riverkeeper and Defenders of Wildlife filed the lawsuit Tuesday in Birmingham federal court. It accuses the Corps of Engineers of failing to fully weigh the effect on endangered wildlife and water quality by the filling of streams and wetlands. It also says the agency failed to consider the cumulative effect of the multiple mines located along the Warrior River. The river twists through coal-rich areas of the state According to the lawsuit, the Corps of Engineers granted the permit last year to Global Met Coal Corp. for Black Creek Mine. Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
