Viewer’s Guide: Donald Trump drama, closing arguments before Iowa
It’s one thing to attack Donald Trump when he’s standing on the presidential debate stage. But what about when he’s not? It’s a complicated question for the seven presidential candidates in the seventh prime time Republican presidential debate, who expect a no-show from the front-runner who has eclipsed the contest for months — on the brink of Monday’s Iowa caucuses. Trump has declared that because of what he calls unfair treatment by the network hosting the debate, Fox News Channel, he’ll have his own event at the very same time about two miles away at Drake University. His absence puts the rivals in a tough position while opening potential opportunity — do they go after him and give him even more attention? Or ignore him and fill the vacuum with their best possible closing arguments, grabbing attention that’s been tough to come by when Trump and his big personality fill the air time? Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who is in third place in Iowa, tested a new line Wednesday, calling the debate drama a “sideshow” and the election choices, “serious.” Also in a delicate spot is the network, which has engaged in a fraught relationship with Trump for months after he tangled with moderator Megyn Kelly in the first debate in August. Fox News Channel has refused to remove Kelly from the question panel and issued a sarcastic statement mocking Trump for demanding they do so. The standoff poses a challenge for the network, which is popular with conservatives, over how it handles its relationship with the GOP presidential front-runner in real time — especially in his absence. The main debate stage will once again feature Rand Paul, who was bumped to the undercard debate last time. Also appearing: Sen. Ted Cruz, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Rubio and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson. Here are some things to watch for during the debate: TRUMP, OBVIOUSLY Trump’s debate boycott tests whether any word or action by the billionaire can dent his support among a core of conservative voters who want a change in Washington. Trump has predicted that Iowans won’t care whether he attends the debate, and even if he did, he wouldn’t be talking to the nation anyway. He’d be speaking to Iowans who will caucus Monday, using every moment to win the contest at hand. “Being second is terrible,” he has said. Another advantage to holding his own event: no moderators or rivals to challenge him. CRUZ The Texas senator and national debate champion held his own against Trump in past debates as the two have competed for the lead in Iowa. Without Trump on the stage, does Cruz adopt the posture of the de facto debate leader? That could risk looking presumptuous when a sizable percentage of Iowans say they could change their minds about whom they support. Cruz has been testing some humor, with an edge. “Apparently, Megyn Kelly is really, really scary, and Donald is a fragile soul,” Cruz said. “If she asks him mean questions, I mean, his hair might stand on end.” THE MODERATORS Look for someone on the panel of moderators to acknowledge the elephant that’s not in the room. But whether moderators will spend more time than that on Trump, who has spent months in a spat with Kelly over what he says is unfair treatment, is a delicate question. Late Wednesday, Trump tweeted that it was Fox’s mocking press release that inspired him to skip the debate, more so than Kelly. She has been adamant about playing the dispute straight, and has the firm backing of news executives. THE OTHER CANDIDATES Jump ball! The debate gives the field-minus-Trump more of a chance to make the most powerful closing arguments possible in the final face to face, televised meeting before the caucuses. Candidates such as Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who is looking past Iowa for a strong finish in next-up New Hampshire, have had little speaking time in past debates. The opportunity also is ripe for Rubio, who is seeking a strong finish in Iowa to claim the establishment mantle if outsiders Trump or Cruz falter. Look, too, for Bush to try to make gains. Republished with permission of the Associated Press.
Republican leaders outline 2016 “Right for Alabama” agenda
Alabama Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard (R-Auburn), alongside Majority Leader Micky Hammon (R-Decatur) and Rep. Donnie Chesteen (R-Geneva), held a press conference Thursday to lay out the Republican agenda for the upcoming legislative session. Titled “Right for Alabama,” the agenda lays out state Republicans’ priorities for the upcoming session. “Our ‘Right for Alabama’ agenda focuses on important issues like job creation, protecting public school students from harm, demanding the dignity that unborn life deserves, and other vital initiatives,” Hubbard said in a press release. “It also continues Alabama’s on-going fight against wrong-headed federal policies that would erode our constitutionally protected gun rights and force the state to accept thousands of potentially dangerous and unchecked Syrian refugees.” The first item on the agenda, and the one that all three legislators agree is most important, is a “zero-based budgeting reform,” which requires state agencies to account for each dollar received, identify ineffective programs and save or redirect taxpayer money. According to Hubbard, both the general fund and education budgets will be the first items addressed in the upcoming session. State Republicans also planb to address pension reform in an effort to “ensure the long-term solvency and fiscal health of the Retirement Systems of Alabama” and preserve the current level of benefits retirees earn. The Alabama Taxpayer Advocate Act would change a current statute, which requires the Alabama Department of Revenue to select a person from its ranks to serve as Taxpayer Advocate, to allow the governor to select the advocate from a pool of qualified candidates. The Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit would provide a $1,500 tax to small businesses for “every new, qualified employee hired by small businesses operating within the state.” Alabama’s Right to Work Constitutional Amendment will enshrine Alabama’s status as a “Right to Work” within the state constitution, declaring that Alabama is “open for business.” Republicans will also offer legislation aimed at “protecting public safety from Syrian refugee threats” and will assist members of the national Republican Party in “overturning Brack Obama’s unconstitutional executive orders attacking out Second Amendment right to own firearms.” Republicans also plan to create a School Security and Student Safety Task Force, made up of education, law enforcement and emergency management officials, to conduct a “comprehensive review and assessment of state laws, regulations, and protocols relating to security and student safety.” Though none of the legislators present would specify the amount, state Republicans also plan to work on providing teachers with a pay raise and establish the Wireless Infrastructure Renovation for Education (WIRED) Act, which provide grants to local school systems for the “purchase, installation or upgrade of wireless infrastructure.” If successful, Alabama will become the first state in the nation to have wireless infrastructure at all of its schools. Last on Republicans’ agenda is the Unborn Infants’ Dignity of Life Act, which will outlaw “the sale of the bodily remains of unborn infants.”
Alabama group hosts public forum to discuss consumer lending concerns
The Alliance for Responsible Lending in Alabama (ARLA) held a public forum in Birmingham Tuesday to discuss high-cost consumer lending and the group’s plans to address such practices in the upcoming legislative session. The forum was co-sponsored by the YWCA of Central Alabama, the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, the Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Republican Women. “We were pleased with the quantity and quality of the folks that turned out,” said Stephen Stetson, a Policy Analyst with Alabama ARISE, one of more than 20 groups affiliated with the umbrella organization connected to ARLA. According to Stetson, ARLA has worked for the last three to four years to pass legislation that would be an interest rate cap of 36 percent on all payday and title loans in the state, which are currently at 456 percent and 300 percent respectively. Stetson noted that roughly 18 other states have enacted such caps, including Arkansas (17 percent), Georgia (60 percent) and North Carolina (36 percent). Several legislators have signed onto ARLA’s legislation in the past, including Rep. Danny Garrett (R-Trussville), Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Huntsville) and Sen. Larry Stutts (R-Marion). This year’s legislation is slated to be sponsored by Rep. Allen Treadaway (R-Birmingham). Last year’s bill, which Stetson said got further than any previous legislation, died on the House floor due to “behind the scenes negotiations” from the consumer lending lobby, despite having more than 60 bipartisan co-sponsors. ARLA is currently working on this year’s legislation, which will yet again seek to put a cap on interest rates. “People do not think very highly of this industry,” Stetson said. “But they spare no expense lobbying in the statehouse.” However, Stetson is confident that this year’s bill, due to grassroots activism, will fare better than previous bill’s have because of public sentiment. “People understand that these (lenders) are stripping wealth out of communities,” Stetson said. “They have the money, but we have the numbers. People in Alabama know that change can be slow but, if we don’t get it through this year, we’ll be back next year.”
Get to know Charles Nana, a Democrat challenging Richard Shelby
Charles Nana, a man born in West Africa with degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and Analytical Finance and Strategic Management, is vying for the Democratic bid to challenge Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby in the upcoming election. For the last 25 years, Nana has worked in the private sector – being called in to repair businesses on the brink of destruction. “If someone had told me three or four years ago that I would be running for Senate, I would have told them they were crazy,” Nana said. “I want to bring those skill sets from the private sector to the state.” For Nana, the call to enter the political arena was the children of Alabama. “When I see the dreams of children disappear in Alabama, where we can do more, it just makes me sad,” Nana said. “I think the current direction of Alabama is disastrous, I want to turn it around completely.” First and foremost, Nana believes that Alabama must invest in education, thereby bringing more skilled workers to the workforce which, in turn, will bring more jobs to the state. “Alabama has been on the wrong side of economic issues for a long time,” Nana said. “Every time the state needs more money, they take it out of the education fund. And those Republicans who make these decisions don’t care, they have kids that go to private schools.” While education, jobs and economics are at the top of Nana’s platform, he also harbors a disdain for the policies of state and national Republicans. “There is so much hate and fear-mongering,” Nana said. “We are a state in severe and permanent crisis, but we can do better.” Along with calling for a rewrite of Alabama’s “racist, sexist” constitution, which he calls “filled with the evils of the 19th Century,” Nana endorses an increase in the minimum wage. “All Mr. Shelby cares about is having his name on a high-rise; all Mr. Shelby cares about is having a $500 dinner with his friends in New York,” Nana said. “And you have children in Wilcox County that are sharing text books.” “We’re morally bankrupt as a state and as a country,” Nana continued. “Alabama is dead last in almost every metric under the sun, but we can change, we can do better.” Nana went on to say that, while Republicans often have their strongest support from Christians, Democrats are the “party of faith.” “Democrats don’t like to fight, but we need to take the moral fight to them,” Nana said. “They like to say they’re pro-life, but they love war. As a Christian, to me, all life is sacred.” Though Nana takes confidence in the surge of young voters that will be venturing to the polls this year, the candidate noted that his greatest challenge will be in competing with Shelby and other candidates in the funding battle. “My biggest challenge is a lack of funds,” Nana said. “But once I talk, people understand that ‘yes, we can do this.’ That’s all I’m trying to do, just give me 10 minutes to talk. Everyone who has give me a chance has been pleased.” The Alabama primary is March 1, the winner from the Democratic Party will go on to challenge Richard Shelby in the General Election on Nov. 8. — This part is part of our ongoing “Get to know” series spotlighting the various candidates in the 2016 Senate race. Click here to get to know the other candidates we’ve highlighted thus far.
Marco Rubio team announces Alabama leadership team
Thursday morning the Marco Rubio for President campaign announced their Alabama Leadership Team. These state leaders will work alongside State Representative Will Ainsworth and Bill Armistead, Alabama co-chairs for Marco Rubio for President, in leading the Marco Rubio for President operation in the Yellowhammer state. “Many influential Alabama Republicans are rallying behind Marco Rubio’s candidacy because he is a next generation conservative and has innovative ideas for America’s future,” said Ainsworth. “As the one candidate that can defeat Hillary Clinton and reverse the damage caused by the Obama presidency, I am proud to be a part of the team that will help Marco do well in Alabama.” On January 11, Rubio became the first of the presidential hopefuls to set his leadership team in all 50 states. “We are thrilled to have earned the support of so many key leaders across Alabama,” said Jeremy Adler, Regional Spokesman for Marco Rubio for President. “We are committed to building strong organizations in all 50 states and support from these influential elected officials will allow us to put in place an impressive ground operation for the March 1st primary.” Rubio’s Alabama Co-Chairs: Rep. Will Ainsworth: Rubio Co-Chair & State Representative, Marshall County Bill Armistead: Rubio Co-Chair, Member ALGOP Executive Committee, Former ALGOP Chair & State Senator, Shelby County Rubio’s Alabama Leadership Team: Sen. Clay Scofield: State Senator & Member ALGOP Executive Committee, Marshall County Sen. Slade Blackwell: State Senator & Member ALGOP Executive Committee, Jefferson County Sen. Greg Albritton: State Senator, Baldwin County Rep. Randall Shedd: State Representative & Member ALGOP Executive Committee, Cullman County Rep. Danny Garrett: State Representative & Member ALGOP Executive Committee, Jefferson County Rep. David Faulkner: State Representative & Member ALGOP Executive Committee, Jefferson County Rep. Jack Williams: State Representative, Jefferson Count Rep. Jim Patterson: State Representative, Madison County Rep. K.L. Brown: State Representative, Calhoun County Rep. Kyle South: State Representative, Fayette County Rep. Mack Butler: State Representative & Member ALGOP Executive Committee, Etowah County Rep. Matt Fridy: State Representative & Member ALGOP Executive Committee, Shelby County Rep. Mike Jones: State Representative & Member ALGOP Executive Committee, Covington County Rep. Nathaniel Ledbetter: State Representative, DeKalb County Rep. Lynn Greer: State Representative, Lauderdale County Commissioner Brandon Shoupe: Houston County Commissioner & Member ALGOP Executive Committee, Houston County Commissioner Chris Elliott: Baldwin County Commissioner & Member of ALGOP Executive Committee, Baldwin County Commissioner Greg White: Covington County Commissioner & Member ALGOP Executive Committee, Covington County Commissioner Tommy Oswalt: Colbert County Revenue Commissioner & Member ALGOP Executive Committee, Colbert County Commissioner Tucker Dorsey: Baldwin County Commissioner & Member of ALGOP Executive Committee, Baldwin County Commissioner Billy Strickland: Marshall County Commissioner, Marshall County Commissioner Dustin St. Clair: Cherokee County Revenue Commissioner, Cherokee County Commissioner Tyler Wilks: DeKalb County Revenue Commissioner, DeKalb County Commissioner Veronica Stancil: Franklin County Revenue Commissioner, Franklin County District Attorney Chris McCool: District Attorney, Pickens County Dr. Cindy Wigley: Marshall County Superintendent of Education, Marshall County Mayor Bob Joslin: Mayor of Arab, Marshall County Mayor Chuck Ables: Mayor of Geraldine, DeKalb County Mayor Leigh Dollar: Mayor of Guntersville, Marshall County Sheriff Huey “Hoss” Mack: Baldwin County Sheriff, Baldwin County Sheriff Rick Singleton: Lauderdale County Sheriff, Lauderdale County The Alabama Primary is on March 1.
Kickstarter campaign launched to create new line of 2016 presidential bobbleheads
It’s a bipartisan affair (so far) at the new Kickstarter campaign just launched at the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum featuring the five leading candidates for president. The Kickstarter page also lets you kick in some of your hard-earned cash to support a political bobblehead of the Democratic Donkey and the Republican Elephant, as well as the first ever BobbleFlag. Want a Donald Trump bobblehead with life-like hair? He’s right here, along with Hillary Clinton as well as the first-ever bobbleheads of Bernie Sanders, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio. The Kickstarter campaign, which gives the public a chance to cast a vote of support by choosing their favorite candidate, runs from January 28th through February 29th with a goal of raising $10,000. Contributors receive the bobblehead(s) of their choice, which are expected to arrive in April. The Kickstarter will also serve as a straw poll to see which candidates’ bobblehead is the most popular. “The Kickstarter ends the night before Super Tuesday, so we will see if America’s bobblehead choices signal the results of Super Tuesday,” said Phil Sklar, Co-Founder and CEO of the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum. “These candidates are such interesting characters, making bobbleheads a fitting way for people to show their support and commemorate this historical election period.” Sklar says undecided voters can choose the Elephant or Donkey as alternatives to the candidate bobbleheads. Independent voters and other patriotic Americans will appreciate the first ever BobbleFlag. A cursory glance of the Kickstarter page finds a half dozen backers so far, and a few hundred dollars raised, with both Republican and Democratic supporters. Looks like both Red and Blue Americans love Bobbleheads – at least one thing we can all agree on in these polarized times.
Get to know John Martin, a Dothan Republican running against Richard Shelby
“We need to make a change,” said John Martin, a Dothan Republican running against Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby in then upcoming election. “I bring to the table a great deal of life experience and a great deal of leadership experience.” Martin, the oldest Republican facing off against Shelby, has been affiliated with the United States Army for the last 40 years – he spent 23 years as an Army Ranger and Apache pilot before retiring to work on contracts in Iraq, Fort Rucker and Fort Benning. The conservative candidate has travelled the world and worked closely with officials at the Pentagon in this capacity. Currently, Martin is working as Senior Aviation Analyst at Fort Rucker. “I’ve been studying this for awhile,” Martin said. “I’ve kind of has my finger on the pulse from that angle.” When asked what drew him into this race, Martin cites Shelby’s record – Shelby won his Senate seat as a Democrat in 1986 and switched to the Republican Party in 1994. “I believe the pulse of the state is anti-Shelby,” Martin said, questioning the long-time Senator’s effectiveness. “The voter nowadays is a bit more knowledgeable, they want somebody with some fresh ideas.” Chief among Martin’s concerns for Alabama, and the country at large, is illegal immigration. “We’ve got a lot of people coming into this country illegally and this administration has turned a blind eye to it,” Martin said. “We need to enforce the law.” Martin echoed and endorsed the sentiment popularized by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, that steps should be taken to stop the immigration of Muslims unless they are skilled professionals willing to assimilate to American culture. “We’re allowing too many Muslims into the country,” Martin said. “Islam and Sharia Law don’t mix with American values. They are not going to change, what happened 800 years ago is happening right now.” Martin also took exception to the national debt, which he blames on Congress’s inaction, and the overreach of the federal government, specifically the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the U.S. Department of Education. “We need to get government out of our daily lives,” Martin said. While conceding that his campaign coffers can’t match Shelby’s, Martin said he is using a different strategy. While Shelby is “bombarding” voters with television and radio ads, Martin is using targeted internet ads, a move he admitted worked well for President Barack Obama during the 2008 election. “I’m really positive about it,” Martin said. “I think there’s a good chance, I wouldn’t be in this race if I didn’t.” — This part is part of our ongoing “Get to know” series spotlighting the various candidates in the 2016 Senate race. Click here to get to know the other candidates we’ve highlighted thus far.
NBC Poll: Donald Trump leads in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina
With four days before the Iowa caucuses, Donald Trump has pulled ahead of Ted Cruz in the Hawkeye State and holds commanding leads in New Hampshire and South Carolina. Among likely GOP caucus-goers, Trump leads Cruz in Iowa, 32 percent to 25 percent, according to NBC News/Wall Street Journal/Marist poll. Marco Rubio is in third with 18 percent, followed by Ben Carson at 8 percent. Jeb Bush is at 4 percent in the Iowa poll. The results mark a shift in opinions from just a few weeks ago, when Cruz held a 4-point lead over Trump. Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are neck-in-neck in Iowa. Clinton leads Sanders 48 percent to 45 percent, well within the margin of error of 4.7 percent for likely Democratic caucus goers. The Iowa caucuses are Monday. In New Hampshire, the survey found Trump holds a double-digit lead over Cruz. Among likely Republican primary voters, Trump leads Cruz 31 percent to 12 percent. Rubio is tied with John Kasich for third with 11 percent, followed by Bush at 8 percent. Sanders has an overwhelming lead over Clinton in the Granite State, the poll found. Among likely Democratic primary voters, Sanders is at 57 percent, followed by Clinton at 38 percent. The New Hampshire primary is Feb. 9. In South Carolina, where voters head to the polls in late February, Trump leads Cruz, 36 percent to 20 percent. Rubio is in third with 14 percent among likely Republican primary voters, followed by Bush at 9 percent. Carson is at 8 percent. Clinton has a commanding lead over Sanders in South Carolina, where she leads 64 percent to 27 percent. The South Carolina Republican primary is Feb. 20; the Democratic primary is on Feb. 27.
