With Donald Trump in The White House, what’s in store for Jeff Sessions?
Now that Donald Trump has won the White House, promotions could be in store for his most loyal supporters, including Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions. Though not as visible on the campaign trail as New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie or former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Sessions was one of the earliest and most vocal supporters of Trump’s presidential campaign, and could be offered a Cabinet position. Sessions endorsed Trump in February, becoming the first senator to back the president-elect, and he also gave Trump’s nominating speech during the Republican National Convention. Trump even named Sessions during his acceptance speech Wednesday, saying the longtime senator is a “great man” and is “highly respected in Washington because he’s as smart as you can get.” Sessions, who holds a seat on the executive committee of Trump’s transition team, could be up for a few different positions. Before becoming a U.S. senator, Sessions was the Alabama Attorney General, though serving as U.S. AG may not be the position he is looking for. Sessions also may have his eye on becoming Secretary of Defense, and he faces significantly less competition from other Trump surrogates for that position. The other Trump backer that could be up for the job, retired Army Lieutenant General Mike Flynn, is not eligible to take on the post for five more years due to his prior military service, leaving Sessions as one of the most qualified for the position among Trump’s inner circle. Of course, if Sessions were selected for a Cabinet post, it could create a domino effect in Alabama politics. If Sessions leaves the Senate, Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley would get to appoint a temporary senator, though he also would have to set special election dates to find a permanent replacement. The special election could draw more than a few candidates, including some of Alabama’s congressmen, and if one of them won the race to succeed Sessions, another special election would follow to choose their successor.
Former state senator, civic leader John Tyson dies
Former state senator John Tyson died Monday at 91, surrounded by his family. A graduate of the University of Alabama, Tyson went on to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II as well as the Korean War as a naval aviator. He remained in the Naval Reserves as a pilot and as Judge Advocate General for over 40 years, retiring at the rank of Commander. His dedication to the military didn’t stop there, Tyson is credited for his tireless work to bring a veteran’s cemetery and a VA Level One hospital to the Gulf Coast. And in 2001, he was named the Reserve Officers Association Veteran of the Year. Following his time in the military, Tyson served in the Alabama House of Representatives, and later the Alabama state Senate. There, he sponsored the legislation and was one of the founders of the University of South Alabama. He was also the chief sponsor of the legislation to bring the U.S.S. Alabama Battleship to Mobile as a war memorial. A prominent resident of Mobile, Tyson was named Mobilian of the Year in 1997. “Mr. Tyson was truly committed to public service throughout the community and the State of Alabama,” his obituary states. “Mr. Tyson’s family will remember their father for his guidance, love, and dedication to them. He will be greatly missed by all.” Visitation will be held Sunday, Nov. 13 at the Radney Funeral Home (3155 Dauphin St., Mobile). It will also be held Monday morning, Nov. 14, from 9-11 a.m. at Government Street Presbyterian Church (300 Government St., Mobile). Funeral services will begin at the church at 11 am. He is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Grace Harris Durant Tyson, daughter Mary Mighell Tyson Duffy, and granddaughter Holly.
Jefferson County just elected 9 black women to become judges
After the polls closed Tuesday, Jefferson County voters had placed nine black women into judgeships on their circuit court. The majority Democratic county voted in Javan Patton, Debra Bennett Winston, Shera Craig Grant, Nakita “Niki” Perryman Blocton, Tamara Harris Johnson, Elisabeth French, Agnes Chappell, and Brendette Brown Green, all of whom will be sworn in in January. In addition to those nine judges, voters in the left-leaning county also elected Democrats Lauren Petro, Clyde Jones, David Hobdy, Bob Vance, Stephen Wallace, and Reginald Jeter. French, who has served on the Jefferson County Circuit Court since 2010, told The Birmingham Times her hard work and experience helped her win re-election to her seat. “I think the people don’t necessarily just support you just because of your race and gender. I think voters expect more than that,” she said. “They look at our qualifications and make a decision about who they can trust with the leadership position.” Democrats won all 14 seats up for election to the Jefferson County Circuit Court.
