Oui oui: Kay Ivey to visit Paris Air Show on French trade mission
Gov. Kay Ivey will visit France this week on a trade mission to highlight Alabama companies and (hopefully) bring more business to the state. Ivey will attend the Paris Air Show — the world’s oldest and largest aerospace event, which begins Monday — Ivey will meet with global businesses, joined by delegations from across Alabama. As the Alabama Political Reporter notes, meetings with delegations will be a combination of one-on-one and group settings. “Recruiting new businesses to Alabama and encouraging the ones we already have to expand requires the building of meaningful relationships,” said Ivey press secretary Eileen Jones. Attracting over 2,000 exhibitors from across the globe, the Paris Air Show will feature some Alabama and other U.S. companies. “Governor Ivey will use her time in Paris to build a rapport with aerospace industry leaders so as to build a comfortable, working relationship with them,” Jones added. “These relationships have proven, in the past, to be key to landing important economic development projects in Alabama.” Traveling with the governor will be Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield and Commerce Department Staff. “Recruiting industry to our state takes great amounts of time and effort; a business doesn’t decide overnight to relocate to Alabama,” Jones told the Political Reporter. One key Alabama project that came from the Paris Air Show was General Electric Co.’s Aviation additive manufacturing facility in Auburn, which started with talks that began at the 2013 event. Ivey leaves Friday and returns Wednesday.
Alabama lawmakers help secure red snapper season expansion
Alabama anglers have something to celebrate this week — after months of debate on both the Gulf Coast and Capitol Hill, the United States Department of Commerce on Wednesday announced an extension of the federal red snapper season. Red snapper fishing will now be open in federal waters for recreational fishermen every weekend between now and Labor Day, resulting in a 39-day season. This will include Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as well as July 3rd and 4th and Labor Day. Last month, NOAA Fisheries approved a recreational season of three days — June 1-3, which fishing enthusiasts decried as being far too short. Alabama lawmakers quickly took action reaching out to federal officials to lengthen the season, which was the shortest ever in the Gulf of Mexico. Among those taking action was ardent red snapper advocate Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne. Byrne led his Gulf Coast House colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary Ross requesting an emergency extension of the recreational season. “This is a huge victory for recreational fishermen and our Gulf Coast communities,” said Byrne. “As soon as the three day season was announced, my staff and I went to work with other Gulf Coast congressmen to fight for an emergency extension. Today’s announcement will provide some much needed relief to our fishermen and help benefit our economy in Coastal Alabama.” He continued, “I want to thank President Trump, Secretary Wilbur Ross and the staff at the Department of Commerce for their attention to this issue. I also cannot say enough about Chris Blankenship at the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources because he played a critical role in helping get all the Gulf states on board with this extension.” Meanwhile, in the U.S. Senate, Sen. Luther Strange also sent a letter to President Donald Trump on behalf of Alabama’s recreational anglers, asking for an extension. “Today’s extension is reassuring news for these Gulf Coast anglers and those of us fighting to let their voices be heard,” said Strange. “It was important to take action when the three-day season was announced, and I remain committed to making sure that the Gulf’s abundance is accessible to recreational fishermen and the coastal communities they call home.” In order to facilitate the emergency extension, state Red snapper seasons have now been brought in line with the new federal season for recreational anglers. The “for-hire” or charter boat season will remain 49 days, as it runs through July 19th. “Ultimately, a long-term solution is needed that benefits all Gulf fishermen. I will continue to work with Secretary Ross and my Gulf State colleagues to allow further access to this abundant resource,” added Sen. Richard Shelby. Gov. Kay Ivey also played a large part in helping see an extension through. On June 2, she sent a letter to Trump asking him to review the data collected by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and to consider elongating this year’s red snapper season. She specifically requested that the 2017 Gulf of Mexico red snapper private recreational season in federal waters be open for 39 more days than originally provided by the federal agency. She also spoke to the President about her request while attending a summit at the White House on June 8. “I am proud to report that President Trump and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross have granted my request to extend the federal red snapper season,” Ivey said. “The announcement comes after twice last week, once through a letter and once in person while at the White House, I asked President Trump to add to the season.” Wednesday’s announcement follws an agreement reached between Department of Commerce (which has jurisdiction over federal fisheries) and the fishery managers from the five Gulf states: Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. “This is an historic collaboration with the Department of Commerce and the five Gulf states to reset the framework of federal red snapper management,” said Chris Blankenship, Acting Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “Secretary Ross and his staff have been very open. This accord is only for the 2017 season, but we are diligently working with our Congressional delegation and the Department of Commerce for a long-term fix.” Fishermen are reminded that they are still required to report their red snapper harvest through the Alabama Snapper Check Program. The data collected through the program the past three years were critical in securing the additional red snapper fishing days. Only one report is required per vessel trip, and anglers can provide details via a smartphone app available under “Outdoor Alabama” in the iTunes or Google Play app stores, online at outdooralabama.com, or by paper forms available at select coastal public boat launches.
Bernie Sanders says man ID’d as shooter was on campaign
Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders says the man authorities identified as opening fire on the Republican congressional baseball practice had apparently volunteered on his presidential campaign. Sanders, of Vermont, says in a statement: “I am sickened by this despicable act.” He says that “violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society and I condemn this action in the strongest possible terms.” He paid tribute to Capitol Police for their response to the shooting, and said his “hopes and prayers” are with House GOP Whip Steve Scalise and others who were wounded. Sanders challenged Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination in the 2016 presidential election. He adds in his statement that “real change” can only come through nonviolent action. Republished with permission of The Associated Press. Violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society and I condemn this action in the strongest possible terms. pic.twitter.com/hyfmmpgXML — Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) June 14, 2017
Law enforcement identify congressional baseball shooter
Law enforcement officials have identified the shooter at the GOP congressional baseball practice this morning as James T. Hodgkinson of Belleville, Illinois. The Washington Post reports that Hodgkinson, 66, owns a home inspection business. Records show his home inspection license expired November 2016 and was not renewed. St. Clair County, Illinois records show that in April 2006, Hodgkinson was charged with battery and aiding damage to a motor vehicle. Charges were dismissed. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise and a congressional aide injured by a rifle-wielding shooter who sprayed bullets at a GOP baseball practice, before U.S. Capitol Police took the gunman down. Scalise is out of surgery and in stable condition.
Ron DeSantis describes ‘strange encounter’ with man before congressional baseball shooting
U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis described a “strange encounter” Wednesday with a man in the parking lot of the congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia. The encounter occurred moments before shots fired, injuring Republican Steve Scalise of Louisiana. Scalise was shot in the hip and is in stable condition after surgery. Some security team members were also wounded. The North Florida Republican told FOX Business Network hours after the shooting that the “guy … Walked up to us … Asking whether it was Republicans or Democrats out there.” DeSantis continued: “I had already taken ground balls, hit. Jeff Duncan, who I ride with, from South Carolina, he had done. So, I … and I was actually at third base he was at short. We were just shagging balls. He was at second. “I told Jeff, hey, we got to get on the road so we beat traffic, so we left about ten after seven. I think shots began you know within 3-5 minutes after that. “We reported to police that there was a gentleman that confronted us when we were going to our car and he wanted to know whether it was Republicans or Democrats that were out there. We said it was Republicans and he kind of started walking to the field. “I don’t know if that was the guy, but I think it’s important to put that information out there and it was a little bit different than someone would do that. He was really interested in wanting to know who was out there.” Police say the gunman, who opened fire with a rifle, is in custody. Rep. DeSantis who at baseball practice recalls: “A guy…walked up to us that was asking whether it was Republicans or Democrats out there.” pic.twitter.com/GwozCPRdve — Fox News (@FoxNews) June 14, 2017
Mo Brooks describes Va. shooting, assists wounded
Mo Brooks gave a firsthand account of the shooting that injured Republican Steve Scalise of Louisiana during congressional baseball practice just outside of Washington. Several other people were also believed to have been hit, according to the Alabama congressman who witnessed the shooting. Brooks told CNN Wednesday morning he heard “a loud bam, seeing a rifle and then another bam,” and heard Scalise scream. Brooks continued: “He continues to fire at different people, you can imagine all the people on the field scatter. I run around to the first base side on the batting cage … and hide behind the plastic. … Gunfire continues. Heard a break in the gunfire and decided to take a chance.” Brooks added that there were about “50 to 100 shots fired,” and that he used his belt to apply a tourniquet to one of the injured. Brooks said security guards returned fire and the shooter shot the security detail, circling around third base. “My understanding it that’s where our security detail …” he said, “still defending us, took him down. Once we got the all clear that the shooter was down, we went out to the outfield for Steve Scalise, he had crawled out in the outfield leaving a trail of blood.” Brooks said at least five people were wounded, Brooks said. “The gun continued to fire” .@RepMoBrooks gives first person account of shooting at baseball field in Alexandria https://t.co/fWv9P3i9P9 — New Day (@NewDay) June 14, 2017
Top House GOP leader shot at congressional baseball practice
A top House Republican, Steve Scalise of Louisiana, was shot Wednesday at a congressional baseball practice just outside of Washington, officials said. Several other people were also believed to have been hit, according to a lawmaker who witnessed the shooting. Scalise, the House majority whip, was in stable condition at George Washington University Hospital, according to one congressional aide. His injuries were not believed to be life-threatening. President Donald Trump said he was “deeply saddened by this tragedy” and was monitoring developments. The shooting occurred at a baseball field in Alexandria, Virginia, where lawmakers and others were gathered for a morning practice. Alexandria police said a suspect was taken into custody and “not a threat.” Rep. Mike Bishop, R-Mich., said Scalise was at second base when he was shot. “I was looking right at him,” Bishop told Detroit radio station WWJ. “He was a sitting duck.” Rep. Mo Brooks, an Alabama Republican, said two law enforcement officers were believed to be among the others shot. Brooks said that Scalise, 51, was down on the ground with what Brooks described as “a hip wound.” The Alabama lawmaker said he colleague “crawled into the outfield, leaving a trail of blood.” “We started giving him the liquids, I put pressure on his wound in his hip,” Brooks said. House Speaker Paul Ryan‘s office said Scalise’s wounds were not believed to be life-threatening and that a member of the security detail was also shot. Scalise is the No. 3 House Republican leader. He was first elected to the House in 2008 after serving in the state legislature. Katie Filous was walking her two dogs near the field when she heard “a lot of shots, probably more than 20.” She said the shooting “went on for quite a while.” Filous said she saw the shooter hit a uniformed law enforcement officer, who she said was later evacuated by helicopter. She said the officer had gotten out of a parked car, drawn a handgun and shouted something to the gunman, who then fired. Rep. Jeff Duncan said in a statement that he was at the practice and “saw the shooter.” “Please pray for my colleagues,” Duncan said. Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
Steve Flowers: Sorting out ‘unforeseens’ in Alabama Governor’s race
Those of us who follow Alabama politics had circled June 6, 2017, as the beginning of the 2018 governor’s race. However, we did not foresee Donald Trump’s election as President in November and the subsequent appointment of our U.S. Senator, Jeff Sessions, as his Attorney General, thus, opening a U.S. Senate seat and causing the need for an unanticipated special election for the open Senate seat this year. Therefore, the race for Sessions’ Senate seat will dominate the political news for at least the next three months. This Senate seat race has pushed back the timetable for gubernatorial aspirants by about three months. The thoroughbreds who might enter the Derby for the Brass Ring of Alabama politics probably have the luxury of waiting until Labor Day or maybe after the Sept. 26 GOP runoff for U.S. Senator. However, they do need to declare by Oct. 1, because qualifying will begin in late November for next year’s June 5 Primary. Also, we did not anticipate the resignation of Gov. Robert Bentley April 10 and the ultimate elevation of Lt. Gov., Kay Ivey, to Governor. Kay Ivey has been governor for less than three months; however, she has taken to the post like a “duck to water.” She has been deliberative and decisive and looks very gubernatorial. She is slowly putting her people into Cabinet posts. Enterprise Mayor, Ken Boswell, is a good choice for ADECA Director. This is a prime post as it doles out all the Federal grants that come to the state for infrastructure projects. She has named Christopher Blankenship acting Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources. She has removed Serve Alabama Director Jon Mason, and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Secretary, Stan Stabler. Her two closest advisors throughout her career have been Steve Pelham and Will Sellers. She has brought Pelham with her as her Chief of Staff. She has appointed Will Sellers to a vacant seat on the state Supreme Court. Pelham will be the most important person in state government for at least 18 months. These unforeseen events have changed the political landscape dramatically when it comes to the 2018 governor’s race. This time last year, Roy Moore and Luther Strange were two of the lead horses for governor. They are now the two frontrunners for the open Senate seat. Win or lose they are removed from the governor’s race. Kay Ivey’s elevation to governor has made her the favorite at this time. However, as this past year’s events reveal, a lot can change in a year’s time. As we assess the field with less than a year to the finish line, Kay Ivey is the linchpin of the race. She is the incumbent. She has good name identification and her age, 72, is an advantage and not a disadvantage. She looks like your grandmother. That sells better than young and glamorous, especially among female voters. They can identify and feel comfortable with Kay. Currently, Kay is in the proverbial catbird’s seat. The million-dollar question is does Kay really want to run for a full four-year term. If she were to ask me as a friend, I would tell her no. If I were her, I would not want to go through the rigors of a yearlong campaign. She can go to the house and proudly say that she was Governor of Alabama. A 20-month tenure as governor is not an insignificant amount of time. There are four significant thoroughbreds in the race, regardless of Ivey’s intentions. PSC President, Twinkle Cavanaugh, 50, is popular and well positioned. She has won three statewide races. Agriculture Commissioner, John McMillan, 75, has been at his important post for eight years. He has done an exemplary job. However, he cannot run again. He is well-liked. Huntsville Mayor, Tommy Battle, 61, will be a player in the governor’s race. He is the popular Mayor of Alabama’s economic crown jewel. Jefferson County Commissioner, David Carrington, 69, could be a factor. He has some name recognition from being seen often in the all-important Birmingham media market. If he gets strong support from the Birmingham suburbs, he could be a dark horse. Birmingham-based evangelist, Scott Dawson, 49, might catch fire. Tuscaloosa’s popular young mayor, Walt Maddox, may make the gubernatorial plunge as a Democrat. We will see. See you next week. ___ Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state Legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
