President Donald Trump says he won’t stay off social media
President Donald Trump may be trying for a reset in the West Wing, but he is making clear that he is not changing his Twitter habit. On Twitter Tuesday, Trump said: “Only the Fake News Media and Trump enemies want me to stop using Social Media (110 million people). Only way for me to get the truth out!” The tweet came one day after retired Gen. John Kelly took over as Trump’s new chief of staff. Tapped to bring order to the chaotic West Wing, Kelly quickly made his presence known Monday — ousting newly appointed communications director Anthony Scaramucci and revising the command structure so that all senior staffers report to him. Those moves were praised Monday by Trump allies and lawmakers, who expressed hope that Kelly would help stem internal conflicts and advance a policy agenda after six months of tumult. But less clear is how much control Kelly will have over Trump’s predilection for sowing conflict and making off-the-cuff comments on social media. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders repeated Tuesday that Kelly had full control over the staff. Asked at a press briefing if senior advisers Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner and others would be able to drop in to see the president, she said: “I don’t think anyone just wanders into the Oval Office.” Sanders added that “Gen. Kelly is going to work with the entire team as he has been doing over the last couple of days.” Sen. Lindsey Graham, speaking on NBC’s “Today Show,” said he was encouraged by Kelly’s new role, but stressed that he was looking for “discipline” from Trump in order to move forward with issues like health care and tax reform. “He has an obligation to be president for all of us and stop the chaos. Most of the chaos is generated by him and no one else,” Graham said. Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
New study: 86,400 Alabama jobs supported by natural gas and oil
The Alabama Petroleum Council (APC), a division of the American Petroleum Institute, on Tuesday released a new study showing that in 2015 the U.S. natural gas and oil industry supported 86,400 jobs in the Yellowhammer State, provided nearly $3.9 billion in wages and contributed $8.85 billion to the state’s economy. Conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and commissioned by API, the study also found that all 50 states, whether energy producing or not, continued to benefit from the natural gas and oil industry. “Alabama oil and gas industry jobs offshore and onshore are in high demand because they have paid very well and the companies respect their employees while taking their health and safety very seriously,” said Executive Director Dean Peeler. “Alabama has had a proud 75 year history in oil and gas production, thanks to our dedicated professional employees.” The study also revealed the natural gas and oil industry supported 10.3 million U.S. jobs in 2015. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage paid by the natural gas and oil industry in 2016, excluding retail station jobs, was $101,181 which is nearly 90 percent more than the national average. “This study validates the role of the natural gas and oil industry in growing the U.S. economy and supporting more than 10 million workers from coast-to-coast,” added API President and CEO Jack Gerard. “Natural gas and oil touches virtually every facet of our life – from heating our homes and fueling transportation to life-saving medical devices and cosmetics at the drug store. This study is further proof of the positive impact that U.S. resources have on workers and communities across the nation.”
Senate confirms Alabama attorney Kevin Newsom to sit on the Eleventh Circuit
With the support of both of Alabama’s U.S. Senators, the U.S. Senate confirmed Birmingham attorney Kevin Newsom to be a judge on the Atlanta-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit Tuesday afternoon. By a vote of 66-31 Alabama’s former solicitor general, who currently chairs the appellate group at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings in Birmingham, was confirmed. Trump nominated Newsom to the bench in May. “The people of Alabama made their voices heard overwhelmingly last November in electing President Trump because they know that a new generation of judges stands ready to restore respect for the rule of law,” said U.S. Sen. Luther Strange. “As with Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, I was proud to vote for Kevin Newsom, and I look forward to his long tenure as a defender of the Constitution.” Prior to the confirmation vote, U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby made a floor speech in support of Newsom calling him an “exceptional choice.” “I am confident that Kevin Newsom would serve honorably and apply the law with impartiality and fairness, which I believe is required of all judges. … I believe President Trump has made the right decision in selecting Kevin to sit on the Eleventh Circuit,” Shelby said in his floor speech. Newsom will serve in the seat vacated by The Honorable Joel F. Dubina, who retired on October 24, 2013. Watch Shelby’s video in support of Newsom below: The Senate also confirmed Christopher Wray of Georgia as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) by a vote of 92-5. Wray will work closely with Attorney General Jeff Sessions on implementing President Trump’s agenda.
Top GOP Senate candidates tout endorsements in final sprint to primary day
The top GOP candidates running to finish out Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ term in the Senate each publicized major campaign endorsements Monday. CD 5 U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks picked up support from conservative commentator Ann Coulter, who said Alabamians have “a chance this year to save the country by sending Congressman Mo Brooks to the US Senate.” “Despite my general policy of not making endorsements in GOP state primaries, this moment in history is too important not to endorse Alabama Congressman Mo Brooks for the Senate seat vacated by the great Jeff Sessions,” she said. Former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Roy Moore sent out an email Monday touting an endorsement from the Alabama Republican Assembly, which announced it would back Moore last week. Don Wallace, who heads up the Southeast Region of the ALRA, said “while there are several good candidates that are running for this position and who would serve Alabama well in the Senate, the Republican Assembly voted overwhelmingly for Judge Moore because of his demonstrable commitment to conservative principles and a willingness to stand up against an out of control Federal Judiciary.” Not to be outdone, sitting U.S. Sen. Luther Strange came out with a new ad highlighting the endorsement he received from the National Rifle Association back in May. In the 30-second ad, titled “Drain the Swamp,” Strange says he’s working with President Donald Trump’s administration to curb illegal immigration and build a wall on the country’s southern border. The ad then displays the NRA seal and he mentions the group’s endorsement over video of Strange firing a handgun at a shooting range. A recent poll from Raycom News Network put Strange and Moore in a statistical tie heading into the final stretch, with Brooks coming in as the only other GOP candidate in the nine-person field with double digit support. Alabama requires a primary runoff election if no candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote, which seems likely given current poll numbers. The primary race is set for Aug. 15. The primary runoff, if necessary, will be Sept. 26; the general election is Dec. 12.
Mo Brooks hits back on Luther Strange’s ‘deceptive attacks’ in Senate primary
Mo Brooks is hitting back on the recent wave of “deceptive attacks” from opponents in the Alabama’s U.S. Senate race. Brooks’ new ad is the latest push on Sen. Luther Strange over who is the true Donald Trump supporter in the increasingly heated midsummer Alabama Senate primary to serve the rest of Attorney General Jeff Session’s term. The 30-second “Support Trump,” which launched Tuesday, reaffirms his “strong support” of Trump’s agenda, touting he voted with the president “95 percent of the time in Congress.” Strange — who has enjoyed support from the Senate Leadership Fund, linked to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell — has leveled waves of negative hits on Brooks, trying to paint the four-term Huntsville Republican congressman as a tepid (at best) Trump supporter and even a “closet liberal.” “There’s only one ‘Never Trumper’ in this race: Luther Strange,” said Brooks, a member of the House Freedom Caucus. “I supported President Trump in 2016 and wrote a $2,500 check to help him win. Luther never endorsed Trump, never donated and is now helping Mitch McConnell block the America First Agenda in the Senate.” “So, who are you going to believe: Mitch McConnell and Luther Strange?” he asks. With a “proven conservative” record, Brooks finishes his ad with a list of endorsements from leading “conservative thought leaders” such as Laura Ingraham, Sean Hannity, Mark Levin and Ann Coulter. Strange and Brooks are locked in a contentious primary battle, part of a nine-person GOP field that includes former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore. All three are running for a place in the race’s staunch conservative lane in a state that overwhelmingly supported Trump in 2016. Other Republican candidates in the race include Dr. James Beretta, Joseph Breault, Alabama Christian Coalition president Randy Brinson, Mary Maxwell, Bryan Peeples and state Sen. Trip Pittman of Baldwin County. As for who will ultimately represent Alabama, voters have less than two weeks to decide before the Aug. 15 Republican and Democratic primaries. The last day to apply for an absentee ballot is Aug. 10. If there is no primary winner — with 50 percent plus one — a runoff is Sept. 26; the general election is Dec. 12. “Support Trump” is now available on YouTube.
New Luther Strange ad vows to drain swamp of ‘never-Trump insiders’
A new TV spot from U.S. Sen. Luther Strange hits the “never-Trump insiders” for trying to frame him as an opponent of the president’s agenda. In the ad, Strange, appointed to the Senate seat in February by then-Gov. Robert Bentley, argues that he has actively worked with both Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions in the fight against illegal immigration by building a wall along the country’s southern border. In the 30-second spot “Drain the Swamp” (also available on YouTube), Strange touts himself as “leading the charge to bring Alabama conservative values and common-sense accountability back to the United States Senate.” “Every day I work to follow the word of Jesus Christ,” Strange says. “And to do what’s morally right.” Next, Strange points out how he made “powerful enemies fighting corruption in Birmingham … and now those ‘never-Trump insiders’ falsely attack me.” He also notes his endorsement by the National Rifle Association, while shooting a target with the words: “Obama’s attack on the Second Amendment.” He continues: “I’m no career politician” – repeating one of the main talking points against Huntsville Republican Congressman Mo Brooks, who is currently serving a fourth term in the U.S. House. “I won’t betray your trust, and I’ll fight for President Trump’s agenda every day.” Facing an intense Republican primary battle, Strange is one of a nine-person GOP field that includes Brooks and former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore, each running in the staunch conservative lane for the race to complete Sessions’ Senate term. Alabama voters have less than two weeks to decide before the Aug. 15 Republican and Democratic primaries. The last day to apply for an absentee ballot is Aug. 10. If there is no primary winner — with 50 percent plus one — a runoff is Sept. 26; the general election is Dec. 12.
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: Significant other? Kids? My beautiful wife is named Melissa, and we have two wonderful sons and a young grandson. 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. What was your first job? Paper route 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. 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. 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. Who is your political consultant? Campaign manager? Jeff Roe and Michael Joffrion 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. 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. 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. What are 3 issues that you‘re running on? (Please don’t simply say “education” or “improving the schools”) Protecting our borders and reforming our immigration system so that the needs of Americans are put first. 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. Reforming our tax code and lifting the heavy regulatory burden on our job creators so that we can get our economy going strong. What is a “disruptive” issue (i.e. ride-sharing) you are interested in? Helping President Trump disrupt Washington. Who was the best governor in Alabama’s modern history? I’d have to say that Kay Ivey has this one wrapped up. Are yard signs an important part of campaigning in your district? They’re an important part of an overall campaign strategy. What’s the first thing you read each morning? Calling Jesus Where do you get your political news? Fox 60 Minutes or House of Cards? Too busy playing with my grandson. Social media presence? Twitter handle? We have a campaign page on Facebook. And you can find me on Twitter @lutherstrange and on Instagram @lutherstrangeforsenate. 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. Hobbies? Hunting, fishing and playing with my black lab, Sophie. Favorite sport and sports team? Tulane basketball Get to know the other candidates running for the seat, here.
Advocates oppose EPA’s delay of coal plant pollution limits
Environmental advocates urged the Trump administration on Monday to reverse course on its move to set aside an Obama-era measure limiting water pollution from coal-fired power plants. About 50 people spoke during a public hearing to voice their strong opposition to Environmental Protection Agency administrator Scott Pruitt‘s decision to delay implementation of a 2015 rule setting tighter guidelines for power plant wastewater piped into rivers and lakes that often serve as sources of public drinking water. The coal waste contains traces amounts of highly toxic heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, mercury and selenium. Pruitt was acting at the behest of electric utilities who petitioned him earlier this year to redraft the rule, which they claim is too costly and burdensome. The decision leaves EPA’s guidelines from 1982 in effect, standards set when far less was known about the detrimental impacts of even tiny levels of heavy metals on human health and aquatic life. Many of those who traveled to EPA headquarters in Washington on Monday said they wanted to speak out, even as they expressed doubt it would do any good. Pruitt, the former attorney general of Oklahoma, has repeatedly moved to kill or delay rules curbing pollution from the fossil-fuel operations since his appointment to lead EPA. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., president of the Waterkeeper Alliance, told the three mid-level EPA officials running the hearing that Pruitt’s actions violated federal law. He accused the EPA chief of engaging in a “sham process” to protect coal-industry profits at the expense of public health. “They have no right to poison our fish,” said Kennedy, an environmental layer who is a son of the former attorney general and senator and a nephew of President John F. Kennedy. “They have no right to poison our children. EPA can’t give them that right. … The waterways of this country belong to the people.” The Waterkeeper Alliance is one about a dozen environmental groups banding together to sue EPA over the move to rewrite the power-plant wastewater standards. EPA estimates the 2015 rule, if implemented, would reduce power plant pollution by about 1.4 billion pounds a year. Only about 12 percent of the nation’s steam electric power plants would have to make new investments to meet the higher standards, according to the agency. Utilities would need to spend about $480 million on new wastewater treatment systems, resulting in about $500 million in estimated public benefits, such as fewer incidents of cancer and childhood developmental defects. Three industry representatives attended Monday’s hearing to speak in favor of the delay, saying Pruitt’s planned rewrite of the 2015 rule created too much uncertainty for them to invest in new equipment. Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
