Super PAC backing Luther Strange spent $1.2M this week
Committee cash is continuing to pour into support for Luther Strange a week out from the special primary election for Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ former senate seat, while his rivals have seen their funding slow to a trickle. Strange and his allies have been able to pump more money into the special primary election than any other Republican, and a political committee controlled by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell cemented that this week by shelling out more than $1.2 million opposing fellow primary candidates U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks and former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Roy Moore. The Senate Leadership Fund went all out, picking up online advertising and paying for TV and radio ad production in opposition of Brooks and Moore. On Tuesday alone, the committee spent $286,531 slamming Brooks and $342,927 against Moore. Unprocessed FEC records show Tuesday’s cash dump was followed up with another $650,000 in spending on Wednesday, with $500,000 of that money used to oppose Moore, who is Strange’s closest competitor in recent polls. To date, McConnell’s committee has spent a whopping $3.3 million against Brooks and $1 million against Moore. Outside money supporting Brooks clocks in at just $45,123 for the week, all of which came from the Senate Conservatives Fund, a committee founded by former South Carolina Republican U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint. Outside support for Moore was even more anemic. Through the entire election cycle, FEC data shows just $36,315 in independent expenditures backing the former justice. Despite the lopsided spending, a recent poll shows Moore with a 31-29 lead over Strange in the nine-way primary race. The same poll showed Brooks with 18 percent support, followed by state Sen. Trip Pittman with 8 percent and Alabama Christian Coalition president Randy Brinson with 2 percent. Eleven percent were undecided. Unless one of the candidates can secure a majority of the vote in the Aug. 15 primary, Alabamians will have to decide between the top two vote-getters in a Sept. 26 runoff. The general election is slated for December 12.
Alabama Power cuts the cord from BCA Governmental Affairs Conference
In a surprise move, Alabama Power officials have decided the company would not support the upcoming Business Council of Alabama (BCA) Governmental Affairs Conference in Point Clear this weekend. Alabama Political Reporter first reported the abrupt move Wednesday, saying that neither BCA, nor its employees would attend the annual event. According to APR, the power giant does not support BCA’s leadership in CEO Bill Canary and they’re disappointed he’s failed to deliver on the association’s legislative priorities.
Del Marsh to seek re-election
Anniston-Republican and Senate President Pro Tem Del Del Marsh announced Wednesday he will seek re-election to the state Senate next year, ending speculation as to whether or not he’d jump in the 2018 governor’s race. The nearly 20-year state senator will seek another four-year term representing Senate District 12. “Since Republicans took over the Legislature, we have been able to pass many key pieces of legislation,” Marsh said in his announcement. “However, the work is not done and if I am fortunate enough to be sent back to Montgomery by the people of Senate District 12, I look forward to continuing conservative policies that make government more efficient and accountable to the taxpayers.” Marsh said education and infrastructure will be among his top priorities the next four year. “Education and Infrastructure are going to be two key issues which face the Legislature in upcoming years,” explained Marsh. “I am currently working with the education community to work on a comprehensive education plan that is educator-driven and will give us direction on how to move the state forward and improve public education in Alabama. I hope to do the same thing with infrastructure to make sure our roads and bridges are among the best in America.” “Both of these issues are key in making sure Alabama is competitive in recruiting industry and improving the lives of all Alabamians and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate on these issues.” Marsh said he looks forward to working with Governor Kay Ivey should she seek a full term. “Governor Ivey and I have had a great working relationship through her time as Lieutenant Governor and since she took over the office earlier this year. If she decides to run, I hope to continue this work as we move forward to accomplishing our conservative agenda.”
Mo Brooks throws down the gauntlet: Donald Trump misled into endorsing Luther Strange
In a surprise move, President Donald Trump took Twitter primetime Tuesday night and endorsed Alabama Sen. Luther Strange, a week ahead of the state’s Aug. 15 primary. With the election only six days away, the president’s endorsement could have a major impact at the polls and one of Strange’s top opponents, Mo Brooks, isn’t taking it lightly. Wednesday morning the Alabama 5th District U.S. Congressman released a strongly worded statement expressing his disappointment in the president and went so far as to accuse Strange of not only corruption, but also blackmail and bribery. “I respect President Trump,” Brooks politely began, “but I am baffled and disappointed Mitch McConnell and the Swamp somehow misled the President into endorsing Luther Strange.” From there Brooks set the niceties aside and threw down the proverbial gauntlet. “Perhaps the President is unaware that Luther Strange corruptly and unethically held a criminal investigation over the head of disgraced Governor Bentley to obtain the senate appointment,” Brooks continued. “Perhaps President Trump is unaware that Luther Strange wants to keep the Senate’s 60% rule that empowers Chuck Schumer and the Democrats to kill the entire conservative, Republican, and President Trump legislative agendas.” Brooks continued, “Perhaps President Trump is unaware then- Attorney General Luther Strange received $50,000 from a heavy polluter as a reward for Luther Strange sending two letters to the EPA that blocked EPA efforts to force the polluter to pay cleanup costs at a heavily polluted Birmingham Superfund site that endangers the health of Alabama children and citizens.” According to Brooks, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was behind Trump’s decision to endorse Strange. “In any event, while Mitch McConnell and the Swamp managed to mislead the President last night, I still support the America First Agenda, and all the polls show we have momentum,” he concluded. “We believe our message will win out over the Swamp and Lyin’ Luther.”
Why is Mo Brooks harder on Mitch McConnell than Nancy Pelosi?
In Alabama’s fast-approaching U.S. Senate primary, Mo Brooks has been quick to vilify Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Over the past few months, the Huntsville Republican congressman has steadily railed against McConnell’s leadership, as well as that of sitting Sen. Luther Strange, whom he is hoping to unseat next week in the race for the rest of Jeff Sessions’ Senate term. Why then would Brooks be harder on McConnell — a longtime leader of his own party — than he had been on former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the much-loathed Democrat from California and frequent Republican target. In 2017, Brooks is running attack ads blasting “Swamp King McConnell,” calling for the Kentucky senator to not only step down but resign from the Senate outright. Only seven years ago, however, Brooks was singing a different tune, panning his Republican primary opponent for saying “something mean” about then-Speaker Pelosi. As the Decatur Daily noted in April 2010, after Alabama Magazine named him one of the state’s most effective lawmakers, Brooks defended the unprofessionally harsh treatment of Pelosi during the Republican primary. “[Brooks] criticizes his main Republican opponent, [Parker] Griffith as lacking those skills,” Eric Fleischauer reported at the time. “He cited a speech in which Griffith — while still a Democrat — offered House Speaker Nancy Pelosi a gift card to a mental health center. ‘When Nancy Pelosi might have agreed with you on, say, (NASA’s) Constellation funding, or on missile defense, now because you’ve insulted her unnecessarily, you’ve made her less willing to work with you, even on the things that you agree on. You need to have some level of professionalism.’” “Someone who is professional would never, under any circumstances, question the mental stability of the speaker of the House,” Brooks added. As far as Brooks is concerned, Pelosi was “unnecessarily insulted,” while McConnell, on the other hand, is a vile “Swamp King.” So, what in the world makes one more deserving of criticism than the other?
Donald Trump turns national attention to Ala. Senate election, endorses Luther Strange
His tweets have the power to dominate a news cycle (covfefe anyone?), to send stock prices soaring — or falling — and to energize the American people behind his policy goals. Yet during primetime Tuesday night, President Donald Trump used his favorite social media platform to turn the attention of the nation somewhere wholly unexpected — to Alabama’s U.S. Senate race. In a surprise move, Trump took Twitter and endorsed Alabama Sen. Luther Strange, a week ahead of the state’s Aug. 15 primary. “Senator Luther Strange has done a great job representing the people of the Great State of Alabama. He has my complete and total endorsement!,” Trump tweeted. Senator Luther Strange has done a great job representing the people of the Great State of Alabama. He has my complete and total endorsement! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 9, 2017 Strange was appointed to the seat in February by former Gov. Robert Bentley following the confirmation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, is currently serving as a temporary Senate appointment. He is competing to fill out the remainder of Sessions’ 6-year term through 2020. “I am so deeply honored and humbled to receive the endorsement and support of our President, Donald Trump,” Strange said of the endorsement. “It is an honor to work hard beside him to deliver upon his promises to the American people. Together, we will continue efforts to fill our courts with conservative judges, repeal Obamacare, offer tax relief to hard working Americans, lift this heavy burden of government regulations, rebuild our military and build that wall on our southern border.” Strange continued, “Our country stood upon a precipice last November, but the American voters spoke out loud and clear, tired of a stagnant economy, political correctness and politicians who don’t listen. President Trump’s election and hard work has given millions of people hope again and I’m proud to stand beside him to make America great again.” It was a big day of endorsements for Strange. The president’s tweet came just hours after the sitting senator picked up the endorsement of Vestavia Hills-Republican state Rep. Jim Carns, co-chair of Trump’s Alabama campaign. Strange takes on 10 Republican challengers in the Republican primary including former Ala. Chief Justice Roy Moore and Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks — arguably his top two competitors. If no candidate receives at least 50 percent of the vote, a runoff will take place Sept. 26, with the general election scheduled for Dec. 12.
Steve Flowers: The only poll that counts
Folks we are getting down to the proverbial lick log in the much-anticipated vote for the open U.S. Senate seat vacated by Jeff Sessions. After 20 years in the U.S. Senate as our junior U.S. Senator, Sessions left to become Donald Trump’s Attorney General. He probably regrets this decision. When the race began it looked like a Roy Moore versus Luther Strange race. However, the third outside horse emerged about a month ago. Tennessee Valley Congressman, Mo Brooks, got a $2 million bump from the shooting he endured while a member of the Republican baseball team. He seized the moment and Mo’s momentum gave him the “Big Mo.” About three weeks ago it looked like a three man race between Moore, Strange and Brooks. However, the Washington beltway consultants, pollsters, and media experts supporting Strange poured a ton of money into stopping Mo’s momentum with negative ads designed to thwart his catching Luther and ousting him from the runoff. Recent polls indicate that it has worked. The latest polls indicate a one-two finish between Moore and Strange. Strange’s Washington pollsters tout that he may finish in first place ahead of Moore. Money talks and it is the mother’s milk of politics. State Senator Trip Pittman will do better than some experts expect. Watch for him to get a good hometown vote in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Moore’s support has never diminished. It consistently hovers around 30 percent, even with his inability to raise or spend much money. On the other hand, Luther Strange’s supporters have spent $3 – $5 million. The Bentley appointment has been a tremendous albatross for Luther. Turnout is critical. Luther Strange would benefit from a large turnout among upscale Jefferson/Shelby metro voters. Mo Brooks hopes may ride on a large turnout in the Tennessee Valley. Strange’s and Moore’s odds are enhanced by the short window that the race was run. Strange’s chances have been boosted by the endorsement of Alfa. This conservative group’s endorsement carries a lot of weight. When Luther took the tainted nomination from Robert Bentley six months ago, he was told that he would have two years before he would run. Under that scenario, his bet that a ton of money would be all he would need to keep the seat was a good bet. However, when Governor Kay Ivey changed that election to this year the scenario changed dramatically. If Luther were running in 2018 there would be 60 races on the ballot with a record 300 names to choose from. The average voter, who could not care less who the junior U.S. Senator is anyway, will also be voting for State Senator, State Representative, Sheriff, Probate Judge, Circuit Judge, District Judge, five seats on the state Supreme Court, along with a spirited Chief Justice contest, State Auditor, State Treasurer, Agriculture Commissioner, an open contested Attorney General race, an open contested Lt. Governor’s race, and one of the most crowded Governor’s races in state history that may well attract 10 viable candidates. The millions spent to elect Luther Strange would have been overwhelming. Folks would have walked into the booth and voted for the only name they knew. However, this is the only race in town. The people who show up to vote will know the score. With the election being Aug. 15 and it being the only race, there will be a low turnout. Also, any money spent on negative attacks will generally drive down the voter turnout. All indications point to a low voter turnout, which helps Moore. He began with 30 percent and they have not gone anywhere. His 30 percent will vote and the lower the turnout, the higher percentage that 30 percent becomes. Moore’s folks will not be at the lake or beach or deterred by the August heat. They are ardent and they will vote. Remember a poll is a picture of the total electorate. The final poll and the one that counts is the count of votes of those who actually show up to vote Tuesday. We will see. ___ 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.
GOP insurgents claim Donald Trump mantle, spell trouble for party
Republicans face a problem as they try to defend a slim majority in the Senate and win races elsewhere: Insurgent primary candidates are trying to lay claim to President Donald Trump‘s mantle, and knock out the establishment’s choices. The latest case is in Nevada, where endangered GOP incumbent Sen. Dean Heller drew a challenge Tuesday from businessman and repeat failed candidate Danny Tarkanian, who announced his bid in an early morning Fox News Channel appearance seemingly aimed at an audience of one: the president himself. “We’re never going to make America great again unless we have senators in office that fully support President Trump and his America-first agenda,” Tarkanian said, criticizing Heller as “one of the first never-Trumpers in Nevada” and arguing he had obstructed Trump’s agenda in Congress. Heller opposed early versions of Trump-backed health care legislation in the Senate before voting for a final version that failed anyway. His campaign spokesman, Tommy Ferraro, dismissed Tarkanian as a “perennial candidate.” The National Republican Senatorial Committee, which is the official Senate GOP campaign arm, quickly announced its support for Heller, and a super PAC backed by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., committed to spending what it takes to support him and other GOP incumbents. The dynamic mirrors longstanding clashes between the GOP’s establishment and activist wings, which played out disastrously in 2010 and 2012 when hard-core conservatives won Senate primaries but went on to lose to Democrats. McConnell and his allies vowed never to let that happen again and have subsequently intervened in primaries when necessary to produce candidates who could win. The X factor now is the appeal Trump may hold to Republican primary voters – and what Trump himself will do. The president offered one clue Tuesday night, backing the establishment candidate in next week’s GOP Senate special election primary in Alabama, hours after an Associated Press story noted the absence so far of a presidential endorsement in the race. “Senator Luther Strange has done a great job representing the people of the Great State of Alabama. He has my complete and total endorsement!” the president wrote, bypassing a firebrand House conservative, Mo Brooks, and an evangelical former state chief justice, Roy Moore, in favor of the appointed senator strongly backed by McConnell. The candidates are fighting over the seat previously held by now-Attorney General Jeff Sessions. But whether Heller will get the presidential seal of approval in his primary is far less clear, and he is not alone. Next door in Arizona, GOP incumbent Sen. Jeff Flake, another Trump skeptic during last year’s campaign, faces at least one challenge from the right in conservative Kelli Ward, who repeatedly denounces Flake while praising Trump. In each case, to their annoyance, establishment-aligned Republicans face the prospect of spending millions to protect an incumbent from a challenger who might have a tough time getting out of the general election. Republicans hold a 52-48 Senate majority and are playing offense against Democratic incumbents in 10 states Trump won. “It’s a critical time to make sure that Republican members know, when they’re casting tough votes, that we’ll have their backs,” said Steven Law, a former McConnell chief of staff who heads the Senate Leadership Fund, in describing the decision to come in with millions to back Strange in Alabama. Until Trump weighed in with his endorsement late Tuesday, the Alabama race had underscored questions about the role the president would play in Senate primaries. A former GOP Senate campaign official with knowledge of the situation said the NRSC has sought help from the Trump White House on Senate races but those requests went unanswered under the leadership of recently ousted Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, leading to widespread frustration. The former campaign official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal party matters. While Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have said they want to increase the Republican majorities in the House and Senate, the White House’s approach to contentious primaries isn’t clear yet. And Trump has already worked against McConnell’s goals, ignoring his pleas not to appoint former Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke, a likely Senate candidate, as Interior secretary, while boosting endangered Democratic Sens. Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Joe Manchin of West Virginia by hosting them at Trump Tower. As for Heller, he is already walking the Trump tightrope. Heller’s initial denunciation of a Senate plan to repeal and replace Obamacare drew the ire of a political nonprofit promoting Trump’s agenda. America First Policies tied Heller to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., in a social media push and threatened to spend more than $1 million trashing him on television and radio on his home turf. McConnell called the group’s attacks “beyond stupid.” In addition to the health care episode, Heller in 2015 said he was donating Trump’s previous campaign contributions to charity – a move he announced after Trump came under fire for characterizing some illegal immigrants from Mexico as rapists. For a president with a famously long memory for slights, Heller may have little hope of getting back into his good graces. Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
