Texas Donald Trump supporter tapped for Federal Election Commission
President Donald Trump has selected a Texas attorney – and supporter – to join the beleaguered Federal Election Commission. Trump appointed James “Trey” Trainor III, a well-known election-law specialist based in Austin, to the panel that monitors and polices federal campaign fundraising and spending. The position requires Senate confirmation. Trainor would serve a term that expires in April 2021, according to a White House announcement Tuesday night. The FEC is typically made up of six commissioners, and by law no more than three can be from the same political party. At least four votes are required to take action on any enforcement matter, explaining why the politically divided FEC has deadlocked repeatedly in recent years. Trainor is pictured in a January Austin American-Statesman story grinning broadly and holding pro-Trump signs. Although Trainor initially backed Texas Sen. Ted Cruz for president, he told the newspaper that under Trump, “I think America is going to be great again.” Trainor also helped Trump at the Republican National Convention, he told the newspaper, after receiving a call from Don McGahn, Trump’s campaign attorney. McGahn is now White House counsel; he previously served as an FEC commissioner himself. A short biography released by the White House cites Trainor’s experience as general counsel to the Texas Secretary of State, its Elections Assistance Commission and various other government legal roles. The appointment comes shortly after Trump appointed one of the FEC’s current Republican commissioners, Matthew Petersen, to a federal judgeship. He also will need Senate confirmation. The moves – one in, one out – would mean that the FEC would operate with just five commissioners for now. And one of them, Republican Lee Goodman, told the Center for Public Integrity that he wants to quit by the end of this year. That could leave the panel with the bare minimum number of commissioners needed to take any action, even with the 2018 midterm elections fast approaching. A Center for Public Integrity report notes that Trump could theoretically appoint all six commissioners as long as he adheres to the three-members-per-party rule, because everyone currently serving is in an expired term. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
Supporters of Birmingham mayoral candidate Randall Woodfin speak up
With only three weeks to go until the runoff election in the Birmingham mayoral race, it’s safe to say — it’s become a slugfest. This is far from surprising to anyone who has even casually followed the bitter race between incumbent Mayor William Bell and attorney and former Birmingham school board president Randall Woodfin in the past two weeks since the Aug. 22 primary. Supporters of both candidates have actively taken blows at one another attempting to discredit their opponent. Last week, supporters of Bell — two students and a member of the Birmingham school board — posted two Facebook videos in an effort to a light on their personal experiences with Woodfin, speaking out again his actions whilst he served as President of the Birmingham school board. One video, called into question an incident with Woodfin in which school board member Cheri Gardner recounts that he challenged her to a physical fight. In the other video, two Ramsay High school alums also took to Facebook to describe their personal experiences with Woodfin, calling into question his decision-making ability On Wednesday, Woodfin met with his own supporters to rally and encourage them in final weeks of the campaign. After speaking to the crowd, his supporters spoke up for him. “This isn’t a tug of war. This is war. And you see how the enemy plays right now. To assassinate your character, to come against you and your volunteers,” said a Woodfin supporter in the video. “This city has been divided because of this election, and it should never be that.” Directed at Woodfin, he continued, “Our goal, my goal, for this campaign, is that you sit in that seat on October 3. But it’s critical. This a critical time in the history of Birmingham, Alabama. We can either lead the world or we can fall behind and I think we’ll do well if you’re leading the charge. Watch the video below: Woodfin faces Bell at the polls Oct. 3.
10 Alabama schools earn Let’s Move! Active Schools National Awards
Ten Alabama schools have received national awards for their outstanding leadership in creating a healthy and active school environment that promotes physical education and physical activity for students. As part of the national movement to increase physical education and physical activity in schools, the 2017 Let’s Move! Active Schools National Award is the nation’s top physical education and physical activity distinction for K-12 schools. The award celebrates a school’s commitment to providing students with at least 60 minutes of physical education and physical activity before, during, and after school each day. “The administrators, teachers, staff, and parents in these schools understand that physical education and physical activity are a must-have for students to reach their full potential in school and life,” said Charlene Burgeson, Active Schools Executive Director. “They use creativity and determination to overcome challenges and provide students with the movement opportunities they need and deserve. Studies show that active kids do better. Physical activity not only helps kids stay healthy and strong, but it can also contribute to higher test scores, improved attendance, better behavior in class, enhanced leadership skills, and a lifetime of healthy habits.” Four hundred and fifty-two U.S. schools, representing 37 states plus the District of Columbia, were recognized this year for their outstanding efforts to create an active school environment. The Alabama recipients of the 2017 award are: Chilton County School System Jemison Middle School Dothan City School System Heard Magnet School Kelly Springs Elementary School Morris Slingluff Elementary School Selma Street Elementary School Gadsden City School System Litchfield Middle School Hoover City School System Hoover High School Perry County School System Robert C. Hatch High School Sumter County School System North Sumter Junior High School Tuscaloosa County School System Huntington Place Elementary School To earn a Let’s Move! Active Schools National Award, a school must have met significant benchmarks in five areas: physical education; physical activity before and after school; physical activity during school; staff involvement; and family and community engagement. Honorees receive a congratulatory letter, certificate, and large display banner.
State Superintendent Michael Sentance submits his resignation, effective immediately
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey’s Office has confirmed that State Superintendent Michael Sentance submitted his resignation to her office Wednesday morning. “Today, I received the resignation of State Superintendent of Education Michael Sentance. I do not take this situation lightly, and as President of the State Board of Education, I will ask the Board to accept his resignation,” said Ivey who serves as President of the Board of Education. “Over the past two years, Alabama has experienced far too many changes in state government. As with previous changes in leadership positions, we will use the pending resignation of the state superintendent as an opportunity to move forward and begin a new chapter in public education.” “I have spoken with Mr. Sentance, thanked him for his commitment to public service and education, and wished him well,” Ivey concluded. Sentance was named to the position last August. With less than a full year under his belt as the State Superintendent, he found himself on the firing line in July as the Alabama Board of Education began to question his performance. Sentance, who oversaw nearly 900 employees at the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE), was given a performance review by the state Board of Education in July, where in received low marks. In the months that followed, Sentance has found himself at the center of a debate as to whether or not he should be removed from his position. Many expected his firing to be eminent at an upcoming regular board meeting scheduled for Thursday. Sentance’s resignation is effective immediately. “I am humbled and appreciative of the opportunity to serve as state superintendent in Alabama,” Sentance said following his resignation. “There are many good things happening in public education in this state. My hope is that Alabama makes educating all children the state’s highest priority, allowing the state to make significant educational gains and truly becoming the jewel of the south that it has the ability to become.” The Alabama Policy Institute (API) calls Sentance’s resignation a major setback for education. “At API, we are saddened to hear that Michael Sentance was forced to resign as Alabama State Superintendent of Education. We see this as a massive setback for education in Alabama,” API said in a statement. “This is not about Sentance. This is about many individuals in our state who like their starting position on a last-place team. As a state, we have to change this mentality. If we do not, we will never improve, and we will have nobody to blame but ourselves.” Succession plans have yet to be determined.
Ginny Shaver announces run for Alabama House District 39
Lifelong conservative, Republican Ginny Shaver announced Saturday she is running for the Republican nomination for the Alabama House of Representatives District 39 seat. “I’m proud to be a 5th generation Alabamian, and District 39 has been our home for the past 34 years,” Shaver said in a statement. “During that time our regional political landscape has transformed to a solid conservative majority and our representation should reflect that change. President Trump was elected because people are tired of political insiders and special interests in all levels of government. That is why I must step forward now and give the voters a clear choice and an opportunity to elect one of the people, for the people.” Hailing from Leesburg, Ala., Shaver is a Certified Municipal Clerk and currently works for the City of Gadsden. She previously served as Town Clerk of Leesburg. Known for being a community activist and volunteer, she is president of the Cherokee County Republican Women and vice-chair of the Cherokee County Republican Executive Committee. Recently, she was appointed to the Cherokee County Industrial Development Board and formerly worked with the Gadsden Airport Authority. Shaver believes there are tough issues to be faced, and the citizens of District 39 deserve a representative who will consider how every piece of legislation will affect the constituents. Her top priorities are support for education and jobs. Ginny is married to Jeff Shaver, and is the mother of three adult children: Jake, Jennilee and Harry. Ginny and Jeff, who have been married for 36 years, are members of Tates Chapel Baptist Church. “After devoting my life to supporting my husband, raising our children, and working in the public and private sector, I now feel the time has come for me to use my experience and leadership ability to represent the interests of the people of District 39,” added Shaver. House District 39 encompasses all of Cherokee County, the City of Piedmont in Calhoun County, and portions of Dekalb and Cleburne Counties. The seat is currently represented by Centre-Democrat state Rep. Richard Lindsey. Lindsey has yet to announce whether or not he intends to seek re-election. T. J. Maloney, former executive director of the Alabama Republican Party, is also running as a Republican for the seat. The Republican primary is scheduled for Tuesday, June 5, 2018. The winner will go on to the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018.
Conservative commentator Mercedes Schlapp joins White House
A longtime conservative commentator is joining the White House as President Donald Trump continues to fill out his communications team. Mercedes Schlapp will serve as senior adviser for strategic communications, the White House formally announced Tuesday. Other changes are also in the works to fill vacancies following the departures of former Press Secretary Sean Spicer and Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci. Raj Shah will serve as principal deputy press secretary. Steven Cheung will serve director of strategic response. Longtime trusted Trump aide Hope Hicks will take on the role of communications director permanently. She had been serving in an interim basis. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
Senate bargainers say deal reached on children’s health
Senate Republican and Democratic bargainers reached agreement late Tuesday to extend financing for the children’s health insurance program for five years, a pact that if approved would avert an end-of-month cash crunch for the popular program. In a concession to Republicans, the agreement would phase out extra federal funds that have gone to states for the program since the additional money was mandated as part of President Barack Obama‘s 2010 health care law. Money for the federal-state program is due to expire at the end of September. The program provides health coverage to around 8 million low-income children and pregnant women. It was initially unclear how the agreement would fare in the Senate and the House. But the two negotiators – Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and that panel’s top Democrat, Ron Wyden of Oregon – work closely with party leaders. In addition, having embarrassingly failed in this year’s attempt to repeal Obama’s health care statute, Republicans and President Donald Trump are eager for an accomplishment and would be unlikely to stymie the continuation of such a widely supported initiative. It was also unclear if the pact would move quickly and by itself through Congress, or become a vehicle for other, less widely backed legislation. In a written statement, Hatch said “Congress needs to act quickly” to extend the program. Without providing detail, Hatch said the agreement would give states “increased flexibility” to run the program. He also said lawmakers will “continue to advance this agreement in a way that does not add to the deficit,” suggesting that a compromise on how to pay for the extra funds may have not yet been found. Wyden called the agreement “a great deal for America’s kids.” The federal government pays around $7 billion annually for the program. States by law pay a small share – until recently, an amount ranging from 15 percent to 35 percent of costs. But under Obama’s law, states each received an additional 23 percent share from Washington. Many Republicans, particularly conservatives, have chafed at that added amount. Under the agreement, the full 23 percent share would continue for two more years. It would phase down to 11.5 percent in 2020 and the extra money would disappear completely the following year. The details were provided by a Senate aide who spoke on condition of anonymity because full details weren’t released. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
Steve Flowers: the field is beginning to formulate for 2018
As I mentioned last week, we will have a plethora of political contests to follow next year and the field is beginning to formulate. The governor’s race is always the marquee event. However, the most important races will be for the 35 State Senate and 105 House of Representatives seats. These legislative races will be where most of the special interest money will gravitate. There will be an unprecedented number of state senators not running for reelection. However, the nucleus and bulk of the State Senate leadership is planning to return. Veteran leaders Jabo Waggoner (R-Vestavia), Del Marsh (R-Anniston), Greg Reed (R-Jasper), Jimmy Holley (R-Coffee), Arthur Orr (R- Decatur), Cam Ward (R-Shelby), and Jim McClendon (R-St. Clair), will all run for reelection. Along with rising stars, Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro), Clay Schofield (R-Marshall), Clyde Chambliss (R-Autauga), Shay Shelnut (R-Trussville), Slade Blackwell (R-Jefferson), as well as Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa) and Tom Whatley (R-Auburn). This cadre of Republican leadership returning portends that the State Senate will be where the power will be concentrated when the next quadrennium begins in Montgomery. The same scenario will occur in the House. There will also be a good deal of turnover in the lower chamber However, the nucleus of leadership will return and will more than likely all stay in their leadership positions. The top five leaders will remain intact. Mac McCutcheon (R-Huntsville) as Speaker, Victor Gaston (R-Mobile) as ProTem, Bill Poole (R-Tuscaloosa) will continue as Chairman of the Education Ways and Means Committee and Steve Clouse (R-Ozark) will be Chairman of Ways and Means General Fund Committee. Rep. Mike Jones (R-Andalusia) will steer the Rules Committee. One center of special interest power that will diminish significantly is the once vaunted Business Council of Alabama, unless they replace Bill Canary, their much beleaguered CEO. It has been rumored for over a year that he will be replaced. In the past few months, the omnipotent power in Alabama politics, Alabama Power, made it perfectly clear that either Canary goes or the Company would have to reconsider its participation. The company’s last minute withdrawal from the annual BCA Governmental Affairs Conference was a clear message. But just to make sure the message was received, Alabama Power President, Mark Crosswhite, met with Canary in a gentlemanly fashion. He summoned Canary to the company’s downtown Birmingham headquarters and politely explained to the New Yorker that BCA’s failures and lack of leadership are a major concern to the company. Crosswhite then met with some key members of BCA’s board to make Alabama Power’s position clear. Canary is telling his BCA bosses that the meeting with Crosswhite was a great success and everything was just a misunderstanding. But the only one who misunderstands, it seems, is Canary. Alabama Power was the integral factor in organizing the Business Council several decades ago. Their financial contributions to the BCA comprise over 25 percent of the group’s income. In addition to the Power Company’s disenchantment with Canary, our senior Senator, Richard Shelby, has made it clear to BCA members that Canary is so out of favor with him that he is no longer welcome in his office and furthermore should not bother to call his office for an appointment. Folks, what that means is that the BCA with Billy Canary on board has absolutely no power in Washington. All seven of our Congressmen and whoever our new senator is pales in power to Shelby. Shelby is more powerful that all eight put together, and believe me none of them want to offend him. He not only trumps them, he trumps Trump. Canary is not only a pariah in Washington, he is a joke in Montgomery. Most folks thought he would be indicted with Mike Hubbard. His credibility has continued to diminish since that time. His cavalier, sinister, overbearing, and boorish New York behavior has made him a caricature. In private conversations with most Republican and Democratic legislators, they will snicker and say if the BCA board is stupid enough to allow Canary to stay we will take their money during the 2018 election cycle and then ignore him for four years just like Shelby. The BCA with Canary is a dead-man walking. They are a powerless joke. If a business were smart they would give their contributions directly to the candidates, rather than through a defunct organization led by a has been. You can bet your bottom dollar that is what ALFA and the Alabama Power Company will be doing. Kay Ivey has made it official that she is a candidate for governor. She enters the race as the clear favorite. 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.
