Is Congressional candidate Adia McClellan Winfrey violating state licensing law?
Adia McClellan Winfrey is one of two Democrats hoping to win their party’s nomination Tuesday for a chance to unseat longtime incumbent, Republican and 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers in November. Throughout her campaign, Winfrey has come on record several times, attributed her work as a clinical psychologist as part of her experience that gives her the people skills necessary to maneuver in a divided Congress. “I’m someone who’s ready to bring change in ways that people from both parties can be comfortable with,” she told the Annistor Star. Online she’s made the claim on just about every platform she’s on: Twitter, her website, LinkedIn, Facebook. But the Huffington Post has unveiled something about Winfrey’s story isn’t adding up — despite touting her experience as a clinical psychologist, she’s never actually been licensed. That’s against the law. In fact, it’s not just Alabama where she’s broken the law. According to HuffPo, “Winfrey has never been licensed as a psychologist in any state that she’s lived in, including Wisconsin, Ohio, Georgia and Alabama. In each of those states, a person representing themselves to the public as a psychologist must be licensed by a state board. If they aren’t licensed, they are violating the law.” Is ignorance bliss? HuffPo reached out to Winfrey to confirm whether or not she’s been licensed as a psychologist in any state that she’s lived. Her answer: no. “I’ve never been a licensed psychologist,” Winfrey told HuffPo. “I did complete the hours required for licensure ― but right when I was going to be studying for licensure exam, that’s when my curriculum took off.” When HuffPo explained that it was against the law to refer to herself and practice as clinical psychologist without licensure, they said Winfrey was stunned. “I have been referring to myself as a clinical psychologist for nearly 10 years but have never told anyone that I am licensed and have never diagnosed anyone,” she told them. It’s unclear why Winfrey first began to prepare for licensure and then ignored it when it was convenient to work without it. Alabama licensure According to the Alabama Board of Examiners in Psychology, those who wish to be licensed in the state must meet several requirements. Along with pay a $400 application fee, they must: Good moral character. At least nineteen (19) years of age. A doctoral degree from a department or school of psychology (see educational requirements) from an educational institution accredited and recognized by national and regional accrediting agencies as maintaining satisfactory standards. Any applicant with a doctoral degree in psychology who is otherwise qualified pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of Section 34-26- 41, who is licensed in at least two (2) states, and who has passed a recognized national exam. Competency in psychology as shown by passing such examinations, written or oral, or both, as the Board prescribes, unless exempted pursuant to subsection (d) of §34-26-41. Is not engaged in unethical practice as defined in the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct of the American Psychological Association (APA). Has not within the preceding six (6) months failed an examination given by the Board. Winfrey faces former Miss America Mallory Hagan in Tuesday’s Democratic primary. The winner will advance to face Rogers in the Nov. 6 general election.
Donald Trump tweet takes aim at Jeff Sessions, again
The Latest on President Donald Trump and the probe into Russian interference in the 2016 election (all times local): 7:35 a.m. President Donald Trump is blaming his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, for allowing the Russia investigation to continue. Trump tweets that he would have “picked someone else” for the top job at the Justice Department had he known Sessions would recuse himself from the probe. It’s the latest salvo from Trump in his bid to discredit the ongoing probe by special counsel Robert Mueller. Mueller is investigating Russia’s attempts to sway voters in the 2016 election and whether Trump associates provided any help. He’s also investigating whether Trump obstructed justice by taking steps to shut down the probe Trump tweeted Tuesday: “The Russian Witch Hunt Hoax continues, all because Jeff Sessions didn’t tell me he was going to recuse himself…I would have quickly picked someone else. So much time and money wasted, so many lives ruined…and Sessions knew better than most that there was No Collusion!” The Russian Witch Hunt Hoax continues, all because Jeff Sessions didn’t tell me he was going to recuse himself…I would have quickly picked someone else. So much time and money wasted, so many lives ruined…and Sessions knew better than most that there was No Collusion! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2018 ___ 7 a.m. President Donald Trump says he wants to know “what is taking so long” with an internal Justice Department probe expected to criticize the FBI and its handling of the case involving Democrat Hillary Clinton’s private email server. Trump tweets that he hopes any findings aren’t being watered down because “there are so many horrible things to tell.” The upcoming report from the Justice Department’s internal watchdog is expected to criticize senior FBI leaders for not moving quickly enough to review a trove of Clinton emails discovered late in the 2016 campaign. Trump tweeted: “What is taking so long with the Inspector General’s Report on Crooked Hillary and Slippery James Comey. Numerous delays. Hope Report is not being changed and made weaker! There are so many horrible things to tell, the public has the right to know. Transparency!” What is taking so long with the Inspector General’s Report on Crooked Hillary and Slippery James Comey. Numerous delays. Hope Report is not being changed and made weaker! There are so many horrible things to tell, the public has the right to know. Transparency! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2018 Trump has repeatedly criticized the FBI’s handling of the Russia probe and said the focus should be on the Clinton email case. __ 12:41 a.m. The former chairman of President Donald Trump’s presidential campaign is facing accusations of trying to tamper with witnesses in his ongoing criminal cases. Paul Manafort has been accused in an indictment of acting as an unregistered foreign agent by lobbying in the U.S. on behalf of Ukrainian interests. Prosecutors working for special counsel Robert Mueller allege in a court filing Monday that Manafort and one of his associates “repeatedly” contacted two witnesses in an effort to influence their testimony. Prosecutors say the contacts occurred earlier this year while Manafort was confined to his home. In the filing, the government asks a federal judge to consider jailing Manafort while he awaits trial. A spokesman for Manafort says his client and his lawyers are reviewing the filing. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Democratic gubernatorial candidates answer questions on housing, lending, transportation, taxes
Alabama Arise — a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of congregations, organizations and individuals promoting public policies to improve the lives of low-income Alabamians —reached out to the 2018 gubernatorial candidates to seek their thoughts on policies that affect low-income people in Alabama. They received replies from three candidates, all Democrats: Sue Bell Cobb, James Fields and Walt Maddox to questions about housing, payday lending, transportation and taxes. Here are the questions and candidates’ responses: Q: The Legislature has now created the infrastructure for both an Alabama Housing Trust Fund and an Alabama Public Transportation Trust Fund. Would you commit to providing funding for these trust funds? If not, how do you propose to address the lack of affordable housing and transportation, especially in rural areas? Sue Bell Cobb: Without reliable, substantive streams of revenue, neither the Alabama Housing Trust Fund nor the Alabama Public Transportation Trust Fund will be able to get off the ground. I am glad that the legislature has laid the groundwork for these funds, and the programs they could support have the potential to be transformational for quality of life in Alabama. I am absolutely committed to finding dependable streams of revenue that we can use to address both of these issues. In order for Alabama to have a healthy, productive workforce, they need a safe roof over their head and a stable method of transportation to and from work. James Fields: I will certainly commit to funding both. There can be no ‘trust funds’ without funding. Sources of revenue for housing have been identified including the deed record tax, unclaimed property funds, the 2012 national mortgage settlement. I support legislation to utilize these resources as well as others. I support development of public transportation, including high speed rail. The administrative tools made available by the Act must identify systems that can meet the needs of all, rural & urban, ensuring effective ridership and utilization, as well as related state revenue. Transportation related taxes must match today’s needs. Walt Maddox: Lack of housing and public transportation are persistent problems that must be addressed because, among other things, they contribute to chronic unemployment and underemployment. Helping people find and keep jobs is one of the most successful ways to eliminate poverty. I will reach across aisles and across the state to find agreement on ways to fund these programs. Q: Alabama law allows payday lenders to impose fees that add up to an Annual Percentage Rate (APR) as high as 456 percent. Would you favor extending the repayment period on payday loans in Alabama from the current 14 days to 30 days, effectively cutting their APR in half (from 456 percent APR to 213 percent)? Sue Bell Cobb: I am absolutely in favor of lengthening the repayment period to 30 days. I am also in favor of capping APR for small, short-term loans. We have far too many Alabamians trapped in a cycle of crushing debt thanks to predatory lending institutions that drain our local communities, and particularly our neighbors at or near the poverty line. Many of these companies siphon precious resources out of Alabama and funnel them into corporate pockets out of state. Not only does this extraction of resources have a deleterious economic impact on our state and our communities, the ballooning interest on these loans has a devastating human cost for children and families. James Fields: I absolutely support extending the repayment period and additional legislation which prevents those who must utilize these services from being caught in an ever-increasing accumulation of interest debt. I will continue to research strategies to accomplish this. Of course, accessible small short-term loans by banks would add competition, the possibly the most effective regulator for this industry. Walt Maddox: By attaching outrageous interest rates to easy to obtain loans, predatory lending creates vicious cycles that can make desperate people even more desperate. I am open and committed to looking at various ways to protect vulnerable populations from such practices. Q: Alabama is one of three states that give no state tax break on groceries, and we have the highest income tax in the nation for a family of four at the poverty line. In most states, this family would not pay income tax at all. How would you change Alabama’s upside-down tax system? Sue Bell Cobb: The first step to making Alabama’s tax system fairer is to remove the tax on groceries because Alabamians should not pay tax on something as essential as food. To accomplish this, we must replace that lost revenue. A politically feasible solution would be to work for passage of a flat state income tax, eliminate deductions for the wealthy, and add an exemption for anyone at or below the federal poverty line. I also believe that Alabama’s income tax should be calculated based on federal taxable income instead of adjusted gross income. James Fields: Clearly, the legislature, a majority of whom answer only those who fund their campaigns, cannot accomplish tax reform. I would establish a non-partisan Fair Tax Commission, tasked with righting the current upside-down system, including but not limited to addressing equitable taxes on real property, repeal of the ‘current use’ law, raising the threshold of taxable income, eliminating the tax on food, and revising deductions which favor those most able to pay, including corporations. Its work and any enabling legislation must be clearly and transparently presented and explained to the people to counter the certain opposition. Walt Maddox: I support eliminating the state sales tax on groceries. But to do so we must offset the lost revenues with another source. One idea is to eliminate the state deduction for federal income taxes, which would require a constitutional amendment to be voted on by the people. We also must find a way to amend the tax structure so that people living below the poverty line do not pay income taxes.
U.N. calls on U.S. to halt separations of migrant families
The U.N. human rights office is calling on the Trump administration to “immediately halt” its policy of separating children from their parents after crossing U.S. border with Mexico. Rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani scolded the U.S. for its “zero tolerance” policy in which some families have been separated after migration across the border. The rights office said in a statement that “children should never be detained for reasons related to their own or their parents’ migration status. Detention is never in the best interests of the child and always constitutes a child rights violation.” Shamdasani told a U.N. briefing Tuesday that the practice of separating families amounted to an “arbitrary and unlawful” interference in family life, calling it a “serious violation” of the rights of children. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
110 Confederate monuments have been removed in U.S. since 2015
It took generations to erect all the nation’s Confederate monuments, and a new report shows they’re being removed at a pace of about three each month. The study — released Monday by the Southern Poverty Law Center — shows that 110 Confederate monuments have been removed nationwide since 2015, when a shooting at a black church in South Carolina energized a movement against such memorials. The number — which includes schools and roads that have been renamed in California, a repurposed Confederate holiday in Georgia, plus rebel flags and monuments that have been taken down in Alabama, Louisiana and elsewhere — represents a relative handful compared with the more than 1,700 memorials that remain to hail the Southern “lost cause.” But the change is notable considering that removing such memorials wasn’t widely discussed until the killing of nine black people at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, said Heidi Beirich of the Southern Poverty Law Center, a liberal activist organization based in Montgomery that monitors extremism. White supremacist Dylann Roof has been sentenced to death for the 2015 attack. After the Charleston shooting, photos surfaced of Roof posing with the Confederate battle flag, helping to change the national dialogue. “I think it kind of signifies something monumental,” said Beirich, director of the organization’s Intelligence Project. “I think people are finally willing to confront the history and come to terms with it.” Many of the Confederate monuments that are now controversial were erected in the early 1900s by groups composed of women and veterans. Some honor generals or soldiers; others bear inscriptions that critics say wrongly gloss over slavery as a reason for the war or portray the Confederate cause as noble. The Old South monuments are supported by groups including the Sons of Confederate Veterans, which is erecting new memorials even as others are removed. “They’re taking them down, and we’re putting them up,” said Thomas V. Strain Jr., commander in chief of the organization. He said the group isn’t tracking monument removals or name changes, but to him, 110 “seems a little high.” Members have raised two giant Confederate “mega-flags” on private property and erected four monuments in Alabama alone this year, Strain said, and they’re asking to place a new Confederate monument outside the courthouse in Colbert County, in northwest Alabama. Commissioners are considering the request. The organization also is building a new headquarters that will include The National Confederate Museum in Columbia, Tennessee. The organization, on its website promoting the project, said the museum will counter attempts by opponents “to ban any and all things Confederate through their ideological fascism.” The museum will tell the “Southern side” of the war, Strain said. “It’s not just dedicated to the soldiers, it’s dedicated to the wives and children who had to endure that five years of hell also,” he said. “We’ll have Southern uniforms there, not Union uniforms. We’ll have Southern artillery shells, not Northern ones.” Beirich said the law center’s list of monument removals was compiled through news accounts, tips and crowd-sourcing sites that let people make online reports. Both in tallying removals and remaining memorials, the group counted only monuments that “glorify” the Confederacy and didn’t consider historical markers that denote specific events or sites with a link to the past, such as informative signs at battlefields, Beirich said. While the organization lists 1,730 Confederate monuments nationwide, Beirich said there’s no doubt a lot more exist. “I am sure we have missed many,” she said. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
More Democrats on Alabama ballot for Tuesday elections than in previous years
Alabama’s primary ballot features multiple offices and something voters in the Republican-controlled state haven’t seen in years: Democratic races for statewide and congressional positions. Alabama Democrats have 27 total candidates running for state positions or Congress this year, more than double the 13 from 2014. That means there are several Democratic primary races, compared to just one for a statewide office four years ago. Many of the eventual Republican nominees will still run unopposed in the General Election because no Democrats qualified. But with Democratic opposition to President Donald Trump running high and after Democrat Doug Jones’ victory in Alabama’s U.S. Senate in December, the once-powerful party is trying to show signs of life. Aside from the governor’s campaign, in which five Republicans and six Democrats are vying for their party’s nominations, here are some other races to watch: ___ Attorney General Republican appointee Steve Marshall is facing voters for the first time in a statewide race as he seeks election to the office of attorney general, and it might not be easy. Marshall, a former Marshall County district attorney, has served in the job since February 2017, when then-Gov. Robert Bentley tapped him after naming Luther Strange to the U.S. Senate. Marshall is being opposed in the GOP primary by Alice Martin, a former federal prosecutor who was the state’s chief deputy attorney general; Troy King, a former state attorney general and Birmingham lawyer Chess Bedsole. Birmingham attorneys Joseph Siegelman and Chris Christie are vying for the Democratic nomination. Siegelman is the son of former Gov. Don Siegelman. The attorney general is responsible for representing the state in criminal and civil matters, and the office often is a stepping-stone to other positions. Just ask U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a former Alabama attorney general. ___ Congress Rep. Martha Roby’s bid to hold on to her District 2 seat from the Wiregrass region of southeastern Alabama for a fifth term highlights the state’s congressional primaries. The House Appropriations Committee member is being opposed by candidates including Bobby Bright, who Roby defeated to claim the seat in 2010. Other opponents include Rich Hobson of Enterprise, who managed Roy Moore’s unsuccessful Senate campaign last year. Roby gained Republican critics after distancing herself from Donald Trump’s vulgar comments about women during his presidential campaign in 2016. The eventual GOP nominee will face either education researcher Tabitha Isner of Montgomery or activist and military veteran Audri Scott Williams of Cottonwood. They’re competing for the Democratic nomination in the Republican-dominated district. Reps. Mo Brooks of Huntsville and Robert Aderholt of Haleyville also have challengers in the GOP primary, and Democrats have primaries in four districts in all. There was just one Democratic congressional primary in 2014. ___ Lieutenant Governor Alabama has been without a lieutenant governor for more than a year, and the primary is a first step toward filling the office. Alabama Public Service Commission president Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh is running in the Republican primary against two state legislators: Rep. Will Ainsworth of Guntersville and Sen. Rusty Glover of Mobile. Cavanaugh has outpaced other candidates in fundraising with nearly $1.1 million in total contributions through April. The eventual Republican nominee will face Democratic minister Will Boyd, who lost the U.S. Senate primary against Doug Jones in the special election last year. The office of lieutenant governor, who is president in the state Senate, has been vacant since April 2017, when Kay Ivey succeeded Robert Bentley as governor following his resignation and guilty plea amid a sex-tinged scandal. Ethics is a top issue in the race as the Legislature looks to review Alabama’s ethics law next year and lawmakers currently face corruption charges. ___ Supreme Court The Alabama Supreme Court isn’t in the news as often as it used to be without Roy Moore as chief justice, but the primary ballot includes three contested races on the nine-member, all-Republican panel. Current court members Lyn Stuart and Tom Parker are vying for the Republican nomination for chief justice. Stuart has been serving in the position since Moore’s suspension for violating judicial ethics and later resignation to run for the Senate. Either Stuart or Parker will face Bob Vance Jr., a Jefferson County circuit judge who is unopposed for the Democratic nomination. Court appointee Brad Mendheim is opposed by circuit judges Debra Jones of Anniston and Sarah Hicks Stewart of Mobile for the GOP nomination for Place 1 on the nine-member court. And attorneys John Bahakel and Jay Mitchell of Birmingham are both seeking the Republican nomination for the Place 4 seat. The winner will face Democrat Donna Wesson Smalley in November. ___ State School Board Republicans are fighting over two seats on the Alabama State Board of Education, and the winners of both races will have Democratic opponents in the fall. Four Republicans are running for the District 2 seat held by Betty Peters, who isn’t seeking re-election. They include former Dothan school board member Melanie Hill; Coffee County resident Sybil Little; John Taylor of Dothan; and Auburn City School Board President Tracie West. The winner will face Democrat Adam Jortner in November. Business executive and former Madison school board Rich McAdams and Wayne Reynolds, a retired educator and registered nurse from Athens, are seeking the Republican nomination in District 8. The seat is now held by Mary Scott Hunter, who is running for the Alabama Senate. Jessica Fortune Barker is on the ballot as a Democrat in the General Election. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato proposes tax increases to help with budget crisis
When Hoover, Ala. Mayor Frank Brocato started looking at the city’s budget, he knew he wanted to make cuts to help to bring expenses in line with revenues, while still meeting the cities needs. But during the Hoover City Council meeting on Monday, June 4, the self-claimed fiscal conservative explained in addressing the city’s multi-million dollar budget deficit, he’s realized for the first time in almost a quarter century, a tax increase is needed. Brocato announced he would like to boost the city’s sales and use tax, as well as the lease/rental tax to 4 percent. He’d also like to increase the city’s lodging tax to 6 percent. The Mayor estimates this move would generate approximately $20 million in additional revenue for the cash-strapped city. “We can’t continue to be a great city unless we are willing to pay for the great things that we have and the excellent things we aspire to have,” Brocato explained. According to the HooverSun, here’s how Brocato proposes to spend the additional revenue: $11 million per year would go to eliminate future deficits, generate funds for routine capital improvements, and attract and retain quality employees. $4 million per year would go to Hoover schools, boosting total city contributions to the school system to $11.1 million per year, including $9 million cash and $2.1 million to pay for school resource officers. The additional money should cover $36.4 million in school capital projects, including classroom additions at Berry Middle School, Riverchase Elementary, Bluff Park Elementary and Gwin Elementary, demolition of parts of the old Bluff Park Elementary and renovation of other parts, plus $15 million in paving and roofing projects, Brocato said. The school system also could use the money to help cover operating costs, he said.$22 million would cover the city’s match needed to obtain $110 million in federal money to build a new interchange near South Shades Crest Road along Interstate 459 and improve the exit at John Hawkins Parkway. $22.3 million would go to build a new fine and performing arts center, and $1 million a year would go toward the center’s operating costs. $20 million would be spent to provide land, building site preparation, utilities, construction and traffic improvements for a $300 million project that will bring more than 1,000 jobs to Hoover. Brocato said confidentiality agreements prevent him from disclosing the company right now, but it is not a retail company. An announcement about the development should come in 30 to 60 days, he said. “It’s something that will fundamentally change Hoover for the better. We can’t afford to miss out on this opportunity.” $1.7 million would be used to build a Hoover Public Library branch in eastern Hoover, and $700,000 per year would go toward the branch’s operating costs. $500,000 per year would go to developing the city’s bicycle and pedestrian paths $450,000 per year would provide a tourism and cultural program to secure the future of Aldridge Gardens and assist with attracting major events to Hoover Brocato wants the city Council to vote his proposed tax increases July 2.
Alabama National Guard soldier killed in Humvee crash named
An Alabama National Guard Humvee carrying two soldiers crashed early Thursday morning in Atmore, ALa. At approximately 10 a.m. on Interstate 65 North near mile marker 64, one soldier was killed, and another soldier was evaluated at a local hospital and released. Staff Sgt. John Wesley Wardrop, 38, of Satsuma, Ala., a squad leader with the Alabama National Guard’s 1165th Military Police Company, out of Fairhope, Ala. has died. “I am truly saddened at this loss,” said Maj. Gen. Sheryl E. Gordon, Alabama National Guard adjutant general. “I’ve lost Soldiers before, and it never gets easier. I am praying for the family and we are reaching out to them to help them in any way we can.” The passenger, Justin Cecil McCollough, 25, of Grand Bay was transported to D.W. McMillian Hospital. Both men were members of the 1156th Military Police. Wardrop was on a mission preparing for his unit’s annual training when the Humvee he was driving crashed. No other details of the crash are available at this time. The Alabama National Guard is conducting a thorough investigation into the accident. Soldier safety is a priority in the Alabama Guard, and continual risk assessment is a part of all operations.
Things to Know: 8 states cast midterm primary votes Tuesday
Eight states are casting midterm primary ballots Tuesday, with implications for control of the House and Senate and for several governor’s races. Primaries are being held in Alabama, California, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota. Some of the highlights: CALIFORNIA JUNGLE There are no party primaries in California, with voters instead choosing among all candidates on one ballot, with the top two vote-getters advancing to November regardless of party. That has repercussions for both major parties, but Democrats in particular have concerns that they could get shut out of a handful of Southern California races, costing them prime pickup opportunities to retake the House majority this fall. The national party has spent millions of dollars trying to avoid that fate in seats opened by Republican Ed Royce and Darrell Issa‘s retirements and in the district where Republican Rep. Dana Rohrabacher is facing challenges from the left and the right. Those three seats are among seven California House districts where President Donald Trump trailed Hillary Clinton in 2016. There are 25 such districts nationwide. Democrats must win at least 23 new seats to reclaim a majority. For the GOP, the shutout is most likely in the governor’s race. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa are considered the top Democratic hopefuls. Republicans view business executive John Cox as their best shot to make November a traditional two-party matchup. ___ BE PATIENT For all the focus on various California scenarios, it’s almost certain that the results won’t be settled Tuesday night. That’s because the state allows absentee ballots to be mailed through the primary election day. It could be days before all those are counted — with runoff spots hanging in the balance. ___ SENATORS IN THE SHADOWS Senate contests are mostly getting overlooked Tuesday, but vulnerable Democratic incumbent Jon Tester of Montana will learn who he’ll have to contend with this fall. The most likely nominees are State Auditor Matt Rosendale and retired judge Russ Fagg, both with long records in public posts. Rosendale has GOP establishment support. Either promises to take aim at Tester as a foe to Trump. Tester is one of 10 Democratic senators running for re-election this year in states Trump won. In New Jersey, Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez appears a shoo-in to become his party’s nominee, but he must fend off a primary challenger to make it official. This comes months after federal criminal corruption charges against him were dropped and he was rebuked by the Senate ethics panel. Republicans hope to use the fallout to tar other Democrats in the state, including several trying to flip GOP House seats. Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California isn’t believed to be threatened for re-election, but the 84-year-old is being tested from the left by state Senate leader Kevin de Leon. It will be worth watching what her final totals are coming out of the primary and heading into a potential two-Democrat match in November. ___ ANOTHER TRUMP TEST Republican Rep. Martha Roby of Alabama was the first federal elected official to rescind her endorsement of Donald Trump after disclosure of a 2005 “Access Hollywood” tape of him bragging about grabbing women’s genitals without permission. Roby declared that she’d vote for someone else — and the Trump loyalists in her district haven’t forgotten, putting her at risk of a runoff. Her top challenger is the man she beat to win the seat in 2010. Former Democratic Rep. Bobby Bright switched parties to try to even the score. ___ SOUTH DAKOTA FIREWORKS Politics in the Dakotas doesn’t always make national headlines, but there are plenty of fireworks in South Dakota. Attorney General Marty Jackley and U.S. Rep Kristi Noem are in a fierce battle for the GOP gubernatorial nomination. Noem would be the state GOP’s first female nominee for governor. Noem’s bid for the statehouse corner office has opened South Dakota’s at-large House seat, with a three-way race that’s drawn considerable out-of-state spending. Dusty Johnson, a former Public Utilities commissioner, is considered the favorite. But Secretary of State Shantel Krebs is pushing from the right, having campaigned recently with firebrand Rep. Steve King of Iowa. A third candidate, state Sen. Neal Tapio, has called for an end to the Native American reservation system in the United States. ___ OTHER GOVERNOR’S RACES TAKE SHAPE Alabama has a rare primary experience: competitive gubernatorial primaries on both sides of the aisle. Republican Gov. Kay Ivey is aiming for her first outright term, having assumed the office when Robert Bentley resigned amid a sex scandal involving an aide. But she’ll have to dispatch several GOP challengers first. Democrats will choose between Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox and former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb. Either would be a big underdog in November. Iowa Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds also is seeking her first full term after succeeding Republican Terry Branstad, now the U.S. ambassador to China. Democrats will be choosing between businessman Fred Hubbell and labor leader Cathy Glasson, with polls suggesting Hubbell is the favorite. In New Mexico, both parties are picking would-be successors to outgoing Gov. Susana Martinez, the nation’s first Latina governor. Among the top Democrats is Michelle Lujan Grisham, a congresswoman who’d be the second Latina state chief executive. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
Here’s a look at all of the major endorsements in statewide races
Here’s an overview of each the major statewide races by party, then candidate (in alphabetical order). Below we highlight all of candidate’s major endorsements from top well-known groups across Alabama/the country. Names in red link to our “Get to Know” candidate survey, which we believe offers an interesting, albeit, thumbnail sketch of who the candidate is and why they are running. Governor’s race REPUBLICANS Tommy Battle Scott Dawson Endorsed by: Alabama Republican Assembly; BamaCarry Bill Hightower Endorsed by: Alabama Citizens for Life Kay Ivey Endorsed by: Alabama Farmer’s Federation; Alabama Forestry Association; Alabama Citizens for Life; Alabama Grocer’s Association; Alabama Retail PAC; Alabama Trucking Association; Manufacture Alabama; Business Council of Alabama; NRA DEMOCRATS Sue Bell Cobb Christopher Countryman James Fields Walt Maddox Endorsed by: Alabama Democratic Conference; Alabama New South Alliance; Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen; Central Alabama Labor Council; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; Professional Firefighters of Alabama; United Mine Workers of America; West Alabama Labor Council; more. Doug Smith Anthony White Lt. Governor’s race REPUBLICANS Will Ainsworth Endorsed by: Alabama Farmer’s Federation; Alabama Forestry Association; BamaCarry Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh Endorsed by: Alabama Associated General Contractors; Alabama Grocer’s Association; Alabama Associated General ContractorsAlabama Retail PAC; Manufacture Alabama; Alabama Veterinary Medical Association; Business Council of Alabama; Susan B. Anthony List Rusty Glover Endorsed by: Alabama Citizens for Life; Conservative Christians of Alabama; Alabama Republican Assembly DEMOCRATS Will Boyd Secretary of State REPUBLICANS Michael Johnson John Merrill Endorsed by: Alabama Farmer’s Federation; Alabama Forestry Association; Alabama Citizens for Life; Alabama Grocer’s Association; Alabama Republican Assembly; Alabama Retail PAC; Alabama Trucking Association; Business Council of Alabama; Conservative Christians of Alabama DEMOCRATS Lula Albert Heather Milam Endorsed by: Alabama Democratic Conference Treasurer REPUBLICANS David L. Black Stephen D Evans John McMillan Endorsed by: Alabama Farmer’s Federation; Alabama Forestry Association; Alabama Grocer’s Association; Alabama Retail PAC; Business Council of Alabama; Conservative Christians of Alabama; Alabama Trucking Association; DEMOCRATS N/A Attorney General REPUBLICANS Chess Bedsole Endorsed by: Conservative Christians of Alabama Troy King Steve Marshall Endorsed by: Alabama Citizens for Life; Alabama Grocer’s Association; Alabama Retail PAC; Alabama Trucking Association; Business Council of Alabama; Manufacture Alabama; NRA Alice Martin Endorsed by: Alabama Farmer’s Federation; Alabama Republican Assembly; BamaCarry DEMOCRATS Chris Christie Endorsed by: Alabama Democratic Conference Joseph Siegelman Endorsed by: Alabama New South Alliance Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries REPUBLICANS Tracy “T.O.” Crane Gerald Dial Endorsed by: Alabama Citizens for Life; Manufacture Alabama; NRA Cecil Murphy Rick Pate Endorsed by: Alabama Farmer’s Federation; Alabama Forestry Association; Alabama Grocer’s Association; Alabama Republican Assembly; Business Council of Alabama; Conservative Christians of Alabama DEMOCRATS N/A Alabama Supreme Court REPUBLICANS Chief Justice Tom Parker Endorsed by: Alabama Citizens for Life; Alabama Republican Assembly; Conservative Christians of Alabama Lyn Stuart Endorsed by: Alabama Farmer’s Federation; Alabama Forestry Association; Alabama Grocer’s Association; Alabama Retail PAC; Business Council of Alabama; Manufacture Alabama Associate Justice, Place 1 Debra Jones Endorsed by: Alabama Republican Assembly; Conservative Christians of Alabama Brad Mendheim Endorsed by: Alabama Farmer’s Federation; Alabama Forestry Association; Alabama Grocer’s Association; Alabama Retail PAC; Business Council of Alabama; Manufacture Alabama Sarah Hicks Stewart Endorsed by: Business Council of Alabama Associate Justice, Place 2 Tommy Bryan Endorsed by: Alabama Forestry Association; Business Council of Alabama Associate Justice, Place 3 Will Sellers Endorsed by: Alabama Forestry Association; Business Council of Alabama Associate Justice, Place 4 John Bahakel Endorsed by: Alabama Republican Assembly; Conservative Christians of Alabama Jay Mitchell Endorsed by: Alabama Farmer’s Federation; Alabama Forestry Association; Alabama Grocer’s Association; Alabama Retail PAC; Business Council of Alabama; Manufacture Alabama DEMOCRATS Chief Justice Bob Vance, Jr. Endorsed by: Alabama New South Alliance Associate Justice, Place 4 Donna Wesson Smalley Endorsed by: Alabama New South Alliance Court of Civil Appeals REPUBLICANS Place 1 Christy Olinger Edwards Endorsed by: Alabama Farmer’s Federation; Alabama Grocer’s Association; Alabama Retail PAC; Manufacture Alabama Pat Thetford Michelle Manley Thomason Endorsed by: Alabama Forestry Association; Alabama Republican Assembly; Conservative Christians of Alabama Place 2 Chad Hanson Terri Willingham Thomas Endorsed by: Alabama Farmer’s Federation; Alabama Forestry Association; Alabama Grocer’s Association; Alabama Republican Assembly; Alabama Retail PAC; Business Council of Alabama; Conservative Christians of Alabama; Manufacture Alabama Place 3 Terry A. Moore Endorsed by: Alabama Forestry Association; Alabama Grocer’s Association; Business Council of Alabama DEMOCRATS N/A Court of Criminal Appeals REPUBLICANS Place 1 Richard Minor Endorsed by: Alabama Farmer’s Federation; Alabama Forestry Association; Alabama Grocer’s Association; Alabama Republican Assembly; Alabama Retail PAC; Business Council of Alabama; Conservative Christians of Alabama; Manufacture Alabama Riggs Walker Place 2 Rich Anderson Chris McCool Endorsed by: Alabama Farmer’s Federation; Alabama Forestry Association; Alabama Grocer’s Association; Alabama Republican Assembly; BamaCarry; Alabama Retail PAC; Business Council of Alabama; Conservative Christians of Alabama; Manufacture Alabama Dennis O’Dell Place 3 Donna Beaulieu Bill Cole Endorsed by: Alabama Farmer’s Federation; Alabama Forestry Association; Alabama Grocer’s Association; Alabama Republican Assembly; Alabama Retail PAC; Business Council of Alabama; Conservative Christians of Alabama; Manufacture Alabama DEMOCRATS N/A Public Service Commission REPUBLICANS Place 1 Jim Bonner Jeremy H. Oden Endorsed by: Alabama Farmer’s Federation; Alabama Grocer’s Association; Manufacture Alabama Place 2 Chris “Chip” Beeker Jr. Endorsed by: Alabama Farmer’s Federation; Alabama Grocer’s Association; Manufacture Alabama Robin Litaker Endorsed by: Conservative Christians of Alabama DEMOCRATS Place 1 Cara Y. McClure Place 2 Kari Powell *If you are a candidate who wins the primary would like to complete the questionnaire, ahead of the November general election, email Elizabeth@ALToday.com.
