U.S. officials raise alarm about 2018, 2020 election security
President Donald Trump has directed a “vast, government-wide effort” to protect American elections after Russian attempts to interfere in 2016, the White House said Thursday. Responding to bipartisan criticism that it has no clear national strategy to protect the country during the upcoming midterms and beyond, John Bolton, the national security adviser, wrote in a letter to Senate Democrats that “President Trump has not and will not tolerate interference in America’s system of representative government.” The warning to American adversaries came as top U.S. intelligence and homeland security officials raised alarms about potential efforts to influence the 2018 and 2020 elections. Homeland security chief Kirstjen Nielsen said: “Our democracy is in the crosshairs.” “We continue to see a pervasive messaging campaign by Russia to try to weaken and divide the United States,” Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats said. Their comments during a White House briefing followed weeks after Trump publicly undermined the conclusions of American intelligence agencies regarding Russian interference. After suffering a bipartisan outcry, Trump later said he accepted those conclusions. They, along with National Security Agency director Gen. Paul Nakasone and FBI Director Christopher Wray, appeared at the White House Thursday to try to reassure the American people they are doing everything in their power to address the threat. “We’re throwing everything at it,” Coats said. Nielsen, Wray and Nakasone had all gathered earlier this week in New York City with leaders of top finance, energy and telecommunications companies for a cybersecurity summit, where they spoke of the urgent need for a collective, collaborative approach to security. At the event, Nielsen said the cyberthreat that now exceeds the danger of a physical attack against the U.S. by a hostile foreign group. Wray told reporters that compared to 2016, in 2018, “We are not yet seeing the same kind of efforts to specifically target election infrastructure,” but that other efforts to influence public opinion continue. He added that the FBI has active investigations on foreign influence across all 56 of its field office. “Make no mistake, the scope of this foreign influence threat is both broad and deep,” he said. But Nielsen said that U.S. agencies have “seen a willingness and a capability on the part of the Russians” to attack U.S. election infrastructure. On Capitol Hill, lawmakers in both parties have pushed election security toward the top of the coming fall agenda amid heightened concerns about interference by Russians and others ahead of the midterm elections. Asked this week how confident he was in the integrity of election systems ahead of the fall midterms, the No. 2 Republican, Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, said, “I’m confident we’re doing the best we can.” Beyond Russian interference with social media campaigns to influence voters, lawmakers are increasingly looking at how to bolster election infrastructure in the states — even though Congress shot down a recent effort to boost federal funding for local and state systems. Both Republicans and Democrats have criticized the administration’s response as fragmented, without enough coordination across federal agencies. And with the midterms only three months away, critics are calling on Trump to take a stronger stand on an issue critical to American democracy. Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the ranking Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee who has criticized Trump for not taking a stronger leadership role on election security, said he was heartened by the White House news conference. “Glad to see the White House finally do something about election security — even if it’s only a press conference,” Warner tweeted. “Now, if only it was actually backed up by anything the president has said or done on Russia.” The Senate is working on a bipartisan package backed by GOP leaders that would boost federal assistance to state and local election officials with cybersecurity guidelines, data sharing and security clearances. It’s expected in September. GOP lawmakers are wary of being seen as imposing any new regulations on states that have resisted federal control. Bolton said Trump is “leading unprecedented action to punish Russia” for its efforts to disrupt American elections. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Walt Maddox announces public safety plan
On Thursday, Democratic gubernatorial candidate and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox announced his plan to improve public safety throughout Alabama. Since 2010 roadway fatalities in our the Yellowhammer State have risen a whopping 155%, while at the same time Alabama has dropped State Trooper staffing to a third of its recommended level. According to the State Troopers Association, fewer than 300 Troopers patrol the entire state, a number that should be closer to 750 according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), and should be more than 1000 according to the Center for Advanced Public Safety at the University of Alabama. According to Maddox, this means: Big trucks speed through Alabama with impunity Drunk drivers go undetected Drug and human traffickers face little risk of arrest Overweight vehicles tear up our roads Those in need of emergency assistance have much longer wait times because at current staffing many Troopers have to cover multiple counties. Maddox has a plan to remedy that problem and hopes to improve those facts. “In the City of Tuscaloosa, where I’ve been mayor since 2005, we’ve had tremendous success in promoting and improving public safety. Over the past 10 years, my administration has overseen a 45 percent decrease in burglaries, 42 percent decrease in auto thefts, 35 percent decrease in murders, and 18 percent decrease in robberies,” said Maddox. “Tuscaloosa Police Department is one of the best trained and equipped law enforcement agencies in Alabama.” Read his full plan here.
Ronda Walker represents Montgomery County at White House meeting
Vice Chairman of the Montgomery County Commission Ronda Walker is in Washington, D.C. representing the county as part of the Alabama and Louisiana White House Conference. “It’s critical that we on the local level engage with our state government as well as the federal government to discuss issues that are important to Alabamians,” Walker told WSFA-12. There, the group will discuss topics such as energy, agriculture, infrastructure and education and how the White House can help meet the two state’s needs. “We want to take advantage of this opportunity,” Walker added to WSFA. “They need to know all the good that is happening here in Alabama and also be made aware of the needs we have. We are very close to the people we represent and it’s important we convey what matters.” Walker took to Facebook on Thursday to share her excitement over the trip. “Proud to represent Montgomery County at the Alabama Leadership meeting at the White House today,” she posted. She was also interviewed outside the White House about her meetings.
Democrats will try forcing Senate vote against Donald Trump health plan
Democrats will try forcing a campaign-season vote on blocking a Trump administration rule allowing insurers to sell short-term plans that are cheaper but skimpier than allowed under the Obama health care law, party leaders said Thursday. Though the effort has a chance of passing the narrowly divided Senate, it is certain to die in the Republican-controlled House. Even so, Democrats believe a pre-election Senate vote would put GOP senators in a difficult spot because the new plans won’t necessarily contain popular features like covering people with pre-existing medical conditions or certain benefits like prescription drugs. “This is an issue the American people should know where everyone stands,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a conference call with reporters. With many Republicans saying they back covering people with pre-existing medical problems, Schumer added, “Let them instead of saying they’re for it actually do something to preserve pre-existing conditions.” Democrats said they will use the seldom-utilized Congressional Review Act, which under some circumstances lets any senator force a vote on overturning recent actions taken by federal agencies. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., who faces a potentially competitive re-election contest in November, will lead the effort. Republicans control the Senate 51-49, but Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., has been gone since December battling brain cancer. Democrats would need at least one GOP lawmaker to side with them to prevail in the Senate. They are viewed as having a chance of capturing Senate control in this fall’s elections. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Poll leaves State Auditor race out of general election altogether
With the November 6 General Election less than 100 days away, candidates are anxious to know where they stand in the polls. On Monday Cygnal, a Montgomery, Ala.-based political data firm, posted polling results for the General Election with an unexpected twist: the State Auditor’s race was completely missing. Cygnal polled 1,027 likely general election voters from July 24-25 asking which candidates the survey participants were most likely to vote for. The survey included all statewide elections and their candidates except Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate who faces no Democratic opponent and has presumably already won his November election, and the State Auditor’s race. “I always wear it as a badge of honor when I am left out of polls, commentaries, analyses, contribution lists, invitation lists, etc,” State Auditor Jim Zeigler said. “It is amazing how often the politicos act as if there is no State Auditor. Though the pollsters and politicos hide it, I won the Republican nomination without a runoff and am on the ballot Nov. 6 against a Democrat opponent.” Zeigler won his primary election with 55 percent of the vote and now faces Democratic opponent Miranda Joseph in the November general election; causing a bit of deja-vu for voters as Zeigler previously defeated Joseph in 2014. “We couldn’t afford to put Jim Ziegler in the survey because he would’ve dominated the Democratic opponent at an embarrassing level,” said Matt Hubbard, Cygnal VP Research, jokingly. “Actually, we totally forgot to include the race.” The results of the poll were fairly conclusive: big wins for Republicans. According to the release by Cygnal, the survey they conducted shows Republicans with a “14-point lead over Democratic candidates, with incumbent Governor Kay Ivey leading Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox 56% to 42%.”
Kay Ivey releases first TV ad for general election, highlights education initiatives
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s campaign on Thursday released her first tv ad for the general election. The ad, which runs statewide, highlights her success in preparing students today for the jobs of tomorrow. “As a former teacher, I know how vital education is to Alabama’s success,” said Ivey. “That’s why I launched a new initiative with record funding for Pre-K education.” As Governor, Ivey launched the “Strong Start, Strong Finish” education initiative to integrate Alabama’s early childhood education, K-12 education, and workforce development into a seamless educational experience for Alabama students. Under Ivey’s leadership, investment in Alabama’s nationally recognized First Class Pre-K program received the largest single-year increase in program funding. And as part of Strong Start, Strong Finish, Ivey is working to make the First-Class Pre-K program available to all families who choose to participate. “Here in Alabama, we’re focused on workforce preparedness because we’re creating record jobs,” said Ivey. According to a recent report by the Alabama Department of Labor, the number of people working in Alabama is at a record high. “That means we have to teach students today to be ready for the jobs of tomorrow,” Kay said. Ivey faces Tuscaloosa Mayor, Democrat Walt Maddox in the general election on Nov. 6. Watch the full ad below:
Former Birmingham Mayor William Bell cited for ethics violation
Former Birmingham Mayor William Bell was charged with violating state ethics laws by the Alabama Ethics Commission on Wednesday. Although the details of the violation were not disclosed by the commission, Bell’s attorney Joe Espy said the accusation was in relation to a mandatory meeting Bell held during his re-election campaign last August. Iva Williams, who originally filed the complaint in September accused Bell of violating state law by using city facilities and his office for political activities, and for using his official position for personal gain. Bell held a mandatory meeting in August warning city employees that if his opponent Randall Woodfin won, many of them might lose their jobs. An audio recording of the meeting was released following the ethics complaint. “The political survival of my administration is at stake,” Bell said according to AL.com. “And if you think that is just about William Bell, no it is about everyone in this room. It is about each of us in this room. Because I guarantee you while some may survive, the vast majority of you will not. OK. I’m not trying to put fear I’m just trying to tell you the realities of the situation.” On Wednesday the Alabama Ethics Commission ruled that the complaint be handled administratively referring the case to Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office. “Mayor Bell completely cooperated with the ethics commission and the ethics commission staff,” Espy told AL.com. “It was a very minor technical matter related to that complaint made during the campaign about that meeting. It was resolved administratively. It is concluded,” Although the issue is being resolved, Bell could face a fine.
Alabama Ethics Commission says legislator can work for House Speaker
The Alabama Ethics Commission says a retiring member of the House of Representatives can work as House Speaker Mac McCutcheon’s chief of staff without violating the “revolving door” provision of state ethics law. Commissioners issued the advisory opinion Wednesday for Republican Rep. Mark Tuggle of Alexander City. The opinion said Tuggle can do administrative duties but cannot lobby his former colleagues on behalf of outside groups. In a separate matter, the commission will not reconsider an advisory opinion that said a candidate can use campaign funds for child care expenses. Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill’s office asked for the reconsideration, concerned that the wording would open the door to candidates trying to claim all sorts of expenses as campaign related. Commissioners said the opinion was for a specific case. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Alabama’s Emily Marks, Jeffrey Beaverstock confirmed as U.S. District judges
The Senate on Wednesday night confirmed two Alabama judges to be U.S. District judges. Emily Marks of Montgomery to be a U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Alabama and Jeffrey Beaverstock of Mobile to be a U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Alabama. Both Marks and Beaverstock were nominated by President Donald Trump in September 2017. Alabama U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby applauded the nominations. “The confirmation of Emily Marks and Jeff Beaverstock is a critical step in ensuring that our courts are shaped by judges who will fairly interpret the law,” said Shelby. “These two highly-qualified nominees with conservative values are excellent choices by President Trump. Both Marks and Beaverstock are devoted to upholding our Constitution as it is written. I congratulate them and am confident that our nation will benefit from their honorable service.” In October 2017, both Marks and Beaverstock appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee for their nomination hearing. Two months later, their nomination was reported out of committee for consideration by the full Senate. Following the approval of Marks and Beaverstock, two Alabama judicial nominees who were nominated by President Trump in 2017 are still awaiting confirmation. Emily Coody Marks will serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama Marks has practiced law in Montgomery, Ala. since 1988. She has specialized in labor and employment law, civil rights law, and appellate practice, and routinely lectures on those topics before employers and other members of the bar. Marks earned her B.A., magna cum laude, from Spring Hill College. Following undergrad, she received her J.D. from the University of Alabama School of Law, where she served as chair of the John A. Campbell Moot Court Board and as a senior editor of the University of Alabama Law & Psychology Review. Marks is the former president of the Montgomery Chapter of the Federal Bar Association and currently serves as chair of the Volunteer Lawyers Program for the Alabama State Bar. She is also on the Board of Directors of the Federal Defenders Program. Jeffrey Uhlman Beaverstock will serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama Beaverstock has practiced law in Mobile, Ala. where he has focused on civil and commercial litigation in state and federal courts. Prior to his time as an attorney, he served on active duty for four years as an Airborne Ranger Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army and has served in the U.S. Army Reserve since leaving active duty. Beaverstock currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps of the U.S. Army (Reserve) and is the Chief of Contract and Administrative Law for the 377th Theater Sustainment Command. Prior to his service, Beaverstock earned his B.A. from The Citadel and was selected as the Distinguished Military Graduate and as the Most Outstanding Army Cadet. He earned his J.D. from the University of Alabama School of Law, where he served as managing editor of the Alabama Law Review. Currently, Beaverstock is the president of the Board of Directors of Ransom Ministries, chairman of the Administrative Board of Christ United Methodist Church in Mobile, and also serves as a Cub Scout Den Leader.
