Former State Senator Roger Bedford has died
Former State Senator Roger Bedford Jr. has died. Bedford was 67. He was diagnosed with cancer in September. At one time, Bedford was one of the four or five most powerful people in the state Legislature for a number of years. Bedford was first elected to the State Senate in 1982 when he was only 25. He was re-elected in 1986. He did not seek re-election in 1990 due to a cancer diagnosis. After defeating cancer, he ran again for the Senate and was elected in 1994. He would go on to serve eight terms in the Alabama State Senate. Bedford, a White rural Democrat – back when White rural Democrats aligned with Executive Secretary Paul Hubbert and the Alabama Education Association (AEA) dominated the Legislature – quickly rose in prominence statewide. In 1996, he ran for the Democratic nomination for the open U.S. Senate seat when Sen. Howell Heflin (D-Alabama) retired. Bedford, mainly due to his AEA support, defeated Congressman Glenn Browder (D-AL04) in the Democratic primary. However, Bedford lost the general election to then-Alabama Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Bedford remained in the State Senate, where he continued to grow in power and influence until 2010, when Republicans gained control of both Houses of the Legislature after 135 years of Democratic Party control. Bedford was one of the few White rural Democrats in the Alabama Senate to survive the 2010 election. He served as Senate Minority Leader from 2011 to 2013. He did not survive the 2014 election when Dr. Larry Stutts unseated him in the 2014 election by just 13 votes. Bedford’s wife died last year after a long illness. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Steve Scalise will be the GOP nominee for Speaker of the House
On Wednesday, House Republicans voted to nominate House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) as the next Speaker of the House. The GOP met in a closed-door session where the GOP House members voted for Scalise 113 to 99 over House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). Scalise’s candidacy now goes to the House floor for a vote of the full House. The previous Speaker, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-California), was ousted last week when eight disgruntled Republicans led by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) voted with House Democrats to oust McCarthy. Congressman Dale Strong (R-AL05) said in a statement following Wednesday’s GOP Caucus vote, “Now more than ever, as our conference selects a new leader, Republicans must prove to the American public we can deliver on the conservative wins they expect from us.” Border security has become a much bigger issue after Saturday’s violence in Israel showed that terrorism is still a clear and present real danger in this world. “It is crucial we choose a speaker who will prioritize border security and spending cuts as non-negotiables for the Republican Conference,” Strong said. Congressman Barry Moore (R-AL02) said ahead of the vote that he would vote for former President Donald Trump on the first ballot and then Jordan on each subsequent ballot. Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL06) was also supporting Jordan. “@Jim Jordan is the strong conservative voice we need for the future. I’ll be supporting him for Speaker,” Palmer said on the social media platform X. Scalise has secured the nomination, but the difficult part will be getting all of those Republicans to vote for him on the floor of the House because even if only Gaetz and his eight rebel legislators break away, given the razor-thin majority that Republicans hold, it would be impossible for him to receive the votes that he needs to actually be installed as the Speaker of the House. The Democrats will nominate House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York) for the post. “I’ve got a long history of bringing people together, uniting Republicans, focusing on the issues that we’ve got to do to address the issues we came here to do to get our country back on track,” Scalise told Fox Business in an interview on Tuesday. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
AG Steve Marshall announces conviction of former state legislator David Cole
On Tuesday, Attorney General Steve Marshall announced the conviction of former Alabama State Representative David Cole, who was ordered to pay $52,885.79 in restitution to the State General Fund and serve 60 days in the Madison County Jail. Cole also resigned his legislative seat, which was vacated upon his arrest in August. Cole must turn himself in by October 17, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Cole resigned from office in August and signed a plea deal admitting guilt. Cole was arrested for voter fraud, having voted at an unauthorized location or location. Cole, 52, of Madison, served as the representative for House District 10 from November 2022 until August 2023. Today, Cole pleaded guilty as a part of a plea agreement, and Madison County Circuit Court Judge Mann adopted the terms of the agreement. Cole, a Madison County resident, decided in the summer of 2021 to seek election to the Alabama House of Representatives. Due to redistricting, he anticipated that his Cedar Springs residence would be drawn into another district outside of House District 10. In mid-October 2021, Cole asked a third party for a leased location “to sleep in” in case he could not find another home or apartment within the newly redrawn house district. In November 2021, Cole signed a lease requiring him to pay $5 per month for a “5×5 area.” He then certified his “new residence” via an online voter registration update with the Alabama Secretary of State. The evidence in this case reflects that Cole never made any attempt to move into the home, nor did he ever eat or sleep in the leased space. In the May 2022 primary election in which Cole was a candidate, Cole voted absentee using the leased address and later voted in-person for the June run-off election, where he was not authorized to vote. In the weeks before the primary election, and in response to media questions about his residency, Cole provided an altered copy of his lease which specified that Cole was renting the “house” rather than a “5 x 5 area.” Cole also provided another lease for an apartment he obtained on or about September 1, 2022. Cole completed another online voter registration update on October 17, 2022, in which he certified that he resided at that apartment, and then voted in the general election in November 2022 at a polling place in which he was not authorized to vote. Only weeks later, Cole completed a property-tax exemption document in which he certified that as of October 1, 2022, he resided in the Cedar Springs house. A special election for this seat will be held on December 12, 2023.
Court to allow Marijuana Commission to make rule changes
On Tuesday, Montgomery Circuit Court Judge James Anderson allowed the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) to proceed with its planned consideration of new rule changes at the scheduled Commission meeting on Thursday. “As I see it, we have a meeting of the Commission on Thursday,” Anderson said. There are two distinct cases. The first is the consolidated case where Alabama Always and other entities denied marijuana permits are plaintiffs objecting to how the AMCC made the awards. The second, separate case is the case brought by Verano, which was awarded an integrated facility license in the June meeting of the AMCC but had that taken away in the August meeting of the AMCC. Verano’s attorney said their “interest is distinct” from the parties involved in the consolidated case. “Verano is claiming that they were awarded a contract, a license, and the Commission cannot go back and claw that back,” Anderson explained. Verano’s attorney agreed with that explanation of the Verano case. “We were issued an invoice, and we paid a $50,000 fee,” Verano’s attorney said. “Our rights were simply taken away from us when they had no authority to do that.” “A license is a privilege, not a right,” Anderson said. “ Verano’s attorney said his client was denied in August because of a “mysterious story that has come up.” “My client has a right to being heard to refute it.” Anderson said, “The only thing that is fair is between first and third base.” The AMCC’s attorneys have filed a motion to dismiss the Verano lawsuit. Anderson gave both sides until noon on Wednesday to file their briefs for and against that motion. “I will have a ruling before the commission meeting,” Judge Anderson promised on the motion to dismiss. The plaintiffs in the consolidated case would like to see a new awards meeting held – in the hope that they do better in the third round of awards than in the previous two. The AMCC appears to be headed towards that outcome in its November meeting. Judge Anderson said there was a motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO) filed the morning before the hearing by Southeast Cannabis. Southeast Cannabis was awarded a license by the AMCC in both the June and August meetings by the Commission. They are represented by Patrick Dungan. “Our position is that it is an unnecessary delay,” Dungan said of the AMCC’s not going ahead and issuing the licenses to the award winners. “We have asked you to stop what they are trying to do on Thursday.” Dungan argued that the 2021 statute legalizing medical cannabis does not give either the court or the Commission the power to vacate the license awards once they were made in June. “I think in this pleading he agrees with the Verano position,” Verona’s attorney stated. Anderson said he would “defer to the commission and let them do what they are going to do on Thursday.” “I am going to allow everyone to have time to get ready for the hearing,” Anderson said. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Rep. Robert Aderholt condemns Hamas and cosponsors resolution supporting Israel
On Tuesday, Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL04) released a statement condemning the terrorist group Hamas and announcing that he has cosponsored a resolution in the House of Representatives to show U.S. support for Israel. “The attacks, kidnappings, and murders carried out over the weekend by Hamas were shocking to people around the world who value humanity, justice, and the rule of law,” Rep. Aderholt said. “The videos and pictures coming out of Israel are gut wrenching. I stand with Israel and her people, and I stand against Hamas and anyone who dares defend their heinous actions.” “Let me be clear – these attacks on Israel were terrorist activities at the hands of Hamas and Hezbollah, aided and abetted by Iran,” Aderholt continued. “Like the Nazis of World War II, their only goal is to kill Jews and anyone who dares support Israel. We will not be stopped in our unwavering support of Israel, no matter who is behind these terrorist actions.” A bipartisan resolution has been introduced in Congress declaring U.S. support for Israel in its war against Hamas. “Today I have joined with almost 400 of my colleagues from both sides of the aisles, to sponsor a resolution standing with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric actions launched by Hamas and other terrorists and condemning Hamas’ brutal strikes against Israel,” Aderholt said. “Israel is a sovereign nation. They have a right to exist and to live peacefully, but if terrorist groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, or any nation-state decides to attack Israel directly or through proxy groups, then Israel has every right to defend itself completely. We must stand with Israel and continue to pray for all those hurt, taken hostage, and for the families of the dead. We will not quickly forget about this brutal attack.” Over one thousand Israelis have been killed – many of them women and children – in a completely unprovoked attack by the lawless terror organization Hamas, which occupies the 140 square mile Gaza Strip. At least 14 Americans have been killed. There are 2,800 wounded, and over 100 Israelis have been taken hostage, including some Americans, and are being held in various parts of Gaza City. U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) said on X, ““Babies, their heads cut off. … families completely gunned down in their beds.” The U.S.—and the civilized world—must respond with unequivocal strength to these barbaric, monstrous atrocities. I stand with Israel as they rightfully defend themselves with overwhelming force.” Gaza was an occupied territory from 1967 to 2005. Israel removed its settlers and occupation forces in 2005 in a land-for-peace deal that quickly went wrong for both Israel and ordinary Palestinians. Hamas overthrew the Palestinian Authority government there and has since ruled the two million people of Gaza with an iron fist while periodically firing rockets at the people of neighboring Israel. Despite international efforts to keep arms out of Gaza, Hamas has been able to fire rockets at Israel by the thousands and equip a large ground force for its cross-border raids in force. Israel has declared war on Hamas and is vowing to seek retribution. Hezbollah is a terrorist organization that has autonomous authority in southern Lebanon and routinely fires rockets across the border into Israel, including over the past several days. Aderholt is the senior member of the Alabama Congressional delegation, having served the people of Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District since 1996. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Steve Flowers: Alabama Community College marks 60 Years
The year 1963 was a historic and turbulent year for Alabama. The race issue was the prevalent and commanding issue in southern politics. White Southerners were determined to hold onto segregation and Jim Crow laws, as was the entire South. Black Southerners were prohibited from voting by these laws and practices. Therefore, every governor’s race in the Deep South was won by whichever candidate could be the most pro-segregationist and, yes, most rhetorical and vociferous towards blacks and integration. The king of the racist anti-integration governors became our own George C. Wallace, although Georgia’s Lester Maddox and Mississippi’s Ross Barrett ran him a close second. George Wallace was obsessed with being the Governor of Alabama. He thought he would be elected in his first bid in 1958. He lost that race to John Patterson primarily because Patterson was perceived as being the most pronounced racist and segregationist. Wallace took the defeat hard. He actually went into a depression mode for about a week. He hardly got out of his bed in a Montgomery hotel room. His closest friends and allies consoled him and finally coaxed him out of bed and assured him that he had just run his “Get Acquainted Race,” a historic pattern whereby the man who ran second would run for governor again four years later and win because the sitting governor could not run again. The Alabama Constitution prohibited reelection, so one four-year term and you were out. After a week, Wallace got out of bed, shaved, showered, called his comrades together, and declared, “Boys, I am going to be elected governor in 1962, come hell or high water. I got out-segged, and I ain’t going to be out-segged again.” He grabbed hold of the race issue, and he did not let go. He worked 18 hours a day, seven days a week for four years, and he rode the race issue like a rented mule and won the 1962 governor’s race. He became Governor in January of 1963 and made his famous inaugural speech spouting, “Segregation today, segregation tomorrow, and segregation forever.” He and every legislator passed laws and resolutions espousing segregation. Wallace was sincere in his racist rhetoric. He believed in segregation, but deep down, he was more of a progressive than a racist. Wallace was born and raised from humble roots in rural Barbour County. He saw what FDR’s New Deal Democratic Progressive Plan had done for Alabama. Wallace had put together enough money to journey to Tuscaloosa with a cardboard suitcase and get into the University of Alabama as a boy. At that time, most promising students could not afford to go to college. Wallace was determined to provide an opportunity for Alabama students to be able to stay home and get a college education. In the midst of all the racist discord in 1963, Wallace and the legislature created the Alabama Junior College and Trade School System. It is his greatest legacy. The system was created 60 years ago, in 1963. This is the system’s “Diamond Jubilee.” The system has long transitioned from the junior college system for providing an easier way to get the first two years of college before transferring to a four-year college. Today, 60 years later, the Alabama Community College System is the most important and significant segment of higher education in Alabama. The Community College System is made up of Alabama students, and they are prepared to take Alabama’s highest-paying and most needed jobs. The Alabama Community College System is the new capstone of higher education in Alabama. The Alabama Community College System is made up of 24 colleges and more than 130 locations. They are the primary vehicle for providing workers and managers for Alabama businesses, large and small. There are 155,000 students attending Alabama Community Colleges. Enrollment has been up almost 10% in the last two years. Ninety-six percent of the systems students live in Alabama, and 72% of these students stay in Alabama after completing their studies. These students and alumni add an amazing $6.6 billion to Alabama’s economy each year. Nearly 100,000 jobs in Alabama are generated or supported by Alabama’s Community Colleges, their students, and alumni. This accounts for one of every 27 jobs in our state. Wallace could never have dreamed of what he was doing for Alabama’s future 60 years ago. 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.
Paul DeMarco: ACLU attacks Alabama Parole Board at the expense of crime victims
No one should be surprised that the Alabama ACLU is at it again. This time, the far-left organization is attacking the work of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles. The ACLU is just another liberal group that puts the interest of felons convicted of violent crimes above victims and insists that these inmates must be released on Alabama streets, although they could endanger the public. The ACLU is out with a new report critical of the Parole Board for not releasing more inmates from state prisons. Part of ACLU’s criticism is that the Parole Board actually heeds the opposition of the Alabama Attorney General’s Office and crime victims. It just shows how out of touch the ACLU is with Alabama citizens that the group actually criticized the Board for taking into strong consideration the input of Attorney General Steve Marshall, victims, and the victim advocacy group VOCAL. Their other concern is that Parole Board Chair Leigh Gwathney actually looks at each parole request on a case-by-case basis and will not release anyone she feels will be a danger to Alabama citizens. Thank goodness the Chair is doing her job in actually looking at the facts and circumstances of each case and not rubber-stamping a result. She is to be praised for listening to those impacted by crime and the state’s top prosecutor. Although intended to have the opposite effect, the report from the ACLU, in reality, actually spotlights what an effective job Gwathney is doing as Chair of the Board. The ACLU makes the same tired arguments that not enough of those incarcerated in Alabama prisons are being released. When critics denounce the number of paroles being granted, they often ignore the many factors the Parole Board considers, including what environment might the inmate be released into. Does the offender have a “home plan” and work already lined up? Who will help hold them accountable, or will the inmate return to the same circle of “friends” they were with when they committed their crime? The ACLU also argues that the Parole Board should release inmates who are currently in ADOC’s work release program, indicating that these individuals must be low-risk. But, the supervision levels of work release and parole are vastly different. Further, how long a particular inmate has been in work release could be a factor; maybe the Parole Board wants the offender to demonstrate success in that structured environment for a longer period. Simply being in ADOC’s work release program should not be seen as a qualifier for parole, especially since news headlines often tell of Alabama inmates who have escaped from work release. Additionally, ACLU’s report indicates that “Alabama’s parole grant rate has dropped to historic lows,” but they’re comparing today’s number of paroles granted to the recklessness of the Parole Board in 2017-18 when more than 50 percent of paroles were approved (and more than 80 percent of Alabama’s inmates are incarcerated for violent crimes). While public safety is paramount, we cannot ignore that “justice” is another important goal of incarceration. In a recent press release, the ACLU demanded, “It is time for incarcerated Alabamians to come home.” Unfortunately, the families of murder victims will never see their deceased loved ones “come home.” Alabama citizens should demand that their state representatives and senators finally enact truth-in-sentencing legislation. A few years ago, the Alabama Legislature had to make significant reforms due to the failures of the prior Parole Board, whose actions led to the release of a parolee who then murdered three people in Marshall County. However, now that the Board is professionally run, these progressive groups are on the attack, howling the injustice that inmates actually serve the sentences they were given. State leaders need to heed their most important responsibility and always put public safety first. Paul DeMarco is a former member of the Alabama House of Representatives and can be found on X (formerly Twitter) @Paul_DeMarco.
27 state AGs request federal government end catch-and-release policies
By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributor Twenty-seven attorneys general, led by Florida’s Ashley Moody, are demanding Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas “fix the problem you created” and close the catch-and-release loophole DHS is “currently exploiting to implement its mass release policy at the Southwest Border.” The coalition filed a Petition for Rulemaking demanding that Mayorkas amend DHS’s catch-and-release policies. In their 6-page letter, they point to how “DHS is releasing aliens at a rate of over one million per year, and that does not include the aliens being released on parole under § 1182(d)(5).” In addition to releasing inadmissible illegal foreign nationals into the U.S., DHS is releasing them with court dates for three to four years and even 10 years into the future, a lag that The Center Square first reported. The coalition argues Mayorkas’ policies will result in allowing millions more unauthorized people to remain in the U.S. for 15 years or longer before they ever appear before an immigration judge. The coalition says the mandatory detention policy, CBP processing policy, and parole authority stipulated by federal statute are being violated by DHS. “DHS’s practice of releasing aliens at the Southwest Border … is fragrantly unlawful” and proposes regulatory changes. They argue that Mayorkas’ “first and most important reason for granting the petition is that DHS’s current practices are unlawful. DHS should take seriously whether its practices comply with the law, and it should grant a petition that seeks to stop its officers from committing unlawful acts.” The second reason, they argue, is catch-and-release policies are “having horrendous effects” across the country, with some individuals’ court dates being set for 10 years in the future. Their call came after Moody and other attorneys general first called for his resignation. They then called on Congress to impeach him, and then to strip him of his salary. Moody and several AGs have also sued DHS over its parole policies, border security policies and others, arguing they violate federal law. “The Biden administration’s intentional dismantling of border security has resulted in more than seven million inadmissible immigrants entering the U.S., including suspected terrorists,” Moody said. In fiscal 2023, the highest number of known or suspected terrorists were apprehended attempting to enter the U.S. illegally – 659, The Center Square has reported. The overwhelming majority being caught are coming through the northern border. The coalition’s letter to Mayorkas cites outdated data of 1.5 million known gotaways as another reason to reverse the administration’s policies. The number is closer to 1.6 million, and likely higher, since January 2021, as The Center Square has previously reported. Publicly reported CBP apprehension and KSTs data don’t include gotaways. “Gotaways” is the official U.S. Customs and Border Patrol term that refers to those who illegally enter the U.S. between ports of entry, don’t return to Mexico or Canada, and are not apprehended. An unknown number of KSTs are believed to be gotaways. The Biden administration has consistently claimed the border is closed and secure, and that a humane, orderly process is being implemented. But more than 8 million people have illegally entered the U.S. since January 2021, excluding gotaways. This data also excludes those entering using the CBP One App. Total numbers are estimated to be closer to 10 million, or likely higher, officials have explained to The Center Square. “Given the massive flood of unvetted migrants into the interior of our country, there is no way to know who is in the U.S. or if they plan to enact terror on Americans,” Moody said. “Given the risks illustrated by what happened this weekend in Israel, I am leading a coalition of 27 attorneys general taking action to force the Biden administration to enact responsible rulemaking to ensure our nation’s security at our Southern Border.” If Mayorkas denies the petition, they indicated they plan on seeking judicial review. Joining Moody in filing the petition are attorneys general from Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.
USA Health names Deborah Browning new CEO for Children’s and Women’s Hospital
After a national search, Deborah Browning, MSN, RN, CENP has been named the new chief executive officer for USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital. She previously served as chief nursing officer beginning in 2021 and then interim administrator. “We have been so impressed with what Debbie has accomplished in the relatively short amount of time she has been in leadership positions at Children’s & Women’s Hospital,” said Owen Bailey, M.S.H.A., FACHE, USA Health CEO and senior associate vice president for medical affairs. “It was clear she is who we need leading our efforts to continuously provide high-quality and compassionate healthcare to the children and women on the Gulf Coast.” Prior to joining Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Browning served as chief nursing officer at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City. She has been responsible for women’s and/or children’s service lines at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital in Charleston, South Carolina. “With her extensive experience working within academic health systems, Debbie understands that evidence-based practices produce the best patient outcomes,” said John V. Marymont, M.D., M.B.A., vice president for medical affairs and dean of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama. Since stepping in as interim administrator, she has overseen renovation and expansion efforts of the only pediatric emergency center on the Alabama Gulf Coast, among other initiatives. Plans call for the state-of-the-art space to open this winter. “I believe this is a time of unprecedented growth for our hospital,” Browning said, “and I look forward to leading the teams responsible for best meeting the healthcare needs of our community.” With a focus on family-centered care, Browning said her vision for the region’s only children’s and women’s hospital is to “create a space where our families have the best experience possible, and our staff feel valued and fulfilled in their roles.” Shannon Scaturro, M.S.H.A., M.S.N., CRNA, FACHE, chief operating officer for USA Health and assistant vice president for medical affairs, said he is looking forward to what the future holds for Children’s & Women’s Hospital with Browning at the helm. “It’s been exciting to see the work she’s done daily to enhance our quality and safety measures, something that is paramount in healthcare settings.” Among her accomplishments, Browning completed the American Organization of Nurse Executives Nursing Director Fellowship and serves on several AONL committees at the national level. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky, and a master’s degree in nursing administration from the University of Phoenix. USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Alabama’s only free-standing inpatient facility dedicated to providing care to children and women, provides the most comprehensive services for children and women in the region. Home to the region’s only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and high-risk obstetrics program, Children’s & Women’s also has the region’s only pediatric emergency department staffed 24 hours a day, every day, by specially trained physicians in pediatric emergency medicine.
