Email Insights: ALGOP Week 3 Legislative Recap
In an email sent by Jeannie Burniston the ALGOP Communications Director the party highlighted bills passed by each chamber. A copy of their email is below. Before the start of the legislative session, the Alabama GOP released its 2024 priorities. Each of the bills listed above can be tracked individually by using the states legislative bill search website.
ALGOP Outreach Coalition to host Meet & Greet in Montgomery
The Alabama Republican Party Outreach Coalition will host a Meet & Greet event at the Montgomery Area Association of Realtors auditorium in Montgomery, on Thursday, September 8th, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The ALGOP Outreach Coalition is a diverse network of conservative voters working to forge partnerships within communities across Alabama and proclaim the ALGOP is open to people of all backgrounds. The Coalition is looking to connect with all voters – especially those of African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander, Native American, and multi-racial descent – in order to start a dialogue on the issues. The Director of the Outreach Coalition team is State Rep. Kenneth Paschal. Paschal became the first Republican African-American elected to the Alabama Legislature since Reconstruction and will also be a guest speaker. Co-Director Belinda Thomas will also speak at the event. Thomas is the first female African-American City Councilwoman of Newton, AL. State Rep. Charlotte Meadows and Alabama Republican Party Chairmen John Wahl and Greg Poole will also speak at the event. “I am here to tell you that the Alabama Republican Party is proud to support and encourage minorities. The Democrat Party wants you to believe that all minorities share their liberal views, but we are here today to challenge that false stereotype. There are thousands of conservative people in minority groups across this state, and they deserve to be recognized,” stated Wahl. Cedric Coley is the Central Alabama Regional Director for the ALGOP Outreach Coalition and the moderator for the event.
ALGOP ‘takes the show on the road’, hosts 2022 Primary Qualifying Day in Montgomery
The Alabama Republican Party announced they will host an in-person qualifying day in Montgomery for the 2022 ALGOP Primary. The event will take place on Wednesday, January 12, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the 5th floor conference room of RSA Plaza. The address is 770 Washington Avenue, in Montgomery. The qualifying period for the 2022 ALGOP Primary opened on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. and will run until Friday, January 28, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. Alabama Republican Chairman John Wahl stated, “We’re excited to take ‘the show on the road’, so to speak, and offer an alternate option to qualify in-person in our state capital. We realize it isn’t always convenient for candidates to make the drive to our headquarters in Birmingham. This gives people an opportunity to come to a second location to file paperwork, pay their fees, and ask questions – with all the same amenities as our office.” Members of the ALGOP staff will be available to assist with the qualifying process. Additionally, candidates can qualify during this time on-line at algop.org or in-person at ALGOP Headquarters in Birmingham during regular business hours. Positions up for election on the 2022 ALGOP Primary ballot include:·Alabama Constitutional Offices (Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industry, Treasurer, and State Auditor) One (1) U.S. Senate seat All U.S. House seats Two (2) Alabama Supreme Court seats Two (2) Public Service Commission seats Four (4) Alabama Board of Education seats All Alabama House of Representatives seats All Alabama Senate seats All District Attorney positions Dozens of Circuit and District Court judicial seats The Alabama Republican Party State Executive Committee (the governing body of the ALGOP)
Terry Lathan unanimously re-elected Alabama Republican chair
Terry Lathan was unanimously re-elected Saturday as chair of the Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP). The approval came by acclamation from the 400-plus member Alabama Republican Executive Committee during the ALGOP’s Winter Meeting at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center (BJCC) in downtown Birmingham this past weekend. This will be will Lathan’s third-term in the position. She ran unopposed. Below are a few items Lathan is “exceptionally proud” that highlight her and her team’s accomplishments in the 2018 election cycle: Another record-breaking general election: a statewide officer sweep, additional seats in the Alabama legislature with 71 Democrat to Republican seats flipped resulting in devastating defeat of the so called ‘Blue Wave’ in Alabama Raising over $1.188 million that fully funded our campaign plan and annual Party needs Funding and executing a seamless successful 2018 general election plan Added races expanding our base plan which produced big wins Defending and growing GOP seats in 29 counties that had head-to-head races with Democrats Maintained an aggressive year-round social media footprint to push our Party content and messaging Lathan is a native of Mobile, Alabama where she lives with her husband, Jerry. They have two adult children. She is a former public school teacher and has been volunteering with the Republican Party for over 40 years. She has served as Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party since February 2015, making her the longest serving female ALGOP state chairman. If re-elected will be the longest serving chair since 1985.
ALGOP passes resolution against gas tax increase at their winter meeting
On Saturday, the Alabama Republican Party’s (ALGOP) state executive committee passed a resolution at their winter meeting that opposes raising the state gas tax, a plan Gov. Kay Ivey is expected to introduce soon. The resolution stipulates the party “reject[s] any increase to the current state fuel tax.” Read the full resolution, as passed below: Objection to the Increase in Gas Tax being considered by the Alabama Legislature Whereas, Alabamians are currently subject to a cumulative state and local tax burden consistent with surrounding states, and Whereas, arguments for additional tax on fuel, on the basis of statutory allocation to transportation infrastructure are compromised by the annual practice of diverting $63 million from the same fund; and Whereas, we agree that a current increase in the gas tax without reductions in the existing taxation revenue would be a move to increase the size and scope of government, redistribute income, and would violate the principles of our state and national Republican platforms; Therefore, be it resolved, that we reject any increase to the current state fuel tax. Adopted, this the 23rd day of February, 2019 by the Alabama State Republican Executive Committee. Submitted by Morgan County Executive Committee members: Tom Fredricks, Kim Mayfield, County Chairman Julie Clausen, Tom Willis, and Bill Lawrence Mike Parsons, Alabama Conservative Coalition (ACC)
Alabama lawmakers, groups respond to Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech
President Donald Trump delivered his second State of the Union address Tuesday night ending with a call for unity. Here’s what Alabama lawmakers and groups had to say about the President’s address: Sen. Richard Shelby: President Trump outlined a policy agenda that both parties can work together to achieve. During his first two years in office, the President has delivered on many promises to the American people, including signing historic tax reform into law, creating one of the strongest economies I have seen in my lifetime, and focusing on vital infrastructure projects. While huge strides were made to address our nation’s most critical issues last Congress, I applaud President Trump’s dedication to solve the challenges still facing us today. It is imperative that we work to put our political disagreements aside in order to secure our borders with a comprehensive solution. As Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find common ground on this critical issue. 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: Tonight, President Trump’s message was clear: if we stop with the political games and focus on solutions, American Greatness knows no bounds. By supporting the President’s clear and bold agenda, the American people will be stronger, safer, and more prosperous. …It is time to stop with the politics of resistance and act on these critically important issues. President Trump is right when he said that great bipartisan achievements in this Congress are possible, especially when we rally behind a commonsense agenda building American Greatness. Let’s get it done. 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: In his second State of the Union address, President Trump highlighted the economic success hardworking Americans are experiencing thanks to the implementation of pro-growth policies, including the historic tax reform overhaul. I was also pleased to hear more about his plan to work with Congress to reinvigorate our badly aging infrastructure, strengthen our military, bolster our national security efforts, improve care for veterans, and defend the unborn. In addition, President Trump laid out his vision for our country’s future as it relates to enhancing border security and finally addressing our serious illegal immigration problem. Now, with a divided Congress, I was encouraged by his remarks about the importance of bipartisanship and working together to get our job done. I am eager to continue working with the Administration and my colleagues in Congress to deliver the results that the American people and Alabama’s Second District deserve. 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: Tonight, President Trump reaffirmed in his speech what makes our country great. His vision for America is attainable if we all work together and his eloquent call for unity will only make our nation stronger. I look forward to continuing to work with President Trump to build an even stronger economy, ensure our national security remains a top priority and secure our Southwest border with Mexico 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: As the President pointed out, the state of our Union is indeed strong. The economy is growing at an all-time high and unemployment is near record lows. And on the world stage, America is once again showing its strength. President Trump is not only working to defeat ISIS, but is also working to finally end the nuclear threat from North Korea. President Trump is getting so much pushback because he has forced Washington bureaucrats out of their comfort zone. Democrats, and even some Republicans, want to stick to the status quo, but that is not how you achieve results for all Americans. 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: President Trump did an excellent job of explaining why we must secure America’s porous southern border. Too many Americans have lost their lives and their jobs. Too many Americans have had their wages suppressed. Too many Americans are being forced to pay higher taxes to support welfare for illegal alien families. In short, President Trump laid bare for all to see the betrayal of American families by Democrats who care more about illegal aliens than Americans. Whether the focus was on economic prosperity, free enterprise versus socialism, international relations, health care, national security, or the promise of America, President Trump hit the game-winning grand slam, shot the game-winning three point shot, and scored the game-winning touchdown. In sum, President Trump reminded us of how great America is and how proud we should be to be Americans. 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: The President’s theme tonight of choosing greatness was what I think the nation needed to hear. He made it clear that we have a choice—we can choose to continue to pursue agendas that will weaken us, or we can choose an agenda that will unite us and ensure a bright and secure future for America. … I hope my Democratic colleagues will heed President Trump’s words tonight and return to this bipartisan approach that he has encouraged. He summed it up well tonight when he said, ‘Together, we can break decades of political stalemate. We can bridge old divisions, heal old wounds, build new coalitions, forge new solutions, and unlock the extraordinary promise of America’s future. The decision is ours to make 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: The President’s promises of bipartisanship and unity tonight ring hollow. Actions speak louder than words. Over and over, the Trump administration has pursued divisive and destructive policies that have failed the middle class. The President has attacked people with pre-existing conditions and American’s right to health care. He has put corporate interests above those of working families by passing the GOP tax scam and denying federal workers their hard-earned paychecks during the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Day in and day out, the President has sowed a culture of fear and falsehoods and put his own personal interests above those of the American people. Alabama Republican Party | Chairman Terry Lathan: President Trump showed true leadership through his incredible State of the Union Address. In calling for a renewal
Terry Lathan announces re-election bid for third term as ALGOP Chair
Seeking her third term in office,Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan announced her plans to run for a third term. “It is with humility and excitement that I announce I am running for a third term as chairman of the Alabama Republican Party. It has been a true honor and privilege to serve the ALGOP as state chair. During the four years I have been chairman, we have seen historic gains electing Republicans,” said Lathan. Below are a few items Lathan is “exceptionally proud” that highlight her and her team’s accomplishments in the 2018 election cycle: Another record-breaking general election: a statewide officer sweep, additional seats in the Alabama legislature with 71 Democrat to Republican seats flipped resulting in devastating defeat of the so called ‘Blue Wave’ in Alabama Raising over $1.188 million that fully funded our campaign plan and annual Party needs Funding and executing a seamless successful 2018 general election plan Added races expanding our base plan which produced big wins Defending and growing GOP seats in 29 counties that had head-to-head races with Democrats Maintained an aggressive year-round social media footprint to push our Party content and messaging “After forty-two years as a GOP volunteer, I still stand on our Party’s platform, values and foundation of conservative beliefs. That will never change. Elected officials, opinions and situations may change, but my lifelong commitment to Republican principles will never yield,” Lathan continued. “I will continue to reject the perception that politics gives people a ‘free pass’ to lower the bar of integrity and am determined that it is raised for all who serve in the public arena. Service in the political realm should demand the highest standard of behavior and principles. Perfection is not attainable, but personal behavior choices and honorable actions are.” Lathan is a native of Mobile, Alabama where she lives with her husband, Jerry. They have two adult children. She is a former public school teacher and has been volunteering with the Republican Party for over 40 years. She has served as Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party since February 2015, making her the longest serving female ALGOP state chairman. If re-elected will be the longest serving chair since 1985.
ALGOP celebrates legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
As Americans across the country commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.‘s contributions to the nation, Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) Chairman Terry Lathan made the following statement celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: We honor and celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. His vision for America and commitment to equal rights changed history for the better. Dr. King’s words and peaceful protests are still deeply valued today. It is our prayer that the actions of all citizens reflect the dream Dr. King had for every man, woman and child – that our nation would be an ‘oasis of freedom and justice.’ Dr. King’s words are timeless and continue to stand as a foundation of goodwill for all today, for all to ‘not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.’ In light of this we reflect on the scripture found in Amos 5:24: ‘But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.’
What they’re saying: ALGOP reacts to Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination advancing to final floor vote
It’s official: the U.S. Senate will give Judge Brett Kavanaugh a final floor vote on Saturday, after enough senators voted to end debate and advance his nomination Friday. The final vote was 51 to 49. Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) Chairman Terry Lathan said the state party was “very supportive” of the vote. “The Alabama Republican Party is very supportive of today’s vote now allowing Judge Kavanaugh’s confirmation to come to a full floor vote in the U.S. Senate,” said Lathan. “We have the utmost respect for Judge Kavanaugh as he has endured baseless and slanderous attacks on his character from the left. We deeply appreciate Senator [Richard] Shelby‘s yes vote today along with his careful consideration of the requests of Alabamians who want to see this confirmation move forward.” The ALGOP doubled-down on their disappointment to Jones, whom they called out last week when they described his decision to vote against Kavanaugh as a betrayal to the State of Alabama. Lathan continued, “It is an absolute shame Senator Doug Jones chose to vote no and deny the pleas and calls of his constituents who clearly want to see Judge Kavanaugh confirmed. In 2020 the voters will hold Senator Jones responsible for continually ignoring the will of Alabamians and instead choosing to follow the bidding of Democrat leadership.” Friday morning’s cloture vote follows a September 27 hearing in which Kavanaugh fended off allegations by Christine Blasey Ford that he had sexually assaulted her when both were in high school in the 1980s.
ALGOP blasts Doug Jones over Brett Kavanaugh decision: ‘His NO vote betrays our state’
U.S. Sen. Doug Jones publicly confirmed on Thursday he will vote against the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court, which led Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan to release a sharply worded statement blasting the newly elected senator’s decision. Before digging into Jones, Lathan first stopped to thank Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby for his support of Kavanaugh. “The Alabama Republican Party thanks Senator Richard Shelby for representing our state and committing to cast a YES vote to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court,” said Lathan. She continued, “Senator Doug Jones has now said he will vote NO on the confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court. His NO vote betrays our state and his actions highlight his disingenuous promise to represent the majority of Alabamians.” Lathan says Jones’ “no” vote shows he is in the “Schumer/Feinstein/Warren/Sanders column” and is now a “full-fledged member of the ‘Never Trump’ resistance.” “After siding against Alabamians and President Trump, Senator Jones is now firmly in the Schumer/Feinstein/Warren/Sanders column. With his experience as an attorney, it is shocking that he is willing to betray the right of due process. This ‘seek and destroy’ hijacking of one of the most qualified court nominees in our lifetime is an abomination to our nation’s most fundamental principles of fairness,” Lathan added. “Alabama will not forget his betrayal. Senator Doug Jones’ days in the United States Senate are numbered,” Lathan added. “Anyone who experiences an assault should be taken seriously. All avenues should be exhausted to help a victim and to find the truth pertinent to each individual situation. It is clear Dr. Ford suffered from a traumatic event in her youth, and like Judge Kavanaugh’s daughter, we should pray for her to receive strength, peace and healing. Nevertheless, there was no case made that Brett Kavanaugh was involved in her incident. Actually, the opposite happened as witnesses she named refuted her story and Kavanaugh convincingly denies it.” “The one thing we are confident of is this: Senator Doug Jones’ nameplate on his office door in the halls of the United States Senate will be replaced by Alabamians in 2020,” she concluded.
ALGOP Chair: time is now for Doug Jones to decide if he’s with Chuck Schumer or Alabama
The confirmation hearings for President Donald Trump‘s Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) pick, Judge Brett Kavanaugh, began Tuesday. If confirmed by the Senate, Kavanaugh will take the seat currently held by retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy. The confirmation hearings are expected to be the scene of highly partisan battle over the future high court, where Alabama’s junior Senator, Doug Jones, among a handful of other Democratic senators in red states, are facing pressure to confirm Trump’s SCOTUS nominee. On Tuesday, the Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) Chairman Terry Lathan asserted the State Party’s support for Kavanaugh and called on Jones to “decide to either vote with Chuck Schumer or with Alabama.” “The Alabama Republican Party strongly supports Judge Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the United States Supreme Court. A brilliant and fair mainstream jurist with over 20 years of public service on the bench, Judge Kavanaugh is thoroughly qualified to serve on the High Court of our great nation,” said Lathan.” Political theatre Kavanaugh’s confirmation has already been overtaken by political theatre as Democratic lawmakers delayed the start of the hearing by more than an hour saying they lack of important information about the judge’s record. “Helpful reminder: Democrats didn’t show up to see sensitive documents that were made available to them, the idea the hearing should be delayed because they haven’t read material is quite laughable,” tweeted Sen. Orrin Hatch‘s office. Helpful reminder: Democrats didn’t show up to see sensitive documents that were made available to them, the idea the hearing should be delayed because they haven’t read material is quite laughable. #KavanaughConfirmation — Senator Hatch Office (@senorrinhatch) September 4, 2018 Hatch’s office continued to set the record straight, tweeting the process has not been rushed. Myth: “this has been rushed.” Fact: that’s nonsense, this has been an appropriately paced, deliberate process. Kavanaugh was nominated 64 days ago ✅ Sotomayor was confirmed in 66 days ✅ Roberts in 23 days ✅ Kennedy in 65 days ✅ Ginsburg in 42 days#KavanaughConfirmation Nevertheless Senate Democrats have interrupted the hearing 63 times during the first half of the first day. “As his confirmation hearings begin and senseless attacks from the left continue, it is imperative that Americans remember the truth surrounding this nomination. Senate Democrats are reacting in a knee jerk manner of disapproval simply because it is President Trump’s choice,” Lathan continued. “In fact, many Democrats publicly stated they would oppose whatever nominee he chose. Their attempt to discredit Judge Kavanaugh, who earned the unanimous endorsement of the American Bar Association, is another example of their consistent obstructionist choices.” Jones to decide: Schumer or Alabama Lathan encouraged Alabamians to call Jones’ office and let him know of their support for Kavanaugh. “The Alabama Republican Party urges Senator Jones to confirm Judge Kavanaugh to the U.S Supreme Court. In 2020, our voters will remember a ‘no’ vote. We urge every Alabama citizen to call Senator Jones’ office at 202.224.4124 to let him know of your support for Judge Kavanaugh.” “The time is now for Senator Jones to decide to either vote with Chuck Schumer or with Alabama. We thank Senator Richard Shelby for making an early and firm commitment to support Judge Kavanaugh. We hope Senator Jones will follow Senator Shelby’s lead and hear the voices of Alabamians,” Lathan concluded.
ALGOP takes first official stance on marriage, immigration, judges and more in party platform
During the Alabama Republican Party‘s (ALGOP) biannual meeting in Tuscaloosa on Saturday the State Executive Committee voted overwhelmingly in favor of the ALGOP Party Platform — the first in the group’s history. “Proud to announce the @ALGOP has confirmed our first state party platform this past weekend 🐘🇺🇸#alpolitics,” ALGOP Chairman Terry Lathan tweeted Monday. Proud to announce the @ALGOP has confirmed our first state party platform this past weekend 🐘🇺🇸#alpolitics https://t.co/9eYs1rY855 — Terry Lathan (@ChairmanLathan) August 27, 2018 According to Lathan, the ALGOP state steering committee, chaired Sam Givhan from Madison County, drew up a draft of the platform, which was sent out several times to members where they were asked for their input, comments and edits. After several rounds, the committee submitted the final product that passed on Saturday. Lathan says the ALGOP still stands with the national RNC platform, however the new platform defines where the ALGOP stands as a state Party. “Our state Party has always stood on the platform of the RNC and we still do. However, many state GOP groups have their own platform. We decided it was time that we would do the same and highlight issues that we felt defined our thoughts and where we stand as a Party,” Lathan explained to Alabama Today. “Our candidates and county parties around the state can now use the platform to share with our voters.” Among its many provisions, the platform affirms the party’s: Belief in “equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, creed, age, sex or national origin;” Support for traditional marriage and family as being the foundation for a free society; Condemnation for decisions by activist judges to allow the desecration of the flag and to deny children the opportunity to say the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools; Support for Alabama to be a “Right to Work” state; and opposition to the implementation of the Common Core Curriculum. The platform comes at a critical time ahead of the November 6 general election, where Alabamians will decide whether or not to shift power from the hands of incumbent, Republican Gov. Kay Ivey to Democrat Walt Maddox among several other contested statewide and local races. “It also clearly highlights the glaring differences between Alabama Republicans and Democrats-and we will share these contrasts with Alabamians,” Lathan added. View the complete platform below:
