Nancy Worley: DNC chair trying to ‘beat Alabama into submission’
The chair of Alabama’s Democratic Party accused the party’s national chairman on Tuesday of trying to beat “Alabama into submission” by portraying the state party as in a shambles, just the latest twist in an ongoing dispute between state and national party officials. In a written statement, Alabama Democratic Party Chair Nancy Worley said there has been an all-out attack on the state party since she won last year’s election as chairwoman. She said her opponents include U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, who endorsed a different candidate after calling for new leadership. “From a continuous, ‘the sky is falling’ media assault on the party and its leadership, to the DNC’s withholding $10,000 per month to Alabama, they have bombarded the Alabama Democratic Party from every side” the statement released by the state party and Worley read. In a letter Monday, Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez said the national party was keeping funds from the state party because it had “fallen far short of meeting its basic obligations to develop an effective strategic plan and build the necessary infrastructure for success.” He said Alabama is the only state where monthly party development funds have been withheld because of problems. “The ADP has chronically underperformed in virtually every aspect of operation,” Perez wrote. Worley called the letter just another example of her opponents “stirring the pot against the Alabama Democratic Party.” The DNC in February ordered Alabama to hold new chair and vice-chair elections after finding there were irregularities with Worley’s election. The national committee also ordered the state party to revise its bylaws. The DNC last month stripped Worley and Vice Chair Randy Kelley of their seats on the DNC because of missed deadlines to hold the new elections and get new bylaws approved. Both the DNC and the Jones campaign declined to comment on Worley’s statement. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
DNC: Alabama democratic party hasn’t met basic obligations
The chairman of the Democratic National Committee said Monday that the Alabama Democratic Party is failing to meet basic obligations and national party officials have withheld funds because of the chronic problems. DNC Chairman Tom Perez delivered the rebuke in a letter outlining the status of challenges filed against the state party. He said Alabama is the only state where monthly party development funds have been withheld because of problems. “Alabama has fallen far short of meeting its basic obligations to develop an effective strategic plan and build the necessary infrastructure for success,” Perez wrote in a letter. “The ADP has chronically underperformed in virtually every aspect of operation.” The harsh assessment was the latest sign of frustration by national party officials with the leadership of the Alabama party. Perez wrote the letter to Jefferson County Democratic Party Chair Richard Mauk who had inquired about the status of two challenges against state party leadership. The DNC last month stripped Alabama Democratic Party Chair Nancy Worley and Vice Chair Randy Kelley of their seats on the DNC because of missed deadlines to hold new leadership elections and bring party bylaws into compliance. The DNC in February ordered the Alabama party to hold new elections for state party chair and vice-chair after finding multiple irregularities with Worley’s and Kelley’s election last year. Party officials also ordered the state party to develop an affirmative action plan and revise bylaws to provide representation of other minorities, not just African Americans. Perez wrote that since September 2018 the DNC has withheld a monthly payment of at least $10,000 from the Alabama party because of the problems. “We have not had to take this serious action with any other state party,” he wrote.Worley did not return a text message seeking comment. The letter also indicated the state’s participation in Democrats’ presidential nominating convention next year could be in jeopardy. A DNC panel had said it won’t approve the state’s delegate selection plan until the state party holds new leadership elections under properly approved bylaws. Perez told Mauk that they are willing to help. “Democrats can win and are winning in Alabama,” Perez wrote. “But we need a functional state party.” Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Democratic national committee denies seats to Alabama party leaders
The Democratic National Committee voted Saturday to deny seats to the two leaders of the Alabama Democratic Party after missed deadlines to comply with party directives. The DNC accepted a recommendation to revoke the credentials of Alabama Democratic Party Chairwoman Nancy Worley and Vice-Chair Randy Kelley. The sanction came after the state party missed two deadlines to hold new elections for their positions and to revise party bylaws. A DNC spokesman said the action means Worley and Kelley will no longer be recognized by the DNC. Worley said Friday that she expected the action, and downplayed its impact. Worley said she and Kelley will remain in their state party positions. “It shouldn’t affect anything in the state party,” Worley said The action arose after challenges were filed contesting Worley’s and Kelley’s election last year. One challenge contended multiple rules were broken during the election to “stack the deck” in their favor. A separate challenge said the party did not follow diversity requirements. National party officials agreed and in February ordered new elections after finding procedural irregularities with Worley’s and Kelley’s election last year. Party officials also ordered the state party to develop an affirmative action plan and revise bylaws to provide representation of other minorities, not just African Americans. Richard Rouco, an attorney representing people who filed the challenge to Worley’s and Kelley’s election, said the action confirms the need for change at the Alabama Democratic Party. “I hope that the ADP’s leadership takes this action by DNC seriously because it’s a big deal when the two top officers of a State party are denied DNC credentials,” Rouco wrote in an email. Rouco said while Kelley and Worley are not technically removed from office, he was unsure how long they could continue. “An important and critical duty of the Chair and Vice Chair of a State Party is to represent state Democrats at the national level. Alabama Democrats deserve representation in the affairs of the DNC and it’s my sense that if the ADP does not move quickly to comply with DNC orders and run a new election for Chair and Vice Chair that the DNC will take further action,” Rouco said. The DNC credentials committee on Thursday recommended revoking the credentials of the Alabama party leaders until new elections are properly held. They said the state missed spring and August deadlines to comply with the directives. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
DNC orders Alabama Democratic Party to hold new election for chair, vice chair
The Alabama Democratic Party has 90 days to hold an election for its chairman and vice chairman positions. That’s according to the Democratic National Committee (DNC), which has vacated the state party’s 2018 officer elections following a vote by the credentials committee on Thursday afternoon. Current Party Chair Nancy Worley and her Vice Chair Randy Kelley will also be allowed to continue serving in their respective roles until the election, which will be overseen by the DNC, takes places. The DNC’s decisions follows an evidentiary hearing held Monday regarding two complaints lodged against the 2018 officer elections. “With (Worley) and (Kelley) presiding over the meeting,” one complaint read. “The elections were conducted in a sloppy and haphazard manner that was easily susceptible to manipulation. The elections were deliberately manipulated in order to favor Worley, Kelley and all other incumbent SDEC officers.” Worley had won re-election in August by a narrow margin of 101-89 against a challenger who was backed by U.S. Sen. Doug Jones. According to the AP, one challenge alleges that, while these 190 votes were recorded only 142 state committee members signed in to the meeting.
Doug Jones’ PAC donates to Dems seeking to oust Alabama’s GOP incumbents
It looks like Alabama’s newly elected Democratic U.S. Sen. Doug Jones is hoping expand Alabama’s Democratic presence in Washington come January. Earlier this month, he made donations through his leadership PAC to all of the Democratic candidates running for the U.S. House of Representatives that are hoping to oust incumbent Republicans. The donations came through his leadership PAC, the Seeking Justice Committee, on Oct. 12: 1st District: $2,500 to Robert Kennedy Jr. who is challenging Rep. Bradley Byrne 2nd District: $2,500 to Tabitha Isner who is challenging Rep. Martha Roby 3rd District $2,500 to Mallory Hagan who is challenging Rep. Mike Rogers 4th District $2,500 to Lee Auman who is challenging Rep. Robert Aderholt 5th District $2,500 to Peter Joffrion who is challenging Rep. Mo Brooks 6th District $2,500 to Danner Kline who is challenging Rep. Gary Palmer Jones’ PAC donations follow his observations of the ineffectiveness of the Alabama Democratic Party who he has said essentially does nothing to support Democratic candidates. “Our candidates are going to have to go it alone, just like I did,” Jones said in August. “We need to have a party. We don’t have a party. There is no social media. There’s no outreach. There’s no get out the vote effort. There’s no organization. There’s no field. And the vote today was simply to keep that.” Whether Jones’ donations will make a difference in Alabama’s races where Republicans are expected to overwhelmingly win remains to be seen. The general election will take place Tuesday, Nov. 6.
Former Chief Justice, gubernatorial candidate Sue Bell Cobb calls for Nancy Worley’s resignation
Former Chief Justice and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Sue Bell Cobb called for the resignation of Alabama Democratic Party Chair Nancy Worley, and Alabama Democratic Conference leader Joe Reed on Sunday. In an Opinion-Editorial published by the Anniston Star, Cobb makes her case against Worley and Reed, saying they should “make a sacrifice worthy of their lifelong dedication to racial and gender equality and their decade-long contributions to the party,” and step down from their positions so that new leaders may recruit and support “qualified, electable Democratic candidates.” “The upcoming November election has given Democrats in Alabama an opportunity to achieve measurable gains. Republicans in our state are proven to be corrupt, with the former governor, speaker of the House and chief justice all being ousted for wrongdoing. It should be easy to take advantage of the embarrassment caused by the former Republican governor’s love affair, subsequent divorce and resignation,” Cobb continued. “It should be easy to take advantage of the felony conviction of the former Republican speaker of the House and for his violation of the ethics laws he championed in his rise to power. And it should be easy to take advantage of the twin removals of a Republican chief justice. Sadly, Worley and Reed were unable or unwilling to do so.” The party has faced a tumultuous month since Worley’s re-election in early August. Worley herself is being sued by a fellow member of the party, Susan Cobb for allegedly removing her from the party’s website and restructuring the committee, effectively removing her from office. And Ralph Young, a Jefferson County Democrat, filed a seven-page complaint with the Democratic National Committee (DNC) saying that Worley did not follow proper procedures when calling the meeting that led to her re-election. Claiming she gave inadequate notice and failed to comply with diversity requirements for officers.
JeffCo Democrat files complaint with DNC over Nancy Worley re-election
A Jefferson County Democrat has filed a complaint with Democratic National Committee (DNC) officials over the Alabama Democratic Party’s election of officers earlier this month. Ralph Young, a member of the Jefferson County Democratic Party, filed a seven-page complaint that Alabama Democratic Party Chairwoman Nancy Worley did not follow proper procedures when calling the meeting that led to her re-election. Young claims she gave inadequate notice and failed to comply with diversity requirements for officers. “I’m a bit of a rules wonk and I have concerns about how the election was done,” Young told the Montgomery Advertiser. “I don’t believe it was done in a fair fashion. I think there are a number of procedural issues that could have decided differently.” Jones has found herself under fire recently. On Monday, Susan Cobb, chairwoman of the Marion County Democratic Executive Committee, announced that she is suing Worley for allegedly removing her from the party’s website and restructuring the committee, effectively removing Cobb from office. The DNC confirms the complaint has been received and has been passed along to the Credentials Committee.
Alabama Democratic Party chairwoman Nancy Worley being sued
Newly re-elected Chairwoman of the Alabama Democratic Party, Nancy Worley is being sued by another member of the state party. Susan Cobb, chairwoman of the Marion County Democratic Executive Committee, is suing Worley for allegedly removing her from the party’s website and restructuring the committee, effectively removing Cobb from office. “June 5, 2018… Cobb received a call from Worley asking where the returns from the primary election were. Cobb had never been instructed by the Party nor Worley, it was her job to communicate to the Party the results of the primary races,” the lawsuit reads. “Cobb rightfully asserted to Worley that the probate judge was certifying the returns to the Secretary of State, and as such, she was not aware she had to personally certify the returns to the Party.” In the week after the August 11 Democratic party election, where Worley was re-elected as chairwoman, Cobb’s name was removed from the party’s website. When she contacted Worley to inquire why this was the case, Worley told her she did it at her own discretion because Cobb failed to properly certify the primary election returns. “Worley purportedly plans to hold a re-organization meeting, claiming that the Marion County Democratic Executive Committee does not exist; Nothing within the Alabama Democratic Party bylaws allows such an ouster, nor provides for replacement in this manner,” the lawsuit continues. Cobb’s lawsuit also seems to hint that Worley removed Cobb after she “vigorously opposed Worley’s re-election,” instead backing Montgomery attorney Peck Fox for chairperson. Worley has served as the party’s chairowman since 2013, and faced an uphill battle for re-election earlier this month as several members of the party; including U.S. Sen. Doug Jones backed Fox. “This party needs to build,” Jones said before the committee’s vote. “We need change. And the only way to get change is to have change. I think it’s time to move on. There’s a lot of energy we’ve got to capture. And I think Peck is the best person to do that.” Despite his best efforts to sway the committee, Worley bested Fox 101-89.
Alabama Democratic Victory PAC, Doug Jones criticize ‘ineffective’ state party
On Saturday, the executive committee of the Alabama Democratic Party reelected Nancy Worley as chairwoman despite disapproval by many of her contemporaries. Her most notable critic? The only statewide Democratic officeholder: newly elected U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, who’s surprise December victory reinvigorated Democrats across the state. Ahead of the vote, Jones said Worley’s challenger, Peck Fox was the best candidate to move the Party forward. “This party needs to build,” Jones said before the committee’s vote, according to AL.com. “We need change. And the only way to get change is to have change. I think it’s time to move on. There’s a lot of energy we’ve got to capture. And I think Peck is the best person to do that.” Despite his best efforts to sway the committee, Worley bested Fox 101-89. “Our candidates are going to have to go it alone, just like I did,” Jones added. “We need to have a party. We don’t have a party. There is no social media. There’s no outreach. There’s no get out the vote effort. There’s no organization. There’s no field. And the vote today was simply to keep that.” Now, the Alabama Democratic Victory PAC is doubling down on Jones’ comments saying the time for change has come. In a series of tweets, the group doubled-down on Jones’ comments calling the State Democratic Party “ineffective,” having “failed to provide candidates with the resources they need to secure a path to victory in November.”
Nancy Worley re-elected Democratic Party chairwoman
Nancy Worley has been re-elected as chairwoman of the Alabama Democratic Party, narrowly defeating a challenger who was backed by U.S. Sen. Doug Jones. The party’s executive committee on Saturday voted 101-89 for Worley over Montgomery attorney Peck Fox. Jones, the only Democrat in statewide office, nominated Fox for the chairmanship. He said the party needs change, Jones said the party must begin to provide fundraising and candidate support in 2018 or will keep the status quo of one Democrat in office. The meeting put party divisions on display. Worley has been supported by Joe Reed, the leader of the influential Alabama Democratic Conference. Reed also controls a substantial number of committee votes. Worley has been chairwoman since 2013. She said the party has reduced debt and fielded more candidates. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Women of Influence: Alabama Democratic Party Chair Nancy Worley
Nancy Worley has been an influencer in the state of Alabama for over forty years. Worley, a lifelong resident of the Yellowhammer State, grew up in New Hope, Ala. on a family farm. She attended the University of Montevallo receiving her Bachelors degree in 1973; then continued her education at Jacksonville State University, obtaining a Master’s degree in 1975. After graduation Worley taught in the public school system in Decatur for 25 years. In addition to teaching English and Latin she was very active in the school, sponsoring and leading numerous professional and civic organizations, student clubs, as well as coaching the cheerleaders. Worley also fundraised for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and American Heart Association. All the while also teaching part-time for Northeast State Community College and John C. Calhoun Community College. Her work within the Decatur school system earned her the Teacher of the Year award. Twice. She was also nominated to the Teacher Hall of Fame. The Alabama Jaycees, a Junior Chamber civic organization, recognized Worley as Alabama’s Outstanding Young Educator, and Good Housekeeping magazine honored her as one of the “100 Young Women of Promise.” Worley received several more honors and awards including being named by The Decatur Daily as one of the “Twenty Leaders of Decatur,” the Alumnus of the Year honor at the University of Montevallo, and the Education Award by the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. Worley’s career in leadership began in 1983 when she was elected statewide to serve as President of the Alabama Education Association, she later won this election again and served from 1995-1997. She held many leadership positions since then, serving four terms on the Alabama Democratic Executive Committee; State President of the Association of Classroom Teachers, twice, and twice as State President of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). She was also the President of the Decatur Education Association, the Alabama Foreign Language Teachers Association, Alabama Classical Association and the Opportunity Toastmistress Club. Career of public service From 2002-2007 Worley served as the Alabama Secretary of State implementing substantial reforms to voting practices including longer and uniform polling hours, voter identification, and automatic recounts in close races. Worley previously served on the Welfare Reform task force, the Education Reform task force, the Lt. Governor’s Legislative Council, and the Tuition Eligibility Board. She spent time lobbying with the AARP Capital City Task Force on Senior Citizen issues, and worked with retired educators from The Alabama Retired Teachers’ Association, and was one of only seven super delegates to the 2016 Democratic National Convention from Alabama. In 2007, Worley became vice-chair of the Alabama Democratic Party until 2013 when she was elected to serve as the party’s chairman; a position she has continued to hold. Worley is a woman who is absolutely dedicated to serving others, and her many years of experience in education and politics speak for themselves; but just in case you needed to hear directly from her, she was kind enough to answer some of Alabama Today’s questions about her life, work and influences: How have other women influenced your success? Several women in my family, along with numerous female teachers, church, community, civic and political leaders taught me the value of hard work, the importance of education, the need for involvement in community and causes, and respect for the dignity of all persons. Looking back over my life, these women “took me under their wing,” and nourished, protected, promoted, and pushed me to set goals, and work to achieve those goals. What shaped your desire to work with education and government? Several family members were educators, and a few were involved in government; therefore, I grew up knowing that both professions made a difference in many lives. I began my professional career as an educator with a strong desire to make a difference, to enhance young minds, to move students forward and to see them succeed. Although my career as an educator was quite fulfilling, I realized that government also played a large role, perhaps a larger role, in making a difference. After all, government controls our economic well being, our basic health needs, our access to public education, the quality of air we breathe, the cleanliness of the water we drink, the affordability of housing, etc..; therefore, I became involved in government to make a difference. What has been your favorite area of service, and what is your favorite thing about that position? I have enjoyed all my positions of service; however, every job has its good days and its bad days. I loved the classroom (most days), and I will always be an educator “at heart,” but I am equally inspired by how much government can do to help others. Have you read any books that have shaped your perspective on life? I grew up with a Mother who took me to church “every time the door was open”; therefore, at an early age, the Bible and its teachings certainly shaped my perspective on life. I studied and taught English and Latin; therefore, classical to modern authors/books also shaped my perspective on life. What advice would you give to young women who want to work in education or politics? My best advice to young women who want to work in education or politics is listen and study at home, in school and beyond, learn as much as possible about a variety of subjects, get involved in the community in which one lives, work hard with the “perfection ethic” as a guide to complete any job, no matter how menial, and always try to do what is right, to the best of one’s ability. How do you spend your (rare) free time? My free time is rare; however, I enjoy reading a magazine or book, attending the theatre, a concert, etc., going to a place I’ve never been, from a “tourist trap” to an isolated location, sitting and talking with a friend in a restaurant, or hearing an excellent speaker, panel, etc
Here’s who’s qualified to run for the Alabama State Senate thus far
Alabama candidates began qualifying for major 2018 races last month. Now, with just four days remaining to officially qualify for the June Democratic and Republican primaries several more candidates both parties are filing documents to make cut. Thus far, 54 total candidates have qualified to run for the State Senate. Of those candidates, 41 are Republican and 13 are Democrats. Republicans are running in 28 of the 35 State Senate Districts and Democrats in 11. District 24 has no candidate running from either party. Below is the list of candidates the Alabama Republican and Democratic Parties have qualified thus far: District 1 Tim Melson (Republican) District 2 Tom Butler (Republican) Steve Smith (Republican) Michael L. Smith (Democrat) Amy Wasyluka (Democrat) District 3 Arthur Orr(Republican) District 4 Paul Bussman (Republican) District 5 Greg J. Reed (Republican) District 6 Larry Stutts (Republican) Johnny Mack Morrow (Democrat) District 7 Sam Givhan (Republican) Mary Scott Hunter (Republican) District 8 Max D. Fuller (Republican) Steve Livingston (Republican) District 9 Clay Scofield (Republican) District 10 Mack N. Butler (Republican) Andrew Jones (Republican) District 11 Jake Lane (Republican) Jim McClendon (Republican) District 12 Del Marsh (Republican) Wayne Willis (Republican) District 13 Randy Price (Republican) Mike Sparks (Republican) Tim Sprayberry (Republican) Darrell Turner (Democrat) District 14 Cam Ward (Republican) District 15 Slade Blackwell (Republican) District 16 J.T. “Jabo” Waggoner (Republican) Lindsey Deckard (Democrat) District 17 Shay Shelnutt (Republican) District 18 Rodger M. Smitherman (Democrat) District 19 Priscilla Dunn (Democrat) District 20 Linda Coleman-Madison (Democrat) District 21 Gerald Allen (Republican) District 22 Greg Albritton (Republican) District 23 Hank Sanders (Democrat) District 24 District 25 Will Barfoot(Republican) Ronda Walker (Republican) District 26 D. J. Johnson (Republican) District 27 Tom Whatley (Republican) Nancy Carlton Bendinger (Democrat) District 28 Billy Beasley (Democrat) District 29 Donnie Chesteen (Republican) District 30 Clyde Chambliss, Jr. (Republican) District 31 Jimmy W. Holley (Republican) District 32 Jeff Boyd (Republican) Chris Elliott (Republican) David Northcutt (Republican) Bill Roberts (Republican) District 33 Vivian Figures (Democrat) District 34 Mark Shirey (Republican) Jack Williams (Republican) District 35 David Sessions (Republican) Tom Holmes (Democrat)
