Katie Britt’s SGA presidential past brought into question
In recent months, Katie Britt’s past leadership role in the University of Alabama Student Government Association has come into question as the hard-fought Senate election draws to a close. A recent report from 1819 News brings about the question: Should a U.S. Senate candidate or any other candidate seeking higher office have to answer for their past student government record? The SGA has served as a starting point for many of Alabama’s leaders, including Jim Zeigler, John Merrill, and Don Siegelman. Britt served as Alabama’s SGA president during the 2003-2004 academic school year. In October 2003, during Britt’s tenure, the SGA Senate passed a resolution urging the University’s Russell Student Health Center to offer the so-called morning-after pill. It was passed unanimously. However, it was later met with pushback from some students. Then student Joshua Taylor commented in an article from the school newspaper, the Crimson White, “I do not believe the University of Alabama as an educational institution should be distributing the morning after pill. A public-funded institution does not have the ability to decide where life begins.” The controversy with Britt’s participation in this issue stems from the question of whether Britt had veto powers and could have attempted a veto of the SGA Senate’s resolution calling on the University’s health center to offer the morning-after pill but chose not to. According to the report, two weeks after the morning-after pill unanimous resolution, she used that power to veto an SGA Senate parking resolution calling for a one-ticket limit per 24-hour period. Opponents quickly questioned her ability to veto the resolution. In February 2004, while Britt was still SGA president, the Crimson White investigated the veto question, which stemmed from her earlier veto of the SGA Senate’s parking resolution. The question remained unanswered for years until the SGA Constitution finally stated that resolutions were not subject to presidential vetos. Britt responded to questions about her time in the SGA, dismissing the resolution as something “she had no control of.” “As a Christian, conservative wife and mother, I am proud to be 100% pro-life. Both my faith and the science tell me that life begins at conception, and I’ll fight tirelessly to protect life in the Senate,” Britt said in a statement to 1819 News. “Over 63 million innocent unborn babies have been murdered in America since the disastrous Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, and my family and I are praying that the Supreme Court finally overturns Roe this year and allows states like Alabama to defend life. “As far as my time in college goes 20 years ago, I will admit to learning and singing every single word of the Auburn fight song. And, like Justice Kavanaugh, I might have even had the opportunity to enjoy a beer or two along the way — but only after I turned 21,” Britt continued. “I am sure there are also a laundry list of things that happened on campus while I was SGA president that I had no control of. At the end of the day, I’m proud to say I was an active leader in our College Republicans chapter back then. I was raised in a Christian, conservative household in Enterprise, Alabama, and that’s how my husband and I are raising our two children. If this is how low my opponents are stooping and how far they’re stretching, I must be doing something right.”
Jim Zeigler releases first TV ad of Secretary of State campaign: “The Watchman”
The first TV ad of the quiet race for Secretary of State has been released by the Jim Zeigler campaign. Titled “The Watchman,” the 30-second spot began running on statewide TV May 3, exactly three weeks till the primary May 24. Here is the text of the Zeigler ad: Why are the Montgomery politicians fighting against Jim Zeigler? Because Zeigler will be Secretary of State for the people, not for the Montgomery politicians. As State Auditor, Zeigler served as your Watchman against waste and corruption. As Secretary of State, Zeigler can serve as your Watchman against voting fraud, drop-in ballot boxes, and ballot harvesting. Zeigler has been endorsed by the ‘MyPillow Guy” Mike Lindell, who heads a national group fighting for election integrity named “Cause for America.” Zeigler is term-limited and cannot run again for State Auditor. Secretary of State is an open seat with incumbent Secretary John Merrill not running for any office this year. “Over the next eight years, the job of Secretary of State will be vital,” Zeigler stated. “The Secretary of State is our top elections administrator. We face national attempts to manipulate honest election procedures. Alabama needs a proven fighter against government overreach to be our fighting Secretary of State.” The four Republican candidates for Secretary of State are Rep. Wes Allen of Troy, businessman Christian Horn of Huntsville, retired Secretary of State staffer Ed Packard of Prattville, and Zeigler.
Alabama Republican Assembly releases primary endorsements
The Alabama Republican Assembly has released its candidate endorsements for the upcoming May 24 primary. The Republican Assembly meets every two years to listen to candidates, questions candidates in private settings, and then issues endorsements in races where any candidate garners at least a two-thirds vote of delegates. The 2022 Endorsement Conference was held last Saturday at Hotel Capstone in Tuscaloosa. Local President Jennifer Montrose said she was “excited about the passion and energy in support of conservative candidates and constitutional values.” U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks was endorsed for U.S. Senator, receiving 96% of the vote. ALRA President Don Wallace stated, “Mo Brooks made a clear and convincing case for being the only consistent conservative in the race, based on a track record of experience and an un-matched voting record on issues like illegal immigration, pro-life values, support for our military and sound economic policies. The near unanimity of his support, when other races were not so clear cut, is an indication that the Brooks campaign has a new focus, new energy, and rising hopes to reclaim leadership in the Senate race.” In the matchup in the Governor’s race, businessman Tim James led the field, followed by Pastor Dean Odle. However, no candidate received enough votes to be endorsed in that race. Former BAM Executive Lew Burdette was placed fourth. Lindy Blanchard was fourth. There were also not enough votes for endorsement for the races for Attorney General, State Auditor, or the Secretary of State race where current State Auditor Jim Zeigler was just shy of the number of votes needed from the 55 delegates. Calhoun County Circuit Judge Debra Jones received the necessary votes for endorsement at Supreme Court Justice, Place 5. Robin Litaker and Brent Woodall also garnered an over 67% vote for their respective PSC campaigns. Other major endorsements included Paul Sanford and Michael Joiner for Congress, as well as Alex Balkum, Marie Manning, and Wayne Reynolds for State Board of Education. The group also is in the process of making endorsements in a slate of legislative races in the Republican primary to be released soon on social media and other outlets.
Jim Zeigler: Secretary of State now third most important race on ballot
The May 24 Republican primary is now only four weeks off. The race for the open seat of Secretary of State is now “third most important on the ballot,” according to Secretary of State candidate Jim Zeigler. He says only the governor’s race and the U.S. Senate race are more important. Zeigler pointed out that the races for Lt. Governor, State Treasurer, and Agricultural Commissioner have no opposition and will not even appear on the primary ballot. “We have a hot race for the U.S. Senate to replace retiring Sen. Richard Shelby. There are a slew of candidates opposing Gov. Kay Ivey. After those two, the big race is one that is normally quiet – Secretary of State,” Zeigler stated. “Over the next eight years, the job of Secretary of State will be vital. The Secretary of State is our top elections administrator. We face national attempts to manipulate honest election procedures. Alabama needs a proven fighter against government overreach to be our fighting Secretary of State,” Zeigler continued. Zeigler argued that with his experience as Alabama State Auditor, he is uniquely qualified for the Secretary of State position. “As your State Auditor, I led the fight against waste, mismanagement, and corruption. As your Secretary of State, I can apply that same approach to fight the manipulation of our elections,” said Zeigler. “As your State Auditor, some people called me ‘the watchman.’ I will continue as your watchman over the election process as Secretary of State.” The three other Republican candidates for Secretary of State are Rep. Wes Allen of Troy, businessman Christian Horn of Huntsville, and retired Secretary of State staffer Ed Packard of Prattville.
MyPillow’s Mike Lindell endorses Jim Zeigler for Alabama Secretary of State
The quiet race for Secretary of State in Alabama has gained some attention. Mike Lindell, the CEO of MyPillow, has endorsed Jim Zeigler for Secretary of State. Lindell is a major supporter of former President Donald Trump and the founder of Cause of America, a citizen group promoting election integrity. Lindell issued a press release endorsing Zeigler, lauding Zeigler’s election integrity. “The people of Alabama need a Secretary of State who will stand firm in the fight for election integrity and be a protector of the people’s vote, Lindell stated. “Alabama needs a proven leader and a proven fighter with a history of standing up to the political establishment. After considering the field of candidates in Alabama, I am announcing my full and complete endorsement of Jim Zeigler for Secretary of State.” Zeigler is the current State Auditor but is term-limited and is in his final year of eight years as Auditor. He is running for the seat being left by outgoing Secretary of State John Merrill, who is not running for any office this year. Zeigler responded to the endorsement, stating that the position is vital for election procedures. “Over the next eight years, the job of Secretary of State will be vital. We face national attempts to manipulate honest election procedures. Alabama needs a proven fighter against government overreach to be our fighting Secretary of State,” Zeigler commented. “We face attempts to allow non-citizens to vote. Jim Zeigler will fight against that. Only U.S. citizens should vote in U.S. elections.” “As your State Auditor, I led the fight against waste, mismanagement, and corruption. As your Secretary of State, I can apply that same approach to fight the manipulation of our elections,” Zeigler continued. “As your State Auditor, some people called me ‘the watchman.’ I will continue as your watchman over the election process as Secretary of State.” “Election integrity may be the most important single issue. The reason is this: If we lose our ability to elect or defeat officials, then all other issues will have lost accountability to the people. We would have government of the manipulators, by the manipulators, and for the manipulators. A vote for Jim Zeigler is a vote against election by manipulation.” Zeigler earned a degree in Public Administration from the University of Alabama and paid his way through college as the janitor in the old Student Union Building and playing in an oldies band. He played trumpet in the University’s Million Dollar Band and debated on the intercollegiate debate team. He served on the University Athletic Committee with legendary Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. Zeigler’s wife Jackie is the elected State Board of Education member from the First District — eight counties of south Alabama. She successfully led the banning of Critical Race Theory in Alabama schools. She has been a consistent vote to repeal Common Core. Along with Zeigler, the other Republican candidates for Secretary of State are Rep. Wes Allen of Troy, businessman Christian Horn of Huntsville, retired Secretary of State staffer Ed Packard of Prattville. The Republican primary is May 24.
Jim Zeigler’s Watchman Program” endorsed by opponent Ed Packard
In an unusual political development, a program announced Wednesday by Secretary of State candidate Jim Zeigler has gained the support of opponent Ed Packard. Zeigler gave a speech in Troy Wednesday and released his plan, the “Watchman Program.” In it, Zeigler, as Secretary of State, would recruit citizen volunteers to serve as poll watchers in each polling place. He would also conduct training sessions for the poll watchers. In a statement Thursday, Packard said, “I support what I know of Mr. Zeigler’s plan to increase the number of poll watchers around the state.” “However, Alabamians who wish to help ensure the integrity of elections in Alabama need not wait for a future Secretary of State to recruit and train them. They can join now with a candidate of their choice – whether it is me, Mr. Zeigler, or any one of the hundreds of other candidates for federal, state, and county offices – and be appointed as that candidate’s poll watcher,” Packard concluded. Packard is a 25-year veteran staffer in the Secretary of State’s office before retiring on December 31. Zeigler says he is glad to have support for his plan. Also running for Secretary of State are Rep. Wes Allen of Troy and businessman Christian Horn of Huntsville.
Jim Zeigler proposes “Watchman Program” for elections
Secretary of State candidate Jim Zeigler has proposed a plan to better prevent election irregularities using an “almost ignored” position in state elections: volunteer poll watchers. He calls his plan to upgrade poll watchers “the Watchman program.” Zeigler, the current State Auditor, released the proposal at a speech to the Republican Women of Pike County in Troy on Wednesday. The plan would recruit volunteer poll watchers for each polling place in the state and train those poll watchers for irregularities to watch for. Zeigler is running in the May 24 Republican primary for the open seat of Secretary of State. In a speech at the Troy County Club, Zeigler explained that volunteer poll watchers, unlike paid poll watchers, are underutilized and almost ignored. Zeiger stated, “Poll Watchers are granted strong abilities to spot irregularities, to intervene, and to report problems. Properly trained poll watchers can be an added preventive against election fraud.” Zeigler went on to explain that the Secretary of State leader must be a watchman again attempts to manipulate elections. “As your State Auditor, I served as your watchman against government waste, mismanagement, and corruption. As your Secretary of State, I can serve as your watchman for election integrity,” Zeigler stated. Under what Zeigler calls “The Watchman Program,” the Secretary of State would conduct an information and recruitment campaign to the public, to organizations, to candidates, and to the faith community, with a long-range goal to get a poll watcher in every polling place in all 67 counties. Second, the Secretary of State would set up free training sessions for the poll watchers, with in-person training and online training. “We will show the poll watchers what to do. What they can and cannot do. What election shenanigans to be on the lookout for. What steps to take if they see questionable activity,” Zeigler stated. “Trained and vigilant poll watchers will have a chilling effect on those who would manipulate the polling places.”
Jim Zeigler leads poll, trails in fundraising for Secretary of State
The latest independent poll shows State Auditor Jim Zeigler leading the race for Secretary of State. But the poll also shows 57% of voters are still undecided. That could pose a problem for Zeigler, as he trails in fundraising. The McLaughlin & Assoc. poll showed candidate percentages at:Zeigler 25.8Rep. Wes Allen 13.1Chris Horn 2.4Ed Packard 1.2Undecided 57.4 McLaughlin sampled 500 Republican likely voters from March 10 – 13. The race is for an open seat as incumbent Sec. of State John Merrill is term-limited and not running for any office this year. With 57% of voters still undecided, the race could be decided by paid ads. Campaign cash on hand for the candidates is: Allen $117,687Zeigler $25,604Horn $9,343Packard $3,134 Zeigler has served two terms as State Auditor and is limited by the state constitution from running for a third consecutive term.
Jim Zeigler and Anne Buckle: Daylight Savings Time starts this Sunday, March 13
Alabama passed a new law in 2021 that makes Daylight Savings Time (DST) a year-round thing. No more changing of the clocks twice a year. But the law has not taken effect. It requires an act of Congress for this state law by Alabama (and by a number of other states) to become effective. Alabama U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville has come out strongly in favor of congressional action to allow states to stop the twice-annual time changes. Tuberville says daylight saving time was created as a temporary measure during World War I and was initially called “wartime” to help conserve fuel and resources. Tuberville says it is no longer needed. “Kids get out of school, and the sun is starting to set, families in their kitchens cooking dinner feels more like a bedtime dinner. Weekends have less afternoon sunlight hours, limiting the amount of time folks of all ages can spend enjoying the outdoors. Additionally, reduced levels of afternoon sunlight are known to disrupt the body’s internal clock, which regulates sleep and alertness,” explained Tuberville. Daylight saving time runs from this Sunday, March 13, through November 6, barring congressional action. Pro: Longer Evenings Setting the clocks forward one hour in spring does not create more daylight, but it does change the time on the clock that the sun rises and sets. So, when we spring forward an hour in spring, we add one hour of natural daylight to our afternoon schedule. Proponents of DST argue that longer evenings motivate people to get out of the house. The extra hour of daylight can be used for outdoor recreation like golf, soccer, baseball, and running. That way, DST may counteract the sedentary lifestyle of modern living. The tourism and restaurant industry profit from brighter evenings. Longer evenings give people more time to go shopping, go to restaurants, or to other events, boosting the local economy. Con: Doesn’t Save Energy A century ago, when DST was introduced, more daylight was a good thing because it meant less use of artificial light and more energy savings. Modern society, with its computers, TV screens, and air conditioning units, uses more energy, no matter if the sun is up or not. Today, the amount of energy saved from DST is negligible. Pro: Less Artificial Light One of the aims of DST is to make sure that people’s active hours coincide with daylight hours so that less artificial light is needed. This makes less sense close to the equator, where the amount of daylight does not vary much in a year, or near the poles, where the difference between winter and summer daylight hours is very large. However, between these two extremes, adjusting daily routines to the shifting day length during summer may indeed help to save energy. Con: Can Make People Sick Changing the time, even if it is only by one hour, disrupts our body clocks or circadian rhythm. For most people, the resulting tiredness is simply an inconvenience. For some, however, the time change can have more serious consequences to their health. • Studies link the lack of sleep at the start of DST to car accidents, workplace injuries, suicide, and miscarriages. • The early evening darkness after the end of the DST period is linked to depression. • The risk of suffering a heart attack increases when DST begins. However, the extra hour of sleep we get at the end of DST has, in turn, been linked to fewer heart attacks. Pro: Lighter = Safer Safety is one of the more solid arguments for keeping the lighter evenings of DST. Studies have found that DST contributes to improved road safety by reducing pedestrian fatalities by 13% during dawn and dusk hours. By Jim Zeigler, Alabama State Auditor, and Anne Buckle, weather and environmental journalist
Jim Zeigler pushes plan to deter election fraud
Secretary of State candidate Jim Zeigler announced a plan to deter election fraud in Alabama. Zeigler told the Houston County Republican Women at their Thursday lunch meeting that six convictions for voter fraud have all been in Alabama’s Wiregrass region – five in Houston County and one in neighboring Henry County. Zeigler said the plan is to make it illegal for someone convicted of election fraud to play any role in elections for the next five years. The plan is included as part of SB249, introduced Tuesday by State Sen. Sam Givhan of Huntsville. Here is the plan from SB249: Any individual convicted of an (election) offense shall be prohibited from doing any of the following for five years after the date of conviction: (1) Hold public office. (2) Serve as an appointed official for the state or the state, or any board or commission of the state, or any city or county. (3) Serve as a notary public. (4) Serve as a poll worker, poll watcher, or election official. (5) Serve as a witness of an absentee ballot. The bill was assigned to the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs. Zeigler is running for the open seat of Secretary of State. Incumbent John Merrill is barred from seeking a third term by constitutional term limits.
Jim Zeigler to bring campaign for Secretary of State to Baldwin County Saturday
State Auditor Jim Zeigler is scheduled to speak about his campaign for Secretary of State on Saturday with a speech in Baldwin County. He will speak to the Baldwin County Think Tank at 8 a.m. Saturday, February 5 at Mama Lou’s Restaurant in Robertsdale. The meeting is open to the public and news media, and no ticket or RSVP is needed. A Dutch Treat breakfast buffet is optional and starts at 7:30am. Zeigler is running for an open seat, as incumbent Secretary of State John Merrill is term-limited and cannot run for a third term. Zeigler originally ran for governor but announced at the end of January that he would not run for Governor this year. Zeigler set up an exploratory campaign in August 2021, and says he received support and encouragement to run instead for a down-ballot state office to remain in state government. Zeigler says he has always been an advocate for the people of Alabama and will keep fighting in whatever capacity they elect him to serve. “Alabama taxpayers need a consistent voice in state government to defend our constitutional rights and fight government overreach.”
Jim Zeigler will not run for Governor
State Auditor Jim Zeigler said Sunday he will not run for Governor this year. Zeigler set up an exploratory campaign in August 2021, and says he received support and encouragement to run instead for a down-ballot state office to remain in state government. He must decide and qualify by January 28. “Even though I get a lot more bang for the buck,” Zeigler remarked, “the Governor’s race has attracted a massive amount of money from well-funded challengers. Three candidates alone have already raised in excess of $10M.” Zeigler has served two terms as State Auditor and is limited by the state constitution from running for a third consecutive term. While serving as State Auditor, Zeigler formed a citizen’s group in 2019 to oppose the plan by ALDOT to charge a $6 toll each way between Mobile and Baldwin counties over the I-10 Bayway. The group grew to 51,000 members and successfully blocked the toll plan. Zeigler says he has always been an advocate for the people of Alabama and will keep fighting in whatever capacity they elect him to serve. “Alabama taxpayers need a consistent voice in state government to defend our constitutional rights and fight government overreach.” Official reports on the Secretary of State’s site shows campaign cash on hand of gubernatorial candidates: Kay Ivey $2.8 million Lindy Blanchard $6.3 million Tim James $1.66 million Jim Zeigler $22,000 Other candidates for governor are former Morgan County Commissioner Stacy George; King’s Home exec Lew Burdette; Rev. Dean Odle who heads a Lee County Church and school; and Springville Mayor Dave Thomas. Zeigler is now starting his final year as auditor.
