Scott Dawson criticizes grant to LGBT group
An evangelist running against Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is criticizing anti-violence grants the state gave to a support organization for gay and transgender individuals. Scott Dawson in a Tuesday press conference said Ivey “betrays our values” with the grants worth nearly $800,000 to Free2Be. Dawson is challenging Ivey in the Republican primary. The nonprofit runs several support centers in the state. Grant paperwork indicated the money is to be used for violence prevention and support services. A telephone message to Free2Be’s director was not returned. An answering machine message indicated the group is temporarily closed. Ivey called the accusation “nonsense.” The GOP governor said while she doesn’t agree with the group’s “values,” the grant is entirely paid for with federal dollars and dates back to 2014. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
2018 statewide election ad roundup: May 11 edition
The June 5 Republican and Democratic primary is only 25 days away and Alabama’s gubernatorial candidates have taken to the internet and the airwaves with campaign ads in hopes of swaying Yellowhammer State voters to their side. With the primary less than a month away, candidates upping the ante, with several candidates releasing new ads for the first time in months. In the Gubernatorial races, Kay Ivey, and evangelist Scott Dawson, both released new ads this week to combat Tommy Battle‘s massive ad rollout last week. Sue Bell Cobb continued her campaign tradition, issuing a new ad for the eighth week in a row, while Walt Maddox released his first new ad in months. Several Lieutenant governor candidates announced new ads this week, including Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, Rusty Glover, and Will Ainsworth. Attorney General candidate Troy King published his first television ad this week, with opponents Steve Marshall, Chess Bedsole releasing new ads as well. Gubernatorial Ads Republicans Kay Ivey: Title: Life Published: May 9, 2018 Tone: Principled Kay Ivey: Title: Tough as Nails Published: May 9, 2018 Tone: Resilient Scott Dawson: Title: “Learning About Faith” Published: May 11, 2018 Tone: Belief Democrats Walt Maddox: Title: Walt Maddox for Governor Published: May 11, 2018 Tone: Leadership Sue Bell Cobb: Title: SBC LotteryDad Video Published: May 8, 2018 Tone: Hopeful Lieutenant governor ads Republicans Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh: Title: “Shoes” Published: May 8, 2018 Tone: Preserving Rusty Glover: Title: “Peoples Choice” – Rusty Glover for Lieutenant Governor Published: May 3, 2018 Tone: Impactful Will Ainsworth: Title: “Leadership” | Ainsworth for Lt. Governor Published: May 7, 2018 Tone: Initiating Will Ainsworth: Title: “Hostage” | Ainsworth for Lt. Governor Published: May 8, 2018 Tone: Confronting Will Ainsworth: Title: Rickey Cornutt on Will’s Fight for Farmers Published: May 11, 2018 Tone: Folksy Attorney General ads Republicans Troy King: Title: Cause (Troy King for Attorney General) Published: May 8, 2018 Tone: Watchful Steve Marshall: Title: Steve Marshall – Fighting for Alabama Published: May 9, 2018 Tone: Protective Chess Bedsole: Title: Chess Bedsole “Rally” Published: May 1, 2018 Tone: Defensive
After months of evasion, Kay Ivey’s campaign looks alive (for a moment)
It seems as though with each passing day we see another episode of what information can’t we get from Gov. Kay Ivey. Most recently her opponents have starting releasing their health and medical records in order to pressure her to release hers. Media outlets, including Alabama Today, picked up the story and her opponents made her reluctance to participate in their reindeer games a surefire way to know something clearly had to be wrong. Even I guessed that given her delay it was not going to happen. Sometimes, it’s good to be wrong. Today, Ivey’s campaign released her records which indicate she’s in great health along with a statement from her campaign manager that was quite pointed. Mike Lukach is quoted as saying, “Sorry to ruin your misguided publicity stunt, but we’re confident you’ll find new ones.” The fact is nearly everything her opponents do looks like a publicity stunt, and at this point I’m not sure that’s their fault. When they point out she’s skipping debates, that becomes the story rather than the substance of the debate itself. The fact is, in all recent polls the Governor’s popularity and approval rating is so high. Republican voters saying they’re going to vote for her is so high that she could essentially sleep through the rest of the primary and be fine. Now is that what’s right or fair? If you look at my past blog about her dodging debates, I don’t think it is. But if we could all just stop pretending that her or her campaign staff actually have to work to win this primary we’d be better off. The fact is they’d all have to work to lose it. So there’s no incentive for her to improve on the way she’s campaigning or the way she’s governing. That’s what we should all be mad about. We should be mad, not that she won’t take the bait on her opponents publicity stunts, but instead be mad that she can’t/won’t hire competent communications staff, or that she isn’t more accountable for taxpayer dollars — these are things we deserve. I’ve seen Ivey out on the trail. She’s working it. Her health and age aren’t and weren’t ever going to be a deterrent for her and having a doctors note to say that doesn’t change a thing. I’m pleased they released the letter, as small a gesture as it may be. I’d be more pleased if she governed the way she says she is in her stump speeches and on her commercials. We need solutions to our tough budget/spending problems. We need improved infrastructure. We need much more accountability and transparency. We need a governor who shows up to more than photo ops, but to real fights and real discussions about the future of our state. That’s a Kay Ivey I’d look forward to voting for.
Kay Ivey shuts down opponents, releases health report
After a little over a week of being called out by her Republican opponents for not releasing her medical records, where they insinuated the 73 year old had something to hide, Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday shut down them down by releasing a letter from her doctor stating she’s in “excellent health.” Montgomery, Ala.-based doctor Dr. Brian W. Elrod said Ivey has been his patient since May 13, 2003 and sees “no medical issues that would prevent her from fulfilling her obligations as Governor.” “Governor Ivey has had physicals for the past fifteen years, and she is in excellent health,” Elrod wrote in his letter. “In addition to her complete annual exams, she has undergone all the recommended specialist evaluations to ensure a thorough health assessment. I see no medical issues that would prevent her from fulfilling her obligations as Governor.” In releasing the doctor’s letter, Ivey’s campaign manager Mike Lukach called her opponents’ taunting a “misguided publicity stunt.” “Sorry to ruin your misguided publicity stunt, but we’re confident you’ll find new ones,” said Lukach. “Meanwhile, Governor Ivey is going to stay focused on fighting for her conservative agenda to keep Alabama working.” Read Dr. Elrod’s letter below:
Kay Ivey: Alabama ‘stronger’ than it was a year ago
Speaking before plates of fried catfish were dished out to supporters at a south Alabama campaign event, Gov. Kay Ivey argued that the state is “stronger” than it was a year ago. As she seeks to win the office of governor in her own right after catapulting into the job last year, Ivey’s message has been relatively simple: The state is doing better than it was a year ago when her predecessor stepped down under the cloud of a sex-tinged scandal. “Alabama is better and stronger than it was a year ago,” Ivey said. In her brief speech, she touted the state’s record low unemployment rate — a decline that mirrors a national drop in unemployment — and named companies that have announced projects, including a Toyota-Mazda joint venture, in the state. Although many of those economic development deals were in the works before Ivey took office, they were finalized while she was governor. “Today, more people are working in Alabama than at any other time in our state’s history,” Ivey said. Ivey faces evangelist Scott Dawson, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and state Sen. Bill Hightower in the Republican primary. After serving a year as governor and building name recognition by being elected state treasurer and lieutenant governor, Ivey is the presumed favorite heading into the peak of primary season. The more looming question is whether she will be forced into a runoff with one of her GOP challengers. Ivey must capture more than 50 percent of the vote during the June voting to avoid a runoff later in the summer. Her campaign has been relatively low key, focusing on official events as governor rather than the campaign trail. Her challengers criticized Ivey for skipping two debates. Although it’s not unusual for incumbent front runners to skip debates— under the theory that they have nothing to gain by taking the debate stage— Dawson has argued that Ivey was never “vetted” for the position of governor. Ivey responded that she is focused on her duties as governor. “It doesn’t matter because I’m focused on fighting for Alabama.” Her challengers have also tried to indirectly raise an issue of the 73-year-old front-runner’s age and health while refraining from directly questioning if she is physically fit enough for office. All three released medical information, either test results or a letter from a doctor, after a challenge by Hightower. Ivey, who has not released her own medical records, dismissed Hightower’s challenge as a “publicity stunt.” “If Mr. Hightower has a problem with my age, he ought to come out and just plumb say it instead of hiding behind you guys in the media for a publicity stunt. For those people in this great state who generally care about me and my heath, I’m proud to say that my health is doing quite well and I thank the good Lord for it every day,” Ivey told The Associated Press. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
Steve Flowers: Kay Ivey’s support is a mile wide and an inch deep
We are less than four weeks away from our June 5th primary. Those of us who follow Alabama politics have pointed to this year as being a very entertaining and interesting gubernatorial year. However, last year’s resignation by former Governor, Robert Bentley and the ascension of Kay Ivey from Lt. Governor to the Governor’s office has put a damper on the excitement we anticipated in the governor’s race. Kay took over the reins of state government and her appearance as a seasoned veteran of state politics seems to resonate with voters. Polling indicates that the governor’s race is hers to lose. Therefore, the less she does may be the best course. Her support is a mile wide and an inch deep. A slip and fall could derail her train. Her perch reminds me of a story surrounding the last truly colorful southern governor, Edwin Edwards of Louisiana. Ole Edwin had a wide lead like Kay’s in the polls a few weeks prior to his race for reelection as governor of the Pelican state. The press asked him about two weeks out about his significant lead in the polls. Edwin’s reply was, “Yeah, the only way that ole Edwin can lose this race is to get caught in bed with a dead woman or a live boy.” Tommy Battle, the popular Mayor of Huntsville is poised to make a formidable run at Kay in the closing weeks. He has some money in the bank and will come out of the vote rich Tennessee Valley with a good friends and neighbors vote. The Evangelical Roy Moore voters appear to be coalescing around Evangelist Scott Dawson. My guess is that Walt Maddox, the young 45-year old Mayor of Tuscaloosa is benefitting from a grass roots support among African American voters in the Democratic primary. If indeed this is the case, Maddox will be favored to capture the Democratic nomination. Will Barfoot has emerged as the frontrunner in the closely watched open Montgomery/River Region Republican seat. Incumbent State Senator Paul Bussman is in a close contest with Cullman City Council President Garlan Grudger. Polling indicates that this one may be too close to call. Bussman’s departure from the GOP Senate Caucus has given his constituents the perception that he may be rendered ineffective. This district is politically savvy. Veteran educator, Wayne Reynolds, may be poised to win the State Board of Education District 8 seat in the Huntsville-Tennessee Valley area being vacated by Mary Scott Hunter. Mary Scott and Sam Givhan are battling for an open state Senate seat in Huntsville. This race is one of the best Senate races in the state. Both Givhan and Hunter are heirs to great Alabama legacies. Givhan’s grandfather was legendary Black Belt State Senator Walter Givhan. Ms. Hunter’s daddy, Scott Hunter, is one of Bear Bryant’s famous quarterbacks. Speaking of legends, Alabama political icon, Milton McGregor, was laid to rest a few weeks ago. He would have been 79 today. Montgomery’s Frazer Memorial Methodist Church was overflowing. A good many of the state’s past and present political powers were there, including several past governors and a sitting U.S. Senator. One of the state’s most famous and personable preachers, John Ed Mathison, presented a masterful sermon. He is a great man. He and his wife were best friends with Milton and Pat. It was actually a joyous political homecoming event. As folks were visiting and reminiscing, one of Alabama’s most prominent pulmonary physicians, Dr. David Thrasher, who has been a doctor to many famous Alabamians and was one of Milton’s pallbearers was visiting with me and said, “Steve, I was at Governor Wallace’s funeral when Franklin Graham spoke and it doesn’t compare to this.” Then he quipped, “Steve, I got a call from Billy Graham. He said that he had met a nice guy at breakfast by the name of Milton McGregor. Milton said to tell John Ed to remind the people down here that if they did good and believed in Jesus that they could be a winner too and join him.” That’s what John Ed said. 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.
Kay Ivey’s school safety council releases first 10 recommendations
A newly formed council focused on making Alabama schools safer for students and educators released it’s first report of recommendations Governor Kay Ivey announced Monday. The Governor’s “Securing Alabama’s Facilities of Education” (SAFE) Council issued the 36-page report, which focused on improvements in three areas: physical security, threat assessments and mental health, and coordinated training and planning. On March 6, Governor Ivey launched the Smart on Safety Initiative, a comprehensive, common-sense plan to achieve school safety and security in Alabama, in the wake of the deadly school shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. that left 17 dead. The plan included the creation of the SAFE Council to implement her school safety priorities and to develop additional proposals for enhancing the safety of Alabama schools. Recommendations Physical Security Funding for School Resource Officers (SROs) and District Safety Coordinators (DSCs) Bond Issue for Enhancing School Building Security Surveillance Systems Linked to Law Enforcement Threat Assessments and Mental Health School-Based Mental Health Identifying Warning Signs Reporting Threats Tracking School Violence Coordinated Training and Planning Empowered and Accountable District Safety Coordinators Building a Culture of Safety School Safety Training and Compliance Teams “I am very pleased with the findings of the SAFE Council and I am already having discussions with agency heads about implementing some of these recommendations immediately,” Ivey said. “Other recommendations need further consideration and will need some actions by the Alabama Legislature. I will continue to review the recommendations within this report, and other options not directly addressed by the report, to ensure all Alabama schools are as safe and secure as possible.” Ivey concluded, “I am confident that once these recommendations are fully implemented they will greatly reduce the chance for tragedy in our schools.” Council member and Interim State Superintendent of Education Ed Richardson says it’s the state’s responsibility “to use whatever resources and collective ingenuity” to ensure students attend school in a secure environment. “The only thing more important than making sure Alabama students receive a quality education that prepares them for the future, is making sure they are safe from hurt, harm, and danger when in our care,” Richardson said. “Parents entrust the safety and well-being of their children with caring education professionals every day. It is our responsibility to use whatever resources and collective ingenuity we have to uphold the promise that Alabama students attend school in a secure environment that is safe and conducive to learning.” What’s next The SAFE Council report is one part of a four-step process aimed at objectively accessing security needs in Alabama schools and then implementing those recommendations which are proven to be effective. The second step, which is currently underway, includes a full review by Gov. Ivey of the report, including in-depth discussions with the leaders of agencies effected by the recommendations. The third step, which is expected in the next few weeks, includes executive branch implementation of those recommendations which do not require legislative approval. The fourth, and final step, is the ongoing review, by the SAFE Council, of school security conditions and needs. The priority for this report is the safety and security of K-12 facilities with consideration for post-secondary institutions. The SAFE Council will continue meeting as needed to work on implementing these recommendations and to fulfill other recommendations in their report. Members of the SAFE Council Dr. Ed Richardson | Presiding, Interim State Superintendent of Education Jimmy Baker | Chancellor, Alabama Community College System Hal Taylor | Secretary of Law Enforcement Lynn Beshear | Commissioner, Alabama Department of Mental Health Jim Purcell | Acting Secretary of Information Technology Read the full report:
Betsy DeVos calls Kay Ivey, tells her US Dept. of Education approved Alabama ESSA plan
Governor Kay Ivey on Monday announced that Alabama’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) state plan was approved by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Ivey received a phone call Monday morning from Education Secretary Betsy DeVos informing her of the decision. The Alabama ESSA state plan was submitted to the ED in October by the Alabama State Board of Education. The framework for the ESSA plan is provided by the ED; however, the indicators found in ESSA are specific to Alabama and many come directly from Alabama Ascending, the strategic plan for the future of education in Alabama. “I had a great conversation with Secretary DeVos about education in Alabama and was glad to receive her call regarding our state ESSA plan. A great deal of thanks must be given to interim State Superintendent Dr. Ed Richardson and Dr. Joe Morton who both worked deliberately and with diligence to help us craft a plan that would meet the requirements of the U.S. Department of Education but also do what is best for Alabama students,” Ivey said. “This plan will help guide Alabama to a better education start for all students and give them the foundation they need to be successful in their future careers.” Focus of the plan The state ESSA plan focuses on: the needs of students and teachers around the state including adding National Board Certified math and science teachers in hard to staff areas; and improving the Alabama Reading Initiative and increasing the overall number of highly qualified teachers. In the FY19 budget, Ivey requested a substantial increase to help hire National Board Certified Teachers in math and science into hard to staff areas, $4 million to improve the Alabama Reading Initiative, and $725,000 in scholarships for students training to teach math and science. Each of those requests were enacted for the upcoming fiscal year. ESSA timeline The state began work on its state ESSA plan in January 2016 and the draft plan was first released for public comment in July 2017. The finalized plan was submitted to the ED in October 2017. In December 2017, the ED sent a letter asking for more details on how Alabama planned to implement certain provisions of ESSA. The updated plan with input from many stakeholder organizations was submitted on February 13, 2018.
Only 30 days until the primary election: get voting information here
With the Alabama primary elections only 30 days away voters in the yellowhammer state need to know where to vote, and who’s on their ballot. According to the Secretary of State’s office, the last day to register to vote or update your voter registration is the 15th day prior to the election, making the last day to register before the June 5 primary May 21. Absentee ballots are available for those who cannot be physically present to vote, but you must complete an application before May 31. Here are the links to the statewide candidate’s website: Governor’s race: Republicans: Tommy Battle Scott Dawson Bill Hightower Kay Ivey Democrats: Sue Bell Cobb James Fields Walt Maddox Attorney General’s Race: Republicans: Steve Marshall Chess Bedsole Troy King Alice Martin Democrats: Chris Christie Joseph Siegelman Sample Ballots: Jefferson County: Montgomery County: Madison County: Mobile County:
Kay Ivey’s Republican challengers release health information
Gov. Kay Ivey’s challengers are indirectly trying to raise questions about her health ahead of Alabama’s June 5 primary, releasing their own medical information and saying the public deserves to have confidence in the health of the next governor. Ivey, the 73-year-old front-runner, dismissed the attempts Friday as a “publicity stunt.” The state’s gubernatorial candidates have generally not released health information. State Sen. Bill Hightower, 58, released copies of his blood tests and a cardiac stress test and called on other candidates to do the same, saying voters have a right to know about not only experience and vision, but the candidate’s physical ability to lead.” Sixty-two-year-old Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle followed suit Friday by releasing a letter from his doctor saying his general medical condition is “very good.” “This is about the health of each candidate,” Hightower said Friday. “Alabama needs to have a governor who is strong and vigorous and can complete the term.” Hightower declined to say if he was directly questioning Ivey’s health and physical fitness. The doctor’s letter released by Battle’s campaign also says he has no “physical evidence of underlying medical illness.” Battle takes no medications other than for seasonal allergies, his doctor added. “Battle believes it is important that the people of Alabama have faith and confidence in the health of their governor. That’s why he’s being transparent about his fitness to lead,” his campaign statement said. Ivey turns 74 in October, and if elected in November, she’ll be one of the oldest in state history, although only slightly older than some previous governors. “Maybe with age comes wisdom,” Ivey told The Associated Press in an interview last month. “My health is good. I get physicals twice a year. All is well. If you look at our schedules, you can see how active I am. Thank goodness and thank God I am healthy and will continue to be if the Lord wills.” Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Scott Dawson stresses evangelist background, outsider status
Republican gubernatorial hopeful and evangelist Scott Dawson said if people are surprised to see him running for governor, they are not alone. In a way, he is too. Dawson said he got in the governor’s race because he was tired of the state being embarrassed by corruption, noting the number of recent governors involved in scandals. He said he sees his newness to the political arena as an advantage, not a hindrance. “I’m one of us. I’m not a politician. The competitive advantage I’ve got is that everyone else is serving in office. I’m the one that’s been one of us for 30 years,” Dawson said. Dawson is one of three Republicans, along with Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and state Sen. Bill Hightower, challenging Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey in the June 5 Republican primary. Speaking at a lunchtime gathering at a senior center in Jasper, Dawson said some will argue the state needs a “seasoned politician” or a businessman as governor. “I am convinced more than ever before, Alabama needs a leader. Alabama needs someone who can cast a vision,” he said. Dawson, 50, is a native of Ensley and graduated from Samford University and Beeson Divinity School. He is the founder of the Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association. The organization, among other things, hosts youth and pastor retreats and large-scale Christian revival meetings. “I’ll go ahead and tell you I make decisions through a Biblical world view,” Dawson told the crowd in Jasper, adding quickly that he understands “we’re not creating a theocracy” and respects those of different beliefs. While trailing far behind in monetary donations, Dawson’s underdog campaign has been assisted by prominent friends made during his decades in ministry, and whose names he mentions in his campaign speech. He announced his intention to run on the Rick and Bubba Show, a syndicated morning radio show; has turned to former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee for advice; and received donations from Hobby Lobby co-founders David and Barbara Green. Dawson said he supports legislation that would take Alabama “out of the marriage business” by doing away with probate judge-signed marriage licenses. He said he also supports the repeal of the Common Core curriculum standards and would like to implement mandatory drug testing for students seeking to be involved in extracurricular activities. Asked about education funding, Dawson responded that he thought the state has a “leadership issue” and not a “funding issue.” However, Dawson said he has declined to sign a no new taxes pledge. Dawson made the decision to run in early 2017, thinking that he would be running for an open seat. Instead, Ivey became governor after former Gov. Robert Bentley resigned in scandal. She is seeking a full term after a year of holding office. Dawson has criticized Ivey’s decision not to attend debates with her primary challengers, saying that she should be “vetted” for the position since she wasn’t previously elected governor. Ivey’s campaign has said she is focused on official duties, and that her record is open to voters and the media. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Here’s everyone who the BCA has endorsed in the 2018 election cycle
The Business Council of Alabama (BCA), considers itself Alabama’s foremost voice for business. It is a non-partisan, statewide, business association representing the interests and concerns of nearly 1 million working Alabamians. The BCA works with the Alabama Legislature to promote “pro-business” reforms such as: Tax credits for small business Job creation Incentives for economic development Ethics reform Positive changes in our public education system Here are the candidates who the BCA has endorsed, who they believe will bring the best changes and initiatives for Alabama’s businesses: Statewide Races: Governor: Kay Ivey Lieutenant Governor: Twinkle Cavanaugh Attorney General: Steve Marshall Secretary of State: John Merrill State Treasurer: John McMillan Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries: Rick Pate Judicial Races: Chief Justice: Lyn Stuart Associate Justice Place 1: Sarah Stewart and Brad Mendheim Associate Justice Place 2: Tommy Bryan Associate Justice Place 3: Will Sellers Associate Justice Place 4: Jay Mitchell Court Of Civil Appeals Place 1: Christy Edwards Court Of Civil Appeals Place 2: Judge Terri Thomas Court Of Civil Appeals Place 3: Judge Terry Moore Court Of Criminal Appeals Place 1: Richard Minor Court Of Criminal Appeals Place 2: Chris McCool Court Of Criminal Appeals Place 3: Judge Bill Cole State Senate Races Senate District 2: Tom Butler Senate District 3: Arthur Orr Senate District 5: Greg Reed Senate District 7: Mary Scott Hunter Senate District 12: Del Marsh Senate District 13: Randy Price Senate District 14: Cam Ward Senate District 16: Jabo Waggoner Senate District 17: Shay Shelnutt Senate District 18: Rodger Smitherman Senate District 32: Chirs Elliott State House Races House District 3: Humphrey Lee House District 6: Andy Whitt House District 8: Terri Collins House District 9: Scott Stadthagen House District 13: Connie Rowe House District 14: Richard “Bull” Corry House District 27: Wes Kitchens House District 30: Craig Lipscomb House District 36: Randy Wood House District 39: TJ Maloney House District 40: K.L. Brown House District 41: Corley Ellis House District 42: Jimmy Martin House District 43: Arnold Mooney House District 44: Danny Garrett House District 45: Dickie Drake House District 46: David Faulkner House District 47: David Wheeler House District 48: Jim Carns House District 49: April Weaver House District 50: Jim Hill House District 55: Rod Scott House District 73: Matt Fridy House District 87: Jeff Sorrells House District 88: Jeremy Arthur House District 89: Marcus Paramore House District 96: Matt Simpson House District 102: Willie Gray
