Steve Flowers: Kay Ivey is Governor again
Governor Kay Ivey’s 2022 reelection victory run has been very impressive. Some of you may be wondering how quickly I have been able to resolve that she has indeed culminated her victorious run when the General Election was held Tuesday, and my column’s published date is Wednesday. It is simply, as I have told you numerous times over the past two decades, winning the Republican Primary for governor in the Heart of Dixie is tantamount to election. The General Election in Alabama is an afterthought. We are a one-party state when it comes to statewide races. Kay Ivey laid to rest the last hope of the Alabama Democrats being able to win a statewide race, especially for governor in my lifetime and probably in yours, when she beat Walt Maddox like a rented mule in 2018. Walt Maddox was the best shot and best mule the Democrats could ever dream up. Maddox is the young, articulate mayor of Tuscaloosa. He has been and had been mayor of the Druid City for a good while. He has been an excellent mayor with an impeccable record. He ran a good well-run, well-financed campaign for governor. He got 40% of the vote. This seems to be the threshold for a Democrat for governor. Therefore, Kay Ivey’s 2022 run may not be as impressive as her 2018 race. Although, this run has been extremely impressive. Probably the reason that 2022 has gone so well is because she ran so well in 2018. She beat a very formidable field four years ago. She beat the popular mayor of Huntsville, Tommy Battle, in the Republican Primary. His credentials and fundraising prowess were equal to Maddox’s, if not better. Having beaten the 2018 thoroughbreds, Battle and Maddox, so thoroughly, made serious candidates not even consider challenging her. In 2022, to compare Lindy Blanchard, Tim James, and Yolanda Flowers to Tommy Battle and Walt Maddox is like comparing Mutt to Jeff. Governor Kay Ivey has done a good job as governor during the four years, 2019-2022, and folks knew that, and they knew her. There also have not been any scandals or controversies. She had garnered one of the finest men and managers in Alabama political history, Congressman Jo Bonner, to be her right arm and Chief of Staff. They together ran a pretty solid ship of state. Most of us who follow Alabama politics felt like Kay was going to only serve one four-year term when she won the 2018 race. She, deep down, may have thought the same thing. Therefore, she governed with the attitude of what is right for the state and not what is right for reelection. When she decided to run, most of us were in agreement that she would win. She would be well-financed, and national polls revealed that she was one of the most popular incumbent governors in the nation. My thoughts were, and I conveyed to you, that the only way Kay Ivey could lose the race was if she beat herself. If she misspoke or did a debate and made a miscue or misstep. She did none of the above. She ran a perfectly scripted, flawless campaign. She campaigned as governor and looked gubernatorial. Most importantly, her campaign TV ads were brilliant. They were folksy with the perfect Alabama flavor. They had her looking good, speaking well, and southern with a grandmotherly appeal. They made her age and demeanor an advantage. She came out of the campaign being better liked than before. Some of her ads came close to being racist when she said, “Folks think we ought to require our schools to teach everyone to speak Spanish. Well, I say, ‘No Way, Jose.’” This prompted ultra-liberal Democrats around the nation to deride her. When Maxine Waters, the liberal Democratic California Congresswoman, criticized her, Kay quipped, “I ought to give Maxine Waters an in-kind contribution proxy for her help in my Alabama Republican Primary campaign.” The big question in the Republican Primary was whether Kay Ivey could win the May 24 Primary without having to go to a June 21 runoff to win. Some doubted that anyone could beat eight opponents without a runoff, especially given that Blanchard and James spent a total of $16 million dollars. She proved them wrong. She beat the field of eight without a runoff and got 54% percent of the vote. My guess is that she got a higher percentage than that on Tuesday. Kay Ivey is Governor, again. 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.
Republican Kay Ivey wins 2nd full term as Alabama governor
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey easily won a second full term Tuesday against Democrat Yolanda Flowers, the first Black woman to win a major party’s gubernatorial nomination in the state, after surviving both a health scare and multiple Republican challengers in the primary. Smiling broadly and wearing a bright red jacket, Ivey took the stage before a huge American flag and waved to cheering supporters at a campaign celebration held at a restaurant in Montgomery. “Y’all, we did it!” she exclaimed. While Flowers’ candidacy was an interesting historical footnote, it posed no real threat to the GOP’s control of all three branches of government in a majority white, conservative state where voting patterns typically break down by skin color. Flowers closed her campaign with days of fasting and a lengthy prayer shown on Facebook. Libertarian Jimmy Blake, a former Birmingham City Council member, also was on the ballot. Ivey, who turned 78 in October, avoided a runoff in the spring despite facing a slate that included eight Republican challengers who forced her to the right. Ivey repeated former President Donald Trump’s lies about election theft and aired a campaign commercial in which she pulled a pistol out of her purse. Following the primary, Ivey — who was diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer in 2019 and later said the disease was gone — was faced with questions about her health after she disappeared from public view for almost three weeks during the summer. She refused to say whether she underwent any medical treatment. While Ivey’s absence made headlines, any doubts or concerns about her health didn’t have any effect on her chances of victory. At her party, a jubilant Ivey thanked voters. “Folks, there’s no doubt that the best is yet to come because we all know there’s no step too high for a high stepper,” said Ivey, repeating a campaign mantra. In her re-election bid, Ivey mostly ignored her opponents and instead touted the state’s low unemployment rate and opposition to the policies of Democratic President Joe Biden. She had a campaign bank balance of more than $200,000 at the end of September compared to just $546 for Flowers, records showed. Ivey first became governor in April 2017, when she was elevated from the office of lieutenant governor following the resignation of Robert Bentley, who quit in a plea agreement following a scandal over his relationship with a female staffer. Ivey defeated an experienced, well-known Democratic challenger, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, by 20 percentage points in 2018 to claim her first full term. Republished with the permission of The Associated Press.
Republican Kay Ivey poised for re-election as Alabama governor
After surviving both a health scare and a full slate of Republican challengers in the primary, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is poised to win a second full term Tuesday against Democrat Yolanda Flowers, the first Black woman to win a major party’s gubernatorial nomination in the state, and a third candidate. While Flowers’ candidacy is an interesting historical footnote, it posed little threat to the GOP’s control of all three branches of government in a majority-white, conservative state where voting patterns typically break down by skin color. The only real question may be the size of Ivey’s victory in a race that included Flowers, an educator and political unknown who campaigned heavily on her Christian faith and justice issues, and Libertarian Jimmy Blake, a former Birmingham City Council member. Ivey, who turned 78 in October, avoided a runoff in the spring despite facing eight Republican challengers who forced her to the right. Ivey parroted former President Donald Trump’s lies about election theft and aired a campaign commercial in which she pulled a pistol out of her purse. After the primary, Ivey — who was diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer in 2019 and later said the disease was gone — was faced with questions about her health after she disappeared from public view for almost three weeks during the summer. She later refused to say whether she underwent any medical treatment. While Ivey’s absence made headlines, any doubts or concerns about her health haven’t seemed to have any effect on her chances of victory. In her re-election bid, Ivey has ignored her opponents and instead touted the state’s low unemployment rate and opposition to the policies of Democratic President Joe Biden. She had a campaign bank balance of more than $200,000 at the end of September compared to just $546 for Flowers, records showed. Ivey first became governor in April 2017, when she was elevated from the office of lieutenant governor following the resignation of Robert Bentley, who quit in a plea agreement following a scandal over his relationship with a female staffer. Ivey defeated an experienced, well-known Democratic challenger, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, by 20 percentage points in 2018 to claim her first full term. Republished with the permission of The Associated Press.
Poll: Four out of five Alabama voters support medical cannabis
As applications for licenses are sent out, the Alabama Medical Cannabis Association released poll numbers today showing four in five Alabama voters strongly support medical cannabis. “These numbers are a little better than even we expected,” AMCA Executive Director Patrick Lindsey said. “It shows both the need for the product, and that this process is establishing an industry that is here to stay.” 79% of respondents favor legal medical cannabis while only 9% are against it. Those in favor include 69% of Republicans, 82% of Democrats, and 75% of Independents, as well as strong majorities across all demographics. Gov. Kay Ivey signed medical marijuana legislation in May 2021. The program will allow people with one of 16 qualifying medical conditions, including cancer, a terminal illness, and depression, to purchase medical marijuana with the recommendation of a doctor. “We rarely see this type of support for a product or service that is not currently allowed in the state,” David Mowery, Chairman of Mowery Consulting Group said. “These are the types of numbers any politician would be happy to use as a vehicle for signature legislation. Anyone wishing to revert the laws on this issue is going to have a tough row to hoe when it comes to the next election.” In September, the AMCC opened an online portal that allowed Alabamians to download application forms to apply to participate in the Alabama medical marijuana industry. There were 607 sets of application forms requested and downloaded since the portal opened on September 1. The Alabama Medical Cannabis Association, in partnership with Mowery Consulting Group and co/efficient, surveyed 800 likely general election voters October 13-16, 2022. With a margin of error of 3.5%, we are confident in our assessment that public opinion in Alabama is in favor of legal, regulated medical cannabis being available to all who need access. Senate Bill 46 created the AMCC and empowered the Commission to set up and regulate the new industry.
Republicans are hoping for another sweep in 2022 election
On Tuesday, Alabama voters are going to the polls to elect new leaders for the state. The Alabama Republican Party is hoping to see history repeat itself again in this election, and they will maintain their dominant position in Alabama politics. “Just a reminder that if you are tired of sky-high gas prices, out-of-control inflation, and rising crime, you have a choice. Vote Republican tomorrow on Election Day,” the Alabama Republican Party wrote on Facebook Monday. Alabama Republicans hope that this election follows the script of recent Alabama elections. In 2010, the Alabama Republican Party won every statewide office on the ballot. U.S. Senator Richard Shelby was easily re-elected to another term. Republican nominee for Governor, State Rep. Robert Bentley, defeated his Democratic opponent Ag Commissioner Ron Sparks. Then Treasurer Kay Ivey defeated incumbent Lieutenant Governor Jim Folsom in a race that even most Republicans at the time thought was a long shot. The people of Alabama, however, had grown tired of Alabama Education Association-dominated Democrats and found President Barack Obama’s policies too liberal for Alabama. National voters agreed, and 2010 was a massive “red wave” election that gave Republicans control of both Houses of Congress. In Alabama, Republicans won supermajorities in both Houses of the Alabama Legislature after 135 years of Democratic domination of the state legislature. In 2014 Bentley, Ivey, and the rest of the Alabama GOP were back. Bentley faced former Congressman Parker Griffith, and Ivey faced former State Rep. James Fields. Democrats viewed the 2014 election as so hopeless that they did not even find a candidate to run against popular U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions. The Alabama voters once again rewarded Republicans with every statewide office on the ballot, and they grew their supermajorities in both Houses of the Legislature. In 2018, Bentley was gone, and Ivey had been elevated to Governor. Shelby was reelected to a sixth term in 2016. Democrats, however, were optimistic because their nominee for U.S. Senate, Doug Jones, had just defeated the Republican nominee, former Chief Justice Roy Moore in a special election. It had been the first win for an Alabama Democrat in a statewide race since 2008. Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard, who had masterminded the Republican campaigns in 2010 and 2014, had been convicted of corruption in 2016 (he is still in prison to this day). None of that mattered. Ivey easily bested her Democratic opponent, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox. In the Lieutenant Governor’s race, State Rep. Will Ainsworth defeated his Democratic opponent, Florence Pastor Dr. Will Boyd. The Republicans also grew their supermajorities in the state legislature. Former Auburn head football coach Tommy Tuberville beat Sen. Jones in a landslide in 2020, so once again, there is no statewide Democratic officeholder in Alabama. On Tuesday, Ivey is seeking her second full term as governor. This time she faces political newcomer Yolanda Flowers and a Libertarian – Dr. James “Jimmy” Blake. Ainsworth faces Libertarian Ruth Page Nelson. Democrats failed to run a Lt. Gov. candidate. Shelby is retiring after 36 years in the Senate and 52 total years in office. His former Chief of Staff, Katie Britt, is the Republican nominee for Senate. She faces Boyd and Libertarian John Sophocleus. This is the first election since 2002 where there are Libertarians on the Alabama ballot. There are a lot of parallels between the 2022 election and the 2010 election. Once again, Democrats control both Houses of Congress and an unpopular Democratic Presidential incumbent, former Obama VP Joe Biden, is in the second year of his presidency. Many political analysts are predicting that Tuesday will be a second “red wave” election, like 2010, that will sweep Democrats out of office and give Republicans control of both Houses of Congress again. Alabama Republicans are hoping this is true of Alabama as well, and the GOP will retain its almost total mastery of Alabama politics. That is for the voters of Alabama to decide. Polls will open at 7:00 am and close at 7:00 am. Voters need to bring a valid photo ID with them to the polls. Various forms of photo ID are acceptable. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Committee grants contract for inmate rehabilitation services
An outside firm will assist Alabama’s Pardons and Paroles Board with inmate rehabilitation services, following a legislative committee’s recent stamp of approval. The Alabama Contract Review Committee approved the board’s request on November 3, to allocate $5.18 million toward a two-year contract with GEO Reentry Services, a Boca Raton, Fla.-based service provider. GEO’s services specifically pertain to the Pardons and Paroles Board’s state-run PREP Center in Uniontown, Perry County. According to state documents, GEO will provide “intensive rehabilitation services” to include: psychological and medical services for male parolees, probationers, and mandatory releases under the oversight of the Pardons and Paroles Board. Claudia Smith, who serves as General Counsel for the Pardons and Paroles Board, said the overarching goal of the contract is to use the most effective services and expertise available to work with incarcerated men and help them reenter society. The contracted firm will work with male inmates, who have been deemed medium or high risk, based on state assessments. The state’s contract with GEO is set to take effect on November 10, one week following the committee meeting, which raised questions during deliberations from state House and Senate members serving on the committee. Smith said the immediate contract reflects a planned November 28 rollout of the organization’s services. “If we have this contract in place, we’ll be in good shape,” Smith told the committee. The state’s contract with GEO runs through November 9, 2024, according to state documents. A rationale for the expense in the committee packet outlined, why the Pardons and Paroles Board opted to contract outside state government for the service, rather than fulfill the responsibilities in-house. “The services are essential components for the PREP program,” the statement reads. “Merit employees would be cost prohibitive and problematic for program initiation. GEO Reentry Services will provide a full staff of licensed medical professionals to cover all health needs.” The Uniontown PREP Center opened in April. Gov. Kay Ivey attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and gave the keynote address. “The PREP Center will be an important tool in ensuring safe communities as we help lead folks during the transition from serving time in our corrections system, to becoming productive citizens,” Ivey said at the spring event. “This location is the first of its kind for Alabama.” The Pardons and Paroles Board’s PREP Center program gives the inmates a complete sanction from those offered through the Alabama Department of Correction’s general population. A number of state agencies have also been a part of the alternative program, including the Alabama Department of Mental Health and Ingram State Technical College. Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
Election 2022: A look at who’s running on the Alabama ballot
Alabama voters will decide races ranging from U.S. Senate and governor to local offices in Tuesday’s election Polling places and registration status can be found on the secretary of state’s website, at https://myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterview. Voter turnout is expected to be moderate, according to a projection by Secretary of State John Merrill. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Here’s a quick look at major statewide races and issues: US SENATE Republican Katie Britt faces Democratic nominee Will Boyd and Libertarian John Sophocleus in the race for the rare open Senate seat in Alabama. Britt is outgoing U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby’s former chief of staff and the former leader of the Business Council of Alabama. Britt was endorsed by former President Donald Trump in the GOP primary and has emphasized border security, concern about the national debt and a need for new voices in Congress. Boyd, a pastor, supports Medicaid expansion and efforts to protect the Voting Rights Act. Sophocleus, a former college economics instructor at Auburn University, supports the abolishment of federal gun laws and the creation of a flat tax. GOVERNOR Republican Gov. Kay Ivey is looking to win a second full term in office as she faces Democrat Yolanda Flowers and Libertarian Jimmy Blake. Ivey avoided a runoff in the spring despite facing eight Republican challengers in the primary. Flowers, an educator, is the first Black woman to win a major party’s gubernatorial nomination in the state. Blake is a physician and a former Birmingham City Council member. LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR Republican Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth faces Libertarian Ruth Page-Nelson. There is not a Democratic candidate in the race. The lieutenant governor presides over the Alabama Senate. However, the most notable thing about the position is that the lieutenant governor becomes governor if the governor leaves office for any reason. Libertarians believe the race is their strongest hope of hitting the 20% vote threshold needed to maintain ballot access in 2024. SECRETARY OF STATE Alabama will elect a new person to the office that oversees elections. Republican Rep. Wes Allen faces Democrat Pamela Laffitte and Libertarian Matt Shelby. Allen, citing security concerns, opposes alternative means of voting such as curbside voting, mail-in voting, or allowing people to vote absentee for any reason. Laffitte supports expanded methods, such as early voting and no-excuse absentee voting, to make voting more convenient. Shelby supports changing Alabama’s stringent ballot access law that has made it difficult for third-party candidates to run. He also supports alternative systems such as ranked-choice voting. ATTORNEY GENERAL Republican Attorney General Steve Marshall faces Democrat Wendell Major. Marshall is seeking his second full term as Alabama attorney general. His campaign has emphasized his role in lawsuits challenging vaccine mandates and other policies of President Joe Biden’s administration. Major is the police chief of Tarrant. He has emphasized the need to address the state’s opioid crisis and mental health crisis. OTHER RACES — In the state treasurer’s race, Republican incumbent Young Boozer faces Libertarian Scott Hammond. — In the state auditor’s race, Republican Andrew Sorrell faces Libertarian Leigh Lachine. — In the race for commissioner of agriculture and industries, Republican incumbent Rick Pate faces Libertarian Jason Clark — In the races for Public Service Commission, Republican incumbents Jeremy Oden and Chip Beeker face challenges from Libertarians Ron Bishop and Laura Lane. — In the race for Alabama Supreme Court, Place 5, Republican Greg Cook faces Democrat Anita Kelly. NEW CONSTITUTION Alabama voters will decide whether to ratify the Alabama Constitution of 2022 that removes racist language, such as references to segregated schools and an interracial marriage ban. It also reorganizes the document, which has been amended nearly 1,000 times, to remove repealed provisions and make it more user-friendly. However, it makes no changes to how government operates. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS There are 10 proposed statewide constitutional amendments. Those include Amendment 1, which would give judges more discretion to deny bail to people accused of violent crimes. Amendment 10 is a companion amendment to the ratification vote that would allow new amendments to be placed within the document. Republished with the permission of The Associated Press.
Election 2022: A comprehensive guide to the Alabama Constitutional Amendments
Tomorrow, unlike swing states like Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Arizona, it’s safe to say that the results of all statewide offices will be a foregone conclusion in Alabama. Alabama Daily News polling, released last week confirmed that republican candidates were favored in the state with 62.4 favorability. (Polling that was subsequently ripped off by AL.Com, who reproduced it in its entirety, without permission from behind the ADN Inside Alabama Politics paywall.) According to Secretary of State John Merrill as many as 45-50% of eligible voters are expected to turn out. In addition to statewide offices and legislative races, there will also be a vote on a new recompiled Constitution and ten new constitutional amendments. Here’s a brief look at those constitutional changes on the ballot with summaries from the Associated Press, The Alabama Policy Institute (API), and other sources. If you’re looking to verify your polling place or are looking for sample ballots you can visit AlabamaVotes.gov for you can also find the Fair Election Commission detailed summaries of at this link on the Secretary of State website. Ratification of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022 The Fair Ballot Commission describes this saying, “The Constitution of Alabama of 2022 will only do the following: (1) rearrange the constitution so that similar subjects are located together; (2) remove racist language; (3) delete repeated or repealed portions/language; (4) place all amendments which deal with economic development together; and (5) arrange local amendments by county. The reorganized constitution will make no changes other than those listed above and will not make any changes relating to taxes.” The recompiled document deletes racist language and repealed provisions. It also reorganizes the sprawling document and makes it more user-friendly. The Alabama 1901 Constitution is the longest constitution in the country. This ratification comes Amendment One: The Fair Ballot Commission describes this by saying, “This amendment will change Section 16 to add crimes for which bail can be denied, to include murder, kidnapping in the first degree, rape in the first degree, sodomy in the first degree, sexual torture, domestic violence in the first degree, human trafficking in the first degree, burglary in the first degree, arson in the first degree, robbery in the first degree, terrorism, and aggravated child abuse of a child under the age of six.” Amendment one would create Aniah’s Law, which would limit bail for individuals accused of specified violent crimes. It is named after Aniah Blanchard, who was murdered by a man out on bond for attempted murder. API stated, “While the sentiment for ratifying the law is understandable, it does raise due process concerns for those accused, but not yet convicted, of crimes.” Governor Kay Ivey and Attorney General Steve Marshall urged voters to vote yes for Aniah’s law. Marshall stated, “Aniah’s Law—which you will find on your ballot as Amendment 1—amends the state constitution to allow judges the discretion to deny bond to violent criminals like Aniah’s murderer. So, on Tuesday, be sure to vote “yes” on Amendment 1, which will keep dangerous criminals off the street and the public out of harm’s way. And thank you to Aniah’s family for leading the charge to make Alabama a safer place.” Apryl Marie Fogel, Alabama Today’s publisher and host of Straight Talk with Apryl Marie on News Talk 93.1 FM, said, “Voting yes on Amendment 1 is a no-brainer! This amendment gives judges the ability to use their discretion to deny bail to those who have no business out on our streets. It doesn’t say they must stay in jail, but it says that a judge has the discretion to keep them there. Imagine being a victim or the loved one of a victim of a violent crime, knowing that the person responsible is back out on the street immediately. That’s unacceptable. One of the few responsibilities of government is to ensure public safety. That’s what this does and why we should pass it.” John Eidsmoe and Roy Moore expressed their concerns about the proposed law. “I feel terrible about what happened to Anaiah Blanchard,” Moore said. “But that is not a reason to go and change the constitution.” The Southern Poverty Law Center opposes this amendment telling AL.Com that it could lead to people who are not yet convicted of a crime “languishing in Alabama’s jails for years at a time.” Amendment Two: Amendment two would allow the state, county, and municipal governments to spend federal stimulus funding through grants for broadband infrastructure projects. The state has already allocated money for this purpose. API stated, “The primary concern with this amendment is that Alabama needs it for local governments to be able to spend the money for its authorized purpose in the first place. The state should not control the ability of local governments to spend already allocated money for its intended purpose.” Moore and Eidsmoe said that they are strongly opposed to both Amendments 2. Amendment three would require the Governor to notify the state Attorney General and a victim’s family before postponing or commuting a death sentence. Because then Governor Fob James was hesitant to execute a woman, in 1999, he commuted the death sentence of convicted murderer Judith Ann Neeley before he left office. The family of 13-year-old Lisa Millican, who was brutally raped and murdered by Mrs. Neeley and her husband, were outraged by Gov. James’ actions. This amendment is the Legislature’s response to that decision over twenty years ago. API has no concerns with this amendment. Amendment four to the constitution would require that any law impacting a general election be passed at least six months before the election. API stated, “A potential concern with this amendment is that it could limit the Legislature’s ability to make a necessary change to election law if unexpected circumstances arise less than six months before the next election. It comes down to a question of do you have faith in the government to use this power responsibly, or would you rather them not have the power at all?” Former state representative and current Jefferson County GOP Chairman Paul DeMarco urged voters to support this amendment,
Steve Marshall urges voters to vote Yes for Aniah’s Law
Attorney General Steve Marshall released a video statement on Monday expressing his strong support for Statewide Amendment 1, Aniah’s Law. Marshall asked the people of Alabama to vote to adopt the amendment when they vote on Tuesday. “On Election Day, several proposed amendments to the state constitution will be on the ballot,” Marshall said. “One is vital for public safety. That would be Amendment 1, which creates what is known as Aniah’s Law.” “As you will recall, Aniah Blanchard was the young woman who, in 2019, went missing and was later found murdered,” Marshall said. “The man charged with Aniah’s abduction and murder was out on bond at the time he committed his heinous acts, despite already being charged with multiple violent crimes, including kidnapping.” “Aniah’s case was a terrible tragedy that drew national attention, but I am here to tell you that hers is not the only case of this kind—and it won’t be the last,” said Marshall. “That’s why we need Aniah’s Law. Aniah’s Law—which you will find on your ballot as Amendment 1—amends the state constitution to allow judges the discretion to deny bond to violent criminals like Aniah’s murderer. So, on Tuesday, be sure to vote “yes” on Amendment 1, which will keep dangerous criminals off the street and the public out of harm’s way. And thank you to Aniah’s family for leading the charge to make Alabama a safer place.” Aniah’s Law has also been endorsed by Governor Kay Ivey. “It is past time we fix those issues, but because of the unwavering dedication of Aniah’s family and the unanimous support by the Alabama Legislature, Amendment One, also known as Aniah’s Law, will be on the ballot this November,” Ivey said. “I encourage every Alabamian to join me in voting yes on Aniah’s Law to ensure no family would have to go through the pain of preventable tragedy.” Under current Alabama law, judges have limited authority to deny bail to violent offenders unless the suspect is charged with a capital offense or poses a flight risk. That means that dangerous criminals are often released back onto the streets, even when it is likely they will commit more violent crimes as soon as they make bail. Proponents argue that if the majority of Alabamians vote for Aniah’s Law, then judges will be able to deny bail to dangerous offenders who are likely to re-offend when they are charged with serious felonies like murder, kidnapping, rape, sexual torture, domestic violence, human trafficking, burglary, arson, robbery, terrorism, or aggravated child abuse. This legislation was sponsored by State Rep. Chip Brown. It passed unanimously by the state legislature in April 2021 and was named in memory of murdered 19-year-old Southern Union Community College student Aniah Blanchard. Her accused murderer was out on bail awaiting trial for charges of kidnapping, attempted murder, and robbery. Amendment One has also been endorsed by the Mayors of Alabama’s ten largest cities. “As members of the Alabama Big 10 Mayors, public safety is one of our top priorities,” the Mayors wrote in a statement. “And on the November 8 ballot, there will be a constitutional amendment that, if voted for by a majority of Alabamians, would give our state’s judges the tools they need to keep violent, repeat offenders off our streets and out of our communities, and in jail where they belong. In October 2019, 19-year-old college student Aniah Blanchard was tragically kidnapped. The suspect in her case was out free on bond, awaiting trial for charges of attempted murder and armed robbery. He should have been incarcerated, and Aniah Blanchard should still be alive.” “We urge all Alabama voters to vote for Amendment One on election day so what happened to Aniah and her loved ones will not happen again,” the Big 10 Mayors concluded. The Alabama Big 10 Mayors include Auburn Mayor Ron Anders, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling, Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison Mayor Paul Finley, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox. Polls will open Tuesday at 7:00 am and close at 7:00 pm. Voters need to bring a valid photo ID to the polls with them in order to vote. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Jimmy Blake hits Kay Ivey on dark money
In the closing days of the gubernatorial campaign, the Libertarian nominee for governor – Dr. James “Jimmy” Blake has attacked incumbent Governor Kay Ivey for accepting large donations from a dark money group in Virginia. Blake spoke with Alabama Today about this issue on Wednesday. “It avoids being honest with the people of Alabama,” Blake said when asked if taking the money was an attempt to violate the spirit of Alabama’s ban on Pac to Pac transfers law. By donating to the nonprofit corporation in Virginia, the group is able to donate to Ivey’s campaign without disclosing the true source of the money. “It could be the companies building the Governor’s new prisons. we just don’t know,” Blake stated. “Kay Ivey has received 1.7 million in Dark Money,” Blake’s campaign wrote on Facebook. “We don’t know who donated this dark money. But the mailing address for it is the same building as the Republican Governors Association in Northern Virginia. Don’t let dark money buy this election. Vote Dr. Jimmy Blake for Governor of Alabama!!!” Blake referenced a report from WBRC Fox 6 during the primary season that the Ivey campaign received two extremely large “dark money” contributions from a non-profit corporation in northern Virginia. This corporation does not have to report where the money came from. Then Republican gubernatorial primary candidate Stacy George made an issue of the dark money during the primary, but voters still preferred Ivey over him and the other seven Republicans in the May 24 primary field. George, who recently quit his position with the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC), is again making headlines again for his criticism of conditions within the prison system. Blake has also criticized Ivey for her handling of the prisons and the “inhumane” conditions there that are drawing national headlines. In 1986, the Alabama Democratic Party had commanding supermajorities in the Alabama Legislature, and Democrats dominated the courts and controlled how the constitutional statewide positions, including the governor’s office. Today, the Alabama Republican Party has commanding supermajorities in the Alabama Legislature, and Republicans dominate the courts and control how the constitutional statewide positions, including the governor’s office. “The power players have stayed the same they just changed from blue Democratic jerseys to red Republican jerseys,” Blake maintains. “Our state has been highjacked by big government Republican insiders who in the primary nudges out the honest small government conservatives,” Blake said in a video on his Rumble account. In addition to attacking Ivey, Blake has turned his attention to the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate Katie Britt whom Blake called a “lobbyist for big government Washington special interests.” Blake has endorsed his friend, the Libertarian nominee for U.S. Senate, John Sophocleus, in the Senate race. Blake is a medical doctor, former Birmingham City Councilman, former owner of American Family Healthcare – Birmingham’s first urgent care clinic, and former chairman of the Libertarian Party of Alabama. He has a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and a medical degree from UAB. The are 65 Libertarian candidates running on the ballot this November. “We believe that the ship of state must be turned back into the direction of more freedom and less government control,” Blake said. Democratic nominee for Governor Yolanda Flowers will also appear on the ballot along with Blake and Ivey in Tuesday’s election. Pastor Dean Odle and independent Jared Budlong are running as write-in candidates. Voters will go to the polls and vote on their leaders for numerous offices on Tuesday. They will also vote on ten constitutional amendments as well as whether or not to ratify a proposed recompiled version of Alabama’s 1901 Constitution. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Kay Ivey announces $1.3 million for state innovation and research
Governor Kay Ivey announced Wednesday awards of $1.3 million in order to stimulate new research and development at three Alabama universities and university systems hoping to help improve lives. The University of Alabama at Birmingham was awarded two grants totaling $666,910, the University of Alabama was awarded two grants totaling $486,026, and Auburn University received a grant of $184,773. “Often, the research and development that comes out of our universities has far-reaching and life-altering impacts across a wide array of issue areas,” said Gov. Ivey. “Alabama’s future outlook is largely dependent on our ability to find solutions to the problems of tomorrow, and I commend the students and professors for their dedication and time-consuming efforts to ensure Alabama remains the leader in innovation that it is.” The grants are from the Alabama Research and Development Enhancement Fund. The state-funded program was created in 2019 under the Alabama Innovation Act, which was approved by the Alabama State Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ivey. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is administering the grants. “ADECA is pleased to join with Governor Ivey in supporting and encouraging research and innovation at our state universities,” said ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell. “It is amazing to see solutions arise out of challenges relating to science and technology and other fields of study.” The grants awards: University of Alabama at Birmingham • $316,910 to conduct research relating to the development of a new neurovascular stent for stroke treatment. • $350,000 to conduct research involving the development of a new material in dental root-canal treatment. University of Alabama • $399,831 to conduct research relating to development of a membrane for the removal of some man-made chemicals which may cause harm in humans. • $86,314 to conduct research involving the development of ultra-high performance concrete using materials available in Alabama Auburn University • $184,773 to conduct research relating to the development of an iron-based contrast agent in an angiography procedure that examines blood flow in the body. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation. Gov. Ivey grew up on a cattle farm in Wilcox County. She graduated from Auburn University and taught school in California before returning to Alabama to hold several positions in state government. In 2002 she was elected State Treasurer. She has served two terms as Treasurer and two as Lieutenant Governor. In 2017 she was elevated to Governor and then elected in her own right in 2018. Ivey seeks a second term in Tuesday’s general election. Ivey faces Libertarian nominee Dr. James “Jimmy” Blake and Democratic nominee Yolanda Flowers. There are also two write-in candidates seeking the office. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Steve Flowers: Election year observations
This 2022 Election Year in Alabama has been monumental and memorable. Any gubernatorial year is big in the state. It is the brass ring of Alabama politics to be governor. However, the race to succeed our Senior Senator Richard Shelby has been the marquee contest. This year will be the last hurrah for our two leading political figures in the state. Senator Richard Shelby is retiring after 36 years in the U.S. Senate at age 88. Governor Kay Ivey will be elected to her final term as Governor at 78. An observation that occurred to me during the year that many of you may not know or realize is the power that Jimmy Rane, the legendary successful businessman from Abbeville, possesses. He is known to many Alabamians as the famous friendly giant sitting atop a horse as the Yella Fella on the ads of yesteryear promoting his Great Southern Wood Company. In my years of observing Alabama politics, I do not believe there has been an individual that has been the closest confidant and friend to the two most powerful political people in the state. Senator Shelby and Governor Ivey are unquestionably the two most powerful political people in the state, but they are arguably two of the most important political figures in modern Alabama political history. If you sat both Ivey and Shelby down and asked them to tell you their best friend and confidant, they both would probably say Jimmy Rane. Governor Ivey and Rane have been friends and allies since their college days at Auburn University 60 years ago. Shelby and Rane have been bonded for at least 36 years. As busy as Senator Shelby has been as one of the most important leaders in Washington and world affairs in the last ten years, a week does not go by that Shelby and Rane do not talk. Rane knows when Shelby has a cold before his wife Annette knows. Rane has been Ivey’s and Shelby’s benefactor and ally for not what they can do for him. He does not get anything out of his relationship with Shelby and Ivey. He is just their friend. He is also loyal to his hometown of Abbeville and Henry County. The Great Southern Wood is the main thing in Abbeville and a mainstay for the entire Wiregrass. His benevolence to his hometown is unparalleled. Another development I have watched this year is some good old-fashioned hardnosed hard work on the campaign trail by some of the 2022 candidates. It is understandable that those running for office on this year’s ballot would be on the campaign trail. However, one Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, the President of the Public Service Commission, has canvassed the rural counties of Alabama more extensively than most of the successful candidates running statewide this year. And, folks, her name was not even on the ballot this year. She will run for reelection to the PSC Presidency in 2024. To say that she will be unbeatable for reelection to her post as head of the PSC would be an understatement. Twinkle Cavanaugh is probably the best-known political figure in the state going forward in the post-Richard Shelby/Kay Ivey era. She has run statewide numerous times and has been successful in most of those races. When you run that many times, you build a grassroots organization. Then you add that she has been Chairman of the Republican Party and a loyal supporter of popular past Republican presidents. She has not let any grass grow under her feet this year. She has watered that grassroots organization during this off-year with one-on-one visits, especially to the remote rural counties of the state. Her diligence will pay off in future years. She is still young and a good bet to be governor or U.S. Senator one day. Folks in Montgomery and throughout the state are glad to see State Senator Billy Beasley run again, successfully, for another term. He is one of the most well-liked and respected members of the upper chamber in the State Capitol. Billy is the only white Democrat in the Alabama Senate. Do not bet on his not running again in 2026. He is the youngest looking 82-year-old I have ever seen, and his brother Jere is the youngest 85-year-old I have ever seen. They must have pretty good genes. 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.
