Mike Rogers: The season of giving across East Alabama
Every year during the Christmas season, I like to highlight just a few of the things folks across East Alabama are doing for each other. Below is a small sample of ways our fellow Alabamians have cared for each other over the past year. In Talladega County, The Care House in Sylacauga helps provide food and clothing all year round for any individuals who need it in the area. In Clay County, the Modern Culture Club/Inter-Se Club hosted their annual soup luncheon mid-November to raise money for the local DHR so they could purchase Christmas gifts for local children. This year in Calhoun County, Brad Young with Insurance Planning of Anniston staged his disaster relief vehicle at K.L. Brown Funeral Home in Jacksonville. He provided meals and a place for folks to charge their cell phones after the tornado and storms devastated the area in April. Also in Calhoun County, Piedmont High School students held their annual Seniors Helping Seniors program in March. This program provides services of high school seniors in assisting local senior citizens with errands or chores relating to Spring cleaning. In Randolph County, Handley High School band director Matthew Goodman jogged over 400 miles from Roanoke to New Orleans to raise money. The money raised will help cover the costs so all of his band students would have the opportunity to perform in the 2019 Allstate Sugar Bowl Marching Band Program. In Macon County, the Tri City Church/Macon County Food Bank- will supply food boxes, turkeys, clothing and toys for families in need throughout Macon County. In Cleburne County, the community came together and raised money to help the Willingham family pay for their child’s cancer treatments. In Cherokee County, a program called Jobs for Alabama’s Graduates (JAG) supports at-risk students and helps them graduate from high school. In Smiths Station in Lee County, “Love Touch Assisted Living” Veterans Home served a Thanksgiving meal to local Veterans and will be providing each of them with new gloves, hats and coats for Christmas. It always warms my heart to learn about these acts of kindness. Let’s keep that spirit up throughout the year instead of just during the holidays. ••• Mike Rogers is a member of U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District. Sign-up for his e-Newsletter by visiting www.mikerogers.house.gov. To stay up to date, you can also like him on Facebook at Congressman Mike D. Rogers, follow him on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram at RepMikeRogersAL, on Tumblr at www.repmikerogersal.tumblr.com.
Mike Rogers bests former Miss America Mallory Hagan, wins re-election
Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers will keep his seat in Congress as he defeated Democrat and former Miss America Mallory Hagan on Tuesday. With 27 percent of the precincts reporting, the Associated Press called the race for Rogers who will continue representing the eastern Alabama district. This article will be updated will full results.
A look at the voting history of Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District
For over a century Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District was a solid blue district in U.S. House of Representatives, but in 1997 the district flipped red and it’s not come close to changing back since then. Located in eastern Alabama, the district includes Calhoun, Chambers, Clay, Cleburne, Lee, Macon, Randolph, Russell, St. Clair, Talladega, and Tallapoosa counties as well as portions of Cherokee and Montgomery counties. Since 2003 Rep. Mike Rogers has held the seat. Rogers was first elected in 2002 when Bob Riley successfully ran for governor and left the 3rd district vacant. Prior to that he was a member a member of the Alabama State House of Representatives, and a member of the Calhoun County Commission before that. In the 2018 General Election, Rogers faces political newcomer, former Miss America Mallory Hagan. Prior to her Congressional run, Hagan, an Opelika, Ala. native, worked as co-anchor of the evening newscast on WLTZ in Columbus, Ga. FiveThirtyEight, a statistics-driven news-and-analysis site, anticipates Rogers easily winning the 3rd District yet again. Here’s a look at the voting history of the District: U.S. House, Alabama District 3 General Election 2016 Mike Rogers (R) 69.9 percent 192,164 votes Jesse Smith (D)32.9 32.9 percent 94,549 votes Write-in 0.1 percent 391 40.5 percent 287,104 total votes General Election 2014 Mike Rogers (R) 66.1 percent 103,558 votes Jesse Smith (D) 33.7 percent 52,816 votes Write-in 0.2 percent 246 votes 156,620 total votes General Election 2012 Mike Rogers (R) 64 percent 175,306 votes John Andrew Harris (D) 35.8 percent 52,816 votes Write-in 0.2 percent 483 votes 273,930 total votes General Election 2010 Mike Rogers (R) 59.5 percent 117,736 votes Steve Segrest (D) 40.5 percent 80,204 votes 197,940 total votes General Election 2008 Mike Rogers (R) 54.1 percent 142,708 votes Joshua Segall (D) 45.9 percent 121,080 votes 263,788 total votes
Former Miss America Mallory Hagan wins primary, prepares to challenge Mike Rogers
Former Miss America Mallory Hagan of Opelika, Ala. can add another crowning moment of victory to her personal history — she won the Democratic nomination in Alabama’s 3rd U.S. District on Tuesday. Hagan defeated self-proclaimed clinical psychologist Adia McCellan Winfrey 66-34 percent with 99 percent of precincts reporting. Hagan will go on to face 16-year incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers in the fall. “One thing is clear as I evaluate the results tonight: the Democratic party is united in the 3rd District of Alabama. And together we sent a message to Mike Rogers that the status quo of the past 15 years is coming to an end in November. You must deliver to represent us,” Hagan said following her victory. She continued, “Tonight — united — we begin a fight for our seat in Congress so that Alabama can become the state that we deserve. An Alabama with a powerful educational system, a top tier healthcare system and an economy that provides rich opportunity for all of us – regardless of gender or race.” Rogers did not face a primary challenger. He and Hagan will face-off on Nov. 6.
Former Miss America Mallory Hagan announces campaign, will challenge Mike Rogers
Former Miss America Mallory Hagan on Tuesday announced she is running for the U.S. House of Representatives. The 2013 Miss America and an Opelika, Ala.-native will challenge 16-year incumbent, Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers for Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District in the general election on Nov. 6, should she win the Democratic primary on June 5. Hagan, who currently works as co-anchor of the evening newscast on WLTZ in Columbus, Ga., had set up a campaign Twitter account last week announcing she’s “exploring candidacy” for Alabama’s 3rd District seat. She also set up a campaign website and a crowdfunding site that had now amassed over $10,000 toward her $20,000 campaign goal from 202 supporters. Hagan recently made headlines when news broke in December that she was one of the Miss America pageant winners to be targeted by the organization’s CEO and the lead writer of the pageant’s telecast in emails recently released by the Huffington Post. “I recently found myself at the center of a national controversy surrounding the Miss America Organization,” the 29-year-old former beauty queen posted on her website. “It was a painful experience, but it taught me a lot about the power of my voice.” “By telling my story, by petitioning for change, and by demanding resolution, I ignited a spark that fueled women–AND men– across this country to stand up, speak out, and believe that when people share their stories, positive change can occur,” she added. “I told my story. It was difficult, but it sparked meaningful change. This experience transformed me.” “I want to represent the people of this state because I want to be a voice for Alabamians that is clear and strong. I want to be a voice that sparks positive change,” she continued.
Mike Rogers’ legislation to help keep Americans safer passes House
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) would be directed to establish a working group to determine ways to develop a decentralized domestic canine breeding network to produce and train bomb-sniffing dogs under a bill introduced by Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers that passed the House on Tuesday. H.R. 4577, the Domestic Explosives Detection Canine Capacity Building Act of 2017, would direct the TSA to build relationships with domestic breeders, private sector industry, leading veterinarians and academics with first-hand knowledge to establish breeding standards, as well as future canine procurement, based on the most up-to-date canine science. “I have long advocated for the use of canines in transportation security. These canines are more efficient than any machine and more cost-effective,” said Rogers, a senior member of the House Homeland Security Committee. “With the rise of ISIS-inspired attacks around the world on soft targets, these canines are stretched to their limits. It is past time for DHS to work with American breeders as well as the private sector to increase the volume of these animals that are available.” Rogers concluded, “The passage of my legislation in the House today marks another step forward in protecting Americans.” Currently, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secures most of its canines from vendors in Europe with just a few hundred coming from the U.S. This is due, in part, to private sector American canine breeders and vendors not having the resources to navigate DHS’ arcane procurement rules. According to Rogers, it is common-sense to create these high standards to produce world-class detection canines in the U.S.
Congressman Mike Rogers plays critical role in U.S. missile defense, national security
As North Korean missiles soar over the Pacific, Hawaii lawmakers are preparing for a possible nuclear attack by North Korea on the U.S. state. Many Americans across the country believe policymakers in Washington have an obligation to fund systems that can protect Americans here and now. One such lawmaker who plays a key role in Congress’ missile defense decision-making is Alabama 3rd District. U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers. As a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), Rogers was selected to serve as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, which is specifically tasked with dealing with missile defense and nuclear weapons issues. With tensions over North Korea’s weapons systems escalating in recent months — as North Korean dictator Kim Jung Un and his regime have launched tests of multiple intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), some of which could reach North America — Rogers’ job in Congress in more important than ever. Especially given that North Korea recently threatened the U.S., saying it should be “beaten to death like a rabid dog” and reduced to “ashes and darkness.” Hawaii’s leaders are relying on the U.S. missile defense system, whose interceptors are based in California and Alaska, for defense. But as missile tests continue and threats from Pyongyang feel ever more viable, the question is — are America’s missile defense systems enough to defend the Aloha State? The United States? The top U.S. commander in the Pacific theater, Adm. Harry Harris Jr., told lawmakers on Capitol Hill in April Hawaii may not be protected from the North Korean nuclear missile threat. That America needed more radars and more interceptors in the Pacific explaining that the current system could be “overwhelmed” by an ICBM attack. Congress heeded the Admiral’s advice in the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and passed several measures to bolster Hawaiian missile defense including the Homeland Discrimination Radar Hawaii (HDR-HI), but the billion dollar project could take near a decade to fully develop. Nevertheless, some experts believe it’s too little for a short-term threat of an attack by North Korea. Steve Bucci, a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation, said just that. “I’d love to say we have six months, a year, five years, to build in the improvements and then that would be more than adequate, but that’s just not the truth right now,” Bucci told the Washington Free Beacon (WFB). “We have no idea when Kim Jong Un is going to shoot a missile at Hawaii. Rogers agrees. In August, he sent a letter to President Donald Trump asking him to support the additional missile defense funding in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) saying North Korea’s ICBM tests “present an increased threat to our homeland, regional stability, and the 28,500 American service members and their families deployed to the Korean Peninsula.” “This proposed funding would enhance reliability and discrimination capabilities for homeland missile defense by developing space-based sensors for discrimination and increasing the number of ground-based interceptors necessary for spares and tests, increase funding for missile defense technology research, and increase procurement of THAAD and Patriot interceptors,” Rogers explained in the letter. The NDAA is being completed now and should land on President Trump’s desk for signature soon. It remains to be seen if there is any additional funding provided for the protection of Hawaii beyond the long-term radar project.
Mike Rogers: A snapshot of the August District Work Period in East Alabama
As Congress gears back up after a very busy August District Work Period, I wanted to share some of my experiences while I was back home in Alabama. I made my way across almost all of the Third Congressional District and am coming back to Washington excited about the future of our great state. As most of you know, the Agriculture industry drives the economy in Alabama. I was able to attend ALFA meetings in several counties and even had the chance to visit with the 2017 ALFA Young Farm Family of the Year in Cleburne County. As a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, I have always made it a priority to encourage our young folks to get involved in farming and the ag industry. In Talladega County, I was impressed with my tour of Alabama Childhood Solutions. They are working to break the cycle of government dependency while providing nutritious food to kids in the area. USDA programs that support their mission are authorized by the Farm Bill. In Calhoun County, I toured the Anniston Fire Department Regional Training Center, the Public Safety Complex in Jacksonville and visited with the Acting Superintendent of the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP). As a senior member of the House Homeland Security Committee, these facilities are so important in keeping our communities safe, and the CDP’s mission is critical in training first responders to protect us from those who wish us harm. I was also able to visit with soldiers at the Army National Guard Training Center and thank them for their service to our country. I visited Trinity Christian Academy students on their first day of school and joined Brother Grinstead on his Christian radio station. In Tallapoosa County, I was proud to attend the grand opening of Our Town/Willow Point Volunteer Fire Department and present them a U.S. flag to fly at their new building. In Chambers County, I met with the Industrial Development Authority board to get an update on what’s going on and also toured the 911 Center in Lanett. I visited Auburn University to see the exciting things going on there including their new Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)facility. I stopped by and had lunch with old and new friends in Cherokee County and made my way to Clay County to visit Wellborn Cabinet. It was a busy few weeks, but my biggest takeaway from my time home was seeing the outpouring of prayers, support and donations for our brothers and sisters affected by Hurricane Harvey. We should continue to keep all those families who lost everything in our prayers as they start to rebuild their lives. I want to hear from you on this or any issue. Please sign up for my e-Newsletter by visiting mikerogers.house.gov. To stay up to date, you can also like me on Facebook at Congressman Mike D. Rogers, follow me on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram at RepMikeRogersAL, on Tumblr at repmikerogersal.tumblr.com and you can also subscribe to my YouTube page at MikeRogersAL03. ••• Mike Rogers is a member of U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District.
Mike Rogers: Moving around East Alabama
Recently, I had the chance to make my way across East Alabama during the Congressional district work period. I always enjoy taking a break from Washington to visit with folks and spend time back in our great state. During this work period, I had the opportunity to tour several facilities in the Third District, including DaVita Dialysis in Opelika and General Electric in Auburn. These companies are both great examples of growing areas of the economy: health care and aviation. I also was pleased to tour the new Weaver Community Center and visit with some seniors in their new senior center. This community center is important to maintaining community ties in the small, but vital towns in our area. I held a meeting of my Third Congressional District Veterans Advisory Committee to hear what was on the minds of our veterans, and we got to learn about the Veterans Upward Bound Program that aids veterans in their pursuit of higher education. Anniston Middle School allowed me speak to their students and present a flag to the school. While in Calhoun County, I also toured the impressive Oxford Career Technical Center at Oxford High School. It was great to see students get the chance to train in these technical fields. Farmers from across East Alabama gathered to discuss what agriculture issues were on the forefront for our state, which is always helpful for me to hear firsthand. At Auburn University, I toured the Auburn Canine Breeding Facility and enjoyed seeing the great things Auburn is doing with that program. I had the distinct honor of attending the Anniston Army Depot’s 75th Anniversary celebration and presented a Congressional Record statement recognizing this exciting time for that important facility. Besides these scheduled events, I attended my church, went to the grocery store, and held meetings in the Anniston District Office. Just being out and about gave me the chance to hear from many of you. For those of you I didn’t get to see or talk to, please contact my office with any concerns or thoughts you may have, or take advantage of my Mobile Office Hours in your county each month. For more information, visit my website at mikerogers.house.gov. • • • Mike Rogers is a member of U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District.
In Alabama congressional races, incumbents stay safe
Despite incessant worrying over what Donald Trump-anti-incumbent-fueled voter turnout would mean at the polls, all members of the Alabama congressional delegation managed to hold on to their seats in Tuesday’s primary election. U.S. Senate Republican Richard Shelby, who was first elected to the Senate in 1986, faced challenges from four Republican opponents. With 100 percent of precincts reporting, Shelby won by over 35 points. His closest opponent former Marine Capt. Jonathan McConnell garnered only 28 percent of the vote to Shelby’s 65 percent, with all other challengers taking only about 8 percent of the vote. On the Democratic side, business owner Shadrack McGill, who served in the state Senate from 2010 and 2014, and challengers John Martin, Marcus Bowman and Ron Crumpton faced off also in hopes of unseating Shelby, with Crumpton taking home the Democratic nomination, winning 56 percent of the vote. U.S. House of Representatives AL-01 Former state senator U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne secured his first full term in office after defeating challenger Dean Young. Byrne, first elected to Congress in a special election in 2013, took home 60 percent of the vote, with 100 percent of precincts reporting. AL-02 Former Montgomery City Council member and three-term Congresswoman, U.S. Rep. Martha Roby defeated Wetumpka Tea Party founder Becky Gerritson to represent the 2nd District, which includes much of Montgomery and southeast Alabama. Roby won slightly more than 66 percent of the vote, meanwhile Gerritson took home only 27 percent of the vote, and Bob Rogers just over 5 percent. AL-03 First elected to the House in 2003, former Calhoun County commissioner U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers defeated longtime Auburn public school administrator Larry DiChiara to represent the 3rd District, which covers east-central Alabama. Rogers won 76 percent of the vote to DiChiara 24 percent. Standing between Rogers and his eighth term in Congress is Jesse Smith. Smith, a Phenix City native, was was unchallenged for the Democratic nomination. AL-04 Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) defeated opponent Phil Norris the Republican nomination for representative of Alabama’s 4th Congressional District, moving one step closer to his eleventh term in office. First elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996, Aderholt received 102,348 votes, 81 percent, with 100 percent of precincts reporting. AL-05 Third term Congressman Rep. Mo Brooks, who represents Alabama’s 5th District — encompassing the counties of Lauderdale, Limestone, Madison, Morgan and most of Jackson — was un-opposed. AL-06 Co-founder and former longtime president of the Alabama Policy Institute, U.S. Congressman Gary Palmer, was un-opposed. Palmer is Alabama’s newest Congressman and first elected in 2014 to represent portions of Birmingham, nearly all of Jefferson County outside of Birmingham, and the entirety of Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Colbert, Coosa and Shelby counties. AL-07 Alabama’s lone Democratic representative, Terri Sewell, who assumed office in 2011 was un-opposed. Her district encompasses portions of Birmingham,Tuscaloosa and Montgomery.
Mike Rogers: Visiting across east Alabama this August
Each August, Congress recesses for the August District Work Period to allow members of Congress the chance to get back and spend time in their home state. I am looking forward to this upcoming work period so I can start making my way across the 3rd District. Having the opportunity to visit with folks and hear what’s on their minds helps me better represent their interests in Washington. Throughout the month, I will be holding “Congress on Your Corner” events, which are like town hall meetings. I will hold these events in different areas of east Alabama to give folks a chance for a face-to-face update on what’s been going on in Congress. It also gives people the chance to ask questions and let me know about issues that are on their minds. Keep checking your local papers and radio stations to learn more. I hope to see you at one. I will be making several stops to tour different industries in east Alabama. These companies are vital to creating good paying jobs. I will also be making a few visits to some of our senior centers from Heflin to Odenville. Some of the best conversations occur there. Additionally, I’m looking forward to speaking at a couple of different Rotary clubs. Later on, I will get an update on first responder training while visiting the Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston. As well as touring Maxwell Gunter Air Force Base in Montgomery with U.S. Rep. Martha Roby. In Auburn, I’ll attend a Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) demonstration and get to see first-hand the training they are doing with their canine program. With so much going on in Congress and across the globe, this month will provide a good opportunity to ensure I keep working to represent each of you. I look forward to seeing you in August! Mike Rogers represents Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District. He is in his third term.
