Alice Martin endorses Will Ainsworth citing Twinkle Cavanaugh’s ‘deceptive’ ad
Former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama and a former Chief Deputy Attorney General of Alabama Alice Martin has thrown her support behind Guntersville-Republican, State Rep. Will Ainsworth in his bid to be Alabama’s next Lt. Governor. Martin made the announcement on Tuesday citing the “disappointing and deceptive” campaign ad of his opponent, Twinkle Cavanaugh, among the reasons for her decision. “I don’t make this endorsement lightly, and am compelled due to the very disappointing and deceptive ad by his opponent,” Martin said. “To say Rep. Ainsworth was criminally charged and ‘didn’t serve a day in jail’ infers he was prosecuted when in fact the charge was dropped!” “It was a college prank now used as a professional smear,” she continued. “This poor judgement doesn’t make his opponent shine to me. Please remember to vote next Tuesday!” Martin referenced a Cavanaugh campaign ad, which claims Ainsworth used insider influence to escape prosecution for felony theft charges but offers scant detail. In reality, the ad refers to a college prank that occurred roughly 20 years ago when Ainsworth and classmates “kidnapped” fiberglass tigers that the Auburn Chamber of Commerce had placed around the downtown area. Recognizing the harmless nature of the stunt, the Auburn Chamber agreed those involved would pay a small fine and work with Habitat for Humanity as punishment for the college prank. Cavanaugh’s ad also claims Ainsworth was arrested in Jackson County when he was still in college, but the claim is false. Ainsworth was actually ticketed for having an expired boat registration on a lake. Martin’s full Facebook post reads: Happy to share time with friends in Alabama Forestry Association last evening in Florence. With the runoff primary in one week I want to announce my endorsement of Will Ainsworth for Lt. Gov. Why? Because this is a critical race and Alabama needs an outside conservative who has the courage to stand up to special interest and take actions that are best for the state and her citizens. I don’t make this endorsement lightly, and am compelled due to the very disappointing and deceptive ad by his opponent. To say Rep. Ainsworth was criminally charged and “didn’t serve a day in jail” infers he was prosecuted when in fact the charge was dropped! It was a collage prank now used as a professional smear. This poor judgment doesn’t make his opponent shine to me. Please remember to vote next Tuesday! Alabama needs change!!
More Democrats on Alabama ballot for Tuesday elections than in previous years
Alabama’s primary ballot features multiple offices and something voters in the Republican-controlled state haven’t seen in years: Democratic races for statewide and congressional positions. Alabama Democrats have 27 total candidates running for state positions or Congress this year, more than double the 13 from 2014. That means there are several Democratic primary races, compared to just one for a statewide office four years ago. Many of the eventual Republican nominees will still run unopposed in the General Election because no Democrats qualified. But with Democratic opposition to President Donald Trump running high and after Democrat Doug Jones’ victory in Alabama’s U.S. Senate in December, the once-powerful party is trying to show signs of life. Aside from the governor’s campaign, in which five Republicans and six Democrats are vying for their party’s nominations, here are some other races to watch: ___ Attorney General Republican appointee Steve Marshall is facing voters for the first time in a statewide race as he seeks election to the office of attorney general, and it might not be easy. Marshall, a former Marshall County district attorney, has served in the job since February 2017, when then-Gov. Robert Bentley tapped him after naming Luther Strange to the U.S. Senate. Marshall is being opposed in the GOP primary by Alice Martin, a former federal prosecutor who was the state’s chief deputy attorney general; Troy King, a former state attorney general and Birmingham lawyer Chess Bedsole. Birmingham attorneys Joseph Siegelman and Chris Christie are vying for the Democratic nomination. Siegelman is the son of former Gov. Don Siegelman. The attorney general is responsible for representing the state in criminal and civil matters, and the office often is a stepping-stone to other positions. Just ask U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a former Alabama attorney general. ___ Congress Rep. Martha Roby’s bid to hold on to her District 2 seat from the Wiregrass region of southeastern Alabama for a fifth term highlights the state’s congressional primaries. The House Appropriations Committee member is being opposed by candidates including Bobby Bright, who Roby defeated to claim the seat in 2010. Other opponents include Rich Hobson of Enterprise, who managed Roy Moore’s unsuccessful Senate campaign last year. Roby gained Republican critics after distancing herself from Donald Trump’s vulgar comments about women during his presidential campaign in 2016. The eventual GOP nominee will face either education researcher Tabitha Isner of Montgomery or activist and military veteran Audri Scott Williams of Cottonwood. They’re competing for the Democratic nomination in the Republican-dominated district. Reps. Mo Brooks of Huntsville and Robert Aderholt of Haleyville also have challengers in the GOP primary, and Democrats have primaries in four districts in all. There was just one Democratic congressional primary in 2014. ___ Lieutenant Governor Alabama has been without a lieutenant governor for more than a year, and the primary is a first step toward filling the office. Alabama Public Service Commission president Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh is running in the Republican primary against two state legislators: Rep. Will Ainsworth of Guntersville and Sen. Rusty Glover of Mobile. Cavanaugh has outpaced other candidates in fundraising with nearly $1.1 million in total contributions through April. The eventual Republican nominee will face Democratic minister Will Boyd, who lost the U.S. Senate primary against Doug Jones in the special election last year. The office of lieutenant governor, who is president in the state Senate, has been vacant since April 2017, when Kay Ivey succeeded Robert Bentley as governor following his resignation and guilty plea amid a sex-tinged scandal. Ethics is a top issue in the race as the Legislature looks to review Alabama’s ethics law next year and lawmakers currently face corruption charges. ___ Supreme Court The Alabama Supreme Court isn’t in the news as often as it used to be without Roy Moore as chief justice, but the primary ballot includes three contested races on the nine-member, all-Republican panel. Current court members Lyn Stuart and Tom Parker are vying for the Republican nomination for chief justice. Stuart has been serving in the position since Moore’s suspension for violating judicial ethics and later resignation to run for the Senate. Either Stuart or Parker will face Bob Vance Jr., a Jefferson County circuit judge who is unopposed for the Democratic nomination. Court appointee Brad Mendheim is opposed by circuit judges Debra Jones of Anniston and Sarah Hicks Stewart of Mobile for the GOP nomination for Place 1 on the nine-member court. And attorneys John Bahakel and Jay Mitchell of Birmingham are both seeking the Republican nomination for the Place 4 seat. The winner will face Democrat Donna Wesson Smalley in November. ___ State School Board Republicans are fighting over two seats on the Alabama State Board of Education, and the winners of both races will have Democratic opponents in the fall. Four Republicans are running for the District 2 seat held by Betty Peters, who isn’t seeking re-election. They include former Dothan school board member Melanie Hill; Coffee County resident Sybil Little; John Taylor of Dothan; and Auburn City School Board President Tracie West. The winner will face Democrat Adam Jortner in November. Business executive and former Madison school board Rich McAdams and Wayne Reynolds, a retired educator and registered nurse from Athens, are seeking the Republican nomination in District 8. The seat is now held by Mary Scott Hunter, who is running for the Alabama Senate. Jessica Fortune Barker is on the ballot as a Democrat in the General Election. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Republicans likely looking at a run-off in Attorney General’s race
Early polls and pundits called the republican primary for the Attorney General’s race the most competitive. Now with over $5 million spent in a sometimes contentious race there’s no clear front runner a run-off looks inevitable. Although the title of Attorney General might not seem like the most glamorous title in Alabama politics, the position is viewed by many as the second most important job in state government. “The powers given by the state constitution and the Legislature are significant,” Retired political science professor Jess Brown told AL.com. “But the very nature of the office is that the occupant is the chief lawyer for this state and can, in fact, go represent state government even when they don’t want him to.” Current Attorney General Steve Marshall is financially in the lead with $1.9 million in contributions. Chess Bedsole follows him with $1.7 million, former Alabama Attorney General Troy King has garnered $1.4 million and former state assistant attorney general and U.S. Attorney Alice Martin has obtained almost $1 million. Bedsole’s funds came mostly from his own contributions to his campaign. But Republican candidates will also face a somewhat formidable Democratic foe, in the November general election; former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman‘s son Joseph Siegelman has also thrown his hat in the race. And Chris Christie, no; not that Chris Chrisite has joined the race as well. University of Alabama Political Science Department Chairman Dr. Joseph Smith thinks the democratic race might actually gain some traction, due to a decent turnout for a Democratic primary in Alabama. “because of the candidates at the top of the party’s ticket. Gubernatorial candidates Walt Maddox and Sue Bell Cobb are “quality candidates,” Smith told AL.com. The most important thing in winning the race, Smith believes; is name recognition. “Marshall certainly wins on incumbency, and I think he’s got the most advertising going on,” Smith continued. “You would think Troy King would have pretty good name recognition, since he was the former attorney general, but I don’t know if that has faded from people’s heads in the last few years.” Marshall and Bedsole have tied themselves to President Donald Trump in their political ads, while Martin has chosen to emphasize the corruption issue while King has remained a fairly quiet candidate, Brown thinks he’s mostly betting on name recognition getting him into a runoff race. The primaries will be held on Tuesday, June 5.
Who’s who in statewide and congressional races on the primary ballot
Alabama’s primary ballot features multiple offices and something voters in the Republican-controlled state haven’t seen in years: Democratic races for statewide and congressional positions. Alabama Democrats have 27 total candidates running for state positions or Congress this year, more than double the 13 from 2014. That means there are several Democratic primary races, compared to just one for a statewide office four years ago. Many of the eventual Republican nominees will still run unopposed in the General Election because no Democrats qualified. But with Democratic opposition to President Donald Trump running high and after Democrat Doug Jones’ victory in Alabama’s U.S. Senate in December, the once-powerful party is trying to show signs of life. Aside from the governor’s campaign, in which five Republicans and six Democrats are vying for their party’s nominations, here are some other races to watch: ___ Attorney General Republican appointee Steve Marshall is facing voters for the first time in a statewide race as he seeks election to the office of attorney general, and it might not be easy. Marshall, a former Marshall County district attorney, has served in the job since February 2017, when then-Gov. Robert Bentley tapped him after naming Luther Strange to the U.S. Senate. Marshall is being opposed in the GOP primary by Alice Martin, a former federal prosecutor who was the state’s chief deputy attorney general; Troy King, a former state attorney general and Birmingham lawyer Chess Bedsole. Birmingham attorneys Joseph Siegelman and Chris Christie are vying for the Democratic nomination. Siegelman is the son of former Gov. Don Siegelman. The attorney general is responsible for representing the state in criminal and civil matters, and the office often is a stepping-stone to other positions. Just ask U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a former Alabama attorney general. ___ Congress Rep. Martha Roby’s bid to hold on to her District 2 seat from the Wiregrass region of southeastern Alabama for a fifth term highlights the state’s congressional primaries. The House Appropriations Committee member is being opposed by candidates including Bobby Bright, who Roby defeated to claim the seat in 2010. Other opponents include Rich Hobson of Enterprise, who managed Roy Moore’s unsuccessful Senate campaign last year. Roby gained Republican critics after distancing herself from Presidential Donald Trump’s vulgar comments about women in 2016. The eventual GOP nominee will face either education researcher Tabitha Isner of Montgomery or activist and military veteran Audri Scott Williams of Cottonwood. They’re competing for the Democratic nomination in the Republican-dominated district. Reps. Mo Brooks of Huntsville and Robert Aderholt of Haleyville also have challengers in the GOP primary, and Democrats have primaries in four districts in all. There was just one Democratic congressional primary in 2014. ___ Lieutenant Governor Alabama has been without a lieutenant governor for more than a year, and the primary is a first step toward filling the office. Alabama Public Service Commission president Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh is running in the Republican primary against two state legislators: Rep. Will Ainsworth of Guntersville and Sen. Rusty Glover of Mobile. Cavanaugh has outpaced other candidates in fundraising with nearly $1.1 million in total contributions through April. The eventual Republican nominee will face Democratic minister Will Boyd, who lost the U.S. Senate primary against Doug Jones in the special election last year. The office of lieutenant governor, who is president in the state Senate, has been vacant since April 2017, when Kay Ivey succeeded Robert Bentley as governor following his resignation and guilty plea amid a sex-tinged scandal. Ethics is a top issue in the race as the Legislature looks to review Alabama’s ethics law next year and lawmakers currently face corruption charges. ___ Supreme Court The Alabama Supreme Court isn’t in the news as often as it used to be without Roy Moore as chief justice, but the primary ballot includes three contested races on the nine-member, all-Republican panel. Current court members Lyn Stuart and Tom Parker are vying for the Republican nomination for chief justice. Stuart has been serving in the position since Moore’s suspension for violating judicial ethics and later resignation to run for the Senate. Either Stuart or Parker will face Bob Vance Jr., a Jefferson County circuit judge who is unopposed for the Democratic nomination. Court appointee Brad Mendheim is opposed by circuit judges Debra Jones of Anniston and Sarah Hicks Stewart of Mobile for the GOP nomination for Place 1 on the nine-member court. And attorneys John Bahakel and Jay Mitchell of Birmingham are both seeking the Republican nomination for the Place 4 seat. The winner will face Democrat Donna Wesson Smalley in November. ___ State School Board Republicans are fighting over two seats on the Alabama State Board of Education, and the winners of both races will have Democratic opponents in the fall. Four Republicans are running for the District 2 seat held by Betty Peters, who isn’t seeking re-election. They include former Dothan school board member Melanie Hill; Coffee County resident Sybil Little; John Taylor of Dothan; and Auburn City School Board President Tracie West. The winner will face Democrat Adam Jortner in November. Business executive and former Madison school board Rich McAdams and Wayne Reynolds, a retired educator and registered nurse from Athens, are seeking the Republican nomination in District 8. The seat is now held by Mary Scott Hunter, who is running for the Alabama Senate. Jessica Fortune Barker is on the ballot as a Democrat in the General Election. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
2018 statewide election ad roundup: May 25 edition
The June 5 Republican and Democratic primaries are only 11 days away and Alabama’s candidates have taken to the internet and the airwaves with campaign ads in hopes of swaying Yellowhammer State voters to their side. All of the Republican gubernatorial candidates fought for voter’s attention, with each one rolling out a new ad this week. In true Sue Bell Cobb fashion, Cob rolled out two new ads this week, maintaining her streak for what is now her tenth week in a row. Only Rusty Glover, and Will Ainsworth released new ads in the Lieutenant Governor’s race, while Chess Bedsole, Steve Marshall, and Alice Martin let voters know what’s on their minds. (Hint: it’s corruption) Lone-wolf Jim Zeigler launched his first ad of the 2018 election cycle in the early morning hours last Saturday while tens of thousands of Alabamians were up and watching the royal wedding. Gubernatorial ads Republicans Tommy Battle: Title: Battle For Governor Commercial 2 Published: May 24, 2018 Tone: Encouraging Title: Battle For Governor Commercial 3 Published: May 24, 2018 Tone: Pragmatic Scott Dawson: Title: “The Time is Now” Bus Tour Published: May 24, 2018 Tone: Urgent Bill Hightower: Title: Recycling Published: May 22, 2018 Tone: Contemplative Kay Ivey: Title: Prosperity Published: May 21, 2018 Tone: Optimistic Democrats Sue Bell Cobb: Title: Clean Water is a Human Right Published: May 23, 2018 Tone: Accusing Title: Lifelong Learner Lottery funds Quality Educational Childcare Published: May 24, 2018 Tone: Lighthearted Lieutenant governor ads Republicans Will Ainsworth: Title: Pencil Published: May 22, 2018 Tone: Direct Rusty Glover: Title: “Common Sense” – Rusty Glover for Lieutenant Governor Published: May 22, 2018 Tone: Earnest Title: “Legacy” – Rusty Glover for Lieutenant Governor Published: May 23, 2018 Tone: Virtuous Attorney General ads Republicans Chess Bedsole: Title: Justice Published: May 24, 2018 Tone: Forceful Steve Marshall: Title: Stand Published: May 22, 2018 Tone: Conventional Title: A Principled Conservative Published: May 24, 2018 Tone: Defensive Alice Martin: Title: Stop the Deal-makers Published: May 23, 2018 Tone: Disapproving State Auditor ads Republicans Jim Zeigler: Title: Jim Zeigler – 2018 – State Auditor Published: May 19, 2018 Tone: Assertive
Alice Martin asked Robert Bentley for attorney general’s appointment
Republican attorney general candidate Alice Martin last year asked then-Gov. Robert Bentley to appoint her as attorney general while Bentley faced a criminal investigation by her office, but said Friday she played no active role in the probe after seeking the job. Public records obtained from the attorney general’s office by The Associated Press show Martin, while chief deputy in the attorney general’s office under Luther Strange, sent a Jan. 26, 2017 email to Bentley’s office seeking, “consideration for appointment to the office of attorney general” if the position became available. “I trust the Governor will consider my qualifications and experience to serve as the first female and 50th Attorney General for the state of Alabama should the seat be vacated,” Martin wrote. In later emails from her state account, she thanked two people for calling, or offering to write, Bentley on her behalf and that she hoped the governor “will give me the nod.” The emails show that Martin actively sought the appointment. Martin issued a statement saying that she put her name into consideration when it became clear that Bentley would be appointing a new attorney general, because she believed she was the most qualified for the job. Bentley last year appointed Strange to the U.S. Senate to fill the seat previously held by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. The move raised some eyebrows since it allowed Bentley to appoint a new state attorney general as he faced an ethics investigation in the fallout of an alleged affair with a staffer. After interviewing Martin and other candidates Bentley on Feb. 10 appointed Steve Marshall, the longtime district attorney of Marshall County, as attorney general. Martin is challenging Marshall in the GOP primary for attorney general. Marshall recused immediately from any matter involving Bentley and appointed Ellen Brooks, the former district attorney of Montgomery County, to handle the probe. Asked about the appropriateness of seeking the appointment, Martin said she played no part in the investigation after seeking the post. “As I have long stated, after it became apparent that the Governor would be making a Senate appointment that would leave the Attorney General position vacant, I asked that my name be considered. I believed then, as I believe now, that I was the most qualified candidate for the position and would best serve Alabama. After seeking consideration, I had no role in the Bentley investigation except to attend a briefing for Marshall and Brooks,” Martin said in a statement. It is unclear exactly what the status of the investigation was when Martin interviewed with Bentley for the appointment. Martin wrote in a Feb.16 letter to Brooks after meeting with her said her role had been to provide “legal oversight and administrative support for this investigation since opened.” Martin wrote that she was recusing from further involvement. Martin later left the office and Marshall named his own chief deputy. Martin said in a statement that it was clear during her interview with Bentley that he had, “made his choice and that it would not be me. He was more interested in a status quo Attorney General like Steve Marshall rather than someone who will stand up to corrupt public officials.” Bentley resigned two months later, pleading guilty to misdemeanor campaign finance violations. Brooks announced this spring that the grand jury was closed without additional indictments, but with recommendations to toughen the state ethics law. Martin has criticized the outcome of the Bentley investigation, saying that Bentley got a “get out of jail free card.” Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Here’s everyone who BamaCarry has endorsed in the 2018 election cycle
BamaCarry, a Second Amendment gun rights group who prides itself on being “Alabama’s only ‘No Compromise’ gun rights group” has endorsed five candidates in the 2018 election cycle. The groups believes gun rights should be protected and preserved in the way that the founding fathers stated, and that “that Every Citizen has the right to bear arms in defense of self and state.” The goal of the organization is to return to those principles and they are currently working to bring Constitutional carry forward in the State of Alabama. Below are their endorsements: Governor: Scott Dawson BamaCarry, INC is proud to endorse Scott Dawson for Governor of the Great State of Alabama. We believe that Scott has the conviction to champion our Second Amendment rights, the courage to stand against liberal elites who constantly seek to chip away at those rights, and the character—built over a lifetime—to follow through on his promises. Every year in Montgomery, BamaCarry has to combat establishment politicians who infringe upon our freedoms—one small compromise at a time. We believe that Montgomery’s systemic problems can’t be corrected by electing yet another career politician who wants to establish another worthless task force. Alabama needs an outsider who has the passion and the vision to lead this state towards a more bold and conservative future. Scott Dawson is the only candidate in the race who fits this bill. Therefore, BamaCarry urges all Alabamians who care about respecting our constitutional liberties—and especially preserving our sacred “right to keep and bear arms”—to elect Scott Dawson as the next Governor of Alabama. Lt. Governor: Will Ainsworth “Throughout his time in the Alabama Legislature and in every vote he has cast, Will Ainsworth has proven to be a staunch defender of the Second Amendment and a strong supporter of gun rights for citizens across the state,” said BamaCarry organizer Bruce Wade. “Will Ainsworth understands that gun free zones put law-abiding citizens in danger, and his plan allowing teachers to voluntarily carry firearms is the only proposal that will defend our classrooms and protect our children.” Attorney General: Alice Martin “Alice Martin is the only Attorney General candidate for those who care about protecting their second amendment rights here in Alabama,” said BamaCarry President Eddie Fulmer. “She is a fighter who will not bow down to the pressures from liberals in and outside of Alabama. She has removed more corrupt elected officials than any other AG! We believe she will do all that’s possible to “clean up” our Statehouse. She is also a firm believer in the Constitution. BamaCarry, INC is proud to endorse her in this race, and our full support is behind her.” State Auditor: Jim Zeigler Jim Zeigler is a man with convictions who cares about protecting our Second Amendment rights in Alabama! He has fought against gun-free zones and no-gun signs on public property and supports Constitutional carry. Jim believes we should have NO conditions on Constitutional rights. Jim has been a member of BamaCarry since we first formed and has participated in every one of our BamaCarry Firearm Freedom Conferences. We believe Jim Ziegler is a fighter who will not end to pressure from liberals in and outside of Alabama. Fighting corruption, He filed the initial ethics complaint against former governor Robert Bentley and has worked to clean up our state government. BamaCarry Inc. is proud to endorse Jim Zeigler in the race for State Auditor, and our full support is behind him. Court of Criminal Appeals: Chris McCool Chris currently serves as District Attorney for the 25th Judicial Circuit of Alabama (Fayette, Lamar, and Pickens Counties), and has been a trial court prosecutor for more than two decades. He has a proven record of 25 years of trial-level experience that is needed on the Court of Criminal Appeals. He has a history of vigorously prosecuting violent crimes, property crimes, sexual assaults, and public corruption case in his circuit. Chris is a farmer who grew up working hard and understands our Alabama values when it comes to gun ownership and gun rights. He is a husband, a father of four, and a pastor, who approaches decisions from the basis of common sense and fairness. We believe he will take his practical courtroom experience and common sense to the appellate courts of this State, and will seek to do justice and to apply the rule of law as a judge. Chris is also a firm believer in the Constitution. BamaCarry, INC is proud to endorse Chris McCool for Place 2, Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, and our full support is behind him.
Wetumpka TEA party straw poll results
After a large turnout at the Wetumpka TEA Party’s event on Monday night, the straw poll results are in. Advertised as a “meet and greet,” the event allowed Alabamians to meet each candidate individually and ask them questions about the position they are seeking, rather than listen to speeches and debates. Over 40 candidates from offices across the state attended the event. Governor’s race The polls concluded that Scott Dawson is the favorite in the Republican governor’s race, remaining undefeated in grassroots straw polls thus far this election season. “Our winning track record in grassroots straw polls reflects the support I see every single day on the campaign trail,” Dawson said. “We’re bringing a vision for the future, hope for Alabama politics, conservative solutions, and an outsider option with the moxie to top the special interests and make Montgomery a place that serves the people again.” Lt. Governor’s race In the race for lieutenant governor, Rusty Glover took the top spot. “I am extremely pleased to see the results of this poll. It shows the momentum that is building for my campaign as a direct result of the hard work I’m putting in across our great state,” stated Glover. “For me, this race is about putting the people of Alabama first. As Lieutenant Governor, I will be a leader and listen to what is important to the people of our state.” Attorney General’s race Alice Martin won the straw poll for Attorney General by over 10 points. “Last night’s results clearly show that the momentum in this race is with my campaign and that we have strong grassroots support throughout the state,” said Martin. “Conservative organizations like the Wetumpka TEA Party have led the fight against big government policies and corruption here in Alabama and I am proud to have the support of a great majority of their members. Conservatives here in Alabama knows that if I am elected Attorney General, establishment politicians will no longer be allowed to enjoy business-as-usual in Montgomery and corrupt officials will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” State Auditor’s race In a landslide victory, Jim Zeigler won the poll for State Auditor. Other races John Merrill won the poll for Secretary of State by over 130 points, Rick Pate was the top choice for Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, and John McMillan was the winner of the State Treasure’s poll, leading by nearly 120 points. The Wetumpka TEA Party stressed in a Facebook post on Tuesday the poll was not scientifically backed, or an endorsement for any particular candidates. It was for purely educational purposes.
Wetumpka TEA Party hosts GOP candidate meet and greet
The Wetumpka TEA Party will host the River Region Candidate Fair on Monday evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. for candidates running in the 2018 Republican primary election. Over 40 candidates have confirmed their attendance for the event, which will be held at the Wetumpka Civic Center. Advertised as a “meet & greet,” the event will allow Alabamians to meet each candidate individually and ask them questions about the position they are seeking, rather than listen to speeches and debates. The Wetumpka TEA party will also be conducting a straw poll at the end of the night, with results posted Tuesday morning. “Our mission at the Wetumpka TEA Party is to educate citizens on national, state and local issues and help them get involved in our representative government,” said Wetumpka Tea Party founder Becky Gerritson. “It is important that people vote for their elected officials because they know what the candidates stand for and do not just rely on 30 second commercials and attractive yard signs. This is a terrific opportunity to meet the candidates who are running for an elected position, to ask them questions and understand what each candidate stands for.” The following candidates have confirmed their attendance on Monday night: CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICES Governor: Bill Hightower, Kay Ivey, Scott Dawson, Tommy Battle (will send a representative) Lieutenant Governor: Will Ainsworth, Twinkle Cavanaugh, Rusty Glover Attorney General: Chess Bedsole, Troy King, Alice Martin Auditor: Stan Cooke, Elliott Lipinsky, Jim Zeigler Secretary of State: Michael Johnson, John Merrill Treasurer: Stephen Evans, John McMillan Commissioner for Agriculture and Industries: Gerald Dial, Rick Pate (will send a representative) STATE LEGISLATURE Alabama House of Representatives 31: Dustin DeVaughn, Mike Holmes Alabama House of Representatives 88: Al Booth Alabama Senate 25: Will Barfoot, Ronda Walker Alabama Senate 30: Clyde Chambliss (Unopposed) ALABAMA COURT SYSTEM Supreme Court Chief Justice: Tom Parker AL Supreme Court Place 1: Sarah Stewart AL Court of Civil Appeals Place 1: Michelle Thomason, Pat Thetford Circuit Court 19 Judge: Bill Lewis (Unopposed) PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION Public Service Commission Place 1: Jeremy Oden, Jim Bonner Public Service Commission Place 2: Chip Beeker, Robin Litaker LOCAL AND CIRCUIT RACES: Elmore County Sheriff: Bill Franklin (Unopposed) Probate Judge (Elmore): Vicki Bonner-Ward, John Thornton Elmore County Commission Dist 4: Bart Mercer (Unopposed) Coroner (Elmore): Brad Linville, Jody Jeffcoat Circuit Clerk (Elmore): Michael Dozier, Angie Cruise-Gardner FEDERAL RACE U.S. Congress Dist 2: Rich Hobson, Bobby Bright, Barry Moore A flier for the event may be viewed here: River region candidate fair.
Attorney General candidates make their case in candidate forum
Republican candidates for attorney general shared a stage for the first time in an occasionally contentious forum that previewed a race shaping up to be one of the most hotly contested of 2018. Attorney General Steve Marshall, former U.S. Attorney Alice Martin, former Attorney General Troy King and GOP lawyer Chess Bedsole spoke Saturday to the Mid-Alabama Republican Club. Marshall, who was appointed by then-Gov. Robert Bentley, said he is running an independent office focused on enforcing the law, not politics. Martin emphasized her record prosecuting public corruption cases, while King said the state had been embarrassed by recent scandals. Martin criticized Marshall as a party-switcher. Bedsole said he was the only one who had not sought the appointment from Bentley, who resigned during an ethics investigation. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Business Council of Alabama endorses Steve Marshall for Attorney General
ProgressPAC — the political action committee of the Business Council of Alabama — on Monday announced the endorsement of incumbent Attorney General Steve Marshall in the Republican primary. “Attorney General Steve Marshall’s commitment to the rule of law, putting violent criminals in jail and working to put an end to the opioid crisis made our endorsement an easy decision. His willingness to fight federal overreach makes him a tremendous asset to Alabama’s vibrant business community,” said ProgressPAC Chairman Mike Kemp. ProgressPAC’s board of directors said they voted to endorse Marshall because of his character and his support of issues that are important to Alabama’s business community. “For these reasons and others, ProgressPAC is proud to endorse Steve Marshall in the June 5 primary,” explained Kemp. Marshall said he is honored to receive the endorsement. “ProgressPAC understands the importance of fostering a pro-business environment in Alabama and I’m honored to receive their endorsement,” said Marshall. “This support from the business community will give us great momentum heading into the June primary.” Marshall served as district attorney in Marshall County Ala. for 16 years. He built a reputation of fighting crime and was instrumental in the passage of state legislation to track the sale of ingredients used to produce crystal meth. Marshall also took a lead role supporting the passage of the Brody Act which has made it possible to prosecute criminals for two crimes if they kill or injure an unborn baby during an attack on the mother. Marshall also serves as co-chair of Governor Kay Ivey’s Opioid Overdose and Addiction Council. Steve and his wife, Bridgette, have a daughter named Faith and currently reside in Albertville, Ala. Marshall faces Alice Martin, Chess Bedsole, and Troy King in the June 5 Republican primary.
Mike Hubbard prosecutor endorses Alice Martin in Attorney General race
Van Davis, the acting attorney general in the prosecution of former Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard, endorsed former federal prosecutor Alice Martin for Attorney General on Monday. Martin, a conservative Republican with a record of fighting public corruption, was a member of Davis’ team that successfully convicted Hubbard. “Alice Martin is the one candidate in this race that I can trust to prosecute corrupt officials in Alabama,” said Davis. “While talking though on corruption is a talking point for many politicians, including many in this race, Alice is the only candidate to prove her commitment. Alice’s strong record clearly shows she goes after lawbreakers no matter what their political position. I am lucky enough to see first hand how passionate Alice is about sticking up for the average citizen in Alabama and I am proud to endorse her in this race.” Martin said she’s honored to receive Davis’ endorsement. “It is a great honor to receive Van Davis’ endorsement in this race,” said Martin. “Van is the prime example of someone who is willing to do whatever it takes in order to prosecute those who break the law. I had the pleasure of working with Van to prosecute former Speaker Mike Hubbard and I appreciate his support in this important race.” Martin is seeking to unseat current AG Steve Marshall, who was appointed by then Gov. Robert Bentley on Feb. 20, 2017 after Luther Strange was appointed to the U.S. Senate. The two will face off against former AG Troy King, Birmingham attorney Chess Bedsole in the June 5 Republican primary. The winner of that race will go on to face Democrat, Birmingham attorney Chris Christie, in the Nov. 6 general election. Watch the endorsement announcement below:
