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
Bill Hightower runs for governor on flat tax, term limits
State Sen. Bill Hightower is stressing his background as a businessman as he runs for governor on a sweeping platform of proposed government overhauls that include term limits for legislators and replacing the state income tax code with a flat tax. “I think Alabama needs a businessman. I think Alabama needs something different than they ever had before,” Hightower said in an interview with The Associated Press. Hightower is challenging Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey in the June 5 Republican primary along with evangelist Scott Dawson and Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. A relative newcomer in state politics, Hightower was first elected to the Alabama Senate in a 2013 special election and won a full term in 2014. Hightower said he didn’t feel as strongly about term limits when he first was elected to the Alabama Legislature, but believes that lawmakers should be limited to three consecutive terms. “It seems like the enemy of improvement became the professional politician, the people who are trying to keep the status quo. Term limits will change Montgomery in a way which I think will enable us to make the reforms,” Hightower said. A graduate of the University of South Alabama who earned an MBA at Vanderbilt University, Hightower worked for large manufacturing companies, living overseas. He moved back to Mobile in 2002, saying he and his wife wanted to raise their children “at home” in Alabama. “My background in corporate was a lot of strategic planning. I want to develop that plan that’s going to serve Alabama well,” Hightower said. As a member of the Legislature, Hightower proposed to change Alabama’s income tax to a flat tax, and said he will propose that again if elected governor. “You just go online, or go on a post card and pay your taxes.” He said he would also like to end budgetary earmarks and “reprioritize” spending, noting that Alabama earmarks more revenue than any other state. “Nobody else in the nation is saying Alabama does it right and I’m convinced waste and fraud is in the budget,” Hightower said. Alabama lawmakers have previously rejected those proposals — un-earmarking, a flat tax and term limits — as bills on those topics failed to win approval. However, Hightower said believes the ideas are popular with voters and will gather momentum. The Republican senator said he is against tax increases until the state enacts budgetary reforms. On infrastructure, Hightower said he wants to create an Alabama Road and Bridge Commission, sell unneeded state property holdings to fund construction and commission a study to determine the feasibility of connecting major Alabama cities by high-speed rail. He said he would also like to increase partnerships between the two-year college system, businesses and high schools to improve vocational education. Hightower has been critical of Ivey’s decision to skip two debates, saying it’s important for the public and press to get a chance to “vet the candidates.” “She’s not being properly vetted,” Hightower said. Hightower was also the first candidate to raise the issue of health, releasing his own medical records and challenging candidates to do the same. Ivey, who became Alabama’s governor last year when her predecessor resigned in a sex-tinged scandal, has both a fundraising and name recognition advantage over her lesser-known primary challengers. However, Hightower believes Ivey will be forced into a July runoff with one of her competitors. Hightower said he believes voters largely make up their minds in the final two weeks of the campaign, and are interested in the policies and proposals of candidates. “You can’t accuse me of being light on policy,” Hightower said. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
Only 30 days until the primary election: get voting information here
With the Alabama primary elections only 30 days away voters in the yellowhammer state need to know where to vote, and who’s on their ballot. According to the Secretary of State’s office, the last day to register to vote or update your voter registration is the 15th day prior to the election, making the last day to register before the June 5 primary May 21. Absentee ballots are available for those who cannot be physically present to vote, but you must complete an application before May 31. Here are the links to the statewide candidate’s website: Governor’s race: Republicans: Tommy Battle Scott Dawson Bill Hightower Kay Ivey Democrats: Sue Bell Cobb James Fields Walt Maddox Attorney General’s Race: Republicans: Steve Marshall Chess Bedsole Troy King Alice Martin Democrats: Chris Christie Joseph Siegelman Sample Ballots: Jefferson County: Montgomery County: Madison County: Mobile County:
Kay Ivey’s Republican challengers release health information
Gov. Kay Ivey’s challengers are indirectly trying to raise questions about her health ahead of Alabama’s June 5 primary, releasing their own medical information and saying the public deserves to have confidence in the health of the next governor. Ivey, the 73-year-old front-runner, dismissed the attempts Friday as a “publicity stunt.” The state’s gubernatorial candidates have generally not released health information. State Sen. Bill Hightower, 58, released copies of his blood tests and a cardiac stress test and called on other candidates to do the same, saying voters have a right to know about not only experience and vision, but the candidate’s physical ability to lead.” Sixty-two-year-old Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle followed suit Friday by releasing a letter from his doctor saying his general medical condition is “very good.” “This is about the health of each candidate,” Hightower said Friday. “Alabama needs to have a governor who is strong and vigorous and can complete the term.” Hightower declined to say if he was directly questioning Ivey’s health and physical fitness. The doctor’s letter released by Battle’s campaign also says he has no “physical evidence of underlying medical illness.” Battle takes no medications other than for seasonal allergies, his doctor added. “Battle believes it is important that the people of Alabama have faith and confidence in the health of their governor. That’s why he’s being transparent about his fitness to lead,” his campaign statement said. Ivey turns 74 in October, and if elected in November, she’ll be one of the oldest in state history, although only slightly older than some previous governors. “Maybe with age comes wisdom,” Ivey told The Associated Press in an interview last month. “My health is good. I get physicals twice a year. All is well. If you look at our schedules, you can see how active I am. Thank goodness and thank God I am healthy and will continue to be if the Lord wills.” Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Scott Dawson stresses evangelist background, outsider status
Republican gubernatorial hopeful and evangelist Scott Dawson said if people are surprised to see him running for governor, they are not alone. In a way, he is too. Dawson said he got in the governor’s race because he was tired of the state being embarrassed by corruption, noting the number of recent governors involved in scandals. He said he sees his newness to the political arena as an advantage, not a hindrance. “I’m one of us. I’m not a politician. The competitive advantage I’ve got is that everyone else is serving in office. I’m the one that’s been one of us for 30 years,” Dawson said. Dawson is one of three Republicans, along with Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and state Sen. Bill Hightower, challenging Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey in the June 5 Republican primary. Speaking at a lunchtime gathering at a senior center in Jasper, Dawson said some will argue the state needs a “seasoned politician” or a businessman as governor. “I am convinced more than ever before, Alabama needs a leader. Alabama needs someone who can cast a vision,” he said. Dawson, 50, is a native of Ensley and graduated from Samford University and Beeson Divinity School. He is the founder of the Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association. The organization, among other things, hosts youth and pastor retreats and large-scale Christian revival meetings. “I’ll go ahead and tell you I make decisions through a Biblical world view,” Dawson told the crowd in Jasper, adding quickly that he understands “we’re not creating a theocracy” and respects those of different beliefs. While trailing far behind in monetary donations, Dawson’s underdog campaign has been assisted by prominent friends made during his decades in ministry, and whose names he mentions in his campaign speech. He announced his intention to run on the Rick and Bubba Show, a syndicated morning radio show; has turned to former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee for advice; and received donations from Hobby Lobby co-founders David and Barbara Green. Dawson said he supports legislation that would take Alabama “out of the marriage business” by doing away with probate judge-signed marriage licenses. He said he also supports the repeal of the Common Core curriculum standards and would like to implement mandatory drug testing for students seeking to be involved in extracurricular activities. Asked about education funding, Dawson responded that he thought the state has a “leadership issue” and not a “funding issue.” However, Dawson said he has declined to sign a no new taxes pledge. Dawson made the decision to run in early 2017, thinking that he would be running for an open seat. Instead, Ivey became governor after former Gov. Robert Bentley resigned in scandal. She is seeking a full term after a year of holding office. Dawson has criticized Ivey’s decision not to attend debates with her primary challengers, saying that she should be “vetted” for the position since she wasn’t previously elected governor. Ivey’s campaign has said she is focused on official duties, and that her record is open to voters and the media. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Walt Maddox receives endorsement from Ron Sparks, other Alabama influencers
Walt Maddox‘s campaign announced on the backing of former Alabama Agricultural Commissioner Ron Sparks on Monday. “Walt has compassion and he has leadership. He stood in the streets of Tuscaloosa in its darkest hours and darkest days. He showed compassion, leadership, and strength to rebuild the city,” said Sparks. “He will never put party over the people of Alabama.” Maddox hinted that should he be elected, Sparks might be asked to join his administration. “I am honored to receive the endorsement of Ron Sparks,” said Maddox. “Ron has been a political force in Alabama for years and he shares our vision for a better Alabama. He will be an invaluable asset to this campaign and to my administration should I be elected governor.” This is just one of many endorsements Maddox has received recently; last week he revived an endorsement from Mobile-Democrat Sen. Vivian Figures, and in March received and endorsement from Russellville-Democrat, former state Sen. Roger Bedford. “I am honored and proud to endorse Mayor Walt Maddox to be our next governor,” said Figures. “I know he is ready to serve all of the people of AL, because he’s not filled with empty rhetoric, but has a plan that will move AL to the next level.” Bedford said, “I know first-hand that Walt Maddox has what it takes. He has a proven record in Tuscaloosa and is a new fresh face we need in Montgomery. He has the knowledge, demeanor, and work ethic to make a difference and will make us proud to call him our governor.” Maddox will face former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb, along with Christopher Countryman, James Fields, Doug Smith and Anthony White in the June 5 Democratic primary. The winner will go on to face the Republican nominee in the general election, to be selected among: Gov. Kay Ivey, Tommy Battle, Bill Hightower, or Scott Dawson.
Gubernatorial hopeful Bill Hightower releases medical records, calls opponents to do same
Gubernatorial hopeful, State Sen Bill Hightower (R-Mobile), released his medical records Friday, calling on his fellow candidates for Governor of Alabama to do likewise. Hightower’s personal physician in Mobile, Ala. writes that the 58-year-old Hightower is in “excellent physical health.” Dr. Gamil S. Dawood says Hightower “has undergone a number of tests resulting in acceptable/normal ranges.” Among the tests mentioned were a routine colonoscopy, a cardiac calcium scan, a cardiolite Myocardial Perfusion Exercise stress Test, and blood panel. “These tests did not indicate or raise any concerns about Mr. Hightower’s health,” Dr. Dawood concluded. Hightower said he’s releasing his records because he believes the job of a Governor is “is a physically demanding role and there is much work to do.” “I am releasing my medical records because I believe the voters of Alabama have a right to know that the candidates they are voting for not only have the right experience and vision, but the physical ability to lead,” said Hightower. “The job of Governor is a physically demanding role and there is much work to do. It is critical that our next Governor has the stamina to meet the needs of the people of this state, and I urge my fellow candidates to join me in providing the voters with the information necessary for them to make a decision this June.” View Hightower’s medical records below:
Bill Hightower said 1,700 families generate 80 percent of crime in Mobile, but is that true?
During AL.com’s Reckon debate on April 18, Alabama State Senator and gubernatorial candidate Bill Hightower said that in Mobile approximately “1,700 families generate 80 percent of the crime.” But is this statistic correct? “The general idea that a few people are engaged in a lot of problem behavior and criminal behavior makes a lot of sense and would be consistent with what we see with a lot of other types of crime,” Adam Lankford, an associate professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of Alabama told AL.com. And his statement holds up; according to one study conducted by the Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health in 2013, “a majority of violent crimes are perpetrated by a small number of persistent violent offenders.” A more recent study by the Crime Prevention Research Center also concluded that 2 percent of counties in the nation make up 52 percent of murders throughout the nation; Mobile county was included in that statistic. The thought process is consistent with data found by criminologists. However, according to Politifact, Hightower was basing his remark on research from the Mobile County district attorney’s office which found that, “of the 65,000 students in the district, only 1,500 students were responsible for 75 to 80 percent of serious school infractions. The district attorney then cross-referenced the students with home addresses to identify 1,200 households.” Hightower’s point is compatible with available data from several sources, but he failed to correctly describe it. Crime rates in Mobile have been significantly declining over the past ten years. In 2006, there were approximately 17,000 crimes compared to only 13,407 in 2014, but according to the Mobile Police Department, crimes in the first three months of 2017 and 2018 are trending higher than the first three months of 2015 and 2016. Although crime rates overall have been trending down, the county’s violent crime rate is on the rise. Mobile County experienced a total of 61 homicides in 2016, compared to 34 homicides in 2006; and when you compare the first three months of 2017 and 2018, the number of rapes in the county are on track to hit the 120 mark this year, compared to 89 in 2016.
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.
Scott Dawson calls for investigation of all Alabama abortion clinics
Gubernatorial candidate Scott Dawson called for the investigation of all Alabama abortion clinic’s on Friday; after it was reported that a Montgomery abortion clinic failed to report potential sexual abuse 13 year-old patient. According to AL.com, the girl first visited the clinic in January 2016 and gave the clinic a birth date in July 2000, which would have made her 15. Two weeks later when she returned to have the abortion she brought her birth certificate showing that she was born in July 2002, meaning she was actually 13 at the time the abortion was performed. The girl had a second abortion in April of 2017, when she was 14 years old. In January of this year, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) sent an inspector to interview the director of the clinic who verified the information and only reported the patient and both abortions to ADPH after the inspection. The clinic has since provided the ADPH with a complete correction plan to revise how it obtains and reviews information from minors. “The news coming out of Montgomery breaks my heart and the apathy exhibited by our Montgomery politicians is angering,” declared Dawson. “When a 13-year-old child—with non-English speaking parents—is given an abortion, without a third-party counselor and no suspicion of sexual abuse and no report, we know Montgomery needs new leadership. Where is law enforcement? If this were a public school employee who had failed to report potential sexual abuse, they would be without a job and under investigation.” Dawson said as Governor he will immediately call for a full investigation of all abortion clinics across the state. “As Governor, I will immediately call for full investigation of all abortion clinics in the State of Alabama and at minimum, I will see to it that the Department of Public Health is held accountable to enforce their own rules, and that entities operating like this will be closed,” explained Dawson. “In Alabama, we treasure all human life—the born, the unborn, and certainly 13-year-old children who may need to be rescued from an abusive situation. Just because a clinic can legally murder, doesn’t mean they get a pass on the laws of this state.” Dawson faces Incumbent governor Kay Ivey, Huntsville mayor Tommy Battle, and State Sen. Bill Hightower in the June 5 Republican primary.
Top five take aways from the gubernatorial debates
With the June 5 Democratic and Republican gubernatorial primaries only 52 days away, candidates have begun to participate in debates across the state, trying to persuade voters to their side. On Wednesday, and Thursday night WVTM hosted two gubernatorial debates, one for each party. On Wednesday, former Alabama Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox and former state legislator James Fields participated in the Democratic debate. And on Thursday, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, state Sen. Bill Hightower and evangelist Scott Dawson participated in the Republican debate. Here are 5 takeaways from the debates: 5. Candidates are open to Medical Marijuana, but not recreational Marijuana. The legalization of Marijuana was a question that debate panelists asked both the Republican and Democratic candidates. And although all three candidates referred to the plant as a “gateway” drug, Dawson and Hightower said they were not opposed to allowing medical marijuana within the state, as long as it was highly regulated and available only to those who really need it. Battle however, was opposed, saying “Medical marijuana opens up the same gateway, the gateway that goes to the opioids, which goes to heroin, which also becomes a national crisis, and it has become a national crisis.” During the Democratic debate candidates were asked specifically about the decriminalization of marijuana and medical marijuana. All three Democratic candidates support the legalization of medical marijuana. Maddox said there are three necessary steps to take within the state; decriminalization, institute full use of medical marijuana, and to continue to look at states who have recreational use, collect data from them, and use that data to move forward. 4. Most candidates are in support of an Education Lottery The question of an Education Lottery was also posed in both debates, Maddox and Cobb are known for their support of an education lottery, and Fields said that he would introduce a “clean piece of legislation” for Alabamians to vote on, if they want an education lottery. In the Republican debate; Hightower and Dawson were both opposed, with Hightower saying he really dislikes that lotteries are marketed to minorities and that the financial burden they carry rests on minority groups. Battle said we would allow citizens to vote on a lottery, and that he supports it, although he believes it’s not a cure-all for the state’s problems. 3. Candidates took party stances on increasing the Minimum wage In the republican debate candidates were asked about increasing the state’s minimum wage; no candidates were in support of raising the minimum wage. Battle and Dawson cited their experiences, and how low their starting pay was when they were young. “Raising the minimum wage hurts the poor, it’s cuts them out of jobs. And there’s something worse than not having a minimum wage, and that’s not having a job,” said Hightower. Democratic candidates Cobb and Maddox discussed the minimum wage when Cobb asked Maddox, “How would you convince the voters of Alabama that you truly are for increasing the minimum wage since you used all of your power and influence to defeat the minimum wage when it came before the city council in Tuscaloosa.” To which Maddox replied, “Lets be clear, I support the minimum wage increase, in fact the City of Tuscaloosa is the only entity I know on the record supporting not only a statewide minimum wage, but tying it to the CPI…The legislation she’s talking about would have allowed cities to raise minimum wage, which would have violated Alabama law…It would have been wrong of me to promise something to the citizens of Tuscaloosa that I couldn’t deliver.” Fields did not get the opportunity to comment on a minimum wage increase. 2. Roy Moore is still a hot-button issue Although not mentioned in the Democratic debates, Roy Moore was mentioned several times during the Republican debates. The debate panel asked candidates wether or not they voted for Moore, and was mentioned when the panelists asked about Ten Commandments legislation. Battle said he supported the Republican candidate, but that if the allegations were true, Moore did not need to serve in the Senate. “You have to give the benefit of doubt, you have to look at [the fact that] this was 40 years ago; [and these are] serious accusations. But I will answer the question; Yes. I did vote for Roy Moore,” said Dawson. 1. Kay Ivey declined the invitation to participate. d The most talked about issue covered in the Republican debates was the fact that incumbent Governor Kay Ivey declined the invitation to participate in the debates. She was, instead, throwing the first pitch at the Baron’s baseball game just down the hill from the debate. All candidates criticized Ivey’s choice and agreed that by skipping the debate, saying Ivey did a disservice to all Alabama voters. Candidates were asked why they thought they would be better candidates than Ivey. “Well I’m here, answering your questions for one,” said Hightower. “People lose the value of public service, and thats a shame…being at a baseball game, throwing the first ball out versus coming to talk about the issues and what really affects our communities, that’s a shame,” said Battle. Dawson said he took it personally because he flew back from a pastor’s meeting in Kansas city to be at the debate. “Alabama deserves; we deserve; as a voter I deserve; to hear her vision her dream, and her passion for the future of Alabama,” said Dawson.
Challengers criticize absent Kay Ivey as governor skips debate
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s Republican primary challengers took aim Thursday night at her decision to skip a televised debate. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, state Sen. Bill Hightower and evangelist Scott Dawson criticized Ivey’s decision to not attend the Thursday debate hosted by WVTM-13 in Birmingham. Ivey was also in Birmingham Thursday night but was throwing out the first pitch at the Birmingham Barons’ minor league baseball game. Dawson said while Ivey is the incumbent, she was never elected or vetted for that post. Ivey, who was lieutenant governor, became governor automatically a year ago when then-Gov. Robert Bentley resigned in the midst of a sex-tinged scandal. “Our current governor was not elected to this position. She was appointed to this position and we deserve to know what she is going to do in the future,” Dawson said. “I have to start asking myself…Are we hiding something?” Dawson said. Asked why he was a better choice than Ivey to be the GOP nominee for governor, Hightower began with, “Well, I’m here. I’m answering your questions. That’s one.” Battle said it was “a shame” that someone would attend a baseball game instead of discussing the issues of the state. Ivey will also not attend a debate next week hosted by al.com. When asked about her debate absences, Ivey told The Decatur Daily Thursday morning that she was focused on governing. “This race is about our individual records and mine is an open book,” Ivey told the newspaper. The three candidates, who had a chance to put questions to each other, used the opportunity to take aim at the absent governor instead. Hightower said Ivey was “taking credit for a lot of things going on in Huntsville” such as low unemployment and the decision for Toyota and Mazda to build an auto plant in that city that will eventually employ 4,000 people. “I want to know how that makes you feel,” Hightower asked Battle. Battle responded chuckling that certain campaign ads make it look like “no one else was there” but said the effort was under way long before Ivey was governor. “It was a huge team effort. It was a local team effort We got the site ready for 10 years. I visited Japan for the past four years.” Battle said. Dawson asked Hightower if Ivey was “engaged” in dealings with the Alabama Legislature. Hightower, in what appeared to be a jab at Ivey’s age, replied that the state needed someone with “the vision, the vigor and the health to carry the state forward.” Ivey is 73. The three GOP candidates agreed on a number of other issues. All three opposed raising the state minimum wage. They also expressed support for Ivey’s proposal to put a work requirement on the state’s few able-bodied Medicaid recipients. Hightower and Dawson expressed opposition to a state lottery. Battle said a lottery could be a “financial tool” to help fund education programs but was not a “cure-all.” The primary election is June 5. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
