Most Republican appellate court incumbents win without an opponent as Democrats concede state appellate courts to the GOP
Major party qualifying ended on Friday. Four Republican Alabama Supreme Court Justices won election when no opponent – Republican or Democrat came forward. Justices Will Sellers, Tommy Bryan, and Jay Mitchell were all effectively re-elected as they face no Republican primary challenger. Write-in candidates are not allowed in party primaries. No attorney qualified for any of these races as a Democrat, so they are unlikely to face an opponent in the November general election. Chris McCool gave up his seat on the Court of Criminal Appeals to run for the open Place 1 associate supreme court justice seat. He also had no Republican or Democratic opponent qualify. On the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, Republican incumbent Judges Richard Minor and Bill Cole were both effectively re-elected when no Republican or Democratic opponent qualified for either race. Two Republicans: Rich Anderson and Thomas Govan, qualified for the open Place 2 seat that Chris McCool is leaving to run for Supreme Court. Both Govan and Anderson work in the Alabama Attorney General’s office. No Democrat qualified for that seat either, so Govan and Anderson’s race in the Republican primary on March 5 is likely to decide this race. On the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals incumbents Christy Edwards and Terry Moore were both effectively re-elected when qualifying ended without either facing any opposition. The only incumbent appellate judge in the state to face a challenger is Republican: Republican Chad Hanson at Place 2 on the Court of Civil Appeals is being challenged in the Republican primary by Stephen Davis-Parker. There are four candidates running for Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. Chief Justice Tom Parker, also a Republican, cannot run again due to the state’s arcane mandatory retirement age for judges provision. Associate Justice Sarah Stewart is giving up her place 1 seat on the court to run for Chief Justice. Former State Senator Bryan Taylor is also running for the office. Taylor is also a former legal counsel for Governors Kay Ivey and Bob Riley. On Friday, Montgomery attorney Jerry Michael Blevins also qualified to run for Chief Justice. Chief Justice is the only state appellate race that the Alabama Democratic Party is even contesting. Judge Greg Griffin will face the eventual Republican nominee for Chief Justice in the November general election. Griffin presently is a Circuit Court Judge in Montgomery’s Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court. Thirty years ago, Democrats dominated the Alabama appellate courts. That changed in 1994 when retired Judge Perry Hooper Sr. defeated incumbent Sonny Hornsby in a contested race for chief justice. In the years since, Republican fortunes have continued to improve. Only one Democratic candidate, Doug Jones in 2017, has won any statewide race since 2008, and no Democratic judicial candidate has won a statewide race since Sue Bell Cobb was elected Chief Justice in 2006. Democrats are hopeful that Judge Griffin can change their fortunes next year. There is still a slight possibility that an attorney could still qualify as an independent or third-party candidate for one of these offices. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com
Steve Flowers: 2024 elections around the corner
Folks, don’t look now, but our 2024 election year is upon us. Next year is a major year in politics nationwide. Not only does the nation elect a president, but most states also elect their governors and legislators for four-year terms in presidential years. We, in Alabama and in most southern states, elect our governors and legislators in nonpresidential years. Those of us who study and talk about Alabama politics refer to these years as gubernatorial years. We elected our governor and legislature last year in 2022. Historically, presidential years have been very dull and unexciting years for Alabama politics. There are very few statewide contests, and those that happen will be decided on March 5. Since we are such an overwhelmingly Republican state, the only way to be elected statewide in the Heart of Dixie is as a Republican. There are 29 statewide elected offices in Alabama, and all 29 are held by a Republican. There are four seats up for election on our Alabama Supreme Court. Justices Jay Mitchell, Tommy Bryan, and Will Sellers are up for reelection to another six-year term on the high tribunal. Justice Sarah Stewart’s seat is up for reelection. However, Sarah has opted to move to the open Chief Justice position, being vacated by the retirement of Chief Justice Tom Parker. Justice Sarah Stewart is a good choice for Chief Justice. She was a Circuit Judge in Mobile County for 14 years before she was elected to the Supreme Court six years ago. The Chief Justice is the administrator of the entire state judicial system. Sarah Stewart’s experience as a circuit judge is invalu,able and she also has the respect and support of most of the circuit judges around the state. Circuit judges are very respected in their counties and communities throughout the state. Sarah Stewart has been campaigning extensively and effectively all over Alabama during 2023. She has let no grass grow under her feet. Speaking of working hard, the judge who will move up to take Sarah Stewart’s seat on the Supreme Court will be Criminal Court of Appeals Judge Chris McCool. Judge McCool is one of the most proven ardent campaigners I have seen in recent years. I said when he announced a year ago that he would not be outworked, and he has proven me right. He has traversed the state from one end to the other, putting over 60,000 miles on his vehicle. Chris McCool will make a great justice and is the perfect representative on the court from the rural area of the state. He hails from rural Pickens County near Gordo and close to the Tuscaloosa County Line. His family has very deep roots in that area. The McCools settled there over 180 years ago, prior to the Civil War. They have farmed the land the entire time. Chris lives in the same place his ancestors lived six generations ago. Chris McCool borders on folk legend for an Alabama judge. He has three full-time professions. He was a lawyer with impeccable credentials. He graduated from the University of Alabama, undergraduate and law school. He practiced law in Gordo before being elected District Attorney of the Pickens, Lamar, and Fayette Circuit at age 30. He served as DA for 18 years and was elected to the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals six years ago. He is a minister. He pastors the Zion Primitive Baptist Church near his home. His family founded the church, and his great, great, great grandfather was the first pastor. He is also a farmer. Judge McCool’s seat on the Court of Criminal Appeals will be filled by one of two assistant attorney generals. Rich Anderson and Thomas Govan, both of Montgomery, are vying for McCool’s seat on the Court of Criminal Appeals. Both are well-qualified and would do a good job. Justices Chad Hansen and Christy Edwards are up for reelection to the Court of Civil Appeals. They are doing a good job. Justices Bill Cole and Richard Minor are up for reelection on the Court of Criminal Appeals. They both are doing an excellent job. This court has a very heavy caseload. Twinkle Cavanaugh will be elected to her fourth term as President of the Alabama Public Service Commission next year. Twinkle is becoming legendary as a public servant in our state. Although still young, she has built a stellar reputation for honesty, integrity, and conservatism. The former Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party is the best retail politician in Alabama today. She has crisscrossed the state campaigning in 2023 in preparation for 2024. Even though she will more than likely not have an opponent, she is running scared and not taking anything for granted. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at: www.steveflowers.us.
Jim Hill endorses Supreme Court candidate Chris McCool
Judge Chris McCool spoke recently at a meeting of the St. Clair Republican Party meeting. McCool, a Republican, presently serves on the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals. He is running for an open spot on the Alabama Supreme Court. State Representative Jim Hill (R-Odenville), a former circuit judge and the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, introduced McCool. “He lives on the same farm he grew up on,” Hill said of McCool. “He has been married for thirty years and has four children. He is a former District Attorney.” “He graduated from the University of Alabama summa cum laude,” Hill said. “With those kinds of credentials, he could have gone to any of the biggest law firms in the country or gone to Wall Street. He didn’t go to Wall Street; he went back to Gordo.” “I wholeheartedly endorse him to be on the Alabama Supreme Court,” Rep. Hill said. McCool serves on the Court of Criminal Appeals with former St. Clair County District Attorney Richard Minor and former Jefferson County Judge Bill Cole. Cole was also in attendance, asking voters to reelect him to the Court of Criminal Appeals. “Judge Cole, Judge Minor, and I ran together for the Court of Criminal Appeals. Now they are three of my best friends,” McCool said. McCool said that Associate Justice Sara Stewart is running for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Chief Justice Tom Parker cannot run again because of the state’s judicial age limits. McCool explained, “Justice Sara Stewart is running for chief justice. I am running for the open associate justice position she is vacating.” “I was born on a farm ten miles north of Gordo,” said McCool. “I ran it when my daddy got sick. I still manage it.” “I started out in private practice in Gordo,” McCool said. “I was the only attorney in Gordo.” “I was a prosecutor for 24 years,” McCool explained. “I have prosecuted everything from capital murder to hunting from a public road.” McCool said that the game wardens insisted on bringing the hunting from a public road case to trial against his advice. They lost. “You aren’t going to win one of those in Lamar County,” McCool said. McCool said that his experience as a district attorney and an appellate judge means that when a criminal case comes before the Supreme Court, “We know what we are looking at. If I am elected, I will have the most expertise of any justice up there in the criminal system.” “This is why I am running,” McCool said. “I believe it is important that we have judges and justices that have a conservative judicial philosophy.” “You don’t need judges that go up there that will legislate from the bench,” McCool said. “The United States Supreme Court is kicking issues back to the state that should have been in the state legislatures from the beginning. One of these is the Dobbs decision.” “I believe in standing on what the law says – the black words on the page,” McCool said. “We have a good Supreme Court with a conservative judicial philosophy, and I want to keep it that way,” Republican qualifying begins on October 16. Contact Chairman Freddie Turrentine if interested in qualifying to run for a county office in 2024. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the St. Clair County Republican Party is in January. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Young Republicans gather in Moody
On Saturday, Young Republicans (YRs) from across the state gathered at Moody Park for an afternoon of barbecue, bluegrass music, and camaraderie as the St. Clair County Young Republicans (YRs) held their summer gathering. St. Clair County Young Republicans Chairman Logan Glass presented plaques to Federation of Alabama State Young Republican President Stephanie Petelos and State Representative Craig Lipscomb (R-Gadsden) – who represents parts of St. Clair and Etowah counties. Glass praised Petelos for her example and her leadership and credited her with restoring the Greater Birmingham Young Republicans (GBYRs) to its role as the largest Young Republican group in the state. That club has grown to the point that a new club has branched off from the GBYRs – the Shelby County Young Republicans. Glass thanked Lipscomb for his work in Montgomery on behalf of the county and for his support of the YRs. The St. Clair Young Republicans presented former St. Clair County Republican Party Chairman Circuit Judge Phil Seay with the inaugural Phil Seay Award. Seay is the President of the Alabama Judges Association. Glass thanked Seay for his years of unwavering support for the YRs. Former State Representative Mike Ball and his bluegrass band performed at the event. Ball served twenty years in the Alabama Legislature representing Madison. He is the author of an autobiographical book about his experiences: Picking, Politicking and Pontificating: How an Ex-Cop Legalized Cannabis While Fighting Corruption. Several state appellate court seats are on the ballot in 2024, so several judicial candidates were present at Saturday’s event. Former State Senator Bryan Taylor (R-Prattville) was present. Taylor is running for Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. Current Chief Justice Tom Parker is near the age 70s age limit, so he is prevented from running again. Taylor is a practicing attorney who has held many state government positions, including counsel for Governor Kay Ivey. Taylor is a retired Judge Advocate, a former military prosecutor, and an Iraq War veteran. Taylor faces a Republican primary battle with Alabama Supreme Court Justice Sara Stewart. Current Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Chris McCool is running for the position on the Alabama Supreme Court that Stewart is vacating in her run for Chief Justice. McCool is a former district attorney in West Alabama. McCool is also a farmer, a preacher, and a gospel singer. He performed a couple of songs with Ball and his band at Saturday’s event. James Govan is running for the position on the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals that Judge McCool is vacating. Govan is a career prosecutor and a U.S. Air Force Reserve officer currently working for the Alabama Attorney General’s office. Rich Anderson is also an Assistant Alabama Attorney General and a prosecutor running for the Alabama Criminal Court of Appeals. Anderson has represented the state of Alabama before the Criminal Court of Appeals, federal district courts, the Alabama Supreme Court, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Emory Cox was the platinum sponsor of Saturday’s event. Cox is U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville’s aide on finance and economics. While Cox’s duties in Washington D.C. prevented him from attending, Cox’s mother, Annette Cox, the owner of St. Clair County-based Metro Bank, was present. Glass thanked the Cox family for their friendship and history of support for the YRs and Emory for his service in Washington. Bamacarry of St. Clair County was an exhibitor and a sponsor of Saturday’s event. Glass also thanked Shaw’s Barbecue for the food as well as all of the many bronze sponsors of the event. Other notables in attendance were State Supreme Court Justice Greg Cook, State Rep. Jim Hill (R-Odenville), State Senator Lance Bell (R-Pell City), Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Bill Cole (R), Alabama Court of Civil Appeals Judge Matt Fridy, St. Clair County District Attorney Lyle Harmon, St. Clair County Commissioner Tommy Bowers, commission candidate James McGowan, former St. Clair County Republican Party Chairman Joey Stephens, St. Clair County School Board Member Bill Morris, and Colbert County Assistant DA Brent Woodall. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Thomas Govan campaigns for Court of Criminal Appeals
Judicial candidate Thomas Govan addressed the Etowah County Republican breakfast Saturday about his campaign to be elected to an open seat on the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals. Govan currently works for the Alabama Attorney General’s office, where he is the Chief of the Attorney General’s Criminal Trial Division. “Chris McCool is running for the Supreme Court, which creates the open seat I am running for,” said Govan. Govan said that in his former role as head of the AG’s capital division, he argued for imposing individual death sentences even before the U.S. Supreme Court. “The cases that take the most time at the appellate level are death penalty cases,” Govan explained. “I handled some of the most heinous murders that happened in our state,” Govan said. “I led those prosecutors, including against a defendant who had murdered a Mobile police officer. The defendant snuck up behind the officer who was sitting in his car and shot him in the head.” “Now I do trial work,” said Govan. “We work hand in hand with law enforcement officers to tell the story of victims.” Govan said that he primarily prosecutes violent crime. One of those cases is in Macon County, where he leads the prosecution of Ibraheem Azeed, who killed Anaiah Blanchard. “It is so important that we stand up for victims of crime,” Govan said. “We need strong leaders at all levels of government who will fight for our values,” Govan said. “Judges are there to interpret the law as it is written,” Govan explained. “A judge is kind of like an umpire in baseball. He is there to just call balls and strikes as he sees them.” Govan said that judges should also “uphold the Constitution” and “interpret the Constitution as it is written.” Govan attended the University of Alabama and also serves in the U.S. Air Force, where he is a JAG officer. “We all have callings,” said Govan. “We do it for the glory of God.” Govan said he has practiced before the Court of Criminal Appeals for over a decade. “The Court of Criminal Appeals has a big caseload – all the judges in Alabama carry a big caseload,” Govan said. “I have practical experience trying cases all over Alabama working with law enforcement. That kind of experience is very important and unique.” “Most of us grew up in communities where the law is respected,” Govan said. “It is my hope and prayer that we will continue to live in a state where the rule of law is respected.” “My wife and I have four children,” Govan said. “She is a teacher at our kid’s school.” Govan was asked about a bill passed by both Houses of the Legislature that limits good time incentives for prisoners. “That is a really important bill,” Govan answered. “My office supported that bill.” “My entire career as a prosecutor, I have been tough on crime,” Govan said. Govan said that he is not the only announced candidate. “There are two other folks who have announced, and there could be more jumping in,” Govan said. Alabama Today asked Govan if the state needs more judges. “I think across the board, we need more law enforcement, DA support, and judges across the state,” Govan said. “I will let smarter folks in the legislature handle that.” During the breakfast, conservative talk radio host Jay Holland announced, “Phil Hodges passed away just Tuesday.” “He was a good Republican,” Holland said. “As some of you might know, Phil beat me by one vote in the Republican Primary in 1994 (State Representative) in House District 30. We went through an election challenge, but Phil came out on top. We came out of that great friends. His funeral is Tuesday.” State Rep. Mack Butler said, “Phil was a former FBI agent a long, long time ago.” The Etowah County Republican breakfast is held monthly at the Western Sizzler in Rainbow City. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Steve Flowers: Five seats on the Alabama Supreme Court up for election in 2024
Next year is a big year nationally. It is a Presidential year. However, it is a down or off year for Alabama. We, like several other southern states, have our big election year in non-presidential years. We elected our governor, other constitutional offices, and our entire legislature last year in 2022. However, since we have staggered six-year terms for our state judges, we have an inordinate number of seats on our Supreme Court up for election next year. We have nine members of our State Supreme Court. All nine are Republicans. Even though our Supreme Court is elected, we have a surprisingly wise and very qualified state high tribunal. All nine are well-qualified and well-rounded, yet very Republican and very conservative. We are a very Republican and very conservative state. Therefore, these nine judges are reflective of the Heart of Dixie. Even though there are five seats up for election, there is only one opening. Chief Justice Tom Parker is precluded from running for a six-year term. He is 72, and our state laws mandate that someone cannot run for a judgeship after they reach the age of 70. Popular and younger jurists hold the other four seats. Three of the four will seek reelection and will win easily even if they draw opposition. These three incumbents are Will Sellers, Jay Mitchell, and Tommy Bryan. The fourth, Sarah Stewart, is opting to run for the Chief Justice post Tom Parker is vacating. Justice Will Sellers probably will not draw an opponent. He is perfectly suited for the State Supreme Court. His resume reads as though he was born for the job. He was a successful tax attorney in his hometown of Montgomery. He graduated from the University of Alabama Law School and has a Master of Law Degree in Taxation from New York University. His Tax Law expertise is invaluable to his colleagues on the Court. Will has a keen political mind in addition to his legal prowess. He and his wife, Lee Grant Sellers, are Governor Kay Ivey’s closest confidants. Will has sworn Governor Ivey into office at both her Inaugurations. Justice Sellers also pens a monthly column on historical events. Justice Tommy Bryan is up for another six-year term. This popular incumbent jurist will be reelected without opposition. He hails from rural South Alabama – Brantley in Crenshaw County, to be exact. He was first elected in 2012 and reelected to a second six-year term in 2018. Therefore, he will be seeking his third six-year term in 2024. He previously served eight years on the Court of Civil Appeals. He and his lovely wife Pam have two adult children. Tommy and Pam are very active members of the First Baptist Church of Montgomery. Judge Jay Mitchell is the tallest member of the Supreme Court. He stands a good 6 feet 8 inches. He also stands tall with integrity and wit. He is an affable fellow and is finishing his first six-year term on the high court. He will easily win election to his second term, probably unopposed. He graduated from Birmingham Southern College, where he starred in basketball. He graduated from the University of Virginia Law School. He and his wife, Elizabeth, reside in Homewood with their four children. Jay Mitchell is only 46. He is not only the tallest member of the Court but also the youngest. Justice Sarah Stewart is opting to leave her safe seat as an associate justice to seek election as Chief Justice next year. She has already announced and is actively running. More times than not, the early bird gets the worm. Justice Stewart served 13 years as a Mobile Circuit Court Judge prior to going on to the Supreme Court. Judge Chris McCool, an associate justice on the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, is favored to win Justice Stewart’s seat. You can bet your bottom dollar he will not be outworked. Even though there are five seats up for reelection on the high court, there will be very little change when the dust settles. This is a good court, and they have an excellent collegial working relationship. The 2024 elections have begun. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at: www.steveflowers.us.
Thomas Govan announces candidacy for the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals
Montgomery attorney, career prosecutor, and Air Force officer Thomas Govan announced today that he will seek the Republican Party nomination for an open seat on the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals in the March 2024 primary. Govan has spent his entire career in public service as a prosecutor. He currently serves as the Chief of the Criminal Trials Division of the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, where he leads a team of attorneys who prosecute violent offenders and defend crime victims throughout the State of Alabama. Govan also serves our country as a member of the United States Air Force Reserve. “As a lifelong conservative and experienced champion for justice in our great state, my top priority is creating a just and effective court that Alabamians will trust and believe in,” Govan stated. “If given the privilege of serving the great state of Alabama on the Court of Criminal Appeals, I will defend the rule of law, protect our freedoms, and uphold the Constitution.” Govan earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama, where he served as Chairman of the College Republicans, and later earned his law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law. After law school, he embarked on a career dedicated to public service. For over fifteen years, Govan has protected the safety of Alabama families as a prosecutor in both state and federal courts. Govan prosecuted capital murder and death penalty cases on appeal for over a decade, rising to become the Chief of the Capital Litigation Division in the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. As part of this extensive legal work, Govan litigated cases on behalf of the citizens of Alabama both in courts throughout the State of Alabama and in federal courts, including arguing a case before the United States Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., in 2018. He also served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Middle District of Alabama, where he defended the safety of Alabama families by prosecuting both violent offenders and offenders who committed various types of fraud against the citizens of Alabama in federal court. Govan and his wife, Jessica, are proud parents of four children. Jessica is a teacher and small business owner. They are active members of their church in Montgomery, Alabama, where he serves as an Elder, Sunday school teacher, and member of the choir. Govan is seeking Place 2 on the Court of Criminal Appeals, a seat currently held by Judge Chris McCool, who recently announced his candidacy for the Alabama Supreme Court.
Judge Bill Filmore announces campaign for Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 2
On Thursday, Judge Bill Filmore announced his campaign for Alabama’s Court of Criminal Appeals, Place No. 2. “Dedicated to Service, Guided by Faith – just about everything you need to know about me and what kind of Appeals Court judge I will be is contained right there,” Filmore said in a statement. “I have a strong conservative record as a prosecutor, a District Judge, and a Circuit Judge. My experience on the bench at the trial level will give me a leg up when it comes to hearing the appeals of criminal cases.” Filmore has served as the Presiding Judge of the Thirty-Third Judicial Circuit soon after being elected in 2012. Before his service on the bench, Filmore spent eight years as Chief Assistant District Attorney for the Thirty-Third Circuit, and before that, he was an attorney in private practice in Ozark. Filmore holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and was a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Troy University. He graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law and holds an LL.M. (Masters of Law) in Taxation from Alabama. Filmore is a member of the Alabama Association of Circuit Judges Executive Committee, serving as Treasurer, Secretary of the Alabama Circuit Judges’ Scholarship Fund, and a Member of the Alabama Supreme Court’s Advisory Committee on Criminal Procedure. “I’ve practiced law and served as a Judge at the local level for almost 40 years,” Filmore said. “I don’t need any on-the-job training – I will be ready from day one to help protect Alabamians from criminal activity and those in our society who inflict harm on others.” Filmore and his wife, the former Angelia Foreman from Brundidge, have been happily married for over 42 years. They have two sons, William and Ray, and four grandchildren. Court of Criminal Appeals, Place No. 2, currently held by Judge Chris McCool, will be an open seat in the 2024 campaign cycle after McCool announced he will seek a seat on the Alabama Supreme Court. A seat on the Court of Criminal Appeals is a statewide position and serves a 6-year term.
Chris McCool announces candidacy for Alabama Supreme Court
Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Chris McCool announced Wednesday that he will seek the Republican Party nomination for an open seat on the Alabama Supreme Court in the March 2024 primary election. “My nearly three decades of legal experience as a lawyer, prosecutor, and judge have reinforced my great reverence for the Rule of Law,” McCool said. “My more than half a century of life experience has taught me that there is no substitute for integrity. ‘Character’ is not something you can teach in school – I learned that growing up on my daddy’s cattle and chicken farm and in working hard to provide for my family through the years.” Judge McCool was elected as a Republican in November 2018 for a six-year term in the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals. McCool is a longtime district attorney. McCool practiced law for two years in his hometown of Gordo and worked for nearly 24 years as a prosecutor, serving the people of the 24th Judicial Circuit as District Attorney from 2001 until 2018. “I have always been a conservative,” McCool stated. “We need someone with common sense and conservative values to serve on the Alabama Supreme Court. My experience and my judicial philosophy make me ready for the job.” “As a Republican, I do NOT believe in judicial activism. Judges should apply the law and not create the law. Public policy should be set by the Legislature, and our court system should enforce it, not make it! I firmly believe that judges should not be legislators in black robes.” Judge McCool has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama and a law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law. He and his wife Sherri live in Gordo, where they have raised four children. McCool has been the pastor of Zion Primitive Baptist Church since 2012. While Alabama does not have judicial term limits, judges cannot serve past age 70 – including on the Alabama Supreme Court. Alabama has partisan elected judges. All of the appellate court judges in Alabama are Republicans. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
AG Steve Marshall hosts 23rd Annual Alabama Law Enforcement Summit
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall hosted hundreds of law enforcement officials from all over the state of Alabama for the 23rd annual Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Summit on Thursday. The 2022 summit offered a day of instruction for police officers, sheriff’s offices, and State law enforcement officials. “With over 400 law enforcement agencies in Alabama, our men and women in uniform protect diverse communities with many different challenges,” said AG Marshall. “Each year, it is my honor to host the Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Summit to share best practices and new legal information with Alabama law enforcement. It is not only a unique educational opportunity but a much-anticipated time for personnel to get to know their counterparts from across the state.” During the six-hour Summit, officials were updated on Alabama criminal law, personally delivered by Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals judges Chris McCool and Richard Minor. McCool and Minor were district attorneys before their election to the Court. That was followed by an in-depth training session focused on “Leadership During a Crisis,” provided by former South Carolina police chief Byron Snellgrove, whose community was thrust into the national spotlight during the investigation of the disappearance of a six-year-old girl. There was also a commemoration for fallen officers who lost their lives in the line of duty since last year’s Summit. Marshall recognized the sacrifices of the following fallen officers: Senior Trooper Jason Lynn Vice of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), died on September 9, 2021, as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Trooper Vice served 15 years with ALEA and was assigned to the Highway Patrol Unit at the Tuscaloosa-Selma Highway Patrol Post. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, sister, father, grandmother, and stepfather. Ider Police Chief Buddy Ray Crabtree died on October 30, 2021, from complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Chief Crabtree served with the Ider Police Department for ten years and had previously served with the Bridgeport Police Department. He is survived by his wife, four children, and eight grandchildren. Constable Madison “Skip” Nicholson of the Wilcox County Constable’s Office died on December 1, 2021, after being shot while responding to a domestic disturbance call in Yellow Bluff. Nicholson was a 40-year Wilcox County law enforcement veteran, having served as full-time and reserve deputy sheriff and an elected constable. He was previously wounded in the line of duty. He is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter, and eight grandchildren. Investigator Steven Ray Finley of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office died on January 14, 2022, due to contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Investigator Finley was a United States Army veteran and served with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office for 29 years. He is survived by his wife. Lieutenant Kevin Pounders of the Hanceville Police Department died on January 23, 2022, as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Lt. Pounders was a United States Marine Corps veteran who served with the Hanceville Police Department for 24 years. He is survived by his wife, son, grandchild, and mother. Deputy Sheriff Steve Bobbitt of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office died on February 3, 2022, as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Deputy Bobbitt served the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office for 13 years. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and one granddaughter. Corporal Keith Morgan of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office died on February 16, 2022, as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Cpl. Morgan served with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office for 12 years. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. Sergeant Christopher Michael Vaughn of the Cedar Bluff Police Department died on April 1, 2022, from a medical condition after assisting in a vehicle pursuit that resulted in a vehicle crash. Sgt. Vaughn served with the Cedar Bluff Police Department for six years and previously served with the Leesburg Police Department for seven years. He is survived by his wife, two sons, parents, and brother. Officer Darryl Wayne Fortner of the Vestavia Hills Police Department died on April 6, 2022, from complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Officer Fortner served with the Vestavia Hills Police Department for over seven years and previously served 20 years with the Birmingham Police Department. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, three grandchildren, mother, and sister. Deputy Sheriff J’Mar Colin Abel of the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office died on June 20, 2022, from a vehicle crash while assisting the Roanoke Police Department in pursuing a suspect. Deputy Abel lost his life on his second anniversary with the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office. He is survived by his father and fiancée. Deputy Sheriff Bradly Steven Henry Johnson of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office died on June 30, 2022, from a gunshot wound sustained the previous day while encountering a suspect who fired on Deputy Johnson and a second deputy. Deputy Johnson served with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office for eight years. He is survived by his fiancée, two children, and his parents. Officer Ivan Mauricio Lopez of the Mount Vernon Police Department died on August 22, 2022, when a vehicle driving approximately 90 mph ran a stop sign and struck his patrol car. Officer Lopez served with the Mount Vernon Police Department for 12 years. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. Corrections Officer Rickey Cooper of the Alabama Department of Corrections died on August 27, 2022, after collapsing while on duty at Easterling Correctional Facility. Officer Cooper served with the Alabama Department of Corrections since 2007 and would have completed 15 years on September 4. He is survived by his mother, son, and two grandsons. “As with much of the nation, Alabama continues to experience an increase in law enforcement deaths in recent years,” AG Marshall observed. “The commitment to protect and serve is absolutely vital to the long-term safety of our cities and towns, yet it also comes with great risk. Too many of our best in uniform have lost their lives on duty, leaving behind families and friends. Law enforcement is not only a protection force but also a very big family, and it is important for us to come together each year to honor those we have
Judge Mary Windom withdraws candidacy for Alabama Supreme Court
Judge Mary Windom on Monday announced via a social media post that she will not seek election to the Supreme Court of Alabama in the 2022 election cycle. Windom stated on Twitter, “After prayerful consideration and discussion with my family, I have decided that I will not seek election to the Alabama Supreme Court in 2022,” Judge Windom wrote. “I will focus on spending time with my family and on my work as Presiding Judge of the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals,” Windom concluded. I thank the many wonderful people across Alabama who has encouraged me to run.” pic.twitter.com/K6TH998zeT — Judge Mary Windom (@JudgeMaryWindom) May 3, 2021 Windom, a judge of the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, was viewed by many as the frontrunner for the Supreme Court race that will be open due to popular Justice Mike Bolin being age-limited out from running for reelection. She assumed office in 2008, and her current term ends on January 18, 2027. She ran for re-election for judge of the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals in 2020 and won. Insiders tell Yellowhammer News that Judge Chris McCool, a freshman member of the Court of Criminal Appeals, is now the likely frontrunner for the Supreme Court slot, although attorney Greg Cook could also mount a serious candidacy. “Judge Windom has a stellar record, is a rock-ribbed Republican and a prodigious fundraiser,” one insider told the Alabama Political Reporter. “She will be difficult to beat should she declare her candidacy for the State Supreme Court.” “Mary Windom is a winner; she’s honest and judicially consistent,” stated the second insider. “She is the very type of individual the people of Alabama can trust on the state’s highest court. I believe she will run, and she should.”
Martha Roby, Steve Marshall, Will Ainsworth win Alabama runoffs: See full list
U.S. Rep. Martha Roby won Alabama’s Republican runoff on Tuesday, fighting through lingering fallout from her years-old criticism of Donald Trump, in a midterm contest that hinged on loyalty to the GOP president. The four-term incumbent will now represent the GOP on the November ballot having defeated Bobby Bright, a former Democrat who tried to cast himself as the more authentic Trump ally in the low-turnout Republican contest. The Trump White House was on Roby’s side. While election officials don’t expect a large voter turnout, there are six statewide GOP races on the ballot plus one state school board seat. Here is a glance at those races: LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR State Rep. Will Ainsworth defeated Alabama Public Service Commission President Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor in a race that got raucous down the stretch. The 37-year-old Ainsworth ran commercials playing on Cavanaugh’s unusual first name and calling her a career politician. Cavanaugh led all candidates for lieutenant governor in fundraising with nearly $1.1 million in total contributions through April. The 52-year-old Cavanaugh brought up Ainsworth’s theft arrest when he was a college student and was accused of stealing fiberglass tigers in downtown Auburn. Ainsworth called it a college prank and closed his campaign by touring with a fiberglass tiger. He will face Democratic minister Will Boyd in November. The lieutenant governor’s office has been vacant since then-incumbent Kay Ivey became governor in April 2017. ___ ATTORNEY GENERAL Appointed incumbent Steve Marshall has won the Republican nomination for attorney general and now faces his first statewide general election challenge. Marshall defeated former Attorney General Troy King in the Republican runoff Tuesday. The former county prosecutor will face a general election challenge from Birmingham lawyer Joseph Siegelman, the son of ex-Gov. Don Siegelman. The 53-year-old Marshall has been attorney general since February 2017, when then-Gov. Robert Bentley appointed him after naming Luther Strange to the U.S. Senate. Marshall had a narrow lead over the 49-year-old King in the June primary and widened his margin in the runoff. The race took on an aggressive tone in the closing days after both Marshall and King temporarily paused their campaigns following the suicide of Marshall’s wife last month. ___ AGRICULTURE AND INDUSTRIES Farmer and small-town mayor Rick Pate has defeated longtime state Sen. Gerald Dial for the Republican nomination for commissioner of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. The 63-year-old Pate led the 80-year-old Dial and three other candidates in the primary in June, but he didn’t get enough votes to win the nomination outright. He widened his lead in Tuesday’s balloting. Pate is a cattle breeder west of Montgomery, and he also serves as mayor of Lowndesboro. Dial says he farms timber. No Democrats are running, so the eventual Republican nominee is virtually assured of winning in November. ___ APPEALS COURTS Voters in Alabama’s runoff election decided the Republican nominees for three slots on statewide appeals courts. Mobile County Circuit Judge Sarah Hicks Stewart defeated gubernatorial appointee Brad Mendheim for a seat on the nine-member Alabama Supreme Court. Mendheim is a former circuit judge from southeast Alabama who led primary balloting. Alabama Tax Court Judge Christy Edwards of Montgomery defeated Baldwin County Circuit Judge Michelle Manley Thomason for a judgeship on the five-member Alabama Court of Civil Appeals. And west Alabama District Attorney Chris McCool beat Assistant Alabama Attorney General Rich Anderson for a position on the five-member Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals. No Democrat is running for any of the three judgeships in November, so winning the GOP runoff is tantamount to election. ___ STATE SCHOOL BOARD Auburn City School Board President Tracie West has won the GOP nomination in the only runoff for a position on the Alabama State Board of Education. West defeated Dothan school board member Melanie Hill for the District 2 position, which represents southeastern Alabama on the policy-making board. Hill led West narrowly in the four-person primary contest. Both supported repealing Common Core educational standards, and both touted their experience in education and leadership roles. West will now face Democrat Adam Jortner, who teaches history at Auburn University. Republished with permission of the Associated Press.
