Donald Trump’s ‘sh**hole’ remarks are ‘divisive rhetoric’ says Doug Jones in MLK speech
Alabama’s newly elected U.S. Senator Doug Jones bashed President Donald Trump‘s recent remarks about “sh**hole countries” during his first major speech in Alabama since taking office. Jones comments were made during the MLK Unity Breakfast that took place in Birmingham to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Jones said that President Trump’s comment was “not only beneath his office but is the very antithesis of the very values we hold so dear as Americans.” Applause followed his commentary in the BJCC North Exhibition Hall where the event took place. “Do not forget one second, whenever you hear that divisive rhetoric, no matter who it comes from, that because of our diversity and because of our differences, every time we faced what felt liked insurmountable difficulties, we have risen to the occasion to confront that on. And make no mistake: we will do it again.” Several Alabama representatives have commented on President Trump’s remark. Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne stated they are “an unfortunate and major distraction.” Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell asked the President to apologize, and called his remarks as “racist” and “abhorrent.” Sewell went on to tweet; “This is a nation of immigrants from all backgrounds. The willingness to sacrifice, work hard, and to work together is what makes us strong and successful as a country. Trump’s abhorrent comments do not represent the views of this great nation.” Trump allegedly made the comments during a meeting with lawmakers on immigration policy during which he asked; “Why are we having all these people from sh**thole countries come here?” Trump has denied making the remarks and has stated that he is “not a racist” and that “I’m the least racist person you have ever interviewed.”
Officials react to Alabama Toyota-Mazda plant announcement
It’s now official — Huntsville, Ala. has been selected by Toyota Motor Corporation and Mazda Motor Corporation as the site of their new $1.6 billion joint-venture auto manufacturing plant. The announcement was made Wednesday afternoon from the Alabama State Capitol building in Montgomery by Governor Kay Ivey, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, and executives from both Toyota and Mazda. The Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce, as well as leaders from multiple municipalities, joined the event. The new plant will have the capacity to build 300,000 vehicles annually, with production split evenly between two lines for each company to produce a new Mazda crossover model that will be introduced to North American markets and the Toyota Corolla. The facility is expected to create 4,000 jobs and production is expected to begin by 2021. Here’s what Alabama officials had to say of the news: Gov. Kay Ivey: The partnership between Toyota and Mazda will expand innovative automotive manufacturing in Alabama. Their decision to locate this new facility in Huntsville is a testament to the talented workforce in our state. We are proud that this partnership puts Alabama on the forefront of technology in this dynamic global industry. U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby: I am extremely proud that Huntsville was selected by Toyota and Mazda for the joint auto production plant. This facility will create thousands of jobs and strengthen economic growth throughout our state and region. Alabama has a proven track record of creating an environment where world-class manufacturing operations thrive. Today’s announcement speaks volumes about the capabilities and effectiveness of our state’s skilled workforce, highlighting the continued truth that Alabama is open for business. U.S. Sen. Doug Jones: The Toyota and Mazda decision to select Huntsville as the new location for their joint auto plant is both a testament to Northern Alabama’s exceptional advanced manufacturing workforce and further proof that choosing common ground over divisiveness will drive business to our state. Today’s announcement is a tremendous step forward for Alabama’s growing technology sector and our ability to recruit quality businesses in the future. We must build on this momentum, and continue to focus our efforts on issues that affect hard-working Alabamians like creating good-paying jobs and providing students with the tools to attain them. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: The news that Toyota and Mazda have chosen Alabama as this new plant’s home highlights once again that our great state is open for business. The decision by these companies is truly a testament to our impressive, skilled workforce and our state’s business-friendly environment. This exciting investment in North Alabama not only comes with 4,000 new direct jobs, but also an economic impact that will be felt across the state for many years to come. Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: Toyota and Mazda’s decision to locate in Limestone County is great news for Alabama and the Tennessee Valley! I’m thankful Alabama was selected despite fierce competition from other states vying for this plant. Toyota and Mazda’s decision validates what many of us in Alabama already know. Alabama is not only America’s #1 football state, we are also on a path to be America’s #1 automotive production state. That is a strong testament to the quality of the location, resources, people and government leadership that Alabama offers. The Tennessee Valley did not win the Toyota and Mazda competition overnight. Rather, this victory is the culmination of decades of hard work and leadership offered by local, state and federal officials who have consistently worked together to make the Tennessee Valley a great place to live and work, a place that encourages companies like Polaris, Remington, and now Toyota and Mazda, to rank the Tennessee Valley #1 in America. Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: Toyota and Mazda made a tremendous decision in choosing Alabama for their new, cutting-edge manufacturing plant. I am pleased this new facility will eventually bring 4,000 new jobs and significant economic growth to our state. The fact that Toyota and Mazda picked Alabama is indicative of the hard work and commitment Alabama has made to become the pacesetter in the automobile manufacturing industry. Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: I am thrilled to hear that a Toyota-Mazda automobile plant will be finding a home in the great State of Alabama. I’m proud to see Toyota-Mazda investing in our state’s workforce and continued economic development. This joint venture between Toyota and Mazda will eventually produce 300,000 vehicles a year and create as many as 4,000 jobs opportunities for families in our State. Investments in new technologies and facilities like these are imperative to Alabama’s growing economy. As a Member of Congress, I believe we must strive to create a more job-ready workforce to continue to keep Alabama competitive and entice new business development across the State. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle: With this announcement, our world changes overnight. Toyota and Mazda, two of the world’s most innovative automakers, have created a legacy project that will provide jobs for decades to come for Huntsville and Alabama. Limestone County Schools Superintendent Tom Sisk: Because we have been a part of the process from the beginning, our school system has been working diligently behind the scenes to develop a series of plans that will be presented to the school board for consideration. These plans will address contingencies for anticipated growth, and expanded academic offerings for our students and others to prepare to meet the needs of this economic expansion. Madison County Commissioner Dale Strong: Today’s monumental announcement by President Akio Toyoda of the Toyota Corporation and President and CEO Masamichi Kogai of the Mazda Corporation is not a new commitment, but a continued commitment with proven world leaders in automotive ingenuity to the State of Alabama and our people. This project once again demonstrates that our regional, advanced manufacturing workforce is perfectly positioned for today and future generations.
Democrats nationwide react to Alabama’s Doug Jones’ swearing-in
Alabama Democrat Sen. Doug Jones was sworn in to the United States Senate Wednesday, narrowing the Republican majority 51-49 in the upper chamber. Democrats across the country celebrated the momentous occasion. Here’s what they had to say: Rep. Terri Sewell | Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep: Sen. Doug Jones’ swearing in today was a historic landmark for Alabama voters. I am thrilled to have a new partner in the Senate who is ready to tackle the challenges facing our state. As a former U.S. attorney, Sen. Jones brings to Congress his experience fighting for the most vulnerable among us. On issues ranging from healthcare to job creation to tax reform, I am confident that Sen. Jones will put the people of Alabama first. Eric Holder | Former Attorney General: “It will be challenging, but the issues really aren’t partisan in nature,” Holder said of what Jones will face in the Senate. “These are things America has got to deal with.’’ Adam Green | Co-founder, Progressive Change Campaign Committee: Today is a big day for Doug Jones and Democrats. Doug Jones won in Alabama by campaigning on kitchen table issues and taking outwardly progressive positions on everything from opposing Republican tax cuts for the rich to being pro-choice to fighting the KKK. Democrats are one seat closer to taking back the Senate — and if we can win in Alabama, an inspiring candidate like Beto O’Rourke can defeat Ted Cruz in Texas. Sen. Chuck Schumer | Senate Minority Leader: Very excited to welcome two new members of the Senate who will be joining the Democratic caucus: U.S. Senator Tina Smith from Minnesota and Senator Doug Jones from Alabama. With them, we Democrats hope that 2018 is different – focused on the middle class rather than the rich and powerful. And in these first few weeks, we have a chance to start off on the right foot. Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee: Congratulations to Doug Jones, Alabama’s official new U.S. Senator! One more giant for justice in Congress — here’s to electing many, many more in November. This article will continue to be updated as statements are issued.
Senate swears-in Doug Jones, GOP majority shrinks
Alabama Democrat Sen. Doug Jones was sworn in to the United States Senate Wednesday, narrowing the Republican majority 51-49 in the upper chamber. Jones arrived at the ceremony with former vice president Joe Biden as his escort, where current Vice President Mike Pence administered the oath of office. Jones, 63, is the first Alabama Democrat to be elected to the Senate in a quarter century. He defeated Republican Roy Moore last month in a special election to fill the remainder of Jeff Sessions term after he resigned to be attorney general. “I will be an independent voice and work to find common ground with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get Washington back on track and fight to make our country a better place for all,” Jones said after defeating Moore. Alabama’s sole Democrat in the House, 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell went to Jones’ swearing-in ceremony and welcomed him to 115th Congress. “Sen. Doug Jones’ swearing in today was a historic landmark for Alabama voters,” said Sewell. “I am thrilled to have a new partner in the Senate who is ready to tackle the challenges facing our state. As a former U.S. attorney, Sen. Jones brings to Congress his experience fighting for the most vulnerable among us. On issues ranging from healthcare to job creation to tax reform, I am confident that Sen. Jones will put the people of Alabama first.”
Watch live: Doug Jones sworn in as Alabama’s newest U.S. Senator
Doug Jones of Alabama will be sworn into office Wednesday, a historic day where he will become the first Democratic United States senator from Alabama in over 25 years. Given his sharp political differences with his Alabama Senate counterpart, Republican Sen. Richard Shelby, Jones has chosen to to be escorted to the ceremony by former Vice President Joe Biden. At 11:00 a.m. CT Jones will put his hand on a family Bible and take the oath of office, promising to uphold the Constitution of the United States, in a ceremony led by Vice President Mike Pence. According to the U.S. Senate, Jones will recite and sign the following oath: I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God. Upon completing the oath Jones will officially become the 49th Democratic member of the Senate, giving Republicans a narrow 51-49 majority in the upper chamber. Watch live at 12 p.m. ET/11 a.m. CT:
Steve Flowers: Are we now a two party state?
As we enter the 2018 campaign season, many of you have asked me to look back and analyze the 2017 Special Election Senate race and explain in depth what happened and why. The most asked question is how could a Democrat win a U.S. Senate seat in Alabama and does this mean that we are now possibly a two party state? I will give you numerous answers, however, the simple answer to why a Democrat won is that Roy Moore was the Republican nominee. Are we a state that can go either way in an open U.S. Senate seat? As we have just seen, it is possible but not probable. The Democrat, Doug Jones, won in the perfect storm. We will probably never have this same scenario again. There are two maxims in politics that over my years of following politics never fail and become truer and truer. The more things change, the more they stay the same. One is money is the mother’s milk of politics. The second is that more people vote against someone or something than vote for someone or something. To the first adage, money is the mother’s milk of politics, nine times out of ten when one candidate out spends the other the one who spends the most usually wins. When one outspends the other 3-to-1, they always win. In this race, the National Democratic Party saw an opening and they seized on it. The people in blue America are mad as hell that Donald Trump upset Hillary Clinton. Our senate race was the only race in town or should we say the country. Not only do Democrats despise Trump, but when they heard that Alabama had a Republican candidate that is a pro-God, pro-gun, gun toting, antiabortion, horse riding, religious zealot that said that he was not only against gay marriage but said that gays were legally committing bestiality, the nation saw Roy Moore as a little extreme in today’s America. In addition, a good many people around the country believe he is a pedophile. The liberal and gay money flowed into here by the barrel. It came from New York and San Francisco and all liberal pockets in America. The bottom line is the Democrat, Doug Jones, outspent the Republican, Roy Moore, 6-to-1; 18 million to 3 million and that does not count the soft money spent by the National Democratic Party that was spent on getting out the vote. The book was written on Moore from the get go. The first poll and the last poll revealed that 30 percent of Alabamians would vote for Roy Moore come hell or high water. However, he is so polarizing that a whopping 70 percent said that they would not vote for him under any circumstance. The reason that he won the Republican nomination was that his 30 percent became accentuated due to turnout. His voters are more ardent, fervent and frankly older. Moore’s 30 percent did indeed vote on December 12. The problem for Moore was that the 70 percent that detest him voted more than was expected. The biggest part of that 70 percent was African American voters who voted in epic, unparalleled proportions. It was statewide. It was not only in the urban counties of Jefferson, Montgomery, and Mobile and the Black Belt. This tidal wave occurred in all 67 counties. African American voters came together in a crescendo and sent Roy Moore to a watery grave. Doug Jones owes his election to the Black voters and he knows it. A significant number of urbane, upscale, more educated business establishment Republicans voted against Moore, pragmatically. The image that Moore portrayed to the nation was bad for business and economic development. The best example of this was the results in Madison County. Huntsville is Alabama’s crown jewel and economic engine. They generally vote Republican. Moore lost Madison County by 20,000 votes. Senator Richard Shelby contributed to Moore’s defeat. His refusing to vote for Moore and his open acknowledgement that he cast a write-in vote for an unknown Republican gave credence and impetus for other Republicans to follow suit. There were about 22,000 write-in votes. Moore lost by 21,000. How does this play into 2018. It gives Walt Maddox and Sue Bell Cobb hope and credence that under the right and perfect circumstances a Democrat can win. However, it probably does not change the fact that a Republican gubernatorial or senatorial candidate will be favored to win 60/40. Luther Strange or Mo Brooks would have won the Senate race 60/40. 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.
Senator-elect Doug Jones announces several senior staff hires
Senator-elect Doug Jones on Tuesday announced the hiring of several key senior staff positions. Jones named Dana Gresham as his Chief of Staff, Sonceria Ann Bishop-Berry as his Transition Advisor, Mark Libell as his Legislative Director and Katie Campbell as his Deputy Legislative Director “Today I’m proud to announce that we have recruited four outstanding individuals to join our team,” said Jones. “Each of them possess long and impressive careers in public service, and as Alabama natives, share my commitment to the people of our state.” Chief of Staff: Dana Gresham Birmingham-native Dana Gresham will take the helm of Jones’ new office. A product of the Birmingham public school system, Gresham graduated from A. H. Parker High School in 1989 and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University. A seasoned manager and federal policy and legislative affairs expert with over twenty-two years of experience in the Legislative and Executive Branches of the U.S. Government, Gresham spent the last eight years serving in the Obama Administration. There he led the Legislative Affairs Office at the U.S. Department of Transportation where he served as the Assistant Secretary for Governmental Affairs. He was nominated for this position by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the United States Senate in the spring of 2009. Additionally, he has over fourteen years of Capitol Hill experience. For eleven of his fourteen years working on Capitol Hill, he served in senior staff positions within the Alabama Congressional Delegation. Specifically, for six years, Mr. Gresham served as Chief of Staff to Representative Artur Davis and for five years he served first as Legislative Assistant and then Legislative Director for Representative Bud Cramer. He began his career on Capitol Hill as a Staff Assistant for Representative Eva Clayton from North Carolina. Immediately prior to joining Jones’s staff, he worked in the private sector as a consultant for Federal City Council. Legislative Director: Mark Libell A native of Florence, Ala., Libell previously served as Legislative Director to Senator John D. Rockefeller IV of West Virginia. Since Senator Rockefeller’s retirement in 2014, Libell has been Assistant Congressional Liaison at the Federal Reserve Board. He has also worked for Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, and Representatives Bart Gordon of Tennessee and Linda Sanchez of California. He got his undergraduate degree from from Maryville College and received his JD from the University of Alabama School of Law and a Tax LLM from Georgetown University Law Center. Transition Advisor: Sonceria Ann Bishop-Berry Another Birmingham-native Bishop-Berry moved to Washington, D.C. in 1979 to work for the late Senator Howell Heflin. Since the retirement of the Senator, she worked for many Senators including Daniel Patrick Moynihan, John Edwards, Tom Carper and as Deputy Chief of Staff to Senator Patrick Leahy. Ann has a wealth of Capitol Hill experience and she and the Senator-elect worked together on the Heflin team many years ago. Bishop-Berry graduated from J.H. Phillips High School and the University of North Alabama. Deputy Legislative Director: Katie Campbell Katie Campbell is a native of Montevallo, Ala. She earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama and earned a Masters of Public Policy from Georgetown University. Campbell has extensive legislative experience having worked for members in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, most recently handling health policy for Senator Joe Donnelly and serving as the policy director for the Blue Dog Coalition. Jones will be sworn-in to the U.S. Senate by Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday, Jan. 3.
Sen.-elect Doug Jones to become only Democratic senator with black chief of staff
U.S. senator-elect Doug Jones owes a great deal of gratitude to a group of Alabama organizers who played a critical role in securing the black vote for him in the special election earlier this month. On Tuesday, Jones tipped his hiring hat their way as he heeded their advice to hire people of color to lead his Senate staff, when he announced Dana Gresham would be his Senate Chief of Staff. Gresham, a former assistant secretary for government affairs at the U.S. Department of Transportation, will be the only African-American chief of staff in a Democratic Senate office this Congress. A Birmingham native, Gresham has over fourteen years of Capitol Hill experience. For eleven of his fourteen years working on Capitol Hill, he served in senior staff positions within the Alabama Congressional Delegation. Specifically, for six years, Mr. Gresham served as Chief of Staff to Representative Artur Davis and for five years he served first as Legislative Assistant and then Legislative Director for Representative Bud Cramer. He began his career on Capitol Hill as a Staff Assistant for Representative Eva Clayton from North Carolina. Alabama’s sole Democrat in the House, 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, tweeted her support of Jones’ hiring decision. “Great News! Birmingham’s own stand out Dana Gresham chosen to be Chief of Staff to Alabama’s Senator Doug Jones! Looking forward to working with them to move Alabama forward!! @GDouglasJones,” she tweeted. Great News! Birmingham’s own stand out Dana Gresham chosen to be Chief of Staff to Alabama’s Senator Doug Jones! Looking forward to working with them to move Alabama forward!! @GDouglasJones pic.twitter.com/eyfZm6ZdAd — Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) January 2, 2018 Jones will be sworn in on Wednesday at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Alabama certifies Doug Jones’s victory over Roy Moore in Senate election
Alabama has officially certified the election results of Democrat Doug Jones’s historic upset Senate victory over Republican Roy Moore on Thursday. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, Attorney General Steve Marshall and Secretary of State John Merrill signed off on results from all the Yellowhammer State’s 67 counties. The certification included both provisional and military ballots in the total, leaving Jones’ with a margin of victory of 21,924 votes with more than 1.3 million ballots cast. Jones said he’s eager to get to work in the new year. “I am looking forward to going to work for the people of Alabama in the new year,” Jones said in a statement. “As I said on election night, our victory marks a new chapter for our state and the nation. I will be an independent voice and work to find common ground with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get Washington back on track and fight to make our country a better place for all.” Thursday’s certification follows Moore’s refusal to concede in the wake of the
Roy Moore files lawsuit to delay Alabama Senate results
An election complaint was filed Wednesday on behalf of former U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore and his campaign in the Circuit Court of Montgomery, Ala. in an effort to block state officials from declaring Democrat Doug Jones the official victor in Alabama’s Senate special election. In the complaint, Moore alleged there was voter fraud and called on Secretary of State John Merrill to postpone the certification of the Dec. 12 election results until a thorough investigation has concluded. “This is not a Republican or Democrat issue as election integrity should matter to everyone,” Moore said in a statement late Wednesday night announcing the lawsuit. “We call on Secretary of State Merrill to delay certification until there is a thorough investigation of what three independent election experts agree took place: election fraud sufficient to overturn the outcome of the election.” According to Moore, three national election integrity experts reached the same independent conclusion: “with a reasonable degree of statistical and mathematical certainty… election fraud occurred.” However, Merrill has gone on record saying it is “highly unlikely” that Jones would not be certified as the winner, given the unofficial results: — Jones received 671,151 votes (50 percent), to Moore’s 650,436 votes (48 percent). With an additional 22,819 (2 percent) write-ins. Merrill must now certify the votes, which includes counting provisional and military ballots. He said the certification process will start no earlier than December 26, and not later than Jan. 3. Certification is expected to be complete Thursday, Dec. 28.
Democrat’s Senate Majority PAC heavily funded Doug Jones’ campaign
Highway 31, a mysterious super PAC that backed Democratic candidate Doug Jones and was the largest independent spender in the Alabama Senate race, spent millions attacking Roy Moore throughout the campaign season. But unlike other campaign spenders, the particular group refused to disclose who the donors were behind its multi-million ad buy until after Election Day. On Wednesday, it was revealed the PAC was heavily funded by the Democratic Senate Majority PAC, a group solely dedicated to building a Democratic majority in the U.S. Senate. Chris Hayden, spokesman for the Senate Majority PAC, told the Associated Press on Tuesday the group “predominantly funded” the Highway 31 PAC, which sent out advertising and mailings to help defeat Republican Moore. The PAC spent roughly $6 million in Alabama, according to Hayden.
Roy Moore releases Christmas poem, still refuses to concede to Doug Jones
Former-Republican U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore released a self-written poem in a message to his supporters late on Christmas Eve. Moore recited the poem via a video released on Facebook about a young girl whose father died and a Christmas miracle that followed. “Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas!” the post accompanying the video read. The former Alabama Chief Justice lost to Democrat Doug Jones on Dec. 12, but has yet to concede the race pending certification of the votes by Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill. Merrill has said the votes would be certified Thursday, Dec. 28. Watch Moore’s video-poem below:
