Former Alabama lawmaker Ed Henry pardoned by Donald Trump
President Donald Trump on Wednesday pardoned an Alabama lawmaker who pleaded guilty two years ago for his role in a health care fraud case. Former state Rep. Ed Henry, who had been a state chairman of Trump’s 2016 campaign, received one of the dozens of pardons and clemency grants Trump announced on his final day in office. Henry in 2019 pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting theft of government property as part of a plea deal with federal prosecutors. A judge sentenced Henry to two years of probation. Prosecutors said doctors agreed to improperly waive co-pays for certain Medicare patients with chronic conditions who enrolled in care management services provided by Henry’s company, MyPractice24. Waiving the required co-pays meant Medicare likely paid for services patients did not need or would have refused if they had to pay the $8 co-pay, prosecutors said. “Henry and his co-defendants treated seriously ill patients as vehicles for getting money from the government,” U.S. Attorney Louis Franklin said in 2019 when the plea deal was announced. During the 2019 sentencing hearing in Montgomery federal court, Henry told the judge he was unaware at the time that waiving the payments constituted a crime, but said he was “acutely aware” of that now. “My family and I will be forever grateful to President Donald Trump for understanding the facts of my case and issuing a pardon in one of his final acts in office,” Henry said Wednesday in a statement texted to The Associated Press. Henry thanked Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville and others “for getting this pardon in front of the President.” “Donald Trump built history’s greatest economy, secured our border, negotiated historic peace agreements, created a COVID vaccine in record time, and made America great again in countless other ways. For those accomplishments alone, he would have my gratitude, but with this pardon, he has given me a gift that carries my deepest and most heartfelt thanks,” Henry said. Henry served in the Alabama House of Representatives from 2010 to 2018. He did not seek re-election in 2018. He is perhaps best known in the Alabama Legislature for starting the impeachment push against then-Gov. Robert Bentley. Henry filed impeachment articles accusing Bentley of willful neglect of duty and corruption in office. Bentley later resigned from office. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Ed Henry pleads not guilty to medical kickback scheme
Hartselle-Republican, State Rep. William “Ed” Henry, 47, found himself indicted in May, arrested on charges stemming from his alleged role in a medical kickback scheme. Henry pleaded not guilty during an arraignment on Wednesday morning, maintaining the innocence he’s claimed since his indictment. “I’ve always been as open and transparent as possible,” Henry posted on Facebook in June. “My goal was to help patients, and I did. Using a program established and promoted by Medicare, I helped chronically ill patients and saved the taxpayers’ money. For that, I have been charged with multiple Felonies.” “The travesty in all of this is that a program that Medicare designed and implemented and has proven saves them money to care for the most chronically ill is going to be put in jeopardy by the actions of the government in this case,” Henry told the court during his arraignment AL.com reported. From 2015 through 2017, Henry was an owner, and CEO of a health care company, MyPractice24, Inc. (MyPractice24). His company provided non-face-to-face chronic care management services to Medicare beneficiaries who had two or more chronic conditions. Using contracts with primary care physicians the doctors would pay Henry’s company to provide these chronic care management services to the doctors’ patients, the company would provide the services, the doctors would bill Medicare for the services, and then the doctors would pay Henry’s company a share of the reimbursements received from Medicare. In 2016, Henry entered into an agreement with Dr. Gilberto Sanchez, a Montgomery physician who has subsequently pleaded guilty to drug distribution, health care fraud, and money laundering charges. Under that agreement, MyPractice24 would provide various kickbacks to Dr. Sanchez and his staff in return for the providers at Dr. Sanchez’s practice referring Medicare beneficiaries to MyPractice24 for chronic care management services. The indictment charges Henry with one count of conspiring to pay kickbacks and to defraud the United States, one count of conspiring to commit health care fraud, five counts of health care fraud, and money laundering charges. If convicted of the most serious offense, Henry faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, significant monetary penalties, asset forfeiture, and restitution.
Attorney files motion to dismiss Ed Henry indictment, says charges are ‘vague, uncertain’
Hartselle-Republican, State Rep. William “Ed” Henry, 47, found himself indicted earlier this month, arrested on charges stemming from his alleged role in a medical kickback scheme. According to the Decatur Daily his attorney, Max Pulliam filed a motion this week to dismiss the federal indictment against him, saying the allegations are “vague, indefinite, uncertain and confusing” and do not constitute criminal conduct. “As a result, Mr. Henry’s case has received substantial publicity and will involve matters of which a large segment of the community may have some knowledge,” Pulliam wrote. “A juror questionnaire and counsel’s participation in voir dire will permit counsel to determine bias and prejudice existing in the minds of the jurors with respect to this matter and to otherwise ensure a fair and impartial jury.” Henry was arrested June 7. Middle District U.S. Attorney Louis V. Franklin Sr., announced the indictment naming Henry as the fourteenth defendant to be indicted in connection with a federal pill mill case in Montgomery. It charges him with conspiracy to pay kickbacks to defraud the United States, unrelated to his position in the state Legislature. The indictment The indictment charges Henry with one count of conspiring to pay kickbacks and to defraud the United States. It then alleges six counts of paying unlawful kickbacks — each count is based on a different type of kickback Henry paid to Dr. Sanchez and those who worked at Dr. Sanchez’s practice. Next, the indictment charges Henry with one count of conspiring to commit health care fraud and five counts of health care fraud. Those counts are based on Henry’s assisting Dr. Sanchez in unlawfully waiving copay obligations and then failing to report the copay waivers to Medicare. Last, the indictment alleges that Henry conspired to commit money laundering. The money laundering charge results from Henry’s using the proceeds of health care fraud to make payments to Dr. Sanchez’s staff members. Attorney asks for a “bill of particulars” According to the Decatur Daily, Pulliam also asked for a “bill of particulars, seeking 45 specific facts about the prosecution’s case against Henry, including any that show Henry paid any kickback to Sanchez or committed offenses against the United States.” If convicted If convicted of the most serious offense, Henry faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, significant monetary penalties, asset forfeiture, and restitution. An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Henry continues to maintain his innocence. His trial is set for Oct. 1.
State Rep. Ed Henry claims he’s not guilty of any crimes
Hartselle-Republican, State Rep. Ed Henry, claims he is not guilty of any crimes. Henry was indicted on Thursday by Middle District U.S. Attorney Louis V. Franklin Sr. The Republican representative was named as the fourteenth defendant to be indicted in connection with a federal pill mill case in Montgomery. He is charged with conspiracy to pay kickbacks to defraud the United States, unrelated to his position in the state Legislature. On Thursday afternoon Henry posted a statement on his personal facebook page, saying he is not guilty of any crimes. “I’ve always been as open and transparent as possible,” said Henry on facebook. “For the last 8 years I have fought the government from further encroachment on our Freedoms. Today began my fight with the Federal Government for my freedom. So while I would like to lay everything on the table for all to see, that would not be wise while fighting an opponent that has endless resources like our Government.” “My goal was to help patients, and I did. Using a program established and promoted by Medicare, I helped chronically ill patients and saved the taxpayers’ money. For that, I have been charged with multiple Felonies.” “I am not guilty of any crimes.” From 2015 through 2017, Henry was an owner, and CEO of a health care company, MyPractice24, Inc. (MyPractice24). His company provided non-face-to-face chronic care management services to Medicare beneficiaries who had two or more chronic conditions. Using contracts with primary care physicians the doctors would pay Henry’s company to provide these chronic care management services to the doctors’ patients, the company would provide the services, the doctors would bill Medicare for the services, and then the doctors would pay Henry’s company a share of the reimbursements received from Medicare. In 2016, Henry entered into an agreement with Dr. Gilberto Sanchez, a Montgomery physician who has subsequently pleaded guilty to drug distribution, health care fraud, and money laundering charges. Under that agreement, MyPractice24 would provide various kickbacks to Dr. Sanchez and his staff in return for the providers at Dr. Sanchez’s practice referring Medicare beneficiaries to MyPractice24 for chronic care management services. The indictment charges Henry with one count of conspiring to pay kickbacks and to defraud the United States, one count of conspiring to commit health care fraud, five counts of health care fraud, and money laundering charges. If convicted of the most serious offense, Henry faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, significant monetary penalties, asset forfeiture, and restitution.
State Rep. Ed Henry indicted in federal pill mill case
Hartselle-Republican, State Rep. William “Ed” Henry, 47, has been arrested on charges stemming from his role in a medical kickback scheme. The indictment, announced on Thursday by Middle District U.S. Attorney Louis V. Franklin Sr., names Henry as the fourteenth defendant to be indicted in connection with a federal pill mill case in Montgomery. It charges him with conspiracy to pay kickbacks to defraud the United States, unrelated to his position in the state Legislature. Background According to court documents, from 2015 through 2017, Henry was an owner of a health care company, MyPractice24, Inc. (MyPractice24). During some of that time, he also served as the company’s chief executive officer (CEO). MyPractice24 provided non-face-to-face chronic care management services to Medicare beneficiaries who had two or more chronic conditions. The company did so pursuant to contracts into which it entered with primary care physicians. Under those contracts, the doctors would pay Henry’s company to provide these chronic care management services to the doctors’ patients, the company would provide the services, the doctors would bill Medicare for the services, and then the doctors would pay Henry’s company a share of the reimbursements received from Medicare. The indictment alleges in 2016, Henry entered into an agreement with Dr. Gilberto Sanchez, a Montgomery physician who has subsequently pleaded guilty to drug distribution, health care fraud, and money laundering charges. Under that agreement, MyPractice24 would provide various kickbacks to Dr. Sanchez and his staff in return for the providers at Dr. Sanchez’s practice referring Medicare beneficiaries to MyPractice24 for chronic care management services. Among the kickbacks provided were direct payments to a member of the staff, free chronic care management services, free medical billing services, and free clinical services unrelated to the provision of chronic care management services. Additionally, Henry assisted Dr. Sanchez in paying kickbacks to patients who enrolled in the chronic care management program. Dr. Sanchez paid these kickbacks by systematically waiving copays—copays which Medicare required Dr. Sanchez to collect. The indictment The indictment charges Henry with one count of conspiring to pay kickbacks and to defraud the United States. It then alleges six counts of paying unlawful kickbacks — each count is based on a different type of kickback Henry paid to Dr. Sanchez and those who worked at Dr. Sanchez’s practice. Next, the indictment charges Henry with one count of conspiring to commit health care fraud and five counts of health care fraud. Those counts are based on Henry’s assisting Dr. Sanchez in unlawfully waiving copay obligations and then failing to report the copay waivers to Medicare. Last, the indictment alleges that Henry conspired to commit money laundering. The money laundering charge results from Henry’s using the proceeds of health care fraud to make payments to Dr. Sanchez’s staff members. If convicted If convicted of the most serious offense, Henry faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, significant monetary penalties, asset forfeiture, and restitution. An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The investigation, the trial This case was investigated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad, and the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, the Montgomery Police Department, and the Opelika Police Department assisted in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross is prosecuting the case. Doug Howard, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, told AL.com Henry pleaded not guilty at an arraignment Thursday morning and will be released on bond Thursday. Meanwhile, eight of the thirteen other defendants have pleaded guilty. The trial is currently set for October. Henry has not responded to Alabama’s Today’s request for comment. Read the full indictment below:
Trump gives thumbs-down to comic who roasted his spokeswoman
The reviews are in: President Donald Trump gave a thumbs-down Sunday to the comedian who roasted his chief spokeswoman at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, offending present and past members of his administration, including one who walked out in protest. The organization’s leader said she regretted that Michelle Wolf’s routine may end up defining an evening that was designed to rally around journalism. WHCA President Margaret Talev said she has “heard from members expressing dismay with the entertainer’s monologue and concerns about how it reflects on our mission.” She said she will work with the incoming president of the group and take comments from members on their views “on the format of the dinner going forward.” Trump joined in the criticism. “Everyone is talking about the fact that the White House Correspondents Dinner was a very big, boring bust…the so-called comedian really ‘bombed,’” Trump tweeted Sunday. The president, who regularly lobs sharp attacks at the news media, including individual news organizations and reporters, declined to attend the journalism awards dinner for the second consecutive year. He instead held a campaign rally in Michigan. Wolf is known as a contributor on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show With Trevor Noah.” But some of her jokes, particularly a series of barbs about White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders as Sanders sat just feet away, seemed to spark the most outrage. Sean Spicer, who preceded Sanders at the White House lectern, tweeted after dinner that the night “was a disgrace.” Others, including Ed Henry, chief national correspondent for Fox News and a former association president, and MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” co-host Mika Brzezinski, called on the association to apologize to Sanders. Brzezinski has been the subject of personal attacks by Trump. Henry also called on Wolf to apologize. Matt Schlapp, chairman of the American Conservative Union, tweeted that he and his wife, Mercedes Schlapp, director of strategic communications at the White House, walked out of the dinner. “Enough of elites mocking all of us,” he said. Talev, Bloomberg News’ senior White House correspondent, said she didn’t want a dinner celebrating the constitutional right to free speech to be overshadowed by the ensuing uproar over Wolf’s jokes. “My only regret is that to some extent those 15 minutes are now defining four hours of what was a really wonderful unifying night and I don’t want the cause of unity to be undercut,” Talev said Sunday on CNN’s “Reliable Sources.” Talev said she spoke to Sanders after Wolf’s routine and “I told her that I knew that this was a big decision whether or not to attend the dinner, whether to sit at the head table and that I really appreciated her being there.” “I thought it sent an important message about the role of government and the press and being able to communicate with one another and work together,” Talev added. No Trump administration officials attended the dinner last year after Trump decided to skip it. Many were in the audience Saturday night, however, including counselor Kellyanne Conway, herself a target of Wolf, and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. Sanders sat at the head table with association board members. Talev said that, by tradition, the association does not review the comedian’s monologue before it is delivered. “We don’t censor it. We don’t even see it,” she said. Wolf tweeted “thank you” to Spicer. As he did last year, Trump flew to a Republican-friendly district to rally supporters in an attempt to counter the dinner. He assured the audience in Washington Township, Michigan, a state he won in 2016, that he’d rather be there than at “that phony Washington White House Correspondents’ Dinner.” Wolf’s act, which also included abortion jokes, had some in the audience laughing. Others sat in stony silence. Among Wolf’s less off-color one-liners: —“Just a reminder to everyone, I’m here to make jokes, I have no agenda, I’m not trying to get anything accomplished, so everyone that’s here from Congress you should feel right at home.” —“It is kinda crazy that the Trump campaign was in contact with Russia when the Hillary campaign wasn’t even in contact with Michigan.” —“He wants to give teachers guns, and I support that because then they can sell them for things they need like supplies.” Wolf closed by saying, “Flint still doesn’t have clean water,” a reference to the Michigan city where lead-tainted tap water flowed into homes for 18 months before a disaster was declared in 2015. The state recently decided to end distribution of free bottled water in Flint, saying the tap water was now as “good or better” than in many communities. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Ed Henry calls Luther Strange a “snake in the grass”
Hartselle-Republican state Rep. Ed Henry is making it well-known he does not support Sen. Luther Strange‘s candidacy for Alabama’s U.S. Senate seat. Henry, the state campaign co-chair for President Donald Trump‘s campaign called Strange an “opportunist” on Thursday, saying his sudden support for Trump was not there during the 2016 election, and that Strange “was never on the team” during the presidential campaign. “He wants to tell the people of Alabama I am doing everything I can to pass Trump’s agenda while he is writing letters to stop it. That’s speaking out of both sides of your mouth,” Henry said at a press conference at the Alabama State House.” He continued, “I would liken to what Luther Strange did to like a snake laying in the grass waiting for an opportunity to strike and that opportunity where there was no risk was as soon as Trump was elected President. And that is when he showed up.” Henry, who has been a vocal critic of Strange since his February appointment by former Gov. Robert Bentley, had intended to run against Strange, but later changed his mind. He called the press conference Thursday to “set the record straight” on who supported Trump. “I really just want our politicians in this state to say what they mean and mean what they say and the people of this state be able to know this is the truth. We do not have that right now with our Senator Strange or “strange” Senator, which ever way you want to flip it,” added Henry.
Del Marsh not running for U.S. Senate seat
State Sen. Del Marsh will not be seeking the U.S. Senate seat previously held by Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Marsh, an Anniston Republican, has served as Alabama Senate President Pro Tem since 2010. Currently in the race for the Republican nomination are Sen. Luther Strange, who had been appointed by former Gov. Robert Bentley in February, Huntsville Congressman Mo Brooks, former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore, state Rep. Ed Henry of Hartselle, Christian Coalition of Alabama President Randy Brinson, Dominic Gentile and Birmingham business executive Bryan Peeples. AL.com is reporting that 5 p.m. today is the deadline for candidates enter the special election for U.S. Senator. The Republican primary is Aug. 15. According to the Alabama Republican Party, also qualifying for the race are Mary Maxwell and Joseph F. Breault. Democratic candidates include Michael Hansen of the environmental advocacy group Gasp; former U.S. Attorney Doug Jones; Mobile resident Robert Kennedy Jr.; and Orange Beach’s Jason Fisher, who serves as vice president of direct marketing firm Ruffalo Noel-Levitz. Today’s announcement puts end to speculation Marsh would enter the race. Earlier this month, Marsh met with members of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. “I don’t consider Gov. Bentley’s hand-chosen senator to be the incumbent,” Marsh told NRSC officials. “I think the people will choose that in an election cycle.”
U.S. Senate candidates Roy Moore, Luther Strange, Ed Henry report income, debt
Even through suspension, former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore had a decent payday last year, taking in $150,000, mostly through speaking engagements. Al.com is reporting that Moore was one of three Republican candidates seeking the U.S. Senate seat filed documents this month with the Alabama Ethics Commission. Also filing was Sen. Luther Strange, the former Attorney General who now holds the seat. Elected officials are required to report economic interests, detailing income and expenses. Moore, Strange and Hartsville Republican State Rep. Ed Henry each submitted ethics statements. Dr. Randy Brinson, former head of the Christian Coalition of Alabama, is not an elected official and therefore not required to file. Last month, Gov. Kay Ivey moved up the Senate special election primary for Aug. 15; the general election is Dec. 12. Records show Moore made $181,000 a year before his suspension over his defiance of a Supreme Court order on same–sex marriage. According to Al.com, Moore also listed speaking fees of between $50,000 — $150,000 in 2016 and Social Security income between $10,000 — $50,000. Moore’s wife, Kayla, earned a salary of between $10,000 — $50,000 from Nichols Construction. She also made over $10,000 last year as president of the Foundation for Moral Law, which Roy Moore once led. Moore has two bank debts of less than $25,000 each, and a credit union loan totaling between $150,000 and $250,000. As for Strange, he earned about $168,000 as Alabama Attorney General, and earns $174,000 a year as U.S. Senator. Strange’s wife holds a part–time job at the Alys Stephens Center at UAB — earning more than $10,000; $1,000–$10,000 in director’s fees from Oakworth Capital Bank; $1,000 — $10,000 in rental income from condominiums in North Carolina and Needle Rush Point in Pensacola; pension income of $10,000–$50,000; and investment income of $50,000–$150,000. Strange’s property in Lineville, North Carolina, has a listed value of $250,000, generating less than $10,000 in rental income. The senator’s debts include $150,000–$250,000 and mortgages between $150,000–$250,000. He also lists an individual or business debt of between $25,000. Al.com notes that Henry, as a state representative, is considered a part–time employee earning $42,830 annually. He reports interests in two businesses: My Practice 24 and Lightwire Solutions. Henry owns 50 percent of My Practice 24, a chronic care management system servicing physicians, and 30 percent of Lightwire, an information technology company in Decatur, each providing more than $10,000 in income. Henry’s debts include less than $25,000 each and mortgage debt of between $50,000–$100,000.
Alabama Senate leader Del Marsh makes decision on U.S. Senate race
The Republican state Senate leader says he’s made a decision on if he will run for U.S. Senate but won’t yet announce his plans. Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh said Tuesday that an official statement will come “later” but would not specify when. The wealthy Anniston lawmaker has deep ties to the state’s business community and could self-fund his campaign. Marsh also would not rule out a 2018 run for governor. Gov. Kay Ivey set a special election for the U.S. Senate seat in December, causing a flurry of announcements from hopefuls such as the chairman of the Christian Coalition of Alabama Dr. Randy Brinson and Hartselle Republican Rep. Ed Henry. Former state Attorney General Luther Strange currently holds the office and said he’ll run to keep his seat. Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
Steve Flowers: Handicapping the ‘great show’ Senate Special Election
The decisive move by newly minted Governor, Kay Ivey, to declare a Special Election for the Jeff Sessions’ Senate Seat this year rather than next year changes the entire complexion of who will sit in that coveted seat. It also redefines the landscape of an ever changing and pivotal Alabama political scene. This next year will be an adventure as we elect a Senator and concurrently the 2018 Governor’s Race will begin its evolution. We have already seen the downfall of a sitting governor this year and by Sept. 26, we will see the election of a new junior U.S. Senator. There is an assumption that only a Republican can win statewide office in Alabama and winning the GOP primary is tantamount to election. The decision by Governor Ivey was the right decision. Most folks would assume that “forthwith” means this year rather than next year. It was also a wise political move by Ms. Ivey if she wants to run for a full term. Ivey’s calling for the Special Election for Sessions’ seat immediately, could be the death knell for Luther Strange. By December, he may go from being the newest and tallest member of the U.S. Senate to the shortest serving senator in Alabama history. His defeat could be very inglorious and humiliating. With the election being this year, it will be the only show in town. It will be a spectacle. Every politician who is in any office can run without risking his or her current posts. In other words, everyone has a free shot. Therefore, it will be a free-for-all. Everyone will run against poor Big Luther and the Bentley taint. They will use their campaign resources to give you the unmitigated details of how Luther got put in that seat by ole Bentley. You will be told so many times that Bentley and Luther got together in a backroom with Rebekah and brokered a deal to sell Luther the Senate seat in return for Luther not prosecuting Bentley and Rebekah that you will know the story by heart. Luther will be as tarnished and feathered as ole Bentley. In about two weeks, when the Washington PAC’s see the polling that reveals Luther is in trouble, his campaign resources will be less than he expected and he may not be able to defend against the onslaught of negative ads. The question becomes, who will be the early frontrunners? Roy Moore enters as the favorite. His evangelical base becomes crystallized in a large field. It will probably reserve him a place in the Sept. 26 run-off. Who will be the other candidate in the runoff? It may very well not be Luther Strange. The U.S. Senate is a select club. A cursory look around the chamber reveals very wealthy people or celebrities. Senate seats are bought by wealthy individuals in a good many cases. We have some people in Alabama who could very easily buy the Senate seat. The short period of time that exists to raise money for an Aug. 15 election even further enhances the advantage for someone who can self-finance and write a big check. The name on most lists is the “Yella Fella,” Jimmy Rane. He would sell. He is a natural salesman. Folks close to Yella Fella get the feeling that he does not want to go to Washington at this time in his life. However, he is adamant and determined that Luther Strange will not remain in the seat. Therefore, he may bankroll another candidate through a super PAC. Rumor has it that he will get behind Del Marsh. Marsh has his own money also. However, he needs more money because he is totally unknown to Alabama voters. I will keep you posted on the developments. I do not know how many of these folks will join the fray but this is how I will handicap the horses at this time. Jimmy Rane and Roy Moore are one and two. Other possibilities are Congressman Robert Aderholt, Congressman Bradley Byrne, Luther Strange, Secretary of State John Merrill, Congressman Mo Brooks, State Auditor Jim Ziegler, State Sen. Del Marsh, Trump Trumpeter Perry Hooper Jr., State Sen. Slade Blackwell, State Sen. Trip Pittman, ADECA Director Jim Byard, State Senator Arthur Orr, and State Rep. Ed Henry. It will be a great show. 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.
Most of Alabama’s delegation not interested in Senate race
Several of Alabama’s congressional delegation, including a few high-profile Democrats, will be sitting out the August primary for the U.S. Senate seat, now held by Republican Luther Strange. Anniston Republican congressman Mike Rogers is not interested, according to spokeswoman Shea Snider Miller. The Montgomery Advertiser reports several Republicans rushed to file papers this week after Gov. Kay Ivey rescheduled the special election primary for the seat from June 2018 to August. Runoffs, if needed, will be in September; the general election is set for December. Republican congressman Robert Aderholt of Haleyville, tells the Advertiser he has received encouragement to run, and could a decision next month. But other Alabama congressional delegation staying on the sidelines. U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, the Montgomery Republican, does not plan to run for the Senate this time. Roby was the only member of the delegation who publicly withdrew endorsement of Donald Trump after audio emerged of him bragging about sexual aggression. “With her new committee assignments on Judiciary and Defense Appropriations, Rep. Roby is focused on growing the contributions she is making on behalf of Alabama’s 2nd District in the House,” Roby’s representative Todd Stacy said. Hoover Republican Gary Palmer and Democrat Terri Sewell of Birmingham also declined to run. Same for Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox and former Alabama Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb. Indeed, Strange will run for the seat, but the race is beginning to get crowded. Rep. Ed Henry, a Hartselle Republican who spearheaded the impeachment effort against Bentley, announced Tuesday he will seek the Republican Party nomination for the seat. Also contemplating bids are Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh of Anniston, as well as Republican state Sens. Slade Blackwell of Montevallo and Trip Pittman of Montrose. Strange, who served as the state’s attorney general, is taking heat over his Senate appointment by former Gov. Robert Bentley, which some suggest it was because his office was investigating the governor. Bentley resigned last week, pleading guilty to two campaign finance violations. In his announcement, Henry promised to raise the issue. Strange, as the incumbent, has many advantages, including statewide campaign experience and an ability to raise a lot of money, something his current opponents lack.
