John Merrill expects 15 to 18 percent turnout in July 17 runoff
The July 17 primary runoff is only 12 days away, and while candidates plead with voters over the airways, Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill says to expect a high turnout for the election. He expects anywhere from 15 to 18 percent of voters to show up to the polls. “I think it will be that high, even though that’s a low number, I think it’ll be that high in the runoff because we have the Lieutenant Governor’s race, we have the Attorney General’s race, and so we’ve got some interest,” Merrill told Yellowhammer News. Merrill predicted a voter turnout of 25 to 30 percent in the June 5 primary election, showing his prediction prowess as 26 percent of the Yellowhammer State’s registered voters made their voices heard at the polls according to the tabulations. In December, Merrill had also estimated 25 percent of voters would turnout for the highly contested special election between Doug Jones and Roy Moore; but more than 1.3 million voters participated, 40 percent. The 2010 primary runoff drew almost 23 percent of Alabama voters, and in 2014 it was turnout was only 11 percent. There are nearly 3.4 million registered voters in Alabama.
Five things you need to know about Chris McCool
The primary elections are over, but some highly sought spots still remain open due to the primary races resulting in runoffs. One of those races is for the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals Place 2. Three candidates stepped up to the plate seeking election in the June 5 primary. Both Chris McCool and Rich Anderson garnered enough support to tip the race into a a runoff election set for July 17. With that in mind, here are the five things you need to know about Chris McCool: 1. Has served on the Executive Committee of the Alabama District Attorneys Association (ADAA) for 10 years. During that time he’s served in multiple roles: as President, Vice President, and Treasurer. 2. He’s won a lot of awards for the work he’s done. In 2007, he was named “Prosecutor of the Year” by VOCAL (Victims of Crime and Leniency) and “District Attorney of the Year” by the ADAA. He was also named “Prosecutor of the Year” by the Alabama Forest Owners Association in 2012. 3. He’s worked as an adjunct professor. McCool was an adjunct professor in the Trial Advocacy Program at the University of Alabama, School of Law from 1998 to 2000. 4. He knows a thing or two about farming. He lives on, and manages, the farm that has been in his family for five generations. 5. Roll Tide Roll (need we say any more?). McCool graduated from the University of Alabama in 1990, with a bachelor’s degree in History and Classics, and the University of Alabama, School of Law in 1993.
Five things you need to know about Kari Powell
Now that the primaries are over, the real battle has begun. Running unopposed in the June 5 Primary Kari Powell, the Democratic candidate for Public Service Commissioner Place 2, will face against Incumbent Chip Beeker in the November 6 general election for the PSC seat. With that in mind, here are the five things you need to know about Kari Powell: 1. She’s a graphic designer and marketer by trade. Powell began her career working for two large family owned real estate companies as a Marketing Director, and has won an award for her talents. “I was integral in designing and developing new websites for both companies, and maintaining content. Other duties included developing and implementing external and internal marketing campaigns, and creating marketing and advertising plans for sales associates,” Powell said. In 2013, she won a HOW International Design Award for the logo she designed for her husband’s business, Powell Pediatric Dentistry. 2. She volunteers her time and talent to several organizations. In addition to designing her own campaign logo, she also designed Senate District 11 candidate Carl Carter, and Public Service Commission Place 1 candidate Cara McClure‘s branding. “In 2017 I did a pro-bono rebranding of the Service Guild of Birmingham, an organization which I am a member of,” Powell told Alabama Today. “I do as-needed design work for my church, Saint Junia UMC. In 2016 I designed the logo for the local organization Faith In Action Alabama, of which I am also a member.” She also volunteers her time at the Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs with infants and toddlers at risk for developmental delay. 3. She’s a graduate of Emerge Alabama candidate training. Emerge Alabama founded in 2017, is a training group for Democratic women in the state with only one goal: increase the number of Democratic women serving in office in the state. It is an intensive 70-hour training program with proven results. “In 2016, over 330 Emerge alumnae ran for office across the country and 70 percent of those who appeared on the November ballot won their elections,” Emerge Alabama said. 4. Her grandmother was involved in politics, and was the person who convinced her to run. Powell’s grandmother ran for office herself in the 1960’s beating six men for her seat on the school board, which was rare at the time, continuing to run unopposed for the next two terms. “She saw how active I had become over the past couple of years in local and statewide elections, and she pulled me aside at a family wedding, and asked if I had ever considered running for office,” Powell said. “She said she regrets not taking her political career further, and urged me to consider running.” 5. She and Cara McClure are leading a double-team effort for PSC Places 1 and 2 In addition to creating McClures branding, the duo is leading a double-team effort for PSC Places 1 and 2 traveling, campaigning and speaking together at events. Both running as Democrats, they seek to bring fair and affordable utility rates to Alabama.
Meet your presumed new Agricultural Commissioner Rick Pate
Incumbent Agricultural Commissioner John McMillan announced in January that he would not be seeking reelection, opting for a run for State Treasurer instead. Four candidates stepped up to the plate seeking election in the June 5 primary, with former state Sen. Gerald Dial and Lowndesboro Mayor Rick Pate both garnering enough support to tip the race into a a runoff election. The runoff race took a dark turn when Dial began hurling insults at Pate and lying about him in a campaign ad. But the negative campaign strategy didn’t work, Pate won the runoff election with nearly 57 percent of the vote. Now, facing no Democratic challenger in the November general election, Pate has presumably won has race, and will become Agricultural Commissioner in 2019. With that in mind, here are the five things you need to know about Rick Pate: 1. He’s a cattle breeder and farmer. Pate’s father, Harold Pate was an award winning cattle farmer, and charter member of the National Cattlemen’s Association. “Pate is said to have done more over a longer period of time to promote and advance Charolais cattle in Alabama than any other individual,” said Auburn University. His son, candidate Rick Pate is now one of the owners and operators of the Pate Charolais farm, a Charolais cattle farm and breeder in Lowndesboro, Ala. 2. He’s been the Mayor of Lowndesboro since 1997 First elected in 1997, Pate has been the mayor of Lowndesboro, a town with a population of 107, since 1997. Under Pate’s leadership the town, southwest of Montgomery, has more than $1.2 million in cash reserves. In fact, the town operates a water system, which has twice been named the second-best-tasting water by the non-profit Alabama Rural Water Association. 3. He holds a bachelors degree in Horticulture. Pate attended the University of Auburn’s agricultural school, and earned a bachelors degree in Horticulture. Growing up, and spending nearly all of his life on a farm, has given him an affinity for farmers, and their lifestyle. “When I was approached about running for commissioner of agriculture and industries, I saw it as an opportunity to serve our state and promote the agricultural community that I know from my upbringing,” Pate said announcing his campaign. 4. He owns an award-winning landscaping business. Pate has built Pate Landscape Co., Inc. into an award winning, profitable business over 36 years. It currently employs 23 people. The firm has completed projects such as the Bryant-Denny Stadium Expansion in Tuscaloosa, AU School of Nursing & Pharmacy, Wetumpka WindCreek Casino and Hyundai Motor Manufacturing in Montgomery. 5. He holds several positions in the Alabama Republican Party. Not only a member of the Alabama Republican Party, Pate is vice-chair of the Lowndes County Republican Party and serves as the Lowndes County Place 1 member of the Alabama Republican Executive Committee.
Five things you need to know about Brad Mendheim
The primary elections are over, but some highly sought spots still remain open due to the primary races resulting in runoffs. One of those races is for the Supreme Court, Place 1. Incumbent Brad Mendheim and Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Sarah Stewart both garnered enough support to tip the race into a a runoff election set for July 17. With that in mind, here are five things you need to know about Brad Mendheim: 1. He was appointed by Gov. Kay Ivey to replace Justice Glenn Murdock. In January 2018, Mendheim was appointed by Governor Kay Ivey after Alabama Supreme Court Justice Glenn Murdock announced his resignation. “In appointing someone to serve on the Alabama Supreme Court, it is imperative to appoint someone with impeccable legal credentials and with unquestioned character and integrity; Judge Brad Mendheim exceeds those requirements,” Ivey said in a news release. “With more than 17 years of judicial experience, Judge Mendheim will bring the valuable knowledge of a trial judge to the highest court in our state. As an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, I know Judge Mendheim will follow the law and serve with honor.” 2. He has served as a judge for over 15 years. In 2001 Mendheim was elected to serve as district judge in Houston County, a position he held until 2008 when he was elected to serve as a circuit judge for the 20th Judicial Circuit covering the Henry and Houston Counties near the Georgia and Alabama state lines. He was then reelected in 2014 for another six year term before Ivey appointed him as a Supreme Court judge in 2018. 3. He’s presided over 300 jury trials. According to Mendheim’s campaign page, he’s presided over 300 jury trials and has twice been called upon to has been called upon to sentence men to death for their convictions for capital murder. He’s also presided over numerous cases of crimes against children, violent felonies, criminal cases, and small claims cases over the course of his career. “I’ve been a trial court judge for most of my career, and I look forward to bringing that experience to the Supreme Court, while working with my new colleagues to ensure justice is achieved in every case we hear,” Mendheim said when he was appointed to the Supreme Court. 4. He served six and a half years as an Assistant District Attorney Before he became a judge, Mendheim worked at a law firm in Dothan for several years. He was then given an opportunity to serve as an assistant district attorney for the 20th Judicial Circuit where he served for just over six years. “As a local prosecutor, he handled every type of criminal case, from the most minor traffic ticket to death penalty cases. Brad personally tried over 120 criminal jury trials, most of which were serious felonies and crimes of violence,” said Mendheim’s campaign page. 5. He was born in Dothan and still lives there. Born to the late Brady and Nancy Mendheim in Dothan, Ala. Medheim attended Auburn University to obtain his bachelors degree and Samford’s Cumberland School of Law for his J.D. But Mendheim had a love for his hometown, and returned after school to begin his career in law, and has spent 17 years serving the area as a judge.
Five things you need to know about Troy King
The primary elections are over, but some highly sought spots still remain open due to the primary races resulting in runoffs. One of those races is for the Attorney General’s seat. In a highly contested and publicized race, Incumbent Steve Marshall and former Alabama Attorney General Troy King both garnered enough support to tip the race into a a runoff election set for July 17. With that in mind, here are five things you need to know about Troy King: 1. He was Alabama’s Attorney General in from 2004 to 2010. It’s safe to say King knows a thing or two about the day-to-day proceedings of the Alabama Attorney General’s office. He was first appointed attorney general in 2004 by former Gov. Bob Riley, after William Pryor left the office to accept federal judge position with the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. In 2006, King defeated democratic nominee John M. Tyson in the November general election of that year. He served as Attorney General for one term after his election, and was defeated by Luther Strange in the 2010 Republican primary; but now he’s back and ready to ultimately find victory as the Party’s nominee. 2. He was instrumental in bringing changes to the Yellowhammer State’s sex offender laws. While serving as Attorney General, King made it his mission to bring new laws regarding sex offenders to the state. Specifically he wanted the state to require that Alabama’s sex offenders who were released wear an electronic monitoring bracelet (such as those used for those on house arrest or parole) to monitor the sex offenders whereabouts. He was so adamant about his position that he wore an electronic monitoring bracelet himself during the 2005 legislative session, until the law was changed. 3. Although he is very opposed to gambling of any kind in Alabama, he’s accepted campaign donations from out of state gambling interests. During his time as Attorney General, not only did he introduce anti-gambling legislation every year of his time in public office, he also prosecuted several electronic gambling sites, opposed a gambling expansion for the Native American tribes in Alabama, and even requested that the United States Department of the Interior deny the Poarch Band of Creek Indian’s application to broaden their gambling operations in the state. But a recent report by AL.com claims King has received “about $90,000 from five South Carolina companies and individuals with links to gaming.” According to the report, one of the major donors from South Carolina, Keith Gray, is involved in the gambling business, with one of his businesses being prosecuted in 2017 by the state of Alabama. Gray reportedly used his own name, names of family members, and business associates to donate to King’s campaign, including two companies called Open Ocean Investments and Sycamore Investments. Which have, “disconnected phone numbers, [and] share a post office box in Piedmont, South Carolina.” 4. He was the first Attorney General to sue BP after Deepwater horizon. On April 20, 2010, an explosion on an oil rig off the coast of Luisiana, called Deep Water Horizon, started a chain of events which eventually led to around 4.9 million barrels of oil being pumped into the Gulf of Mexico. The spill caused massive amounts of damage to coastal ecosystems and communities located near the gulf. Under King’s leadership, Alabama was the first state impacted by the Deep water Horizon oil spill to file a lawsuit against the oil rig’s owners, BP. “BP is now on notice,” King told CNN. “Alabama intends to hold you good to your word and to make you put our state back the way you found it.” King’s actions led to a settlement with BP in which the state was awarded $1.3 billion to be paid out over 14 years. 5. His favorite musician is Johnny Cash (at least on Facebook anyway). According to King’s campaign Facebook page, his favorite music to listen to is Johnny Cash. Cash is a very famous country artist best known for his songs “Boy Named Sue” and “Ring of Fire.”
Defeated PSC candidate Jim Bonner starts a Gofundme page for recount
In the aftermath of Tuesday’s primary elections, highly controversial PSC candidate Jim Bonner has launched a Gofundme page titled “Justice in Alabama” in order to raise funds for a recount in the PSC race. “Simple this is a fund for the ordeal dealing with the Alabama GOP shenanigans. Help raise money for a recount,” says the page description. Bonner has raised $20 of the $5.000 he is asking for. According to the Alabama Secretary of State’s office, Bonner’s margins were just shy of the automatic recount number of .5 percent. Bonner was defeated with a .68 percent margin. In order to obtain a recount Bonner must raise and pay all of the costs associated with the recount which could total over $1 million. However, even if he does somehow raise the money, it may not matter. According to Ballotpedia, Alabama recount laws state that “the time period for requesting a recount begins ‘with the production of the certificate of result and ends 48 hours after the official canvass of county returns.’” Bonner began his Gofundme account on June 7, two days after the primary, rendering any money he raised from the start obsolete. Bonner created a lot of controversy in this years PSC race by posting questionable photos and opinions to his social media accounts. The Alabama Republican party promptly censured him, and later added that they would disregard any votes he received.
Jo Bonner holds press conference to clear Jim Bonner confusion
Former Congressman Jo Bonner held a press conference in Mobile, Ala. on Friday to clear up any confusion for voters concerning what has become a controversial Public Service Commission race. The confusion comes from Jo Bonner and current PSC candidate Jim Bonner sharing a last name. “To my knowledge, we are not related,” Jo Bonner said at the press conference, according to AL.com. “I do not support him and resent the views he’s expressed in social media.” “I am not voting for the gentleman from North Alabama because, in my opinion, he’s taken to social media and he’s disparaged women, minorities and other groups as well. This doesn’t represent the best of Alabama,” Jo Bonner continued. Jim Bonner, a controversial Republican candidate for the PSC position is unexpectedly polling ahead of his opponent, six-year incumbent Jeremy Oden. Many attribute his lead in the polls to name confusion; but he doesn’t think so. “The short and accurate answer would be no; I do not believe I am leading because people have mistaken me for someone else,” Jim Bonner said. “People are struggling with the idea that a candidate with no special interests money could be leading in the polls. The truth is I lead by the widest margin in fraternal circles where people know my opponent and myself intimately.” But Jo Bonner said he’s been receiving calls from supporters, asking what they can do to help with his race; “I’ve been blessed over the years to know people around the state,” he said during the conference. “I had no interest in coming to Mobile for a press conference, but people have been so good to me over the years and to my family. I’m not trying to get involved in politics again. I am just trying to clear the air for those who might want to vote for someone who they think we may be related. We’re not.” Jo Bonner currently serves as vice-chancellor of economic development at the University of Alabama Systems, a position he has held since 2013 when he resigned from Congress, and does not plan on returning to politics any time soon; while Jim Bonner is battling his own mess with the Alabama Republican Party. The ALGOP censured him on Tuesday for his statements on both social media and the radio, “Mr. Bonner’s recent comments on his social media as well as radio shows are not condoned by the Alabama Republican Party,” said ALGOP Chairman Terry Lathan in the release. “Mr. Bonner is welcome to his opinions and his first amendment right of free speech. The Alabama Republican Party is welcome to our opinion as well, and we reject the egregious comments Mr. Bonner continues to spew.” The party also said they will not be certifying the votes for Jim Bonner. The decision, announced on Thursday means he won’t get the party’s nomination even if he’s the leading vote-getter in Tuesday’s primary. On Friday Jim Bonner said he is appealing the ALGOP’s decision; but it may not matter. Lathan said Bonner’s request for an appeal hearing won’t be considered until Aug. 25, months after the June 5 primary. Jim Bonner faces against incumbent Jeremy Oden in Tuesday’s primary.
Scott Dawson releases bus tour schedule
Alabama voters take to the polls on Tuesday to cast their ballots in for the candidate of their choice. In a final push to rally grassroots conservative voters, evangelist and Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Dawson has announced a bus tour leading up to the June 5 primary. Dawson faces against incumbent governor Kay Ivey, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, and Sen. Bill Hightower in the Republican primary. Here’s the schedule for Dawson’s bus tour, and election day: Friday June 1: Cullman: 7:45 a.m., Cracker Barrel, 6020 AL Hwy 157, Cullman, Alabama 35058 Jasper: 9:45 a.m., Warehouse 319, 221 19th St W, Jasper, Alabama 35501 Guin: 11:15 a.m., Jimbo’s, 161 11th Avenue, Guin, Alabama 35563 Haleyville: 12:30 p.m., Haleyville 9-1-1 Festival, downtown Haleyville, off of Highway 13, (parking at original Guthrie’s) Decatur: 2:15 p.m., Krispy Kreme, 1648 Beltline Road SW, Decatur, Alabama 35601 Muscle Shoals: 4:00 p.m., Chick-Fil-A, 511 W Avalon Avenue, Muscle Shoals, Alabama 35661 Florence: 4:45 p.m., Florence First Friday, Downtown Florence, 104 South Court Street, Florence, Alabama Athens: 8:00 p.m., Rally at Limestone County Courthouse, 200 W Washington Street, Athens, Alabama 35611 Saturday June 2: Madison: 7:30 a.m., Hobby Lobby/Another Broken Egg, 7504 Hwy 72 W., Madison, Alabama 35758 Scottsboro: 10:15 a.m., Scottsboro Gun & Pawn, 117 N Broad Street, Scottsboro, Alabama 35768 Fort Payne: 12:00 noon, Dekalb Theatre, 306 Gault Avenue North, Fort Payne, Alabama 35967 Albertville: 2:00 p.m., Alexander Dodge, Chrysler Jeep, 6764 U.S. 431, Albertville, Alabama 35950 Attalla: 3:30 p.m., TBA. Hayden: 5:15 p.m., Phil’s Grill, 195 Smokerise Trail, Hayden, Alabama 35180 Sunday, June 3: No events scheduled, Dawson says he will be worshipping and resting. Monday, June 4: Pell City: 8:05 a.m., Pell City Coffee Co., 1605 Martin Street S, Suite 6, Pell City, Alabama 35128 Lincoln: 9:20 a.m., TBA. Rainbow City: 11:00 a.m., the old Hyundai location, 626 W. Grand Avenue, Rainbow City, Alabama 35906 Gadsden: 12:00 noon, Noccalula Falls Park, 1500 Noccalula Road, Gadsden, AL 35904 Piedmont: 1:45 p.m., Garcy Manufacturing, 1000 Garcy Blvd, Piedmont, Alabama 36272 Oxford: 3:40 p.m., Oxford Exchange, 650 Oxford Exchange Blvd., Oxford, Alabama 36203 Saks: 5:15 p.m., Saks Community Center, 473 Brightwood Ave., Anniston, Alabama 36206
Alabama GOP steering committee disqualifies votes for Jim Bonner for PSC
Alabama Republicans say they won’t certify the votes of a statewide candidate who’s come under scrutiny for what the party calls “egregious” comments. The decision announced Thursday means Jim Bonner, who’s running for the utility-regulating Public Service Commission, won’t get the party’s nomination even if he’s the leading vote-getter in Tuesday’s primary. The two-time delegate to the Republican National Convention is trying to unseat incumbent Jeremy Oden. But he’s made comments on social media and radio that could be offensive to women, blacks, Jews and Muslims. The party censured Bonner this week, and it took a further step after a meeting by saying it won’t consider his votes in the election. Bonner says his public comments are being taken out of context, and he’s appealing the decision to the party. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
No fireworks in Democrats’ final debate for governor
Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls spent their final debate Wednesday focused on policy, instead of taking jabs at each other, as their party seeks a revival in the GOP-dominated state. Former Alabama Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, former state legislator James Fields, Doug Smith and Chris Countryman appeared in the Wednesday debate hosted by Alabama Boys State, a civics and leadership program for teens. Alabama has not elected a Democrat to the governor’s office in 20 years, but the candidates — casting an eye toward the November general election — argued Alabama needs a change in leadership. Cobb said the state has been damaged by the “drama and embarrassment” of a series of GOP scandals, including a Republican governor who resigned in the wake of a sex-tinged scandal and a Republican House speaker convicted on ethics charges. “We’ve got to have leaders that will not embarrass us, will do the job and provide the visionary leadership Alabama deserves,” Cobb said. Maddox in his opening statement recalled as a teen hearing then Democratic candidate Paul Hubbert in the 1990 gubernatorial election talk about improving access to health care and education. Twenty-eight years later Alabama remains, “48th, 49th and 50th in everything that matters,” Maddox said. “Alabama is at a crossroads between the past and the future,” Maddox said. In the hour-plus debate, candidates spoke in favor of Medicaid expansion, establishing a state lottery and the need to boost economic opportunities to keep young people from leaving the state. Fields, in response to a question about funding infrastructure, said he opposed raising the tax on gasoline — a measure favored by some politicians in both parties — because he said it would be a tax, “on the poor.” “We are going to put the tax where it needs to be and that’s on property. Folks, poor people don’t own a lot of property but we want to continue to tax the poor,” Fields said. He said he also favored removing the tax on food. Countryman said the state needs to invest in renewable energy sources to curb dependence on fossil fuels. Countryman said he also favored legalization of medical marijuana and to look at the possible legalization for recreational use. Smith, an economist, said the state has stagnated in economic growth. The forum in front of the mostly teen audience was cordial despite contentious moments in earlier debates between Maddox and Cobb. The two are considered the front runners in Tuesday’s primary contest. The winner will face the Republican nominee in November. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Parker Snider: State elections matter more than most think
Washington, D.C.—one of the most visited cities in the world—oozes a sense of superiority and power. How could it not? Our nation’s Capitol building is truly enormous, the Secret Service and Capitol police carry rifles regularly, and the President of the most powerful country in the world lives within its borders. Anyone, whether a visitor, summer intern, or permanent resident, feels that they are amongst the most formidable and important people in the world when in Washington. This sentiment is mostly true. The President, Congress, and Supreme Court do yield great authority and power to influence our lives—if they choose to use it. The truth, however, is that state governments are more likely than the federal government to create laws and policies that affect our day-to-day lives. This is, in fact, how our country was designed. James Madison, a founding father and our fourth President, wrote in Federalist No. 45 that “the operations of the federal government will be most extensive and important in times of war and danger; those of the State governments, in times of peace and security.” In layman’s terms: the federal government will protect our national security and borders while the states dictate domestic policy. Admittedly, Madison’s vision of federalism is not exactly what we see today, as the federal government often rules like it is “most extensive and important” in both peacetime and wartime. Even so, the 10th amendment of the Constitution remains, and all powers not delegated to the federal government are constitutionally reserved to the states. Although the federal government finds itself at a standstill arguing about all types of domestic policy, state governments are productively creating them every day. Take, for instance, the Alabama legislature. In the first three months of 2018, the Alabama State House and Senate passed over 300 bills. The U.S. Congress, with all its power and superiority, has passed only 172 bills since the beginning of last year. This gap is even more pronounced when examined nationally. In 2014 alone state legislatures passed over 24,000 bills. The 113th Congress, by contrast, passed only 296 bills in both 2013 and 2014. This productivity gap is largely because, unlike in Washington, many states have supermajorities of a singular political party. This makes it immensely easier to pass legislation in the states. These laws, although restricted to a single state, are not limited to minor issues. During the Obama administration, for example, states enacted over 200 restrictions on abortion. State governments are also in charge of public education, determine how to tax their residents, and decide infrastructure spending—spending that could easily impact your daily commute. State governments also recruit businesses and jobs to the area, determine many welfare benefits and qualifications, regulate occupations (for better or for worse), and draw their own district lines. The reality is that the actions of the state government can have immediate and consequential effects on our everyday lives. This makes it critically important to know the candidates we are voting for in state elections. The days of the national media covering Alabama politics constantly are, for the moment, over. Fox News and CNN aren’t reporting on our governor’s race like they did last year’s race for U.S. Senate—and they certainly are not following our races for lieutenant governor, attorney general, or those of other down ballot positions. Alabamians, therefore, must intentionally learn about the candidates, their records, and their positions. Thankfully, there are ample opportunities to do so including recorded debates, coverage by local news organizations, and detailed policy questionnaires. On June 5th, Alabamians will vote. When we do, we must not vote blindly based off name recognition or slick advertising. We should, instead, learn about candidates up and down the ballot because state elections matter more than most think. ••• Parker Snider is Policy Relations Manager for the Alabama Policy Institute (API). API is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit research and educational organization dedicated to strengthening free enterprise, defending limited government, and championing strong families. If you would like to speak with the author, please e-mail communications@alabamapolicy.org or call (205) 870-9900.
