Equal pay activist Lilly Ledbetter endorses State Rep. Adline Clarke
Alabama State Rep. Adline Clarke has won the endorsement of the woman
Birmingham’s own Randall Woodfin scores with underdog pick in Fla. gubernatorial primary
Earlier this week, Andrew Gillum, the former mayor of Tallahassee, Fla., pulled off quite the upset when he defeated former Congresswoman Gwen Graham, among others, and won the Democratic nomination for Governor. Birmingham’s very own Randall Woodfin weighed-in on the race, just a week before Election Day, where he gave Gillum his public endorsement. “Every now and then I get the opportunity to be vocal about the candidates I support who running for other offices across this nation. Andrew Gillum is one of those candidates,” Woodfin said in a video he posted on Twitter. Woodfin continued speaking directly to camera, saying, “As a candidate running for the Governor of Florida. Floridians, he is your choice. He cares about the same exact things you care about. The future and investment in the education of children. Equal pay and rights for women and others. Investing in infrastructure. The economic delveopment that really works for all of the residents of Florida. For all the concern we have. For all the passion and hope we have for the future of Florida, put it in Andrew Gillum’s hands to lead your state. You can count on Andrew to make a difference in you and your family’s life. Vote Andrew Gillum next Tuesday.” As Woodfin pointed out in his tweet, Gillum is a fellow mayor, but what he failed to mention is that Gillum is a Bernie Sanders — the liberal senator from Vermont — backed candidate. Just like he was. Interestingly, both young politicians — Woodfin, 37, and Gillum, 39 — were early Hillary Clinton supporters during her 2016 presidential campaign. Like Woodfin, Gillum also managed to pull off a surprise upset at the polls. Thanks to a strong grassroots efforts he bested four other Democratic opponents, all of whom outspent him handily. Woodfin went back to Twitter to send his public congratulations. “Huge congratulations to my friend, fellow mayor, and future GOVERNOR of the great state of Florida @AndrewGillum. Incredible victory brother! Bring it home on November 6th! #OurRevolution #FloridaPrimary,” Woodfin tweeted. Woodfin’s not the only one recognizing Gillum on Twitter. In the days since his victory, he’s also drawn attention from the Oval Office. “Not only did Congressman Ron DeSantis easily win the Republican Primary, but his opponent in November is his biggest dream….a failed Socialist Mayor named Andrew Gillum who has allowed crime & many other problems to flourish in his city. This is not what Florida wants or needs!” tweeted President Donald Trump. Not only did Congressman Ron DeSantis easily win the Republican Primary, but his opponent in November is his biggest dream….a failed Socialist Mayor named Andrew Gillum who has allowed crime & many other problems to flourish in his city. This is not what Florida wants or needs! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 29, 2018
Alabama AFL-CIO backs Judge Bob Vance for Chief Justice
The AlabamaAmerican Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) — a pro-labor union group that advocates for social and economic justice and working to vanquish oppression and make Alabama communities better for all people—regardless of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, or ethnic or national origin — endorsed Judge Bob Vance, Democratic candidate for Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, for the November 6 general election this week. Vance spoke at the AFL-CIO Candidate Forum in Montgomery, Ala. on Thursday, August 2 about the issues facing the Alabama court system and the need for better funding to address these challenges. He also stressed the need for the courts to serve all Alabamians, regardless of income, race, or religion, and he pledged to stand above political rancor and divisiveness. Vance said he is honored to receive Alabama AFL-CIO’s endorsement. “The advocacy the organization provides on behalf of working families across our state is of the utmost importance,” Vance said.
Alice Martin endorses Will Ainsworth citing Twinkle Cavanaugh’s ‘deceptive’ ad
Former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama and a former Chief Deputy Attorney General of Alabama Alice Martin has thrown her support behind Guntersville-Republican, State Rep. Will Ainsworth in his bid to be Alabama’s next Lt. Governor. Martin made the announcement on Tuesday citing the “disappointing and deceptive” campaign ad of his opponent, Twinkle Cavanaugh, among the reasons for her decision. “I don’t make this endorsement lightly, and am compelled due to the very disappointing and deceptive ad by his opponent,” Martin said. “To say Rep. Ainsworth was criminally charged and ‘didn’t serve a day in jail’ infers he was prosecuted when in fact the charge was dropped!” “It was a college prank now used as a professional smear,” she continued. “This poor judgement doesn’t make his opponent shine to me. Please remember to vote next Tuesday!” Martin referenced a Cavanaugh campaign ad, which claims Ainsworth used insider influence to escape prosecution for felony theft charges but offers scant detail. In reality, the ad refers to a college prank that occurred roughly 20 years ago when Ainsworth and classmates “kidnapped” fiberglass tigers that the Auburn Chamber of Commerce had placed around the downtown area. Recognizing the harmless nature of the stunt, the Auburn Chamber agreed those involved would pay a small fine and work with Habitat for Humanity as punishment for the college prank. Cavanaugh’s ad also claims Ainsworth was arrested in Jackson County when he was still in college, but the claim is false. Ainsworth was actually ticketed for having an expired boat registration on a lake. Martin’s full Facebook post reads: Happy to share time with friends in Alabama Forestry Association last evening in Florence. With the runoff primary in one week I want to announce my endorsement of Will Ainsworth for Lt. Gov. Why? Because this is a critical race and Alabama needs an outside conservative who has the courage to stand up to special interest and take actions that are best for the state and her citizens. I don’t make this endorsement lightly, and am compelled due to the very disappointing and deceptive ad by his opponent. To say Rep. Ainsworth was criminally charged and “didn’t serve a day in jail” infers he was prosecuted when in fact the charge was dropped! It was a collage prank now used as a professional smear. This poor judgment doesn’t make his opponent shine to me. Please remember to vote next Tuesday! Alabama needs change!!
Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee endorses Twinkle Cavanaugh for Lt. Gov.
Former Arkansas governor and presidential candidate Mike Huckabee endorsed President of the Public Service Commission and Lieutenant Governor-hopeful Twinkle Cavanaugh on Monday. Cavanaugh chaired Huckabee’s 2008 Presidential Campaign in Alabama, when he carried the state over Sen. John McCain and Gov. Mitt Romney. Before becoming Arkansas’ 44th Governor, Huckabee served in the ministry. “I have known Twinkle for over a decade and consider her to be a friend and a staunch Republican ally,” Huckabee announced. “But I am not supporting Twinkle simply because we are friends. I am supporting Twinkle because of the Christian, conservative values she and I share. We need leaders who are not afraid to fight for their core values and have the courage to hold their peers accountable when they stray from their promises to the people. Twinkle has kept her promises as President of the Public Service Commission, shrinking her agency’s budget by 30%, saving the taxpayers over $60 million through cuts, and bringing transparency and honesty to the office.” Cavanaugh said she’s honored to receive Huckabee’s endorsement. “I am honored to have the endorsement of my friend, Governor Mike Huckabee,” Cavanaugh said. “Governor Huckabee has been a role model to me throughout my time in public service, and I am deeply humbled that he has chosen to support our campaign and our vision of a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.” There are 13 days until the July 17 primary runoff election.
Donald Trump endorses Martha Roby in AL-02 runoff despite 2016 snub
With less than a month before Alabama’s primary runoff elections, President Donald Trump has weighed-in on one of the most watched races: the battle for Alabama’s 2nd District between incumbent U.S. Rep. Martha Roby and former U.S. Rep. Bobby Bright. “Congresswoman Martha Roby of Alabama has been a consistent and reliable vote for our Make America Great Again Agenda,” Trump tweeted in the early hours of Friday morning. “She is in a Republican Primary run-off against a recent Nancy Pelosi voting Democrat. I fully endorse Martha for Alabama 2nd Congressional District!” Trump’s tweet is referencing the fact Roby’s opponent, Bright, previously represented the 2nd District as a Democrat and backed Pelosi for Speaker during his time on the Hill. Endorsement despite criticisms Roby found herself lambasted by the crowded field of challengers due her 2016 criticism of President Donald Trump after recordings of him making lewd comments were released during his campaign for president. Roby said then that Trump’s behavior “makes him unacceptable as a candidate for president” and suggested he step aside to let another Republican lead the presidential ticket. The runoff is the political price Roby has to pay for being one of the few Republicans in the Deep South state to speak out against the president. Trump however, clearly thinks Roby is the better choice despite her criticisms. Roby faces Bright on July 17 in the Republican primary runoff. The winner will most likely go on to win the soundly red district in November.
Pro-life SBA List endorses Twinkle Cavanaugh for Lieutenant Governor
The national pro-life group Susan B. Anthony List (SBA List) on Thursday announced its endorsement of Twinkle Cavanaugh for Lieutenant Governor of Alabama. Dedicated to pursuing policies and electing candidates who will reduce and ultimately end abortion, the SBA List and its network of more than 630,000 pro-life Americans nationwide emphasize the education, promotion, mobilization, and election of pro-life women. “Susan B. Anthony List has a special calling to promote strong pro-life, pro-woman leaders like Twinkle Cavanaugh. We are proud to endorse her for lieutenant governor,” said former congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave, SBA List’s Vice President of Government Affairs. “Twinkle’s pro-life convictions are unshakeable. She will be a powerful advocate for unborn children and their mothers, as well as the taxpayers of Alabama in the role of lieutenant governor, which doubles as president of the state senate. We encourage pro-life voters to support her.” Cavanaugh said she was humbled by the endorsement. “I am humbled by Susan B. Anthony List’s endorsement,” said Cavanaugh. “Alabama is a profoundly pro-life state where the voters believe every life is precious and deserving of protection. I am deeply committed to the future of all our children, including those yet unborn. It will be a privilege to serve as lieutenant governor and stand up for these values at every opportunity.” Twinkle Cavanaugh is president of Alabama’s Public Service Commission where she works to ensure taxpayers’ confidence in local government. Previously, she was the first woman to serve as chair of the Alabama Republican Party. The primary election will take place on June 5.
Here’s everyone who Manufacture Alabama has endorsed in the 2018 election cycle
Manufacture Alabama — the state’s only trade association dedicated exclusively to the competitive, legislative, regulatory and operational interests and needs of manufacturers and their partner industries and businesses — has endorsed several candidates in the 2018 election cycle. Here are the candidates who Manufacture Alabama has endorsed, who they believe will help create a business and political climate that enhances the opportunity for growth of Alabama Manufacturers: Statewide Races Governor: Kay Ivey Lieutenant Governor: Twinkle Cavanaugh Attorney General: Steve Marshall Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries: Gerald Dial Alabama Public Service Commission, Place 1: Jeremy Oden Alabama Public Service Commission, Place 2: Chip Beeker State Senate Races Senate District 2: Tom Butler Senate District 3: Mike Sparks Senate District 7: Sam Givhan Senate District 8: Steve Livingston Senate District 12: Del Marsh Senate District 21: Gerald Allen Senate District 34: Jack W. Williams State House Races House District 10: Mike Ball House District 12: Corey Harbison House District 14: Tim Wadsworth House District 16: Kyle South House District 22: Ritchie Whorton House District 30: Rusty Jessup House District 48: Jim Carns House District 49: April Weaver House District 55: Rod Scott House District 64: Harry Shiver House District 73: Matt Fridy House District 77: Malcolm Calhoun House District 102: Thomas Gray House District 105: Chip Brown Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice: Lyn Stuart Place 1: Brad Mendheim Place 4: Jay Mitchell Alabama Court of Civil Appeals: Place 1: Christie Edwards Place 2: Terri Thomas Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals Place 1: Richard Minor Place 2: Chris McCool Place 3: Bill Cole State Board of Education Place 8: Rich Adams
BCA endorses Terri Thomas for Alabama Court of Civil Appeals Place 2
ProgressPAC — the political action committee of the Business Council of Alabama — on Monday announced their endorsement of Judge Terri Willingham Thomas in the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals Place 2 in the June 5 Republican primary. “Judge Thomas possesses qualities that businesses desire in members of the state’s highest courts,” ProgressPAC’s Chairman Mike Kemp said. “For this reason, ProgressPAC is proud to endorse Judge Thomas in the June 5 primary.” Kemp said the PAC’s board of directors voted to endorse Thomas because of her commitment to rulings that align with Alabama law. “The importance of electing judges who will rule according to the law cannot be understated,” Thomas said. “Given my experience as a judge at the state and local level, I believe I possess the knowledge, skills, and temperament necessary to continue serving the state of Alabama on an appellate bench.” Thomas, a native of Cullman, Ala., was first elected to the Court of Civil Appeals in 2006 and reelected in 2012. After graduating from law school, she began practicing law in Cullman was soon elected as a district and juvenile court judge in Cullman County, a position she held for a decade. She has also served as president of the Alabama Juvenile and Family Courts Judges Association from, was a Faculty member at the Alabama Judicial College, a member of Alabama’s Juvenile Code Revision Committee, the Judicial System Legislative Coordinating Council, the Standing Committee on Juvenile Procedure, and the Standing Committee on Rules of Conduct and Canons of Judicial Ethics. Thomas faces Chad Hanson in the June 5 Republican primary.
Mike Hubbard prosecutor endorses Alice Martin in Attorney General race
Van Davis, the acting attorney general in the prosecution of former Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard, endorsed former federal prosecutor Alice Martin for Attorney General on Monday. Martin, a conservative Republican with a record of fighting public corruption, was a member of Davis’ team that successfully convicted Hubbard. “Alice Martin is the one candidate in this race that I can trust to prosecute corrupt officials in Alabama,” said Davis. “While talking though on corruption is a talking point for many politicians, including many in this race, Alice is the only candidate to prove her commitment. Alice’s strong record clearly shows she goes after lawbreakers no matter what their political position. I am lucky enough to see first hand how passionate Alice is about sticking up for the average citizen in Alabama and I am proud to endorse her in this race.” Martin said she’s honored to receive Davis’ endorsement. “It is a great honor to receive Van Davis’ endorsement in this race,” said Martin. “Van is the prime example of someone who is willing to do whatever it takes in order to prosecute those who break the law. I had the pleasure of working with Van to prosecute former Speaker Mike Hubbard and I appreciate his support in this important race.” Martin is seeking to unseat current AG Steve Marshall, who was appointed by then Gov. Robert Bentley on Feb. 20, 2017 after Luther Strange was appointed to the U.S. Senate. The two will face off against former AG Troy King, Birmingham attorney Chess Bedsole in the June 5 Republican primary. The winner of that race will go on to face Democrat, Birmingham attorney Chris Christie, in the Nov. 6 general election. Watch the endorsement announcement below:
Former state Sen. Roger Bedford endorses Walt Maddox
Russellville-Democrat, former state Sen. Roger Bedford on Friday announced he was endorsing Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox for Governor of Alabama. Bedford says Maddox is the “new fresh face we need in Montgomery.” “I know first-hand that Walt Maddox has what it takes. He has a proven record in Tuscaloosa and is a new fresh face we need in Montgomery,” said Bedford. “He has the knowledge, demeanor, and work ethic to make a difference and will make us proud to call him our governor.” Bedford represented northwest Alabama for 20 years — from 1994 to 2014 — during which time he served as minority leader from 2011 to 2013.In 1996 he was the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, but was ultimately defeated by Republican Jeff Sessions. Maddox said he is honored to have the endorsement. “As one of the longest serving state Senators in Alabama history, Roger Bedford is one of the most respected Democrats in this state and I am honored to have his endorsement,” he said in a statement. Bedford’s endorsement adds to Maddox’s growing list of endorsements from influential leaders across the state. Maddox will face former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb, along with Christopher Countryman, James Fields, Doug Smith and Anthony White in the June 5 Democratic primary. The winner will go on to face the Republican nominee in the general election, to be selected among: Gov. Kay Ivey, Tommy Battle, Bill Hightower, Scott Dawson, or Michael McAllister.
Mack Butler qualifies for State Senate, announces early endorsements
Rainbow City-Republican and State Rep. Mack Butler qualified Monday with the state GOP to run in the Republican Primary for Senate District 10. “Our community has been blessed for the past seven years to have conservative leadership in the Alabama Senate,” said Butler. “Because I’ve been encouraged by so many people and there’s so much work to do in Montgomery, I have decided to enter this race to give the people of Etowah, Cherokee and DeKalb counties the small government, pro-liberty representation in Montgomery that they want.” Butler’s campaign is off to a quick start with endorsements, including one from Rainbow City-Republican State Sen. Phil Williams who has decided not to seek re-election and whom Butler is hoping to succeed. He’s also been endorsed by Senate Pro-Tem Del Marsh, Alabama Citizens for Life, House Speaker Mac McCutcheon, Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industry John McMillan, Alabama Forestry Association, Home Builders Association of Alabama, SubAla (Subcontractors Association of Alabama), “Mack Butler is a man of high character and a leader who puts people first. He will be a listener and one who gets things done in Montgomery,” Williams said, endorsing Butler. Butler said he was encouraged by Williams’ endorsement. “Phil Williams is my friend, my ally, and a conservative beacon in this state,” Butler said. “I am honored that he was one of the first to encourage me to take this next step.” One of the many reasons Butler has amassed so many endorsements is the fact he has such a long resume of service to the state. Prior to serving in the Alabama House of Representatives, Butler served on the Etowah County Board of Education. He believes his history as a school board member fits into his goals as a state Senator. “We need to do what we can to make the most impact in our classrooms,” he said. “I’m interested in hearing from those on the front lines – in the classroom. There are amazing things happening in classrooms all over this district. But I can say this. We spend too much time and money on buildings and people far away from the classroom. We need to get back to what works best: equipping our teachers, not bureaucrats.” He is widely recognized as one of the House of Representatives’ most conservative members having sponsored the Memorial Preservation Act, which became law this past session and protects our historical structures from removal. He also sponsored the recently enacted assisted suicide ban and carried pro-Second Amendment legislation to reaffirm citizens’ right to bear arms. “I believe in the Constitution and I believe in the rights that we’ve been given by our Creator,” stated Butler. “I will continue to fight every day for the people to preserve those rights. We all want to hand over a better state and a better nation to our children than the one our parents’ handed over to us. For too long, government has been the problem. We need to return liberty to the people.“ A reserve deputy with the Etowah County Sheriff’s Department since 2006, and APOSTC Certified, Butler also has a long history of supporting law enforcement. “One of the main duties of government is to keep our streets safe,” he said. “I am committed to working hand in hand with those who put themselves in harm’s way to protect us.” Mack has also been a small business owner for over 33 years. He owns an electrical contracting business in Etowah County, giving him unique insight on the difficulties of owning a small business and how burdensome government regulation and high taxes have hurt Alabama’s economy and small businesses. During his time in the Alabama House, Mack has consistently been on the front lines for lower taxes and less regulation on Alabama’s small businesses. Butler is married to the former Connie Panell, also a native of Gadsden, Ala. They have four children and attend Whorton Bend Baptist Church.
