Alabama Farmers Federation announces more endorsements for House candidates
Thursday, The Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA) announced another round of endorsements for candidates seeking election to the Alabama House of Representatives, Yellowhammer News reported. FarmPAC, ALFA’s political arm, helps determine who to endorse. ALFA is Alabama’s largest farm organization representing agricultural and associate members in all 67 Alabama counties. FarmPAC has endorsed the following candidates. Mark Shirey for House District 100 Brock Colvin for House District 26 Jennifer Fidler for House District 94 Mike Kirkland for House District 23 Shirey is an optometrist in West Mobile. He was president of the Alabama Optometric Association and coordinated with state leadership to write legislation for expanded access to eye care services across Alabama. Colvin is a fifth-generation resident of Marshall County and graduated from the University of Alabama with a double major in finance and economics. “My background in finance gives me the skill I will need to roll up my sleeves and protect our tax dollars,” Colvin stated. “We are taxed enough. I will work for lower taxes and better fiscal responsibility out of state government.” Fidler, a Silverhill native, attended Auburn University, where she obtained a degree in Ornamental Horticulture in 1992. She served on the City of Fairhope Planning Commission from 2007 to 2017. With over 25 years of leadership in local government, Fidler retired in 2018 from public service. Kirkland was born and raised in Jackson county. “I am proud of being a part of our community, and now is the time to do even more,” said Kirkland. “I want to serve the great people of Jackson County and be their voice in Montgomery.” ALFA began announcing state legislative endorsements last October. The primary election will take place on May 24, 2022.
Katie Britt says she’s not ‘radical’, she’s an ‘American’ in new T.V. ad
First time Republican Katie Britt has released the first TV ad for 2022 in her bid to become Alabama’s next U.S. Senator. The 30-second commercial, called “Fight for Alabama,” shows Britt discussing her views and her commitment to Alabama. In the commerical, Britt says, “My faith and relationship with the Lord guide my everyday life. Being pro-life and pro-SecondAmendment doesn’t make me radical; it makes me American. We have to show strength at the border, and what we are showing as a country right now is total weakness. It is so important that we protect our nation’s borders. We are a nation of laws, not a nation of lawlessness. We need somebody that knows how to fight for Alabama, that believes in Alabama. I’m Katie Britt and I approve this message.” “We have been working tirelessly on the campaign trail and are proud to have visited all 67 counties in a matter of months,” said Britt in a statement. “From the momentum we’re seeing on the ground, it is clear that our grassroots campaign and our Alabama First message are resonating.” “As our state’s next Senator, I will fight to ensure Alabamians always have the best possible seat at the table and that Alabama’s Christian conservative values are protected,” Britt continued. “It is time for fresh blood to shake things up and move the needle on the challenges and opportunities facing communities in every corner of Alabama. Zipcode should never define opportunity for Alabamians, and I’ll work nonstop to make sure the American Dream is alive and well across our great state.” Britt became the first U.S. Senate candidate to formally qualify with the Alabama Republican Party 2022. She has been endorsed by the Alabama Farmers Federation’s FarmPAC, the Home Builders Association of Alabama, the Alabama Retail Association, and Manufacture Alabama. Britt’s campaign recently released a new online survey that showed Britt leading the U.S. Senate Republican primary contest. The poll was conducted by TargetPoint on behalf of Britt’s campaign and ran from November 3-8. The online-based survey interviewed 300 likely GOP primary voters in Alabama.
Accusations fly between Mo Brooks and ALFA after FarmPAC endorses Katie Britt for U.S. Senate seat
The feud between Rep. Mo Brooks and the Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA) continued yesterday as Mo Brooks went on the defensive regarding the endorsement of Katie Britt by ALFA’s political arm, FarmPAC. Brooks, who is endorsed by former President Donald Trump, claims that ALFA opted not to endorse his campaign because of his positions on border security, amnesty for illegal aliens, and subsidies, Yellowhammer News reported. Brooks made these claims in a series of radio interviews this week. Brooks made an appearance on WVNN’s “The Yaffee Program,” where he accused ALFA of supporting open borders because of the cheap labor that enters the United States as a result. “[O]ne of my opponents was endorsed this week by a special interest group that heavily relies on subsidies, tens of billions of dollars, that is heavily supporting these welfare programs to the tune of another tens of billions of dollars, and, of course, is supporting amnesty and citizenship for illegal aliens,” Brooks said. Brooks told Yellowhammer News, “You have a choice, you can either support struggling American families or you can support the masters of the universe as they seek cheap foreign labor that undercuts the wages of and takes jobs from struggling American families.” “Birds of a feather flock together,” Brooks continued. “Every open borders, cheap foreign labor interest group seems to be supporting Katie Britt – that’s one of ALFA’s top two or three issues,” claiming the organization wishes to “import cheap foreign labor that is heavily subsidized by American taxpayers.” Brooks defended his stance on border security based on his grading with Numbers USA, an anti-illegal immigration organization, which ranked him as having the strongest record on border security out of all 435 of his colleagues. “The special interest groups that want open borders, illegal aliens, cheap foreign labor – they know where I stand on border security, and I stand with struggling American families that are hurt by it,” stated Brooks. Brooks stated on Twitter, “#ALFA denies demanding cheap foreign labor that hurts struggling American families? Really? Ag political powers pushed FARM Workforce Modernization Act thru House in 2019/2021! Mo Brooks=NO! Amnesty & citizenship 4 illegal alien millions IS open borders!” ALFA responded stating that the statements are false and that they are firmly against illegal immigration. The federation stated, “Congressman Brooks’ statements are not only categorically false, but they are also an insult to the hardworking, law-abiding farmers he claims to represent. The Federation’s policy is clear in its support of secure borders and opposition to illegal immigration.” ALFA emphasized that they are advocating for resolving the current border crisis with Mexico. “In fact, on June 3, the Alabama Farmers Federation joined every state farm bureau in the country in sending a letter to the secretaries of Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Interior urging swift action to secure the Southern border. Congressman Brooks’ office was notified of this communication, which makes his recent attacks even more egregious.” Commenting on its decision to endorse Britt, ALFA commented, “[K]atie Britt traveled the state visiting farmers, listening to their concerns, and discussing how to address their needs in Washington. When county Federation leaders gathered in Montgomery last week, they overwhelmingly recommended the endorsement of Katie Britt. Unlike recent statements by Congressman Brooks, Katie Britt has demonstrated respect and appreciation for farmers and rural Alabamians. She earned the confidence of Federation members by being a strong, conservative leader who can get things done in Washington.”
Katie Britt launches new campaign ads touting FarmPAC support
Katie Britt launched new radio and digital ads for her campaign for the U.S. Senate. The radio ad lasts 60 seconds and will be broadcast on a few dozen stations across Alabama. The digital ad lasts 30 seconds. The ad promotes her recent endorsement by the Alabama Farmers Federation’s political arm FarmPAC. This endorsement is widely viewed as the top grassroots endorsement available in the state of Alabama. Approximately 100 of the federation’s leaders, representing all 67 counties, gathered in Montgomery last Tuesday to hear from candidates and make endorsement recommendations. The Coffee county native has also received endorsements from the Home Builders Association. Senior senator Richard Shelby, who is retiring at the end of his term, has backed Britt as his successor. In the ad, Britt states, “The agriculture industry is the number one industry in the state. I will fight each and every day to make sure that they are in the best place possible. Next to our servicemen and women, there are no greater people in this country than our farmers. I’m inspired by what they do each and every day. That kind of dedication, that is what we need more of in this nation.” Britt released a statement recognizing the importance of the FarmPac endorsement. “I am proud and grateful to have earned the support of the Alabama Farmers Federation’s FarmPAC,” Britt stated. “Alabama’s farmers work tirelessly every day to feed and clothe America, and they are incredible examples of the type of work ethic and patriotism that have made the U.S. the country we know and love. I have travelled our state nonstop the past few months, and we’ve been blown away by the reception to our Alabama First message. It is clear that our state’s farmers not only know I will fight most effectively to defend our Christian conservative values in Washington, but that I will also work to grow opportunity and jobs in every local community in Alabama. Zip code should not define opportunity for Alabamians, and I will always be a champion for our farmers, cattlemen and everyone in the forestry sector as the next U.S. Senator for Alabama.”
FarmPAC announces 2022 political endorsements
FarmPAC, the political arm of the Alabama Farmers Federation’s (ALFA), has announced its endorsements for the upcoming primary elections for 2022. ALFA president and CEO Jimmy Parnell explained that the endorsements came after months of study and consideration of all candidates who went before the federation. Parnell stated, “These candidates have invested time in getting to know our county leaders. They’ve spent time on our farms and attended meetings where they heard about the issues and concerns important to Federation members. At the same time, our county leaders have studied the candidates and decided these individuals have the knowledge, experience, and determination to help lead our state and nation in the right direction.” The following candidates have earned the official endorsement of FarmPAC: • Katie Britt — U.S. Senate• Jerry Carl — U.S. House of Representatives, District 1• Barry Moore — U.S. House of Representatives, District 2• Mike Rogers — U.S. House of Representatives, District 3• Robert Aderholt — U.S. House of Representatives, District 4• Dale Strong — U.S. House of Representatives, District 5• Gary Palmer — U.S. House of Representatives, District 6• Terri Sewell — U.S. House of Representatives, District 7• Kay Ivey — Governor• Will Ainsworth — Lieutenant Governor• Steve Marshall — Attorney General• Wes Allen — Secretary of State• Young Boozer — Treasurer• Rusty Glover — Auditor• Rick Pate — Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries• Greg Cook — Alabama Supreme Court, Place 5• Kelli Wise — Alabama Supreme Court, Place 6• Jeremy Oden — Public Service Commission, Place 1• Chip Beeker — Public Service Commission, Place 2• Tracie West — Alabama State Board of Education, District 2• Yvette Richardson — Alabama State Board of Education, District 4• Cynthia McCarty — Alabama State Board of Education, District 6• Wayne Reynolds — Alabama State Board of Education, District 8 Endorsements approved at Tuesday’s meeting will carry through to the general election. Additionally, the federation stated they would announce their endorsements for state legislature at a later date. FarmPAC Chairman Steve Dunn of Conecuh County said the Federation encourages voters to study the issues and candidates prior to the election. Dunn stated, “It’s important for Alabama voters to be engaged in the electoral process,” said Dunn. “We encourage members to exercise their right to vote, regardless of their political preference, and to consider these FarmPAC endorsements when they go to the polls.”
