Tom Holmes running for Congressional District 1
The court-appointed special master that redrew Alabama’s Congressional Districts made the Congressional District 1 (CD1) much more conservative, White, and Republican-friendly in order to make the Second Congressional District (CD2) winnable for minority voters. This redistricting in CD1 has not deterred Mobile Democrat Tom Holmes, who has qualified to run for Congress in the district anyway. Holmes is a licensed lay preacher with the Episcopal Diocese of Central Gulf Coast. He is also a volunteer Board President at The Arc of Mobile County. Tom Holmes is a United States Navy Veteran who served during the Vietnam War era. He attends and is an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church. During his career, Holmes was the Chief of Science and Technology Section for the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) from 1996-2001. He was a planning/economic development specialist for ADECA from 1979-1996. He was previously the director of the Area Agency on Aging for the Birmingham Regional Planning Commission from 1975-1979. He also worked for the Mobile County Probate Court as a personnel development specialist for the Anniston and Area Agency on Aging. He is also a former teacher at both Dunbar Junior High School and Murphy High School. Holmes is actively involved in his community, including the Cottage Hill Civitan Club in Mobile, The Arc of Alabama, Boy Scouts of America, Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities, National Eagle Scout Association, and Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity. Holmes has a master’s degree in public administration from Jacksonville State University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Mobile. Holmes was the Democratic nominee for Alabama State Board of Education, District 1 in 2020, where he lost to Republican Jackie Zeigler. He was also the Democratic nominee for Alabama State Senate, District 35 in 2018 where he lost to Republican David Sessions. Holmes was the only Democrat to qualify, so he is effectively the Democratic nominee for CD1. He will face the winner of the March 5 Republican primary in the general election on November 5. Incumbent Congressman Jerry Carl (R-AL01) faces Congressman Barry Moore (R-AL02) after Alabama’s congressional districts were redrawn by a court-appointed special master. Moore and his native Coffee County were redistricted into CD1. Most of the City of Mobile and the northernmost counties of CD1 were redistricted into CD2. In exchange, CD1 picked up the southern half of the wiregrass, including Enterprise and most of Dothan stretching along the Florida line all the way to the Georgia state line. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Jackie Zeigler announces candidacy for re-election to Alabama State Board of Education District One seat
Jackie Zeigler announced her candidacy for re-election to the Alabama State Board of Education’s District One seat. Mrs. Zeigler says she wants to continue her efforts to return common sense to the school system. She led the statewide campaign that defeated Amendment One in 2020. It would have taken away the right of citizens to vote for school board members and made them appointed by the governor. She successfully passed a ban on Critical Race Theory in Alabama schools. She fell short in efforts to prevent the lowering of reading standards for promotion from third grade. “We need to stop social promotions. We are doing no favors to students to promote them when they cannot read at grade level,” she said. “Alabama was progressing impressively right before the national standards were adopted. We need to return to the Science of Reading, basic math, and old-fashioned teaching. We do not need to teach to the test.” Zeigler was elected to the State Board in 2016 and re-elected in 2020. Before that, she was Principal of Mary B. Austin Elementary School in Mobile, which won the National Blue-Ribbon Award of Excellence. “Serving as the representative for District One on the State Board of Education has been an extraordinary privilege. I am excited about the opportunity to continue this essential work,” Zeigler said. “Our students and schools deserve a State School Board dedicated to their success, and I am committed to ensuring that our educational system overcomes its problems and achieves our potential.” In the 2020 election, Zeigler received 72% of the vote in District One. District One covers Baldwin, Escambia, Covington, Coffee, Conecuh, Crenshaw, and Butler counties and much of western and southern Mobile County.
Jim Zeigler announces filing of gubernatorial election committee with Secretary of State
State Auditor Jim Zeigler will speak to the ‘Common Sense Campaign’ of Baldwin and Mobile counties tonight. He says he will announce the official filing of his campaign for governor with the Secretary of State. He formed the “Zeigler for Governor Exploratory Committee” last month. He says he is now required to file it with the Secretary of State due to receiving campaign donations over the legal threshold. He would face incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey, who last month announced for re-election to another term. He says the race would be “Zeigler and the Taxpayers vs. Ivey and the Insiders.” The qualifying deadline for candidates is January 28, six months away. The Republican primary is on May 24. Zeigler has led four citizen campaigns against Ivey initiatives, winning three. “I led the citizen movement against the Ivey gas tax. I located funds to pay for our infrastructure needs without the gas tax increase. Gov. Ivey and the Insiders did not listen to our ‘Plan Z’ and boldly ran over us – and ran over you,” Zeigler said. “The gas tax increase was supposed to go for roads and bridges. But Gov. Ivey proposed adding toll roads and bridges on top of the gas tax. Double taxation. The initial Ivey toll road was to be on Interstate 10 over Mobile Bay between Mobile and Baldwin counties. It was a horribly flawed plan. It would have harmed over 15,000 families that daily cross the Bayway bridge going to work. It would have hurt small businesses. It would have awarded outsiders a 55-year lease on this vital section of an Interstate highway so used by commuters. “We figured out a legal way to block the toll plan, and by the grace of God, it worked. We, the taxpaying public, backed down Gov. Ivey and the Insiders. Score one for us taxpayers “Then, Gov. Ivey rammed through the legislature her Amendment One. It would have taken away your right to vote for school board members and made them all appointed by the governor. My wife and I chaired the statewide campaign to defeat Amendment One in the March 2020 referendum of state voters. We – and you – defeated Amendment One with a resounding 75% ‘no’ vote. Score two for us taxpayers. “Then, Gov. Ivey concocted a $3 billion prison lease scheme. We taxpayers would have paid rent of about $100 million a year for 30 years. At that time, we would have owned equity in those prisons of – ZERO. The Ivey prison plan would have gotten us into a 30-year mistake. “I was blessed to lead citizen opposition to the Ivey prison plan. We pointed out fatal flaws in the plan, and the investors did something that the Ivey Insiders will not do – they listened. All the investors pulled out, and the flawed Ivey prison rental plan failed. Score three for us taxpayers.” Zeigler is term-limited and cannot run again for State Auditor. His wife Jackie Zeigler is the elected member of the State Board of Education in the seven counties of the First District. She has led the fights to repeal Common Core and to block Critical Race Theory in Alabama schools.
Group forms to draft school board member Jackie Zeigler for State Auditor
In news first broke by Apryl Marie Fogel guest host of the Dan Morris show on News Talk 93.1 (12pm-3pm), Over 190 citizens have started a Facebook group named “Draft Jackie Zeigler for State Auditor.” Attorney Frank Thiemonge of Daphne is the administrator of the group. He stated, “For six years, Alabama’s State Auditor has served as a valuable monitor of government waste, mismanagement, and corruption. Now, Auditor Jim Zeigler is term-limited and cannot run again. “We do not need to lose the check and balance of the State Auditor. Help us draft Jackie Zeigler to run in May 2022 for State Auditor. Jackie is highly qualified in her own right, as an elected State School Board member and voice of the people.” Jackie Zeigler is the elected school board member from southwest Alabama’s first district. She was elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2020. She has voted to repeal the controversial “Common Core” standards. She was elected in 2020 as Vice Chairman of the board by the other members. In 2020, she was State Chair of Vote No on Amendment One. It would have eliminated the right to vote for state board of education members and made them all appointed by the governor. It was defeated with a 75% ‘no’ vote. Mrs. Zeigler says she has “made no decision on running for State Auditor.” “I will carefully watch the results of this group,” she stated. The Republican primary is now set for May 24, 2022, with the general election in November 2022. *Editors note: Apryl Marie Fogel is the owner and publisher of Alabama Today. She writes opinion content under the ATBlog tag.
Senate race between Jones, Tuberville tops Alabama ballot
In addition to voting for president, Alabama voters will also decide a U.S. Senate race and multiple other offices and issues on Tuesday. Here is a look at Election Day in Alabama: PRESIDENT Very popular among the conservatives who dominate Alabama politics, Republicans are hopeful President Donald Trump will carry the state against Democrat Joe Biden. Trump carried 62% of the roughly 2.1 million votes cast in Alabama in his race against Hillary Clinton in 2016, and there’s little indication Trump’s popularity has waned in the deep-red state despite problems including impeachment and the coronavirus pandemic. But while some GOP candidates in Alabama have staked their campaigns on aggressively supporting Trump for a second term, increased Democratic turnout could narrow the president’s margin against Biden. While Alabama Democrats are more energized and organized than they were four years ago, the number of yard signs and roadside shops selling Trump paraphernalia across Alabama are visible proof of Biden’s uphill battle in reclaiming a state that a Democratic last carried in a presidential election in 1976, when Jimmy Carter from neighboring Georgia was on the ballot. U.S. SENATE Republicans trying to maintain control of the U.S. Senate are staking their hopes on former college football coach Tommy Tuberville defeating first-term Democratic Sen. Doug Jones, who won the seat in a special election in 2017. Tuberville, who has never held public office and last coached four years ago, is among the candidates who’ve aligned themselves most closely with Trump, even declaring in the primary campaign: “God sent us Donald Trump.” Viewed as an underdog in a Republican-controlled state, Jones mocked Tuberville as “Coach Clueless” and chided him for his refusal to debate. Jones won the seat previously held by Trump’s first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, after GOP Senate candidate Roy Moore was publicly accused of sexual misconduct involving young women decades ago. With GOP incumbents in danger elsewhere, Republicans hope Tuberville can knock off Jones. U.S. HOUSE The state will have at least two new members of Congress after voters pick winners in races for two open U.S. House seats in south Alabama. The Republican chairman of the Mobile County Commission, Jerry Carl, is trying to keep GOP control in the southwest Alabama seat now held by Rep. Bradley Byrne. Carl is facing Democrat James Averhart, a retired Marine who runs a nonprofit group and directs the Mobile-area office of the NAACP. In southeast Alabama’s 2nd District, Republican Barry Moore of Enterprise and Democrat Phyllis Harvey-Hall are vying for the job of GOP Rep. Martha Roby, who didn’t seek reelection. Moore is a former state representative and business owner, while Harvey-Hall is an educator from Montgomery. Two Republican House members are also hoping to win reelection. Rep. Mike Rogers of Saks is seeking a 10th term in east Alabama’s 3rd District against Democrat Adia Winfrey, while Rep. Robert Aderholt of Haleyville is seeking a 13th term in office against Democrat Rick Neighbors in the 4th District, which includes much of north Alabama. Reps. Mo Brooks of Huntsville; Gary Palmer of Hoover; and Terri Sewell of Selma were unopposed in the general election. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS Six statewide constitutional amendments are on the ballot, including one that would remove racist language from the state’s 1901 constitution, which was passed to ensure white supremacy in Alabama. Sponsored by Rep. Merika Coleman of Birmingham, Amendment 4 would allow a recompilation of the state constitution to remove wording that prohibited mixed-race marriage and mandated racially segregated schools. While no longer in effect, supporters of the amendment say the prohibitions are an embarrassment and should be removed. Recommended changes to the constitution would be submitted to lawmakers in 2022 for approval, and voters would again be asked to approve the stripped-down document. Voters defeated similar measures twice before, most recently in 2012. Amendment 1 is a mostly symbolic measure pushed by Republicans that says only U.S. citizens have the right to vote, which already is the law nationally. The Alabama Constitution currently states that every male citizen can vote, although the 19th Amendment provided women’s suffrage in 1920. Amendment 2 would allow the full Alabama Supreme Court to appoint the director of the state’s court system, a task now performed solely by the chief justice, and make other changes to the judicial system. Amendment 3 would extend the amount of time that appointed district and circuit judges can serve. Amendments 5 and 6 would protect anyone who kills someone in self-defense in a church in Franklin and Lauderdale counties. Alabama’s “stand your ground” law already applies inside churches, the attorney general’s office has said, but backers support more specific provisions. PSC PRESIDENT Republican Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh is seeking reelection as president of the utility-regulating Alabama Public Service Commission against Democrat Laura Casey. Cavanaugh, seeking her third term, was the first woman to serve as chair of the Alabama Republican Party and has closely aligned herself with President Trump while espousing conservative orthodoxy. She says keeping power rates low helps families and business development. Casey contends the three-member PSC, all Republicans, is more interested in protecting the state’s largest electrical utility, Alabama Power Co., than consumers. She recently lost an appeal to the Alabama Supreme Court, which rejected her right to videotape a hearing held before the PSC about solar energy fees. STATE SCHOOL BOARD The ballot on Tuesday includes three contested seats on the Alabama State Board of Education. In the District 1 race in southwest Alabama, Republican board vice president Jackie Zeigler, a retired principal, is opposed by Democratic nominee Tom Holmes, a retired state employee who also led a disabilities advocacy program. Republican Stephanie Bell is touting her experience supporting programs, including the Alabama Reading Initiative, as she seeks an eighth term representing the 3rd District of central Alabama. She is opposed by Jarralynne Agee, provost and vice president of academic affairs at Miles College in Birmingham. In the 5th District, which includes much of Alabama’s Black Belt region, Democrat Tonya Smith Chestnut and Republican Lesa
Women of Influence: State Board of Education member Jackie Zeigler
Jackie Zeigler has been a loyal servant of the public education system and the state of Alabama for over three decades. Born in Cleveland she moved to Mobile, Ala. and earned her Bachelors of Science and Master of Arts degrees in elementary education from the University of South Alabama in 1985, and went on to obtain an Administration and Supervision certificate from the same school. Jackie then began what would become a long and prominent career in the Mobile County School system as a school teacher at Dauphin Island’s Little Red School House in 1980 and later served as acting principal there. Zeigler then moved to Maryvale Elementary School in 1986 where she was a classroom teacher and Title One Coordinator. She then became Assistant Principal at O’Rourke Elementary School in the summer of 1996, and was also an adjunct professor of education at Springhill College where she taught curriculum. Jackie spent the next 14 years of her career as the principal at Mary B. Austin Elementary, during which time the school earned the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, before she finally retired. In 2016, Zeigler ran for the State Board of Education, District 1, against incumbent Matthew Brown who had been appointed to the position by former governor Robert Bentley, despite the fact he had very little experience in the education. Needless to say Zeigler’s 37 years of experience in education spoke for itself. She was sworn in on Jan. 24, 2017. “My hands-on experiences within the school setting that incorporated all the intricacies of curriculum, management, financial accountability, communication with all stakeholders (students, faculty and staff, parents, community) along with a myriad of other daily, fluid responsibilities cements my ability to bring a working knowledge to the SBOE table.” “I am a firm believer, and my open door policy during my school experience authenticated this belief, of maintaining lines of communication that are a two way street with the vital component of listening as the main focus. Listening is the most important aspect in any communication along with keeping an open mind to be a life long learner,” Zeigler told Alabama School Connection. If the name Zeigler sound familiar, thats because she’s married to Alabama’s current State Auditor Jim Zeigler. They have two children, James Baldwin, a graduate of Baker High School, and Mary Magdalene, a senior at Baker High School. Zeigler is a knowledgable woman, with many years of experience in the professional world, and was kind enough to answer some of Alabama Today’s questions about her life, work and influences: How have other women influenced your success? My mother was an excellent role model who showed me that hard work, determination, strong morals and work ethic along with a vision and focus would allow one to make a success in home life and career. My principal mentor who guided me by allowing hands-on experience in leadership roles. She challenged me to think outside the box and gave me opportunities to make a true difference in the lives of students. Her trust in me and my capabilities gave forth to a career that lasted 38 years resulting in a National Blue Ribbon award. Other educators with whom I came in to daily contact were my support team as well as my biggest critics. I quickly learned that everything one does in the school setting must have a positive impact on the students. Take “me” out of any equation or scenario. If what I am determined to do doesn’t have the best interests of the students first and foremost, then step back and punt. Your primary career is as an educator, what piqued your interest in public education? I knew I would be an educator beginning in the third grade. I was blessed to have various educational experiences because my family moved all across our great nation on an average of every 3 years. Private schooling, parochial schooling and public schooling, beginning in k’g through twelfth grade, afforded me the working knowledge of how various school settings work. It cemented my resolve in high school that education was my career of choice and I never looked back. What advice would you give young women considering careers in education? Go for it! My experience as a classroom teacher, Title I facilitator, assistant principal, principal and adjunct college professor all gave me the richest of rewards by working daily with students and other educators. I would challenge one to apply for and accept those situations that are beyond the norm. Utilizing all of one’s talents and abilities in settings that appear the most difficult end up being those of greatest return. Continue to grow through readings, seminars, lectures…never rest on your laurels because the impact you may have on student lives are worth every effort you impart. For her 37 years of service to the Mobile County School systems, and her willingness to continue to serve her community and state throughout her retirement, Jackie Zeigler is clearly an Alabama woman of influence.
Jackie Zeigler wins State School GOP Board run-off, ousting incumbent Matt Brown
Retired teacher and principal Jackie Zeiger won a run-off election Tuesday evening against Matt Brown, becoming the next Republican nominee for Alabama State School Board, District 1. Zeigler, the wife of State Auditor Jim Zeigler, dispatched her opponent easily, taking 62 percent to Brown’s 38. Zeigler will face off against Democratic nominee Ron Davis, a former Prichard mayor, in a November general election. Although Zeigler says she will still campaign heartily against Davis — “I’m not packing by bags,” she told AL.com — any Democrat would have a difficult time beating a credible Republican in the seven-county South Alabama district. Zeigler had 37 years of teaching and administrative experience to bring to bear against her 29-year-old opponent in Brown, but there was also likely an aspect of blowback against the official who appointed Brown — Gov. Robert Bentley, who is currently mired in scandal after inappropriate advances comments to a former staffer. Brown was appointed to the school bard by Bentley after his predecessor, Al Thompson, was chosen by Bentley for the state Community College Board of Trustees. ‘ Zeigler and Brown faced off in a primary election back on March 1, with Zeigler edging Brown for the most votes with 36.79 of ballots cast to Brown’s 26.35 percent. But since neither garnered a majority, the election triggered a run-off. The District 1 seat is a single-member district that takes in the counties of Baldwin, Butler, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Escambia and Mobile, plus the aforementioned Covington.
Jackie Zeigler to vote at Creekwood Church, host watch party for Tuesday run-off
State School Board candidate Jackie Zeigler announced her plans for Election Day on Tuesday, which will see a run-off election between Zeigler and District 1 incumbent Matt Brown. Zeigler and Brown – both Republicans – faced off in a primary election back on March 1, with Zeigler edging Brown for the most votes with 36.79 of ballots cast to Brown’s 26.35 percent. But since neither garnered a majority, the election triggered a run-off. The race is expected to feature a relatively low turn out, as the School Board seat is the only office up for election Tuesday, besides a local commission seat in Covington County. The District 1 seat is a single-member district that takes in the counties of Baldwin, Butler, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Escambia and Mobile, plus the aforementioned Covington. Zeigler circulated an itinerary to members of the news media Monday afternoon ahead of Tuesday’s election: 7-9 a.m. – Poll greeting at her own poll, Creekwood Church of Christ, Schillenger Road, Mobile. 9 a.m. – Jackie will cast her vote at Creekwood, along with her husband Jim Zeigler, State Auditor 9 a.m. to 7 pm – Floating from poll to poll in Mobile County greeting voters and poll greeters. 7:30 p.m. – Election watch and victory party at the Zeigler home. 3071 Teal Court, Mobile. Zeigler will be joined throughout the day by her husband, State Auditor Jim Zeigler. Media and members of the public are invited to the Zeiglers’ home. Zeigler, a retired former National Blue Ribbon Award for Excellence-winning elementary school principal, is running on experience, saying 37 years as a teacher and administrator has prepared her better for the job than the 29-year-old Brown. Brown, meanwhile, says he has built a “strong record of listening to the people of south Alabama” since being appointed to the position by Gov. Robert Bentley in July 2015.
John Merrill releases information on April 12 primary runoff
Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill released information Monday regarding the April 12 primary runoff in more than 40 counties across the state. Republican runoffs will be held in Autauga, Baldwin, Blount, Butler, Clay, Cleburne, Coffee, Colbert, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Cullman, Dale, Dekalb, Elmore, Excambia, Fayette, Franklin, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Jefferson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Mobile, Randolph, Shelby, Tuscaloosa, Walker and Winston counties next Tuesday. Democratic runoffs will be held in Bullock, Colbert, Conecuh, Dallas, Franklin, Greene, Jefferson, Monroe, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa and Wilcox counties. In Mobile County, Jackie Zeigler and Matthew Brown will face-off in a battle for the District 1 seat on the local school board. In Montgomery County, three candidates will go toe-to-toe for the District 7 seat on the Montgomery County Board of Education – incumbent Roberta Collins will go up against Arica Watkins-Smith and Phyllis Harvey-Hall. In Shelby County, two runoffs will play out next week: Lara Alvis and Patrick Kennedy will vie for the Circuit Judge position, while Ron Griggs and Ward Williams go head-to-head in the Shelby County Commission District 4 race. In Tuscaloosa County, incumbent Reginald Murray will face Gregalyn Robertson in the Democratic runoff for District 4 County Commissioner. In those counties, the elections may only pertain to a certain voting district rather than the entire county.
John Merrill lays out information on School Board runoff election
Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill released information Wednesday regarding an April 12 runoff election in Mobile County. The election is for the District 1 State School Board member and pits Republican incumbent Matthew Brown against newcomer Jackie Zeigler. In the March 1 election, neither candidate got enough votes to outright win the party’s nomination. Because Mobile Public Schools will be enjoying Spring Break the week of the runoff, many residents will likely be out of town. Because of that, Merrill has released instructions on how residents can obtain an absentee ballot and cast their votes. Voters can download an absentee ballot application through the Secretary of State’s website or request one in person at 205 Government St. in Mobile. The last day to request a ballot is April 7. Ballots returned by mail must be sent by April 11 and received by noon on Election Day. Absentee ballots submitted in person must be turned in by close of business April 11. For information, contact Merrill’s office at (334) 242-7200.
Jackie Zeigler criticizes State School Board move to disqualify interim superintendent
State School Board candidate Jackie Zeigler on Monday criticized a recent move by the board to disqualify the interim superintendent they are set to hire from serving in the role permanently. The board voted by consensus last week to both hire an interim State Superintendent to fill a vacancy, but then voted 5-4 to make that hire ineligible to stay on the job beyond a brief provisional period. The move lowers the stakes for the decision to be made April 14 by the board – two days after April 12 elections – but also automatically eliminates a possible candidate who has passed vetting by the body. Jackie Zeigler – the wife of state auditor Jim Zeigler – declared her opposition to the move in a statement Tuesday. “This does not make common sense,” Jackie Zeigler said. “You always want the best superintendent – even if that person was serving as interim. On-the-job training is sometimes the best training. The best proving ground may be doing the job on a temporary basis,” she added. Zeigler used an anecdotal example of Mobile County Superintendent Martha Peek, who was hired on by the county system to stay on after three attempts to vet a permanent successor failed. “It proved the correct decision. She has been highly evaluated,” said Zeigler. “The interim can legally serve for a year. Since that person is now disqualified from consideration for permanent, your best people will not apply for interim,” she said, saying the move to disqualify could undermine the point of the interim search process. The motion to disqualify the eventual interim pick was made by board member Matt Brown, who Zeigler is challenging next month. Brown was appointed by Gov. Robert Bentley, a frequent target of public criticism by Jim Zeigler.
State incumbents overwhelmingly hold seats in Super Tuesday contests
While the state’s attention was likely on the presidential race and state races for U.S. Senate and House of Representatives seats, many state leaders were on the ballot and sailed to easy victories over their political opponents. In the race for Public Service Commission president, incumbent Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh trounced her Republican rival Terry Dunn. Cavanaugh claimed just over 63 percent of the vote, with just over 200,000 more votes than her opponent. In a decidedly closer vote, Jackie Zeigler won her bid to represent District 1 on the State Board of Education. Zeigler defeated her closest opponent, Republican Matthew Brown, by only 10 percentage points. Stephanie Bell won her bid for the District 3 seat on the State Board of Education over Justin Barkley, 59.75 percent to 40.25 percent. Perhaps the widest margin of victory in the State Board of Education race was claimed by Democrat Ella Bell, who was running for the District 5 seat. Bell dominated the race with more than 85 percent of the vote. The closest number in the Board of Education race came from the District 7 contest, in which Jim Bonner bested Jim Newman by less than 8 percentage points. Amendment 1, which is designed to require newly appointed circuit court judges and district attorneys to pay into their retirement fund, was also approved by voters. More than 62 percent of state voters said yes to the measure, with 37 percent voting against it. A local referendum in Shelby County, which would allow alcohol to be sold after noon on Sundays, was approved by nearly 70 percent of the county’s voters.
