Kay Ivey, Yolanda Flowers facing off this fall in gubernatorial race
Alabama Republican Gov. Kay Ivey is seeking reelection in three weeks against a newcomer to the political arena in Democrat Yolanda Flowers. Ivey, who has a lengthy political resume, is completing her first full term as governor. She initially assumed the role in April 2017, after former Gov. Robert Bentley resigned in response to an ethics investigation and won the seat in the fall 2018 general election. Her previous stints in state politics have included multiple terms as lieutenant governor, stretching back to 2010, and two terms as state treasurer, beginning in 2002. This campaign season, Ivey has been pushing on several hot-button national topics in her reelection bid. “I believe every life is precious,” Ivey wrote on her campaign website. “As a pro-life governor, I will always fight to protect the unborn. I believe the Second Amendment is clear, and it ought to be protected. I will always defend our right as law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms.” Flowers is challenging Ivey and is a newcomer to the political arena. She advanced as the party candidate after a primary runoff in June. Flowers’ background includes professional work as a rehabilitation specialist, assistant speech pathologist, and reading instructor. She has earned degrees in speech therapy, audiology, and rehabilitation counseling. This fall, Flowers has been using the word “reconstruction” to describe her platform for education, health care, criminal justice, and the economy. In the area of education, Flowers has stated her belief that the state lottery system should be used as a lever to infuse funds into Alabama’s public education system. “Education reconstruction means more funding for public schools, better-trained teachers, and desegregation,” Flowers wrote on her campaign website. Two other candidates are on the ballot. James Blake is running on the Libertarian ticket. He has a lengthy background in Alabama politics, running at times as a Republican or a Libertarian. In an example of his jostling between the parties, Blake, in May, was named to the Jefferson County Republican Executive Committee. In this fall’s campaign, Blake, through social media, explained why he is running as a Libertarian. “I think it’s time for integrity,” he wrote. “I’m tired of the special interests defeating honest small government conservatives.” Additionally, Jared Budlong is running as an independent, write-in candidate. The Florida native moved to Alabama in 1994 and has a professional background in furniture making and construction. “Many may fight for the working class,” a statement on Budlong’s campaign website reads. “Jared is fighting for everyone, including those typically left out of the political discourse.” The governor’s race is one of multiple on the upcoming Nov. 8 ballot. Other high-profile races include: The lieutenant governor’s race. Incumbent Will Ainsworth is seeking reelection as a Republican against challenger Ruth Page-Nelson. There is a three-way race in the Alabama secretary of state race, with Wes Allen running as a Republican, Pamela Laffitte running as a Democrat, and Matt Shelby as a Libertarian. One of Alabama’s U.S. Senate races also is up for grabs. Vying for the post are Democrat Will Boyd, Republican Katie Britt, and Libertarian John Sophocleus. Additionally, all seven of Alabama’s U.S. House of Representatives seats are contested. Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
Jared Budlong running as a write-in for governor
Jared Budlong is seeking to be Alabama’s next governor. Budlong is running a write-in campaign for the office in the November 8 general election. On Thursday, Budlong spoke in a phone interview with Alabama Today. Budlong was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, into a working-class family; his father worked as a custom furniture maker but now works in the construction industry. Budlong has lived in Alabama since 1994. When asked why he did not qualify to run as an independent on the ballot, Budlong stated, “The biggest hurdle is the number of petitions.” He said that it would take approximately 52,000 signatures, roughly 3% of the registered voters in the state, for him to get access to the ballot as an independent or minor party candidate. “Attempting to get 52,000 signatures without a very large budget is next to impossible,” Budlong said. Alabama Today asked how difficult it has been for him to raise money as a write-in candidate. “As difficult as I would have expected,” Budlong said. “However, as of August, I have raised a comparative amount to the Democratic nominee.” Budlong said that he is in favor of Medicaid expansion. “Healthcare in our society is a medical necessity,” Budlong commented. “We should not let people die because they lack the ability to pay.” The state is expected to have a $2.5 billion surplus rollover into fiscal year 2023, which begins on October 1. When asked how he would spend that money if elected governor, Budlong said, “We would have to do an audit of the rest of our spending first. I would love to put it toward getting people out of prison as quickly as possible.” Alabama Today asked if doing that would make Alabama less safe by letting out thousands of violent and dangerous criminals suddenly into the population. “That is not the case,” Budlong responded. “I am not for releasing dangerous, violent criminals out of prison. 66% of them are in for poverty-related crimes.” “The end goal is to let as many people out of prison as possible,” Budlong said. Budlong said that the state should get them the training and the skills that they need to succeed before releasing them from prison and that “Reviewing the current cases” would be one of his first priorities as governor. “They may be worse off after they spent ten years in ADOC,” Budlong said of the presently incarcerated. Alabama Today asked if this exceeded the authority of the Governor as the legislature tasks the Alabama Pardons and Paroles Board with making decisions on when to release inmates, not the governor. “There are other mechanisms to get people out of prison,” Budlong said. “I am fervently opposed to the death penalty.” Alabama Today asked Budlong if he favored building a toll bridge over Mobile Bay. “I am not a fan of the toll aspect of that,” Budlong said. “I am directly impacted by that decision.” Budlong and his family live in Daphne, in Baldwin County, where any trip to their west in Mobile County would mean either paying to use the toll bridge or driving around. He has also lived in Birmingham. “I am in favor of the idea of legalizing medical marijuana,” Budlong said. “I would like to go beyond that and decriminalize marijuana as a whole.” However, Budlong did say that he had some problems with how the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission is awarding the licenses to participate in that. Budlong cited the “Large barriers” to getting a license. “It seems that it has set predetermined people to get those licenses,” Budlong said. Budlong said that he favors raising people out of poverty. “A part of that would be pushing for a living wage so people can live and stay in the state,” Budlong said. Another part of that is “universal income.” Budlong suggested that he would pursue federal dollars so that there is a basic income “keeping everybody above the poverty line.” The State Legislature passed constitutional carry allowing every Alabama citizen with gun rights to carry their weapons with them without having to purchase a permit from their sheriff. “I am not in favor of that specifically,” Budlong commented. “My concern about gun violence is not limited to the tools themselves. There is a much larger problem at hand.” Budlong said that he is not in favor of gun seizures. “We should not be stripping them from our citizens,” Budlong said. Budlong is not an advocate for a state lottery. Budlong said that he would not oppose a lottery if the legislature passed one, but he would not advocate for it either as a program that raises money for education, and the general welfare should not be funded on the backs of the poorest citizens. He also said that he would not spend state resources to close down casinos currently operating illegally in the state. “My opposition is not opposed to gambling, but what that program would do to poor citizens and residents,” Budlong said. Alabama Today asked if the state of Alabama has enough revenue coming in. “No, we are not unless there is an unknown black hole somewhere,” Budlong answered. “I need everyone to understand that I feel connected to the registered but inactive voters,” Budlong said. “1.4 million people did not vote at all (in the 2020 presidential election)…If you feel unheard, that is why I am running.” Budlong has an associate degree from Faulkner State Community College. He and his wife have three children. He earned his Eagle Scout in 2001 and is an active volunteer with his local scouting organization. His career experience includes working as a project manager for a marketing agency that has worked internationally with businesses, both large and small. Incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey, Democrat Yolanda Flowers, and Libertarian James Blake will be the names on the November 8 general election ballot. To vote for Budlong, voters must check the write-in box as their selection for Governor and then write Jared Budlong next to it. Pastor Dean Odle
Kay Ivey leads August gubernatorial fundraising
Republican incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey has continued to cruise towards re-election during the month of August. According to filings with the Alabama Secretary of State’s office, Ivey lapped her general election opponents in both funds raised and money spent during the month despite having the Governor making very few public appearances during the month of August. The Governor’s re-election campaign entered August with $219,918.69 – that was several times more than what her general election opponents had available. The Ivey campaign reported having raised another $132,314.30 over the course of the month. The Ivey campaign, however spent more money than she took in. The campaign reported expenditures during the month of August of $301,649.83. This left the governor’s campaign with just $50,583.16 in cash on hand. The Ivey for governor campaign also reported in-kind contributions of $1,200 during the month of August. In-kind contributions are when people donate services such as printing, postage, vehicle use, etc. to a campaign or purchase advertising such as signs rather than making an actual cash contribution. Since in-kind contributions are not cash, they do not count toward the total funds raised or show in the cash balance of a campaign. Kay Ivey chairs her own campaign, and Ashley Newman is her treasurer. Ivey is a former two-term Alabama Lieutenant Governor. She was elevated to the governor’s mansion in 2017 and then elected to her own term in 2018. Ivey also served two terms as state Treasurer. She has a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and is a former teacher who has held a number of positions in Alabama government, including service in Gov. Fob James’ cabinet. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Yolanda Flowers began the month of August with just $939.77 in cash on hard. During the month, the Flowers campaign reported raising total cash contributions of just $150. Her campaign had net expenditures of just $38. This left Flowers with a September cash balance of $1,051.77. Flowers also reported in-kind contributions of $1,300. The Chair of the Flowers campaign is Jada Nichole Flowers, and Clementine Essex is the treasurer. Flowers lives in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Birmingham. She is a former teacher and is a retired rehabilitation services professional for the state of Tennessee. She has multiple degrees. from the University of Tennessee. Flowers and other Democratic candidates have struggled to raise funds as Alabama’s Democratic donors have been noticeably absent thus far from participating in the 2022 campaign cycle. Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Dr. James “Jimmy” Blake had $0 in campaign contributions, but has personally loaned his campaign $13,035. Blake also reported expenditures of $12,200 for a balance coming into September of $834. Blake chairs his own committee, and Justin Smith is the treasurer. Blake is a former two-term Birmingham City Councilman. He is a doctor and an Air Force veteran. He has a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and a medical degree from UAB. Write-in gubernatorial candidate Jared Budlong reported entering the month of August with just $708.49 in cash on hand. During the month, the Budlong campaign reported raising $356 in itemized cash contributions plus another $143.18 in non-itemized cash contributions for a total of $499.18. The Budlong campaign reported $1,102.44 of expenses during the month of August, leaving the campaign with just $105.23 entering the month of September. Budlong also reported in-kind contributions of just $605. Budlong is the sole member of his campaign committee. Budlong lives in Daphne and is a former project manager for a marketing company. He has an associate degree from Faulkner University. Write-in gubernatorial candidate Rev. Dean Odle reported a beginning balance of $10,637.48. Odle reported August contributions of $2,165 and expenses of $720.87 for an ending balance of $12,081.61. The Odle campaign also reported in-kind contributions of $148.48. Odle’s campaign is chaired by Nancy Odle, and Kelsey Hines is the treasurer. Odle is a pastor, evangelist, and private schoolmaster who resides in Lee County. Odle ran in the May 24 Republican primary, where he ultimately lost to Ivey. $26,887,024.83 has already been raised by all campaigns in the 2022 gubernatorial race, and $26,855,007.61 has been spent. Most of it was spent in the Republican primary battle, where Ivey emerged as the victor. The general election is on November 8. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Kay Ivey: Tourism is a major contributor to Alabama’s economic success
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey spoke Tuesday to members of Alabama’s tourism and hospitality industry at the Alabama Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Auburn. During her speech, Ivey reflected on the remarkable year Alabama’s tourism industry experienced and shared her expectations for even more success in the near future and beyond. “Just a few short months ago in May, Director (Lee) Sentell and I visited Conecuh Sausage,” Ivey said. “Now, while I did purchase some sausage to load up in my cooler, I was really there to announce Alabama’s record-breaking tourism numbers. I talked a bit about the momentum we were – and still are – experiencing as a state, despite the curveballs of the current economic climate and the last couple of years. Our economic development numbers for last year made 2021 the second-best year in our state’s history. Without a doubt, our tourism industry has been and continues to be a major contributor to that fact.” Unlike many states, Alabama was open for business throughout most of the 2021 tourist season. The state also benefitted from COVID-19 restrictions on international travel that led many American tourists to search for domestic travel destinations. “While the national industry lost 42 percent of its revenue, Alabama ranked in the top five states for the least amount of revenue lost,” Ivey continued. “To recap some of those numbers I shared back in May…Our tourists spent a record almost $20 billion dollars. Alabama was the fourth most searched state, according to the U.S. Travel Association. As I said in May: We’re just getting started! Folks, today, while I am among some of the best in the tourism industry, I want to share something I think all of you will be excited about, but you certainly won’t be surprised. Barring any unexpected downturns, Director Sentell informs me that Alabama is on a trajectory to EXCEED expectations. Based on the adjusted numbers, it looks like your industry is going to exceed 24 billion dollars this calendar year. Twenty FOUR!” Ivey said that the tourism industry in the state has grown by $10 billion since she was elevated to Governor in 2017. “I am proud to say that in the past ten years, our industry has more than doubled. We have grown from $11 billion dollars in 2013 to more than $24 billion dollars this year,” Ivey said. “And since I have been governor, I am extremely proud that our tourism industry has grown by $10 billion dollars. These are the kind of results that are taking Alabama flying at full speed ahead. I’ll leave you with this: As we head into the next four years, I assure you that you have a governor who is committed a thousand percent to supporting the tourism industry and to the work that each and every one of you do.” This conference provided tourism professionals a chance to gather and learn about the economic impact of the industry on the Alabama economy, as well as learning new strategies for marketing local Alabama attractions and amenities to visitors. The group also raised money for scholarships through silent auctions and celebrated their achievements. In 2021 the state collected $72,602,073 in revenue for the state general fund (SGF) from the 4% state lodging tax. Travelers spent an estimated $19.6 billion in Alabama in 2021. Alabama attracted 28.2 million visitors that year. The travel and tourism industries produced $1.1 billion in revenue for state and local coffers while providing 227,334 jobs for Alabamians. The beaches of Baldwin County remain the state’s most popular tourist destination. Baldwin County had 8,037,049 visitors in 2021, up from 5,956,566 in 2020. Ivey is seeking a second term as Governor. She faces Libertarian Dr. James “Jimmy” Blake and Democrat Yolanda Rochelle Flowers in the Nov. 8 general election. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Kay Ivey visits elementary school robotic and engineering labs
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey visited Dalraida Elementary School in Montgomery on Monday to inspect the new robotics and building/engineering labs there. Ivey was accompanied by education leaders and members of the capital press corps. “When I was in Fourth Grade, we didn’t do robotics,” Gov. Ivey said. “We just were memorizing our multiplication tables.” The third and fourth-grade students in the robotics lab demonstrated their proficiency at building and operating the little robots that lift and manipulate objects in tasks analogous to construction equipment. Like robots at a factory, they were being operated by the children who assembled them from kits. Dr. Bryan Cutter is the principal at Dalriada Elementary School. Principal Cutter said that there are robotics labs at the high school and middle school levels, but their school was the first in the region to have a dedicated robotics lab in the elementary school lab. The students in the engineering/building lab demonstrated their ability to stack blocks and sticks in order to build a bridge over a construction paper river. The students were working in groups of three. “You did a great job,” Ivey told one group of students after they completed their bridge and were able to roll a toy car over it without the structure collapsing. “You did an amazing job building that.” “This is an exciting visit,” Ivey told reporters. Ivey said that she would like to see more labs such as these across the state to get children interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math fields). “We have a long way to get there,” Ivey acknowledged. “They view it as a game,” Principal Cutter said. Cutter explained that the school is bringing scientists and engineers to interact with the students. “The students have met athletes and musicians, but they are not used to seeing scientists and engineers,” he stated. Cutter said that the children work in groups. “We want them to learn collaboration. We are looking at teaching them to be good citizens of the world.” “We are excited to be here,” said State Superintendent Eric Mackey. “We have several labs like this around the state. This is a fairly new program.” Mackey said that it is important to get students learning how to manipulate the robots and do early coding in elementary and middle school. “These are not cheap labs,” Mackey said. “The robotics kits have to be purchased, and they wear out.” “Finding teachers to do it and getting them trained,” is the major limiting factor, Mackey said. “We anticipate that we are going to ask for more money next year,” Mackey said. This was the first time that the Governor has addressed reporters in three weeks. During that time, there were unsubstantiated rumors about her health. Ivey was peppered with questions about her health and possible medical treatments. One reporter asked the Governor if she had had a medical treatment requiring her to stay overnight in a hospital. “It seems like some of you want to will these rumors into being, and that is just not going to happen,” Ivey responded. Ivey said that she thanked “God every day for giving me a clean bill of health.” Ivey is the oldest governor in the country. She will turn 78 on December 21. Ivey is running for re-election in the November 8 general election where she faces Democratic nominee Yolanda Flowers, Libertarian Dr. James Blake, and independent Jared Budlong. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
