Republicans are hoping for another sweep in 2022 election
On Tuesday, Alabama voters are going to the polls to elect new leaders for the state. The Alabama Republican Party is hoping to see history repeat itself again in this election, and they will maintain their dominant position in Alabama politics. “Just a reminder that if you are tired of sky-high gas prices, out-of-control inflation, and rising crime, you have a choice. Vote Republican tomorrow on Election Day,” the Alabama Republican Party wrote on Facebook Monday. Alabama Republicans hope that this election follows the script of recent Alabama elections. In 2010, the Alabama Republican Party won every statewide office on the ballot. U.S. Senator Richard Shelby was easily re-elected to another term. Republican nominee for Governor, State Rep. Robert Bentley, defeated his Democratic opponent Ag Commissioner Ron Sparks. Then Treasurer Kay Ivey defeated incumbent Lieutenant Governor Jim Folsom in a race that even most Republicans at the time thought was a long shot. The people of Alabama, however, had grown tired of Alabama Education Association-dominated Democrats and found President Barack Obama’s policies too liberal for Alabama. National voters agreed, and 2010 was a massive “red wave” election that gave Republicans control of both Houses of Congress. In Alabama, Republicans won supermajorities in both Houses of the Alabama Legislature after 135 years of Democratic domination of the state legislature. In 2014 Bentley, Ivey, and the rest of the Alabama GOP were back. Bentley faced former Congressman Parker Griffith, and Ivey faced former State Rep. James Fields. Democrats viewed the 2014 election as so hopeless that they did not even find a candidate to run against popular U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions. The Alabama voters once again rewarded Republicans with every statewide office on the ballot, and they grew their supermajorities in both Houses of the Legislature. In 2018, Bentley was gone, and Ivey had been elevated to Governor. Shelby was reelected to a sixth term in 2016. Democrats, however, were optimistic because their nominee for U.S. Senate, Doug Jones, had just defeated the Republican nominee, former Chief Justice Roy Moore in a special election. It had been the first win for an Alabama Democrat in a statewide race since 2008. Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard, who had masterminded the Republican campaigns in 2010 and 2014, had been convicted of corruption in 2016 (he is still in prison to this day). None of that mattered. Ivey easily bested her Democratic opponent, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox. In the Lieutenant Governor’s race, State Rep. Will Ainsworth defeated his Democratic opponent, Florence Pastor Dr. Will Boyd. The Republicans also grew their supermajorities in the state legislature. Former Auburn head football coach Tommy Tuberville beat Sen. Jones in a landslide in 2020, so once again, there is no statewide Democratic officeholder in Alabama. On Tuesday, Ivey is seeking her second full term as governor. This time she faces political newcomer Yolanda Flowers and a Libertarian – Dr. James “Jimmy” Blake. Ainsworth faces Libertarian Ruth Page Nelson. Democrats failed to run a Lt. Gov. candidate. Shelby is retiring after 36 years in the Senate and 52 total years in office. His former Chief of Staff, Katie Britt, is the Republican nominee for Senate. She faces Boyd and Libertarian John Sophocleus. This is the first election since 2002 where there are Libertarians on the Alabama ballot. There are a lot of parallels between the 2022 election and the 2010 election. Once again, Democrats control both Houses of Congress and an unpopular Democratic Presidential incumbent, former Obama VP Joe Biden, is in the second year of his presidency. Many political analysts are predicting that Tuesday will be a second “red wave” election, like 2010, that will sweep Democrats out of office and give Republicans control of both Houses of Congress again. Alabama Republicans are hoping this is true of Alabama as well, and the GOP will retain its almost total mastery of Alabama politics. That is for the voters of Alabama to decide. Polls will open at 7:00 am and close at 7:00 am. Voters need to bring a valid photo ID with them to the polls. Various forms of photo ID are acceptable. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Walt Maddox announces statewide GOTV rallies
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 voters together, Tuscaloosa Mayor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Walt Maddox, will be hosting several Get Out the Vote (GOTV) rallies across the state starting on Friday. Maddox will face against former Alabama Chief Justice, Sue Bell Cobb, former state legislator James Fields, Doug Smith and Chris Countryman in the Yellowhammer State’s democratic primary on June 5. Here’s Maddox’s event schedule: Friday, June 1: 6 p.m. Walt Maddox GOTV Rally Via Senior Center, Mobile 1717 Dauphin St. Saturday, June 2: 1 p.m. Walt Maddox GOTV Rally Good People Brewing, Birmingham 114 14th St S 6 p.m. Walt Maddox GOTV Rally Huntsville Rally Richard Showers Rec Center 4600 Blue Spring Road Huntsville AL Sunday, June 3: 2 p.m. Walt Maddox GOTV Rally Bloch Park, Selma 6 p.m. Walt Maddox GOTV Rally Montgomery event Hall street baptist church 700 South hall street Montgomery AL 36104 Monday, June 4: 6 p.m. Walt Maddox GOTV Rally Band of Brother’s Brewing, Tuscaloosa 1605 23rd Ave
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.
Only 30 days until the primary election: get voting information here
With the Alabama primary elections only 30 days away voters in the yellowhammer state need to know where to vote, and who’s on their ballot. According to the Secretary of State’s office, the last day to register to vote or update your voter registration is the 15th day prior to the election, making the last day to register before the June 5 primary May 21. Absentee ballots are available for those who cannot be physically present to vote, but you must complete an application before May 31. Here are the links to the statewide candidate’s website: Governor’s race: Republicans: Tommy Battle Scott Dawson Bill Hightower Kay Ivey Democrats: Sue Bell Cobb James Fields Walt Maddox Attorney General’s Race: Republicans: Steve Marshall Chess Bedsole Troy King Alice Martin Democrats: Chris Christie Joseph Siegelman Sample Ballots: Jefferson County: Montgomery County: Madison County: Mobile County:
Walt Maddox receives endorsement from Ron Sparks, other Alabama influencers
Walt Maddox‘s campaign announced on the backing of former Alabama Agricultural Commissioner Ron Sparks on Monday. “Walt has compassion and he has leadership. He stood in the streets of Tuscaloosa in its darkest hours and darkest days. He showed compassion, leadership, and strength to rebuild the city,” said Sparks. “He will never put party over the people of Alabama.” Maddox hinted that should he be elected, Sparks might be asked to join his administration. “I am honored to receive the endorsement of Ron Sparks,” said Maddox. “Ron has been a political force in Alabama for years and he shares our vision for a better Alabama. He will be an invaluable asset to this campaign and to my administration should I be elected governor.” This is just one of many endorsements Maddox has received recently; last week he revived an endorsement from Mobile-Democrat Sen. Vivian Figures, and in March received and endorsement from Russellville-Democrat, former state Sen. Roger Bedford. “I am honored and proud to endorse Mayor Walt Maddox to be our next governor,” said Figures. “I know he is ready to serve all of the people of AL, because he’s not filled with empty rhetoric, but has a plan that will move AL to the next level.” Bedford said, “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. He has the knowledge, demeanor, and work ethic to make a difference and will make us proud to call him our governor.” 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, or Scott Dawson.
Top five take aways from the gubernatorial debates
With the June 5 Democratic and Republican gubernatorial primaries only 52 days away, candidates have begun to participate in debates across the state, trying to persuade voters to their side. On Wednesday, and Thursday night WVTM hosted two gubernatorial debates, one for each party. On Wednesday, former Alabama Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox and former state legislator James Fields participated in the Democratic debate. And on Thursday, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, state Sen. Bill Hightower and evangelist Scott Dawson participated in the Republican debate. Here are 5 takeaways from the debates: 5. Candidates are open to Medical Marijuana, but not recreational Marijuana. The legalization of Marijuana was a question that debate panelists asked both the Republican and Democratic candidates. And although all three candidates referred to the plant as a “gateway” drug, Dawson and Hightower said they were not opposed to allowing medical marijuana within the state, as long as it was highly regulated and available only to those who really need it. Battle however, was opposed, saying “Medical marijuana opens up the same gateway, the gateway that goes to the opioids, which goes to heroin, which also becomes a national crisis, and it has become a national crisis.” During the Democratic debate candidates were asked specifically about the decriminalization of marijuana and medical marijuana. All three Democratic candidates support the legalization of medical marijuana. Maddox said there are three necessary steps to take within the state; decriminalization, institute full use of medical marijuana, and to continue to look at states who have recreational use, collect data from them, and use that data to move forward. 4. Most candidates are in support of an Education Lottery The question of an Education Lottery was also posed in both debates, Maddox and Cobb are known for their support of an education lottery, and Fields said that he would introduce a “clean piece of legislation” for Alabamians to vote on, if they want an education lottery. In the Republican debate; Hightower and Dawson were both opposed, with Hightower saying he really dislikes that lotteries are marketed to minorities and that the financial burden they carry rests on minority groups. Battle said we would allow citizens to vote on a lottery, and that he supports it, although he believes it’s not a cure-all for the state’s problems. 3. Candidates took party stances on increasing the Minimum wage In the republican debate candidates were asked about increasing the state’s minimum wage; no candidates were in support of raising the minimum wage. Battle and Dawson cited their experiences, and how low their starting pay was when they were young. “Raising the minimum wage hurts the poor, it’s cuts them out of jobs. And there’s something worse than not having a minimum wage, and that’s not having a job,” said Hightower. Democratic candidates Cobb and Maddox discussed the minimum wage when Cobb asked Maddox, “How would you convince the voters of Alabama that you truly are for increasing the minimum wage since you used all of your power and influence to defeat the minimum wage when it came before the city council in Tuscaloosa.” To which Maddox replied, “Lets be clear, I support the minimum wage increase, in fact the City of Tuscaloosa is the only entity I know on the record supporting not only a statewide minimum wage, but tying it to the CPI…The legislation she’s talking about would have allowed cities to raise minimum wage, which would have violated Alabama law…It would have been wrong of me to promise something to the citizens of Tuscaloosa that I couldn’t deliver.” Fields did not get the opportunity to comment on a minimum wage increase. 2. Roy Moore is still a hot-button issue Although not mentioned in the Democratic debates, Roy Moore was mentioned several times during the Republican debates. The debate panel asked candidates wether or not they voted for Moore, and was mentioned when the panelists asked about Ten Commandments legislation. Battle said he supported the Republican candidate, but that if the allegations were true, Moore did not need to serve in the Senate. “You have to give the benefit of doubt, you have to look at [the fact that] this was 40 years ago; [and these are] serious accusations. But I will answer the question; Yes. I did vote for Roy Moore,” said Dawson. 1. Kay Ivey declined the invitation to participate. d The most talked about issue covered in the Republican debates was the fact that incumbent Governor Kay Ivey declined the invitation to participate in the debates. She was, instead, throwing the first pitch at the Baron’s baseball game just down the hill from the debate. All candidates criticized Ivey’s choice and agreed that by skipping the debate, saying Ivey did a disservice to all Alabama voters. Candidates were asked why they thought they would be better candidates than Ivey. “Well I’m here, answering your questions for one,” said Hightower. “People lose the value of public service, and thats a shame…being at a baseball game, throwing the first ball out versus coming to talk about the issues and what really affects our communities, that’s a shame,” said Battle. Dawson said he took it personally because he flew back from a pastor’s meeting in Kansas city to be at the debate. “Alabama deserves; we deserve; as a voter I deserve; to hear her vision her dream, and her passion for the future of Alabama,” said Dawson.
Democratic gubernatorial candidates debate in Birmingham, mostly agree on issues
The leading Democratic contenders for governor spent much — but not all — of a Wednesday night debate agreeing with each other. Former Alabama Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox and former state legislator James Fields appeared in the debate hosted by WVTM in Birmingham. All three expressed support for a state lottery. They also agreed Alabama should expand its Medicaid program, saying doing so would boost the entire health care system and curtail the closure of rural hospitals. They also took aim at a string of scandals that have engulfed GOP politicians in the state, and said they believed the right Democrat could win back the governor’s office for the first time in two decades. The only verbal fireworks came in an exchange between Cobb and Maddox who are largely considered the two front runners in the primary. Cobb questioned Maddox’s commitment to a statewide minimum wage increase since a local wage increase push faltered in Tuscaloosa while Maddox was mayor. “You had an opportunity to raise the minimum wage in the city of Tuscaloosa to $10.10,” Cobb said, noting that was before the passage of a statewide bill blocking cities from raising the local minimum wage. Maddox interrupted Cobb and asked if she would promise something she couldn’t legally deliver. He argued even before the statewide legislation, city attorneys across the state did not think that local governments had that authority to set a local minimum wage. “Would you be taking this position if you weren’t running for governor?” Maddox responded. In an effort to distinguish themselves both Maddox and Cobb emphasized their experience: Maddox as mayor of a city that had to rebuild after being ravaged by tornadoes and Cobb who spent decades on the judicial bench. “This election is about who is best capable to deliver us from crisis,” Maddox said. Cobb said she is the only candidate in the race who has written and helped pass bipartisan legislation. “It’s time to have a governor who cares more about the next generation than the next election,” Cobb said. Fields, a pastor, served in the Alabama Legislature for two years after becoming the first African-American elected in predominantly white Cullman County. Fields said it’s time for the state to elect someone different. “We can do the same thing and we’ll get the same results ….or we can make a change,” Fields said. The Republican contenders debate Thursday night. Gov. Kay Ivey is not participating. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Walt Maddox releases School Safety Plan
With school safety on the forefront of everyone’s minds; Walt Maddox released his school safety plan that he would implement if elected Governor on Wednesday. “Our children deserve a bright and safe future,” Maddox said on his campaign website. “There is no higher priority for government, for society, than ensuring that our children are protected.” Legislative officials are under pressure to make a decision regarding school safety given last week’s national school walkout meant to honor the 17 victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting Parkland, Fla. In his release, Maddox listed five school safety strategies that he will instill if elected Governor of Alabama: School hardening Training school security officers and staff Restrictions on guns Early identification of potential attacker Support gun control 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. Read Maddox’s full school safety plan below: 1. School Hardening Our schools were built with open doors and were never constructed with the level of security in mind that we now must demand. Our schools have become soft targets for those who want to harm our children and our way of life. All future schools must be designed and built with security as a central focus. In addition to the physical improvements, every Alabama school must be protected by a trained and certified law enforcement professional (School Security Officers). 2. Training school security officers and staff School Security officers will be highly trained to work with in a school environment. There will also be required active shooter and other school safety training for local law enforcement, staff and administrators. Planning and integration of responses are vital in preventing these incidences or saving lives. 3. Restrictions on guns No gun will ever be allowed on a school premise at any time except for the trained school security officers. 4. Early identification of potential attacker Protocols will be in place to identify people who are prone to violence in an effort to prevent any harm. This includes the integration of the Department of Mental Health, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and local law enforcement and school systems. 5. Support gun control We will fully support rational gun control efforts to ensure those that are mentally unstable do not get guns. Together, we can secure our schools, make our children safe, and protect the future by allowing our students to focus on their reason for being there – to improve their minds, expand their knowledge, and prepare them to be the leaders of tomorrow.
