Political powerhouse commentator Jeff Poor leaves Yellowhammer News
Jeff Poor, host of the Jeff Poor show on FM Talk 1065 and editor of Breitbart TV, is leaving his position at Yellowhammer News and heading to 1819 News, where he will be a politics editor. Poor was a frequent contributor to Yellowhammer News, a Montgomery, Alabama-based conservative news outlet. His radio show boasts big-name guests from across the nation, from members of congress to some of the most prestigious and well-funded national grassroots groups and policy think tanks. State elected leaders line up for their chance to chat with him in his star-studded 3-hour show. Last year, ALToday listed Poor as one of Alabama’s most influential people. With over a decade of experience reporting on politics and the news media, Poor previously reported from Washington, D.C. for The Daily Caller and the Media Research Center. Poor manages a team of reporters to monitor and deliver highlights from radio and television news for Breitbart TV. Apryl Marie Fogel congratulated Poor on Twitter, stating, “Big Breaking News in #ALPolitics: @jeff_poor leaving @yhn to @1819News. Huge get for 1819 and there goes the only reason I ever went to YH after reading the 7 things list in the morning. Jeff is truly one of the best!” Bryan Dawson, President and CEO of 1819 News, congratulated Poor. “Very excited about adding Jeff to the team. He is an incredible journalist, he really understands Alabama politics, he knows what makes a good story, and he will no doubt help @raymelick and @EricaLynnThomas shape and mold our up and coming journalists,” Dawson wrote on Twitter. Craig Monger, a writer for 1819 News, also sent congratulations to Poor. “Welcome aboard, @jeff_poor! Super stoked to be on the same team as this legend!” Poor has appeared on the Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, and CBN. His work and reporting have been featured at The Drudge Report, The Washington Times, and American Spectator, among many others. He grew up in Birmingham and has reported in all 67 counties in Alabama. He received his building science degree from Auburn University and a journalism degree from the University of South Alabama. Poor will start his new position at 1819 on February 28. *Apryl Marie Fogel is the owner and publisher of AL Today.
Sources confirm Donald Trump appointee, Ambassador Lynda Blanchard plan to announce run for governor of Alabama
After months of speculation on a reported switch in campaigns for Lynda Blanchard, it looks like the rumors are true. According to insiders, Blanchard is planning to end her campaign for the U.S. Senate seat and run for governor of Alabama, according to a CNN report. She is expected to announce her campaign against Governor Kay Ivey next week. The former ambassador to Slovenia, Blanchard was a major donor to the Trump campaign but never received his endorsement for her run in the Senate. That endorsement went to Mo Brooks, a long-time Trump supporter. CNN reported that Trump met with Blanchard, and she was receptive to the prospect of her running for governor. In an August interview on FM Talk 106.5’s Jeff Poor Show, Blanchard commented, “You know, I can tell you that I’ve been all over this state, and there are a lot of people that, you know, like we saw this weekend, want everything Trump. And they want a Trump governor, as well.” According to a Rolling Stone report, Trump blames Gov. Ivey for canceling one of his rallies in Alabama this summer. The rally in question was a July 3 “Freedom Rally” at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile. Defenders of Ivey note that the rally was canceled by the Battleship Commission, not the governor herself though the commission is stacked with appointees she chose. Without Trump’s endorsement, Blanchard’s Senate campaign has lagged behind Mo Brooks and Katie Boyd Britt.
Lynda Blanchard may switch gears and run for governor
Lynda Blanchard was the first candidate to announce her intentions to run for the Senate seat being vacated by Richard Shelby. Blanchard announced her candidacy in February and her initial filing with the Federal Elections Commission showed she raised more than $300,000 in donations in the first six weeks of her campaign. Now there’s a possibility she might be dropping out of that race and gearing up to run against Gov. Kay Ivey in the 2022 GOP primary, Jeff Poor reported. The former Ambassador to Slovenia worked for the Trump administration, but Blanchard did not earn former President Donald Trump’s endorsement. That went to Rep. Mo Brooks. During an appearance on Mobile radio FM Talk 106.5’s “The Jeff Poor Show,” Blanchard discussed rumors. She didn’t confirm or deny the rumors, saying, “You know, I can tell you that I’ve been all over this state, and there are a lot of people that, you know, like we saw this weekend, want everything Trump. And they want a Trump governor, as well. So, I do have people reaching out to me. I’m praying about it, and you know, I’m in the race for U.S. Senate, and love the president and respect anything that he would like.” “Any way that I can support the president and support the Republican Party, I’m willing to do,” Blanchard added. “So, I’m praying about everything.” Other candidates running for the Senate seat are Katie Britt, Jessica Taylor, and Mo Brooks.
32 Powerful and Influential Alabamians to know
It’s true, the words “powerful and influential” can be vague and subjective. However, it’s fair to say among the universally accepted definitions within politics and policy is an individual’s ability to create change, start a conversation, influence the public or public officials, move an agenda forward or stop one in its tracks. There’s no doubt that a good number of people are moving Alabama forward in politics and business. Recently, Yellowhammer published its 2021 annual list of who they consider the most influential and powerful. They noted it was a “Peek behind the curtain.” That it always is – a peek into the mind of the editorial team, writers, and friends of the site. With the same people on it year after year, often in the same companies and offices and the standard members of the legislature and statewide offices. Dozens of whom certainly would belong on any list of power or influence: Jo Bonner, Katie Britt, Bob Geddie, Dax Swatek. No one can deny the influence any of them have. Others on the list begged the question “Why?” while others were glaringly missing. This list purposely does not duplicate any name already appearing on that list. Not all influencers within the public arena are lobbyists or lawmakers. Some within the media or in advocacy organizations can shape or change public opinion. In addition, some influencers have the ability to position themselves, loved ones, or friends to the front of the line for coveted appointments or jobs. There’s so much to power and influence; while it may hard to describe, you know when you see it, and you know who lacks it. It could be argued that 1-5 are no brainers and would be list repeats, but heck, I say repeat them until it changes. So with that, let Alabama Today offer 32 additional notable people who were nominated by a ragtag group of incredibly biased judges. Did I mention how incredibly biased we are? This, combined with the YH list, might give one a better view of the movers and shakers with power and influence in the state’s political world. Worth noting, some of them are the bosses, mentors, elders statesman, and wise counsel of many on the YH list, while a couple of others are up and comers. Jimmy “Yellow Fella” Rane, President/CEO at Great Southern Wood Preserving Not only is the Yellow Fella the wealthiest man in Alabama and Board of Trustee at Auburn, but there’s also no doubt he’s used his financial success to the betterment of the state, giving him great power and influence. His contributions are well documented, politically, economically, and through philanthropy. From 2013 to May 2021, his company has given 178 contributions totaling $2,079,316.40. He also has the Jimmy Rane Foundation, which has more than doubled his political donations with $4.7 million in scholarships. His influence is undeniable and unmatched, which is why he is number one on our list. Mark Crosswhite, CEO Alabama Power Crosswhite’s voice carries a lot of weight, so much so that multiple people on the YH list answer to him in one way or another. Which begs the question, how can anyone deny his place on any list of power and influence? He chaired the BCA board during a critical time when the organization’s future was in peril, saving a key organization critical to the state’s business development, growth and success, and ensuring a better economic future for the state. As the organization continues to grow and evolve, there’s no doubt he’s still helping steer the ship. 3. Fess St. John IV, Chancellor of The University of Alabama System Finis “Fess” St. John IV comes from a storied line of Alabama influencers, including his father and grandfather. He’s currently the Chancellor of The University of Alabama (UA) System. Which makes him the chief executive officer of Alabama’s largest employer with multiple school campuses and a massive healthcare system. According to the school’s website, “Total enrollment in the UA System achieved a new record this fall, with more than 70,400 students enrolled at UA, UAB, and UAH. The System’s annual economic impact surpasses $10 billion annually, and upwards of 1.7 million patients are served every year in the System’s hospitals and clinics.” 4. Chris England, House of Representatives, District 70 While many have tried over the last couple of decades, England was able to stop the further deterioration of the Democrat party (with a reputation that was nationally marred by chaos, a lack of structure, oh, and that one toilet story) and begin its rebuilding. One long-time democrat described the infrastructure as stronger now than it has been since the days of Bill Baxley. England is a graduate of Howard University and the University of Alabama School of Law. His father grew up in Circuit Court Judge John H. England Jr., who served as a justice on the Alabama Supreme Court in 1999-2000. To leave him off the Top 5 of any influential list is to deny reality. 5. Stephanie Bryan, Tribal Chair and CEO for the Poarch Creek Indians No one should question the top female on this list. It’s no coincidence that she heads one of the biggest political powerhouses in the state of Alabama. PCI has capitalized on the shift in public attitudes towards a more tolerant attitude towards gaming and lottery to push for changes in the law that would allow their tribe’s operations to grow. This session’s gaming proposal wasn’t successful, but it got further than expected and may come up again in a special session. She is a political player that many say could be the most powerful over the next couple of campaign cycles. 6. Tom Coker, The Southern Group Rare can someone survive with the longevity and respectability of Tom Coker. His strength is the state senate, but he can get things done. His firm’s website names him as President of Tom Coker & Associates since 1982. Tom Coker offers a full range of governmental
Alabama GOP chair Terry Lathan will not seek reelection in 2021
Terry Lathan, Alabama GOP chair, will not seek reelection for a fourth term in 2021. Yellowhammer News reported that Lathan informed the ALGOP State Executive Committee members of her decision in an email on Tuesday. Lathan’s duties will continue until the Republican Party holds its winter meeting February 27 in Montgomery, AL.com reported. In a statement released by the party, Lathan said, “Now that we have reclaimed our U.S. Senate seat for the GOP, our finances are secured, our ‘family’ is stable and we are in outstanding shape across Alabama, I have decided to step aside as ALGOP Chairman. Just as I prayed and felt strongly about running, I also have asked guidance and received the answer it is time to serve the Republican Party in other ways. After 42 years of service to our Party and its causes, I plan to travel different roads of service.” In a statement to Yellowhammer News, Lathan stated, “Words cannot adequately express my gratefulness for the support and trust I have received from our State Executive Committee, County Party members, donors, and elected officials as Chairman since 2015. From being the longest-serving Chairman of six years since 1985 to being the current longest serving female State Chairman – as well as in the top five of State Chair Seniority on the Republican National Committee – I am deeply honored to have served my Party in this role.” Jeff Poor broke the news on Twitter, stating, “Breaking: Terry Lathan(@ChairmanLathan) won’t seek reelection as @ALGOP Chair in 2021.” BREAKING: Terry Lathan (@ChairmanLathan) won’t seek reelection as @ALGOP chair in 2021 #alpolitics 🚨🚨 — Jeff Poor (@jeff_poor) December 15, 2020 Other Alabama leaders have also sent well wishes to Lathan. Jerry Carl posted, “Thank you for your years of hard work and service to the party, @Chairman Lathan!” Thank you for your years of hard work and service to the party, @ChairmanLathan! #al01 #alpolitics https://t.co/8CqCNOmx5r — Jerry Carl (@CarlForAlabama) December 15, 2020 In response on Twitter, Lathan stated, “I’m not going anywhere. I’m just warming up.” Thank you Chad- I’m not going anywhere. I’m just warming up 👊🏽🐘🇺🇸 @CNibbz https://t.co/z2wtWZLrkA — Terry Lathan (@ChairmanLathan) December 16, 2020
Steve Flowers: Turnout for presidential election shatters record in Alabama
On the morning of the momentous November 3 Presidential Election Day, I began my day on my hometown radio station, WTBF in Troy, which has been my tradition for election days for over 30 years. As the polls began to open around 7 a.m., we began getting calls that the people were lined up for almost a mile outside of the two most populous voting locations in Pike County. Then, I started getting texts that a good many of the Republican boxes in major North Alabama cities had people waiting in line for two to three hours in voting precincts in Jasper, Hamilton, Cullman and Huntsville. Folks in Talladega were showing up in droves driven by a local amendment. When I voted around 10 a.m., the voting officials informed me that more people had already voted in record breaking numbers. About that time, I was receiving texts from other South Alabama locales like Daphne and Fairhope in Baldwin County and Enterprise and Ozark in the Wiregrass that records were going out the window. In Dothan, where I had spoken the day before, people were calling to tell me that records were being shattered at the Westgate polling place, which is one of the largest Republican boxes in the state. When I went on the popular Mobile talk radio Jeff Poor Show at 10:30 a.m., Jeff said reports were coming in of an unbelievable turnout. During the noon hour, I traversed to Montgomery for Talk Radio and interviews with my Capitol City television home, the Alabama News Network CBS 8 and ABC 32. I saw the same thing happening. At St. James Methodist Church where most of Wynlakes votes there were two-hour long lines. At Woodland Methodist in Pike Road it was two to three, and at most of the Republican boxes in Elmore County, especially Millbrook and Wetumpka, there were three hour waits. As I headed on to Birmingham for my election night TV appearance the scene in Shelby and Jefferson Counties was more of the same, if not more pronounced. My daughter, who votes at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church said the line had been out the door and around the church all day with no parking. The two major voting locations of Hoover, the Finlay Center and Hoover Met, had lines that reached almost a mile. Around 6:00 p.m., while discussing the unprecedented turnout with Secretary of State John Merrill, who had joined me on CBS 42, we saw an unbelievable line out the street at the prestigious Church of the Highlands voting location in Tuscaloosa. The coup de gras was at around 9:30 p.m. a good two-and-a-half-hours after the polls had closed, our TV cameras showed a picture of Trussville City Hall where voters were still waiting in line to cast their ballot even though Trump and Tuberville had already been declared the winners by the Associated Press. Secretary of State John Merrill confirmed what I knew by that time, that indeed the state of Alabama had an unprecedented, unbelievable, amazing, record breaking turnout – 2.3 million Alabamians voted despite COVID which shattered any previous voting participation record. The driving force had to unquestionably be driven by a fervor to vote for President Donald J. Trump. The vote for President Trump was the largest for any candidate in the history of the state. Trump garnered an amazing 62.7% of the vote, which surpassed his 62% against Hillary Clinton. He provided immense coattails for Coach Tommy Tuberville who beat our-anomaly, liberal, two-year-tenured Democratic Senator Doug Jones by an amazing 60-to-40 shellacking. Tuberville is now Senator Tommy Tuberville. PSC President Twinkle Cavanaugh set a record in her reelection bid with almost 1.4 million votes. She gained the record by receiving the most votes for any candidate in a contested race outside the Presidency in state history. Tuberville set the record for most votes for any senatorial candidate in state history. He trounced Jones by over 20 points despite being outspent 4-to-1. According to unofficial election night results the top Alabama Counties for Trump were Winston 90.3%, Cleburne 89.7%, Blount 89.6%, Marion 88.4% and Cullman 88.2%. They were the brightest red in the ruby red Heart of Dixie. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column is in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
Jim Zeigler: Don’t give Nancy Pelosi an extra vote and extra funds
“Alabama would lose an electoral vote in presidential elections. That vote would not disappear. It would go left.”
Inside the Statehouse: Alabama leaders under 45 who affect the political arena
Steve Flowers lists several young rising stars in Alabama politics.
