Five things you need to know about John Merrill
Incumbent Secretary of State John Merrill won the Republican nomination for his current position in the June 5 primary with a whopping 71.64 percent of the vote. But now that the primaries are over, the real battle begins. Merrill will face Democratic nominee Heather Milam in the November 6 general election, and the two candidates could not be any more different. With that in mind, here are five things you need to know about John Merrill: 1. He has been involved in government in some way since 1983. While attending the University of Alabama, Merrill served as a Congressional Intern for then U.S. Rep. Bill Nichols and U.S. Sen. Howell Heflin in 1983 and 1984. These internships jumpstarted Merrill’s career, leading him to several positions in local and state government at a very early age. In 1990, Merrill accepted the Assistant Director’s position at the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority where he assisted in recruiting Mercedes-Benz to the area. Merrill then served as director to many boards, and chambers in and around Tuscaloosa until 2010 when he was elected to serve as the State Representative for for District 62. In 2014 Merrill was elected to serve as Alabama’s 53rd Secretary of State, where he still serves today. 2. He is an active member of many different organizations and serves in a leadership role in several of them. According to the Secretary of State’s office, Merrill has served in leadership roles for various different community organizations including: “The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Selection Committee, Children First Board of Directors, Friends of the Alabama Archives Board of Directors, Alabama YMCA Youth in Government Board of Directors, State Republican Executive Committee, National Rifle Association, Leadership Tuscaloosa, The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, United Way of West Alabama, YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Boy Scouts of America, March of Dimes, Hillcrest High School Athletic Boosters Club, West Alabama Literacy Council, Alabama Constables Association & others.” “He has also served as Southeastern Regional Vice President for the National School Public Relations Association and President or Chairman of many groups, which include the Alabama Children’s Trust Fund, Alabama School Communicator’s Association and the Alabama Community Education Association, American Red Cross, Leadership Tuscaloosa Alumni Association, United Cerebral Palsy of West Alabama, Youth for Christ, Druid Civitan Club, the Tuscaloosa City School’s Vocational Advisory Council, past Chairman of the Tuscaloosa County Republican Executive Committee.” 3. He was president of the Student Government Association at the University of Alabama. While pursuing his Political science degree from the University of Alabama, Merrill served as President of the university’s Student Government Association (SGA) from 1986 to 1987. Note; Several members of the Alabama legislature have begun their political careers in universities student government associations. Governor Kay Ivey was a member of the SGA at Auburn University and State Auditor Jim Zeigler was the President of the SGA at the University of Alabama from 1970 to 1971. 4. He comes from a long line of Alabama politicians. Merrill is a descendant of former Lieutenant Governor of Alabama, Hugh Davis Merrill, member and speaker of the Alabama House, Hugh Davis Merrill, Jr., and Pelham Jones Merrill, a member of the Alabama House who fought in World War II. 5. He has represented the state in several countries including Russia. Merrill was a member of a coalition of U.S. leaders who traveled to Russia in 2016 to observe the nation’s parliamentary polls. “We had unfiltered, unbridled access and could walk in unannounced. There were no incidents I saw where people were heavily influenced to support one party or candidate over another,” Merrill told the Alabama Newscenter.
Roundup of Father’s Day messages from state leaders and candidates
Father’s Day gives us all a chance to reflect on the important role that men have in their families and communities. From members of our congressional delegation to candidates for office throughout the state here is a round-up of Father’s Day 2018 social media posts (in no particular order): Congressman Gary Palmer via FB: John Merrill via FB: Congresswoman Martha Roby via her FB: Walt Maddox via Twitter: Eli and I got some evening fishing in Nokomis – nice break from the trail and a great way to celebrate #FathersDayWeekend pic.twitter.com/jIFTN6JWg0 — Walt Maddox (@WaltMaddox) June 17, 2018 Bobby Bright for Congress via FB: Alabama GOP via Twitter: Happy #FathersDay! Thank you to every dad for giving your all to make sure your family is loved, protected, encouraged & strengthened. ❤#ALPolitics pic.twitter.com/1DOps8iuY6 — ALGOP (@ALGOP) June 17, 2018 Jim Ziegler State Auditor via FB: Congresswoman Terri Sewell via FB:
2018: Year of the Woman in Alabama politics, primary update
If there ever was a “Year of the Woman” in Alabama, it’s 2018. Following the national trend, more Alabama women are stepping up to run for political office as a major party candidate than ever before, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. But how did the female candidates fare in the June 5 primaries? Below is a list of women who prevailed in their races. Statewide Executive Office Currently only two women serve in statewide elected executive positions — Gov. Kay Ivey and Alabama Public Service Commission President Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh. But after last night’s election results, those numbers could change in November. Governor Gov. Kay Ivey (Republican candidate) triumphed over her three male opponents, and will face Walt Maddox in November’s general election. Lt. Governor Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh (Republican candidate) will face Will Ainsworth in a runoff election, July 17. Secretary of State Heather Milam (Democratic candidate) won her primary election, and will face John Merrill in the November general election. Alabama Court of Civil Appeals Christy Olinger Edwards (Place 1, Republican candidate) won her spot over Michelle Manley Thomason, another female republican candidate. U.S. Congress Currently only two women represent the Yellowhammer State in the United States Congress — 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby and 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell. Five other women ran for office in U.S. house races. Alabama 2nd District in the U.S. House of Representatives Rep. Martha Roby (incumbent, Republican candidate) was forced into a runoff set for July 17 with former Rep. Bobby Bright. Tabitha Isner (Democratic candidate) won the democratic primary for the 2nd district and will face either Roby or Bright in November. Alabama 3rd District in the U.S. House of Representatives Mallory Hagan (Democratic candidate) won the democratic primary for the 3rd district and will face incumbent Mike Rogers in the November general election. Alabama 7th District in the U.S. House of Representatives Rep. Terri Sewell (incumbent, Democratic candidate) was the only candidate in her race. State Legislature Amy Wasyluka (Democratic candidate) won the State Senate District 2 race Deidra Willis (Democratic candidate) won the State Senate, District 7 race Vivian Davis Figures (Democratic candidate) won the State Senate, District 33 race Laura Hall (Democratic candidate) won the State House District 19 race Barbara Bigsby Boyd (Democratic candididate) won the State House District 32 race Debbie Hamby Wood (Republican candidate) won the State House District 38 race April Weaver (Republican candidate) won the State House District 49 race Louise “Lulu” Alexander (Democratic candidate) won the State House District 56 race Rolanda Hollis (Democratic candidate) won the State House District 58 race Mary Moore (Democratic cadet) won the State House District 59 race Juandalynn Givan (Democratic candidate) won the State House District 60 race Elaine Beech (Democratic candidate) won the State House District 65 race Pebblin Walker Warren (Democratic candidate) won the State House District 82 race Pat “Patsy” Jones (Democratic candidate) won the State House District 83 race Adline C. Clarke (Democratic candidate) won the State House District 97 race
John Merrill, Heather Milam win nominations for Secretary of State
Incumbent Secretary of State John Merrill has won his party’s nomination for Secretary of State. Marshall bested Marshall County Revenue Commissioner Michael Johnson in the Republican primary on Tuesday, 70-29 percent. Meanwhile, Heather Milam defeated her Democratic opponent, Lula Albert, for her party’s nomination, 64-36 percent. The office of Secretary of State The Alabama Secretary of State is the chief clerk of the state and acts as the primary custodian of important state records. These records include business registrations, legislative acts, land records, campaign finance records, trademarks, and more. In addition to keeping the great seal of the state, the secretary of state is the state’s chief election officer, responsible for running and recording the results of all state elections.
Secretary of State John Merrill projects 25 to 30 percent voter turnout on Tuesday
Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill is projecting a voter turnout of 25 to 30 pecent in the primary election on Tuesday. In December, Merrill had also estimated 25 percent of voters would turnout for the highly contested special election between Doug Jones and Roy Moore; but more than 1.3 million voters participated, 40 percent. Nevertheless, the last midterm primary election, in 2014, saw only 22 percent of voters turnout. There are nearly 3.4 million registered voters in Alabama.
State cuts burdensome red tape for Alabama businesses
Ask any business attorney or accountant and you will discover the business division of the office of the Secretary of State has not been traditionally recognized for either speed of services, customer service, or efficiency. Secretary of State John Merrill is working hard to change that. On Wednesday, his office announced corporate filings in the area of business services have now been processed the same day that they are received by the Office for 100 consecutive weeks. At the direction of Merrill, his team undertook some significant restructuring and reorganization to allow the staff in that division to process Alabamian’s business formation documents the same day that they are received in the Office of the Secretary of State, which he believes is an indication the office “no longer moves at the speed of government,” but is now “moving at the speed of business.” “When I started campaigning to become Secretary of State in 2013, I was informed that the business division at the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office was seven to nine months behind on business filings. That was shocking and unacceptable to the people of Alabama and something that I knew needed attention, structure, and accountability. Through the implementation of common sense measures, and the removal of team members that were not willing and able to contribute to the team’s overall goal, we have rebuilt the business services team and processes into one that no longer moves at the speed of government, we are now moving at the speed of business,” Merrill explained. The Alabama Secretary of State’s Office is the repository for all business filings in the state of Alabama. State law requires the state to record these filings and for them to be made available to the public for inspection. It also requires a fee be charged and empowers the Secretary of State to charge an additional $100 to expedite the filings process; however, with Merrill’s increased efficiencies in the administration of these processes, this fee is no longer necessary, providing additional cost savings to the people of the Alabama. In an effort to further expedite the processing time for new or existing businesses in Alabama, Secretary Merrill has implemented an online filing system to allow businesses to complete the registration process without extended time away from their new venture. At the time, Baldwin County’s Probate Judge Tim Russell and Jackson County’s Probate Judge Victor Manning are the only counties that have implemented the program, which is completely free for any county that agrees to participate, but Merrill believes more are coming soon. Merrill continued, “Taking this service online provides additional access and resources to the people of Alabama and allows small business owners to focus on the important things that come with starting or managing a small business. This will continue to help move Alabama forward allowing for the expeditious creation of jobs and overall improvements in the life of all Alabamians, through the removal of inefficient bureaucratic red tape.”
Here’s everyone who the BCA has endorsed in the 2018 election cycle
The Business Council of Alabama (BCA), considers itself Alabama’s foremost voice for business. It is a non-partisan, statewide, business association representing the interests and concerns of nearly 1 million working Alabamians. The BCA works with the Alabama Legislature to promote “pro-business” reforms such as: Tax credits for small business Job creation Incentives for economic development Ethics reform Positive changes in our public education system Here are the candidates who the BCA has endorsed, who they believe will bring the best changes and initiatives for Alabama’s businesses: Statewide Races: Governor: Kay Ivey Lieutenant Governor: Twinkle Cavanaugh Attorney General: Steve Marshall Secretary of State: John Merrill State Treasurer: John McMillan Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries: Rick Pate Judicial Races: Chief Justice: Lyn Stuart Associate Justice Place 1: Sarah Stewart and Brad Mendheim Associate Justice Place 2: Tommy Bryan Associate Justice Place 3: Will Sellers Associate Justice Place 4: Jay Mitchell Court Of Civil Appeals Place 1: Christy Edwards Court Of Civil Appeals Place 2: Judge Terri Thomas Court Of Civil Appeals Place 3: Judge Terry Moore Court Of Criminal Appeals Place 1: Richard Minor Court Of Criminal Appeals Place 2: Chris McCool Court Of Criminal Appeals Place 3: Judge Bill Cole State Senate Races Senate District 2: Tom Butler Senate District 3: Arthur Orr Senate District 5: Greg Reed Senate District 7: Mary Scott Hunter Senate District 12: Del Marsh Senate District 13: Randy Price Senate District 14: Cam Ward Senate District 16: Jabo Waggoner Senate District 17: Shay Shelnutt Senate District 18: Rodger Smitherman Senate District 32: Chirs Elliott State House Races House District 3: Humphrey Lee House District 6: Andy Whitt House District 8: Terri Collins House District 9: Scott Stadthagen House District 13: Connie Rowe House District 14: Richard “Bull” Corry House District 27: Wes Kitchens House District 30: Craig Lipscomb House District 36: Randy Wood House District 39: TJ Maloney House District 40: K.L. Brown House District 41: Corley Ellis House District 42: Jimmy Martin House District 43: Arnold Mooney House District 44: Danny Garrett House District 45: Dickie Drake House District 46: David Faulkner House District 47: David Wheeler House District 48: Jim Carns House District 49: April Weaver House District 50: Jim Hill House District 55: Rod Scott House District 73: Matt Fridy House District 87: Jeff Sorrells House District 88: Jeremy Arthur House District 89: Marcus Paramore House District 96: Matt Simpson House District 102: Willie Gray
Ten Commandments Bill to be Amendment One on November’s election ballot
Amendment One for November’s upcoming elections has been set. Alabamians across the state will have the opportunity to cast their ballot for or against Amendment One, which if approved by the voters would add an amendment to the state constitution that would give properties belonging to the state, such as court rooms and schools, the option to display the Ten Commandments. Secretary of State John Merrill held a press conference Friday morning at the State Capitol in Montgomery to sign a proclamation announcing the amendment. Lineville-Republican State Senator Gerald Dial shepherded the proposed state constitutional amendment through the 2018 session of the Alabama Legislature. He believes the amendment should be passed, as “it is proper that Alabama schoolhouses and courtrooms be permitted to acknowledge God and his moral law.” “Last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit the U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C., and there is a marble engraving in the courtroom depicting Moses holding the Ten Commandments,” Dial explained. “Virtually all of our nation’s founding fathers recognized that the Ten Commandments are the basis of our Judeo-Christian legal foundation, and it is proper that Alabama schoolhouses and courtrooms be permitted to acknowledge God and his moral law.” Republicans supporters of the proposal say it will reaffirm religious liberty, which is already under law. Meanwhile, Democratic opponents of the proposal think it would end up doing more harm than good; that it violates the separation of church and state, and would motivate federal lawsuits that could cost the state money. Amendment One will be joined by three additional constitutional amendments on the November 6 general election ballot.
Wetumpka TEA party straw poll results
After a large turnout at the Wetumpka TEA Party’s event on Monday night, the straw poll results are in. Advertised as a “meet and greet,” the event allowed Alabamians to meet each candidate individually and ask them questions about the position they are seeking, rather than listen to speeches and debates. Over 40 candidates from offices across the state attended the event. Governor’s race The polls concluded that Scott Dawson is the favorite in the Republican governor’s race, remaining undefeated in grassroots straw polls thus far this election season. “Our winning track record in grassroots straw polls reflects the support I see every single day on the campaign trail,” Dawson said. “We’re bringing a vision for the future, hope for Alabama politics, conservative solutions, and an outsider option with the moxie to top the special interests and make Montgomery a place that serves the people again.” Lt. Governor’s race In the race for lieutenant governor, Rusty Glover took the top spot. “I am extremely pleased to see the results of this poll. It shows the momentum that is building for my campaign as a direct result of the hard work I’m putting in across our great state,” stated Glover. “For me, this race is about putting the people of Alabama first. As Lieutenant Governor, I will be a leader and listen to what is important to the people of our state.” Attorney General’s race Alice Martin won the straw poll for Attorney General by over 10 points. “Last night’s results clearly show that the momentum in this race is with my campaign and that we have strong grassroots support throughout the state,” said Martin. “Conservative organizations like the Wetumpka TEA Party have led the fight against big government policies and corruption here in Alabama and I am proud to have the support of a great majority of their members. Conservatives here in Alabama knows that if I am elected Attorney General, establishment politicians will no longer be allowed to enjoy business-as-usual in Montgomery and corrupt officials will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” State Auditor’s race In a landslide victory, Jim Zeigler won the poll for State Auditor. Other races John Merrill won the poll for Secretary of State by over 130 points, Rick Pate was the top choice for Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, and John McMillan was the winner of the State Treasure’s poll, leading by nearly 120 points. The Wetumpka TEA Party stressed in a Facebook post on Tuesday the poll was not scientifically backed, or an endorsement for any particular candidates. It was for purely educational purposes.
Wetumpka TEA Party hosts GOP candidate meet and greet
The Wetumpka TEA Party will host the River Region Candidate Fair on Monday evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. for candidates running in the 2018 Republican primary election. Over 40 candidates have confirmed their attendance for the event, which will be held at the Wetumpka Civic Center. Advertised as a “meet & greet,” the event will allow Alabamians to meet each candidate individually and ask them questions about the position they are seeking, rather than listen to speeches and debates. The Wetumpka TEA party will also be conducting a straw poll at the end of the night, with results posted Tuesday morning. “Our mission at the Wetumpka TEA Party is to educate citizens on national, state and local issues and help them get involved in our representative government,” said Wetumpka Tea Party founder Becky Gerritson. “It is important that people vote for their elected officials because they know what the candidates stand for and do not just rely on 30 second commercials and attractive yard signs. This is a terrific opportunity to meet the candidates who are running for an elected position, to ask them questions and understand what each candidate stands for.” The following candidates have confirmed their attendance on Monday night: CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICES Governor: Bill Hightower, Kay Ivey, Scott Dawson, Tommy Battle (will send a representative) Lieutenant Governor: Will Ainsworth, Twinkle Cavanaugh, Rusty Glover Attorney General: Chess Bedsole, Troy King, Alice Martin Auditor: Stan Cooke, Elliott Lipinsky, Jim Zeigler Secretary of State: Michael Johnson, John Merrill Treasurer: Stephen Evans, John McMillan Commissioner for Agriculture and Industries: Gerald Dial, Rick Pate (will send a representative) STATE LEGISLATURE Alabama House of Representatives 31: Dustin DeVaughn, Mike Holmes Alabama House of Representatives 88: Al Booth Alabama Senate 25: Will Barfoot, Ronda Walker Alabama Senate 30: Clyde Chambliss (Unopposed) ALABAMA COURT SYSTEM Supreme Court Chief Justice: Tom Parker AL Supreme Court Place 1: Sarah Stewart AL Court of Civil Appeals Place 1: Michelle Thomason, Pat Thetford Circuit Court 19 Judge: Bill Lewis (Unopposed) PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION Public Service Commission Place 1: Jeremy Oden, Jim Bonner Public Service Commission Place 2: Chip Beeker, Robin Litaker LOCAL AND CIRCUIT RACES: Elmore County Sheriff: Bill Franklin (Unopposed) Probate Judge (Elmore): Vicki Bonner-Ward, John Thornton Elmore County Commission Dist 4: Bart Mercer (Unopposed) Coroner (Elmore): Brad Linville, Jody Jeffcoat Circuit Clerk (Elmore): Michael Dozier, Angie Cruise-Gardner FEDERAL RACE U.S. Congress Dist 2: Rich Hobson, Bobby Bright, Barry Moore A flier for the event may be viewed here: River region candidate fair.
Alabama Retail Association endorses over 50 candidates
With less than two months until the June 5 primaries, the Alabama Retail Association’s state political action committee, Alabama RetailPAC made a large number of endorsements on Friday. “The Alabama Retail Association believes these candidates understand the issues retailers face and that, if elected, these individuals will give retailers’ interests a fair hearing,” said Alabama Retail Chairman Jacob Shevin. The association evaluated each candidate’s record and discussed the ramifications of each race before providing their endorsement; “We are confident these candidates are the best choices for these positions,” said Rick Brown, Alabama Retail President. The Alabama Retail Association is an organization for retailers by retailers who represent retail businesses in Alabama Legislature and U.S. Congress. The association currently represents 4,200 members and 6,000 locations statewide, ranging from small, family owned retail stores to large national chains. Read the full list of candidate endorsements below: For the state’s constitutional offices, RetailPAC endorses: Governor Kay Ivey Lieutenant Governor: Twinkle Cavanaugh Attorney General Steve Marshall Secretary of State John Merrill State Treasurer: John McMillan For the appellate court races, RetailPAC endorses: Supreme Court Chief Justice Lyn Stuart Place 1 Associate Supreme Court Justice Brad Mendheim Place 4 Associate Supreme Court Justice: Jay Mitchell Place 1 Court of Civil Appeals Judge: Christy Edwards Place 2 Court of Civil Appeals Judge Terri Thomas Place 1 Court of Criminal Appeals Judge: Richard Minor Place 2 Court of Criminal Appeals Judge: Chris McCool Place 3 Court of Criminal Appeals Judge: Bill Cole For the Alabama Senate, RetailPAC endorses: District 2: Tom Butler, R-Huntsville District 4: Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman District 6: Larry Stutts, R-Tuscumbia District 8: Steve Livingston, R-Scottsboro District 10: Mack Butler, R-Rainbow City District 12: Del Marsh, R-Anniston District 13: Randy Price, R-Opelika District 21: Gerald Allen, R-Tuscaloosa District 25: Ronda Walker, R-Montgomery District 26: John Knight, D-Montgomery District 33: Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile District 34: Jack Williams, R-Wilmer For the Alabama House of Representatives, RetailPAC endorses: District 4: Parker Moore, R-Decatur District 9: Scott Stadthagen, R-Hartselle District 10: Mike Ball, R-Madison District 12: Corey Harbison, R-Cullman District 14: Tim Wadsworth, R-Arley District 16: Kyle South, R-Fayette District 19: Laura Hall, D-Huntsville District 22: Ritchie Whorton, R-Owens Cross Roads District 27: Wes Kitchens, R-Arab District 30: Robert McKay, R-Ashville District 31: Mike Holmes, R-Wetumpka District 32: Barbara Boyd, D-Anniston District 33: Ron Johnson, R-Sylacauga District 39: Ginny Shaver, R-Leesburg District 42: Jimmy Martin, R-Clanton District 45: Dickie Drake, R-Leeds District 48: Jim Carns, R-Birmingham District 49: April Weaver, R-Alabaster District 55: Rod Scott, D-Fairfield District 56: Louise Alexander, D-Bessemer District 58: Rolanda Hollis, D-Birmingham District 60: Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham District 64: Harry Shiver, R-Bay Minette District 65: Elaine Beech, D-Chatom District 67: Prince Chestnut, D-Selma District 69: Kelvin Lawrence, D-Hayneville* District 73: Matt Fridy, R-Montevallo District 76: Thad McClammy, D-Montgomery District 82: Pebblin Warren, D-Tuskegee District 85: Dexter Grimsley, D-Newville District 97: Adline Clarke, D-Mobile* District 102: Willie Gray, R-Citronelle District 105: Chip Brown, R-Mobile Alabama Retail Association PAC endorses these federal candidates: 2nd District: U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, R-Montgomery 4th District: U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh candidate for Lieutenant Governor released a statement on Monday regarding her endorsement. “I am honored to receive the endorsements of job creators across Alabama,” said Cavanaugh. “Through the sale of food, clothing, furniture, medicine and much more, the Alabama Retail Association’s thousands of members touch almost every aspect of daily life in our great state. Having owned several small businesses, I have signed both sides of a paycheck and am committed to sound conservative policies that allow job creators to do what they do best. With education, infrastructure, and workforce development as priorities, our brightest days are ahead of us.” Alabama Attorney General candidate Steve Marshall said he was honored to receive the endorsement. “The backing of the Alabama Retail Association signals significant momentum for our campaign and I’m truly honored to receive their support.”
AG Steve Marshall investigates Alabama lawmakers’ campaign finances
The Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall‘s office is investigating the campaign finances of several current and former state lawmakers, according to AL.com’s Kyle Whitmire. This week current and former Alabama lawmakers have received subpoenas from the AG’s office asking them to produce documentation verifying the campaign finance reports they’ve filed in the past are accurate. The investigation comes on the heels of several lawmakers being found guilty of misusing campaign accounts. Including Decatur-Republican and former State Rep. Micky Hamon. In September, Hamon plead guilty on felony charges Monday to devising a scheme to commit mail fraud involving his campaign funds. As a result of pleading guilty to a felony, Hammon was automatically removed from his House seat. According to court documents, Hammon, who had represented the 4th district in the Alabama House since 2002, used campaign money to pay his own personal expenses as part of the scheme. Hammon wasn’t the only lawmaker who spurred the investigation. Former state Rep. Oliver Robinson, who also pleaded guilty last September for bribery, four counts of fraud and tax evasion. Under Alabama law, candidates are are split into two groups: those who have reached the $1,000 threshold and those who have not. Those who have not reached that threshold are not required to file any campaign finance reports until they reach the threshold. Candidates who have exceeded the $1,000 threshold must report all contributions from a single source and all expenditures to a single recipient greater than $100. Up until now, the state has not looked into whether or not officials are itemizing their expenses greater than $100. According to AL.com Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill confirmed that his office has been assisting a state investigation of lawmakers’ campaign accounts. “They have contacted us over a period of months for information to help them in an investigation of expenditures they wanted more information on,” Merrill said. The Attorney General’s office has a standing policy to not comment on ongoing investigations.
