Etowah County Republican Party passes resolution urging Alabama Public Library Service to withdraw from American Library Association
The Etowah County Republican Party is the latest conservative group to voice concerns about the state of libraries in this country and express concerns that the institutions are being used to indoctrinate children in age-inappropriate sexually explicit content. The group is calling for Alabama’s libraries to disaffiliate from the American Library Association (ALA). At their November meeting, the Etowah County Republican party unanimously passed a resolution condemning exposing minor children to inappropriate content in public libraries and calling for the Alabama Public Library Services (APLS), the Alabama Library Association (ALLA), and all seven local Etowah County libraries to individually disassociate from the American Library Association. The Etowah GOP said in a statement, “The ALA has long been a conduit to allow libraries across the county to bring in pornographic and age-inappropriate books. Parents are called “Book Banners” when they advocate to relocate inappropriate books in the children and youth section of local libraries to the adult section of the library as the American Library Association Bill of Rights deems this as censorship.” Amy Dozier Minton is the Secretary of the Etowah County Republican Party. “It should be known that we are in support of and greatly appreciate the majority of the services and programs provided by our Etowah County libraries,” Minton said in a statement. “The library directors and staff have always been very professional and courteous. However, some of our local Etowah County libraries are full of books, paid for by our tax dollars, that the ALA recommends on “gender identity,”; choosing your own pronouns; and transgenderism that have been recommended by the ALA even for children 0-5 years old. An online search in the library’s card catalog under the search of “gender identity” will lead to a full listing of many of these books in the children and young adult sections.” “Why does the ALA feel it necessary to encourage books on sexualizing our children and teens?” Mintor continued. “Why does it include a section under intellectual freedom on how to advocate for “Drag queen story hour” in our libraries with our children?” And why should our tax dollars in Alabama be funding ALA?” “Our children are called dependents for a reason,” Minton concluded. “We don’t allow children to drive, carry a firearm, drink alcohol, vote, marry, join the military, attend certain rated movies before they are physically and/or mentally capable, and being exposed to some information should also not be freely available to wander upon in the children or young adult sections of a library but rather at the time of their parents choosing. We are not in support of “banning books” in America, so adults should be able to check out any books they want in the adult section.” Minton was recently appointed to the Etowah County Library Committee. The group cited the fact that ALA’s President Emily Drabinski, who is a self-proclaimed Marxist, in her words stated she wants to “turn libraries into spaces of Queerness and difference rather than democracy and Citizenship.” Drabinski called herself a Marxist in a now-deleted post on X. In an interview in August, Drabinski said of the post, “I was excited to highlight and celebrate two aspects of my identity that are really important to me and are often under a lot of scrutiny. I didn’t anticipate these kinds of targeted attacks being used as a bludgeon against library workers across the country. I really think that is regrettable, and I wish that wasn’t happening right now.” The group also claimed that the ALA has long been a conduit to allow libraries across the county to bring in pornographic and age-inappropriate books and that parents are called “Book Banners” when they advocate relocating inappropriate books in the children and youth section of local libraries to the adult section of the library as the American Library Association Bill of Rights deems this as censorship. The Resolution urges, “The Directors of local libraries as well as those in leadership to appoint candidates to local library boards who reflect conservative values and will ensure that sexually explicit, obscene content or gender ideology/transgender material not be available within reach to children, teens or young adults nor accessible on the internet on public computers, and will encourage reading instead of indoctrination. (While we do not support ‘book banning,’ any books could be available in the adult section of the library and may be checked out by an adult over the age of 18.)” .It also urges that the “Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) and the Etowah County public libraries to disaffiliate from the American Library Association (ALA) and its affiliates which espouse a philosophy of collectivism, i.e., communism and Marxism and who have stated in their Library Bill of Rights that the rights of minors to retrieve, interact with and create information posted on the Internet in libraries are extensions of their First Amendment rights.” The Resolution further expresses support for “legislative action to make it a policy in Etowah County that all elected officials may not allow or authorize the display, promotion, or availability of obscene, sexually explicit, gender ideology/transgender materials to minor children, teens or young adults and are directed to remove the aforesaid.” Governor Kay Ivey and Alabama Republican Party John Wahl, both APLS board members, have denounced the ALA and expressed support for disaffiliation in recent weeks. The Alabama Public Library Service is expected to vote on whether or not to disaffiliate from the American Library Association at their next meeting. This is likely to be an area that the Legislature will address in the 2024 Alabama Regular Legislative Session. Critics argue that this amounts to censorship and is an effort on the part of conservatives to silence the LGBTQ+ community and limit their influence on children. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy receives warm welcome from Alabama GOP
President candidate Vivek Ramaswamy was in Hoover on Tuesday night at Ross Bridge Golf Resort for a reception held by the Alabama Republican Party before Wednesday’s Republican Presidential Debate. Ramaswamy said, “We are in a war” in this country between those who believe in the founding ideals of this nation and those who do not. Ramaswamy was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is the son of immigrants from India. “I have founded multiple corporations,” Ramaswamy said. “My wife is a throat surgeon. She is saving lives. We have two sons. I am worried that that American dream is not going to exist for my sons.” “We are in the middle of a war in this country,” Ramaswamy continued. “It is not a war between Black and White as the media would have you believe. It is not even a war between Democrats and Republicans – not really. It is a war between those who believe in the founding ideals of our country and a fringe minority who believes that your identity defines you by race, ethnicity, religion, or sexuality. They believe we can use our military to defend somebody else’s border halfway around the world, but if you favor using our military to defend our border, then you are a racist and a xenophobe. Either you believe in free speech, or you do not. This country requires a commander in chief who understands that we are in a war.” Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl welcomed Ramaswamy to Alabama. “It is rare for Alabama to have one of the frontrunning candidates for President of the United States stopover in Alabama for a meet and greet,” Wahl said. “You have seen him on the debate stage.” The third Republican Presidential Debate is Wednesday night in Tuscaloosa. “I am proud to have the debate here in Alabama,” Wahl said. “This is the first-ever presidential debate that Alabama has ever hosted – Republican or Democratic.” Wahl said he is glad the debate is being held on the University of Alabama campus. “It is so important that we engage with young people,” Wahl said. Wahl said that Democrats have a “complete lack of understanding of foreign policy, a complete lack of understanding of economic policy, and a complete lack of understanding of how you run a country.” “We are tempted to believe this is another election,” Ramaswamy said. “If we lose, I am not convinced that we can get this country back. We are working in a short period of time.” “We need a commander in chief from the next generation,” Ramaswamy continued. “I am from the next generation. I am 38 years old. If nominated, I will be the youngest Republican ever nominated. I will be the youngest person ever to be elected if you put me there.” Ramaswamy warned that we are losing the next generation. “This is the most dire challenge we face,” Ramaswamy stated. “60% (of young people in a recent poll) said that they would give up their right to vote for their ability to use electronics. Less than 16% of Gen Z say that they are proud to be an American.” Ramaswamy said that he believes in the ideals of faith, patriotism, hard work, and family and that these ideals have largely disappeared in the youth today and have been replaced by “poison.” “The media, they will fill that vacuum with their vision of gender, race, sexuality and climate,” Ramaswamy continued. “We believe in the ideals of the American Revolution.” “We will end affirmative action and race-based quotas,” Ramaswamy promised if elected. “We believe in the rule of law. We will use our military to secure our southern border. We the people create a media that is accountable to us. We will shut down government bureaucracies that should not exist from the FBI to the CDC to the Department of Education.” Ramaswamy added that we need “elections that we can trust” with single-day elections, paper ballots, and state-issued voter IDs. “I believe deep in my heart that those ideals still exist,” Ramaswamy continued. “We forgot all the ways that we really are the same as Americans.” “A culture of fear has replaced free speech in the United States,” Ramaswamy said. “The best measure of our country’s health is the percentage of people who feel free to say what they actually think in public. Speaking the truth not just when it is easy, but when it is hard.” Ramaswamy will be on the debate stage Wednesday night in Tuscaloosa with former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Former President Donald Trump is not participating in the debates. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama Republican Party hosting Vivek Ramaswamy on Tuesday night
The Alabama Republican Party will host GOP Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy in a reception Tuesday night in Hoover before the state hosts the leading Republican Presidential Debate Wednesday in Tuscaloosa. “I am pleased to have Vivek Ramaswamy joining us as we kick off debate week here in Alabama!” said Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl in a statement on Tuesday. “This is a historic occasion for our state as we hold our first ever nationally televised presidential debate, and I am appreciative that one of our Party’s rising political figures will be headlining this reception for the Alabama Republican Party. I look forward to giving the people of Alabama the chance to meet Mr. Ramaswamy and showcasing our amazing state to another presidential candidate.” The event will be held at the Ross Bridge Resort on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Ramaswamy is the latest presidential candidate to visit with the Alabama GOP this year. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis headlined the Party’s Winter Dinner in Birmingham and former President Donald Trump was the keynote speaker at their Summer Dinner in Montgomery. Barring an epic meltdown on the part of the GOP nominee, most political analysts believe that, win or lose, Alabama will vote for the GOP candidate in the 2024 presidential election (it has for the last 11 presidential elections in a row). “Alabama is one of the strongest Republican states in the nation, and I am proud we have this opportunity to host all of our presidential candidates at the upcoming debate in Tuscaloosa,” said Chairman Wahl. “Raising Alabama’s political profile is one of my top priorities as ALGOP Chairman, and I am excited this debate will continue the work the Party has been doing in this area.” Ramaswamy is a Hindu of Indian subcontinent descent. He is a successful businessman, a husband, and a father of two. He was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. Growing up he was a nationally ranked tennis player and the valedictorian of his high school, St. Xavier. He went on to graduate summa cum laude in Biology from Harvard and has a law degree from Yale Law School. He has worked at a hedge fund. He started a biotech company, Roivant Sciences, where he oversaw the development of five drugs that went on to become FDA-approved. He is an author and has written extensively attacking the woke movement. Ramaswamy has embraced an “America First” foreign policy that opposes more aid for Ukraine, is skeptical of aid for Israel, and opposes guaranteeing Taiwan’s independence. Ramaswamy has had some very heated debate stage confrontations with former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley. In the last debate, Haley called Ramaswamy “Scum” after he pointed out that Haley’s daughter has a Tik Tok account. “I wasn’t criticizing her daughter. I was criticizing Nikki Haley,” said Ramaswamy. “She says we need a new generation of leadership. She’s on the wrong side of that generational divide.” To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
John Wahl thanks Kay Ivey for her recommendations to the library board
Alabama Public Library Service Board member John Wahl released a statement thanking Alabama Governor Kay Ivey for her efforts to protect children from sexually explicit content and her recommendations to the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) Board at Thursday’s APLS Board meeting. Governor Ivey’s proposed amendments moved forward after a motion from Wahl and a unanimous vote in favor by the APLS Board. The rule changes will still require a final vote after an upcoming mandatory public comment period, but if passed, will address policies related to the physical location and relocation of sexually explicit material in order for public libraries to receive state funds. “I am thankful for Kay Ivey’s work to address the location of sexually explicit books in our libraries, as well as her recommendations to the APLS board,” Wahl said. “Governor Ivey has been a strong advocate for protecting Alabama families and finding common sense solutions that respect Alabama taxpayers. Her recommended changes to the APLS code are a great step in addressing the issues we are facing in the youth sections of Alabama libraries, while also helping to make sure parents are in control of what their children are exposed to. Taxpayer money should never be used to push a Marxist agenda from the American Library Association, and Alabama families should never have to worry about their children accidentally stumbling across sexually explicit books in the youth section. I hope we can all agree that libraries should be a safe place for our kids. I look forward to working with the Governor to make sure parents can trust their local libraries in every area and as soon as possible. It is time to be responsible with taxpayer money and protect our children from inappropriate content.” Wahl is also presently the Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party. Most observers had expected the APLS board to disaffiliate with the controversial American Library Association. Gov. Ivey, Wahl, and numerous citizen activists wanted to disaffiliate from the American Library Association. APLS Director Nancy Pack had seemed to acquiesce in a recent APLS-wide memorandum. The Board did not do that but instead postponed the decision to disaffiliate. This postponement gives the APLS time for a public comment period on the proposed change. The libraries have come under fire from conservative groups for the introduction of sexually explicit books, including books on gender transitioning and LGBTQ+ topics in the children’s section. The libraries have also been charged with promoting Marxism to children. Governor Ivey has sent a couple of letters to Pack demanding that the libraries do a better job of protecting children and parental rights. Library defenders accuse the critics of advocating book burning and censorship. They argue that disaffiliation will lead to the libraries losing training and other resources that the national association provides. The APLS Board will take up the issue of disaffiliating when it meets in March. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Megyn Kelly tapped to host Alabama Presidential debate
On Thursday, the Hill announced that NewsNation, the cable news channel launched in 2021 by Nexstar Media Group, will host the fourth Republican presidential primary debate next month in Tuscaloosa at the University of Alabama. Megyn Kelly will be one of the hosts of the debate, along with Elizabeth Vargas and Eliana Johnson. The December 6 debate will air from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on NewsNation and be simulcast in the Eastern and Central time zones on Nexstar’s broadcast television network, The CW. The debate will have three moderators, including Megyn Kelly, the former Fox News and TODAY show host who has started a popular podcast since leaving the television business. Elizabeth Vargas hosts a show in prime time on NewsNation. Eliana Johnson is the editor-in-chief of the conservative website The Washington Free Beacon. Kelly has moderated five Republican primary debates during her career in the media, including the first GOP primary debate of the 2016 election cycle while at Fox. That debate was watched by a record 24 million viewers. Donald Trump famously said to Kelly that he could see “blood coming out of her eyes … blood coming out of her wherever,” as she questioned him. Kelly said that no ill will exists between her and the former President. Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl said that bringing the debate to Alabama has involved a lot of work and planning. “I am extremely excited that the national Republican Party is working on a debate for the state of Alabama,” Chairman Wahl said just prior to the official announcement. “This has been in the works for months, and I am thrilled we are getting close. Seeing Alabama host its first-ever official presidential debate is something that has been very important to me as ALGOP Chairman, and I am incredibly thankful for Debate Committee Chairman David Bossie and RNC Chairman Ronna McDaniel for their efforts to make this happen. There is still some work to be done, but I hope this historic event can be finalized soon.” Trump is the front-runner for the Republican nomination in 2024. He has skipped the previous three debates and is not expected to participate in the fourth, even though he is still wildly popular in Alabama. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, U.S. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie participated in the third debate on Thursday. The Republican National Committee requires that candidates be polling at six percent or better in the four early primary/caucus states to participate in the Tuscaloosa debate. NewsNation and The Hill are both owned by Nexstar Media Group. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
John Wahl says plan for Republican Presidential Debate in Alabama has been in works for months
The New York Times is reporting that the fourth Republican Presidential debate will be in Tuscaloosa on December 6. Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl released a statement that neither confirms nor denies that reporting but does acknowledge that planning for an RNC Presidential Debate coming to Alabama has been underway for months. “I am extremely excited that the national Republican Party is working on a debate for the state of Alabama,” said Chairman Wahl. “This has been in the works for months, and I am thrilled we are getting close. Seeing Alabama host its first-ever official presidential debate is something that has been very important to me as ALGOP Chairman, and I am incredibly thankful for Debate Committee Chairman David Bossie and RNC Chairman Ronna McDaniel for their efforts to make this happen. There is still some work to be done, but I hope this historic event can be finalized soon.” There is a whole host of Republican presidential contenders, but former President Donald J. Trump is dominating the polls and the conversation. Trump and Vivek Ramaswamy were the only two Republicans who had successfully qualified for the Alabama ballot by the close of the business day on Friday, but Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Senator Tim Scott, and others are expected to qualify by the November 10 deadline. Former Vice President Mike Pence has recently dropped out of the race. How many of those candidates will be on the debate stage for the fourth debate remains an open question. Will Trump be present, or will he continue to be a no-show at the GOP debates? Trump is the early frontrunner, but serious legal questions continue to swirl about Trump’s candidacy. Was January 6th, 2021, an “insurrection,” and if so, was Trump’s involvement consequential enough for him to be barred from running under the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution? Secondly, Trump faces over 130 indictments in four different trials – trials that some believe were timed by partisan prosecutors to take place during the 2024 primary season. If even one of those many indictments produces a guilty verdict, does that disqualify Trump from running? Would Trump, as the Republican nominee, be barred from the ballot in some states? Will GOP voters abandon Trump over these legal concerns? The third Republican presidential debate will be Thursday in Miami. NBC News host Lester Holt will be the moderator. The deadline for candidates to qualify with both major parties is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 10. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Bryan Brinyark wins Alabama House District 16 Special runoff election
Tuscaloosa Attorney Bryan Brinyark has won the Special Election Republican Runoff in Alabama House District 16. Bryan Brinyark received 1706 votes (52.75% of the vote), while Chairman of the Fayette County Commission Brad Cox received 1528 votes (47.25%). The two had been virtually even in the special Republican primary. Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl congratulated Brinyark on the victory. “Being a public servant is a true commitment and calling, one which requires great selflessness and sacrifice,” said Wahl. “I would like to thank all of our candidates for giving their time and talents to this campaign. I truly appreciate their desire to represent the people of House District 16 in the Alabama Legislature. On behalf of the Alabama Republican Party, I would like to offer my congratulations to Bryan Brinyark and look forward to working with him in the future as we mount a vigorous general election campaign.” Brinyark lives on a small farm in northern Tuscaloosa County. Tuscaloosa County played a huge role in his victory. “I’m proud of northern Tuscaloosa County and especially the Northside community for how they turned out,” Brinyark told Patch. “To increase your turnout by such a wide margin in a runoff is unheard of. We knew we had a big task in front of us, but the community came together, and I’m thankful.” Brinyark had the endorsement of the Business Council of Alabama (BCA), while the Alabama Education Association (AEA) supported Cox. House District 16 covers Fayette County and portions of Jefferson and Tuscaloosa Counties. It became vacant when former State Representative Kyle South (R-Fayette) became the President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. Brinyark will face Democratic nominee John Underwood in the Special General Election on January 9, 2024. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com
Delegate qualifying opens today
Both the Alabama Republican and Democratic Parties opened presidential delegate qualifying on Monday. The Alabama Republican Party also opened candidate qualifying on Monday, while Democrats have had their candidate qualifying open since September. Individuals interested in serving as delegates to the 2024 DNC Convention may submit a Declaration of Candidacy and pay the appropriate qualifying fees at the ADP Headquarters at 501 Adams Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104) or online. Qualifying for both parties will close on Friday, November 10, 2023, at 5 p.m. CST, 116 days before the primary election, as required by Alabama Code § 17-13-5(a). Tom Miro, Executive Director of the Alabama Democratic Party, stated, “It’s a very exciting time for Democrats because we’re getting a new Congressional District. After discussions with Chair Randy Kelley, we want to ensure that our delegate selection abides by DNC rules and regulations. Delegates are apportioned by congressional districts; therefore, we decided to hold off on opening our delegate selection until we have a firm idea of what this new and competitive seat is to look like.” “The Alabama Republican Party is excited about the upcoming 2024 election cycle and working with all our candidates during the qualifying process,” said Republican Party Chairman John Wahl. “This is going to be an important election year with a lot at stake on both the national and local level. The Republican Party is proud to stand for the timeless principles of freedom and limited government that made our nation great, and we look forward to helping all of our candidates as they stand for these conservative values in 2024. We also have our eyes on the national level as the presidential race heats up. As a Super Tuesday state, our goal is to see Alabama play a key role in choosing the party’s nominee and to highlight the state of Alabama during this process. We’ve seen this with recent visits from America’s leading conservatives, and we plan to continue this effort as we get closer to the primary election. Running for office is a calling, and one which requires sacrifice and dedication. I want to thank each candidate that steps forward to run for office. I have such respect for anyone willing to put themselves out there in hopes of making a difference for the people of Alabama. I want each of them to know they have a friend in the ALGOP.” The Alabama Republican Party announced that people interested in running for office as a Republican or serving as a delegate at the Republican National Convention can file a declaration of candidacy and pay the appropriate fees in person at ALGOP Headquarters at 3505 Lorna Road in Hoover or online. “We are excited to work with candidates that stand for Democratic values and who will move Alabama forward.” “I would like to commend those who are seeking elected office and answering the call to serve others. Running for office is an endeavor that requires many sacrifices in a candidate’s life,” said Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Randy Kelley. “Your time and efforts will make a difference for the people of Alabama. The Alabama Democratic Party will be here to support our candidates and guide them to victory.” Candidates on the 2024 ballot include President of the United States, all seven U.S. House seats, several Alabama Supreme Court positions – including Chief Justice – Public Service Commission President, as well as seats on the Alabama State School Board, Courts of Criminal and Civil Appeals, Circuit Courts, District Courts, and all Circuit Clerk positions. To run for a position in county government, contact your local Republican or Democratic Party County Chairman. The major party primaries will take place on March 5, 2024. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Gov. Kay Ivey lacks confidence in library chief Nancy Pack
On Wednesday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey sent an open letter to Alabama Public Library Service director Nancy Pack. Ivey had previously sent a letter to Pack expressing her growing concern about the libraries and the state’s affiliation with the ultra-liberal American Library Association. Pack, in her response, defended the Alabama Libraries Association. Ivey made it clear in Wednesday’s letter that she was displeased. “I still lack confidence that our libraries are most effectively fulfilling their mission,” Ivey said. “In my previous letter to you, I described the core problem as the exposure of children and youth to inappropriate materials without adequate means of parental supervision. Unfortunately, your response does not persuade me that Alabama libraries have policies in place to strike the right balance in responding to this problem.” Pack said it is the parent’s responsibility to protect children from harmful material, not the libraries. “Parents should be confident that the materials available in children’s sections are, in fact, suitable for children. And children should have the freedom to wander freely in a children’s section without being exposed to harmful materials,” Ivey wrote. Libraries have become front and center in the ongoing culture wars. As one former librarian explained to Alabama Today, a large part of a librarian’s work is “managing and building their collections.” Children’s books about children and alternative lifestyles, gender transitioning, and the LGBTQ+ experience did not just suddenly appear on the shelves at a neighborhood public library. Libraries have fixed budgets and only so much money to buy new books and shelf space to store books. If those books are on the shelves in the library, in most cases, it was the librarian who made the decision that the library needs LGBTQ+ books geared to kids. As Pack said in a recent appearance on Capital Journal, children living in an LGBTQ+ home where there are two mommies or two daddies want to be able to go to the library and find books with families like theirs. Social conservatives argue that LGBTQ+ books should be in an LGBTQ+ section, if present at all. The librarians say that that is censorship. Conservatives, on the other hand, contend that the local library is an arm of city government and that the city governments should have some say on the content that is on the shelves in the city library and are thus putting pressure on city mayors and councils to get their libraries more appropriate for children. Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl, who also serves on the state’s library board, has suggested that there are ways that the state Legislature could step in to this situation. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Chuck Schumer brings votes on senior military commanders in response to Tommy Tuberville’s effort to bring military confirmations forward
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) has been criticized for months for his holds on military promotions. On Wednesday, Tuberville attempted to bring the nomination of the candidate of General Eric Smith for Marine Corps Commandant to the floor. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-New York), in response, himself brought forward the nominations of senior officers – something that, as Majority Leader, he could have done at any time in this process. The Senate voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to advance President Joe Biden’s nomination of U.S. Air Force General Charles “C.Q.” Brown to become the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Senate voted 89-8 to advance to a final vote on Brown’s nomination. Tuberville has refused to give unanimous consent to batches of senior-level Defense Department promotions for the last seven months until President Biden reversed his abortion policy, which was an end around Congress and state laws. Brown will replace outgoing Chairman Mark Milley, whose term ends October 1. A vote on final passage for Brown took place Wednesday evening, and Brown was confirmed 83 to 11. Tuberville was one of the 11 Republican Senators who voted to reject Brown’s confirmation. Schumer moved to set votes on three key military leaders: Brown, Gen. Eric Smith to become commandant of the Marine Corps, and Gen. Randy George to serve as chief of staff of the Army. Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl released a statement praising Tuberville. “For months, Democrats and the mainstream media have been attacking Senator Tuberville with the claim that his holds on DOD promotions were putting our national security at risk,” Wahl said. “However, today’s actions by Chuck Schumer prove there was absolutely nothing stopping Senate Democrats from bringing up military promotions on a case-by-case basis. Instead of being honest and having an open debate on the root issue – using taxpayer money to fund abortions – liberal pundits and Democrat elected officials let this situation drag on as they played party politics. The reason? To vilify Alabama’s Republican senior Senator, who is simply trying to uphold the Hyde Amendment – which prohibits the use of taxpayer funds for abortion – and the Constitution, which gives the power of the purse to Congress.” “The Alabama Republican Party is thankful to Senator Tuberville for exposing the hypocrisy of the left, as well as the Pentagon’s unconstitutional use of taxpayer money to fund abortions,” Wahl continued. “Now that the truth on this issue has been revealed for all Americans to see, it is my hope that the Pentagon will end its unlawful policy. Until then, we will continue to support Senator Tuberville and his stand for life and fiscal responsibility.” Schumer’s maneuver was in response to Tuberville’s announced plan to force votes on Smith in the coming days, a move rarely put to use by rank-and-file senators in the minority. “To be clear, my hold is still in place,” Tuberville said Wednesday night on the floor of the Senate. “I reserve the right to seek another cloture position on the nominees in the future, so that’s where we stand today.” The Senate can confirm every Defense Department nominee through ordinary order, but that would require the Senators to spend much more time on the Senate floor doing their jobs: voting and going through normal parliamentary procedures. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Chairman John Wahl votes in favor of RNC amicus brief supporting ballot access for Donald Trump
Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl voted for the Republican National Committee to weigh in on recent legal challenges to keep former President Donald Trump off the 2024 ballot with an amicus brief supporting ballot access for the former President. During a specially called meeting, the RNC Executive Committee approved the motion to file an amicus brief in support of the former President in cases including Colorado and other states. Liberal groups are trying to disqualify Trump, citing the 14th Amendment grounds. The anti-Trumpers argue that his actions on Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021, amounted to staging an insurrection – which would preclude him from being a candidate for federal office. “Donald Trump has not been indicted, tried, or convicted on a charge of insurrection or rebellion,” said Wahl. “This is just another outlandish attempt by leftist groups to use our justice system for their own political agenda. I think it’s important that the Republican Party take a stand, and I am proud that the RNC is pushing back against this liberal nonsense. Democrats should be more concerned about the issues facing the people of America and how struggling families will be able to make ends meet instead of trying to misuse the 14th Amendment to disqualify their political rivals. This case is far bigger than Donald Trump; it’s about political fairness and the constitutional principles that this nation was founded on. If these organizations are allowed to succeed, the precedent would have the potential to impact all candidates and Americans for generations to come. Under the 5th Amendment, we all have the presumption of innocence, and the misuse of the 14th Amendment could completely undo that basic fundamental right. The original intent of our founding fathers is worth fighting for, and the Republican Party is committed to standing strong on this important issue.” In addition to Colorado, disqualification efforts are being mounted in numerous other states, including Minnesota, Virginia, Michigan, and Connecticut. Section 3 of the 14th Amendment says a candidate is disqualified if the person “engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States” or had “given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof,” unless granted amnesty by a two-thirds vote of Congress. This was passed immediately after the Civil War to prevent former Confederates from regaining their voting rights and ability to serve in the government. Former Vice President Mike Pence (R) spoke out against removing Trump from the race. “I always think these questions should be left to voters,” Pence said Tuesday during a Fox News Digital interview as the former vice president greeted customers at a bakery in a working-class city in New Hampshire, the state that votes second in the Republican presidential nominating calendar. Trump was recently the keynote speaker at ALGOP’s Summer Dinner fundraiser – the most successful fundraiser in ALGOP history. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
GOP candidate qualifying opens on October 16
The Alabama Republican Party announced on Monday that the 2024 election cycle formally begins on Monday, October 16, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. CDT with the opening of candidate qualifying. The Alabama Democratic Party told Alabama Today that candidate qualifying for Democrats will open on September 29. Those interested in running for office as a Republican or in serving as a delegate at the Republican National Convention can file a declaration of candidacy and pay the appropriate fees in person at ALGOP Headquarters, 3505 Lorna Road, Hoover, AL 35216, or online at www.algop.org. Republican Candidate qualifying will only be open for 25 days. Democrats will have open qualifying for 43 days. Qualifying for both parties will close on Friday, November 10, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. CST. Both major party primaries, including the presidential primary will be on Tuesday, March 5. By law, candidate qualifying has to end 116 days before the primary election. “The Alabama Republican Party is excited about the upcoming 2024 election cycle and working with all our candidates during the qualifying process,” said Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl. “This is going to be an important election year with a lot at stake on both the national and local level. The Republican Party is proud to stand for the timeless principles of freedom and limited government that made our nation great, and we look forward to helping all of our candidates as they stand for these conservative values in 2024,” Wahl continued. “We also have our eyes on the national level as the presidential race heats up. As a Super Tuesday state, our goal is to see Alabama play a key role in choosing the party’s nominee and to highlight the state of Alabama during this process. We’ve seen this with recent visits from America’s leading conservatives, and we plan to continue this effort as we get closer to the primary election. Running for office is a calling and one which requires sacrifice and dedication. I want to thank each candidate that steps forward to run for office. I have such respect for anyone willing to put themselves out there in hopes of making a difference for the people of Alabama. I want each of them to know they have a friend in the ALGOP.” In addition to the presidential race, other offices on the 2024 ballot include all seven U.S. House seats, several Alabama Supreme Court positions – including Chief Justice – Public Service Commission President, as well as seats on the Alabama State School Board, Courts of Criminal and Civil Appeals, Circuit Courts, District Courts, and all Circuit Clerk positions. No one knows with certainty which congressional district they currently live in as the court-appointed special master will not have that map complete until September 25, after the court rejected the second map prepared by the Alabama Legislature. The Super Tuesday Primary will take place on March 5, 2024. Independents and minor party candidates need to contact the Alabama Secretary of State’s office for details on how to gain ballot access. They have until March 5 to obtain all the ballot access signatures needed to be on the November ballot. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
