John Wahl to make motion on children’s book controversy
Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) Board Member John Wahl announced on Thursday he plans to introduce a proposal to help address the issue of inappropriate LGBTQ+-themed books being in prominent positions in the children’s section of several Alabama libraries. Wahl’s proposal follows remarks by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey earlier this week, drawing light to the situation. Wahl’s motion would require the APLS to develop a list of books that may contain sexually inappropriate content for display purposes in children’s library sections. The proposal would create a framework where parents could submit material they felt was unsuitable for children, and the findings would be shared with local libraries across the State. “I believe it is critical that we address the concerns of parents across the State of Alabama and provide our local libraries with some guidance on what books may contain inappropriate content for children,” Wahl said. “I am a strong advocate of the First Amendment and do not believe in banning books, but this is not a question about banning anything. The question here is should taxpayer funds be used to purchase books with explicit sexual content and other inappropriate material that are readily accessible to our children. We have rating systems for movies, television shows, and even video games which help protect our youth from unsuitable materials. Libraries should be a safe spot for children and a place where parents do not have to worry about what they may be exposed to in the children’s section.” “As a board member of the APLS, it’s important for me that we represent the values of the people of Alabama and protect our children from sexually inappropriate content and woke policies,” Wahl explained. “The people of Alabama have put their trust in our state government, and I hope that my fellow board members share my concerns. I strongly believe that we should let children be children again, and stop pushing a social agenda on them.” This is not the first time Wahl has expressed concern about sexually explicit content found in the children’s sections of some Alabama libraries. At the last APLS board meeting, he addressed issues brought forth by upset parents and made a motion asking the Attorney General’s Office for clarification on what authority the APLS has over local libraries and possible inappropriate content found in their youth sections. The motion passed unanimously. More information on that meeting can be found here. Last Friday, Gov. Ivey sent a letter to Alabama Public Library Service Director Dr. Nancy Pack expressing the Governor’s concern that Alabama’s libraries have not been a suitably friendly environment for Alabama’s children and families. “I am writing to express concern—and to seek answers—about the environment our Alabama libraries are providing to families and children,” Ivey wrote. “Public libraries play a vital role in our communities. They facilitate research and learning. They provide recreation. And they promote literacy by fostering a love of reading that will improve our citizens’ lives and uplift our State’s communities. Regardless of background or income, Alabama libraries are or should be—a safe place for all individuals in a community. Including families and children to read, learn, and explore.” “Especially given libraries’ importance to society, I have grown increasingly concerned due to recent reports calling into question whether our own libraries here in Alabama are most effectively fulfilling this important mission,” the Governor continued. “The heart of the issue seems to be the exposure of children and youth to inappropriate, sexually suggestive materials without adequate means or parental supervision.” The Governor cited several books related to exploring one’s gender identity and gender transition in the children’s sections of several Alabama libraries targeting children as young as eight as well as books with gratuitous sexual content targeting 12- and 13-year-olds. “This list could go on, but the important point, as I understand it, is that each of these books has been made freely available in the very part of the library where children and youth are most likely to browse,” Ivey stated. “As several parents have eloquently put it, their concern is not about removing these books. The concern is about ensuring that these books are placed in an appropriate location. In other words, the parents are saying, if our children and youth are going to encounter these books at all, it should be because of a considered family decision, not the whims of a local library.” “Rather than supporting Alabama families, out-of-state library groups like the American Library Association appear to be making the situation worse,” Ivey states. “The ALA’s “Library Bill of Rights”—which the Alabama Public Library Service has adopted as its own—says that a person’s library use should not be abridged because of “age.” Not to be misunderstood, the ALA’s website regarding youth access to library resources clarifies that “like adults, children and teens have the right to find the information they choose,” so libraries must not “discriminate” based on “age.” Even more startling, the Library Bill of Rights further provides that all people, regardless of age, “possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use”—a statement that appears to directly contravene Alabama’s law giving parents access to their children’s library records.” “Considering the foregoing facts, it is not surprising that Alabama parents are raising concerns about both the content on display in some Alabama libraries as well as the general approach of Alabama libraries towards parental involvement,” said Ivey. “I share these concerns and believe that the responsible thing to do is seem more information that may be useful in considering whether reform is necessary—and if so, what reforms to make.” This issue came up at a city council meeting in Prattville – where a number of inappropriate books were recently found in the children’s section. Their concerned citizens asked the city council to enact reforms and oversight over the library. Wahl, who raises and sells butterflies, is also the Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Tommy Tuberville says some military nominees need to be thoroughly vetted
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) has continued to draw criticism from the Biden Administration and the mainstream media for his refusal to give unanimous consent to over a hundred senior military promotions. Tuberville’s stand protests a Pentagon directive allowing service members to provide abortion services to soldiers even in states like Alabama that have banned abortions. Now, Tuberville has suggested that some of these nominees need to be more thoroughly vetted. “I warned the Pentagon that I would hold their most senior nominees if they broke the law. They did it anyway, and forced my hand. Since then, [Senate Majority Leader] Chuck Schumer and the Biden Administration have refused any serious negotiations, and so this situation has dragged on,” Tuberville said in a statement to Breitbart News on Friday. “This has given me more time to look more closely into the background of some of these nominees, and I have deep concerns about some of them,” Tuberville said. “I will continue this process of oversight, and I will announce my opposition to specific nominees in the weeks ahead.” Tuberville has been denounced by President Joe Biden, congressional Democrats, senior leaders at the Department of Defense (DoD), and the mainstream media for his refusal to give unanimous consent to senior military and DoD civilian promotions over his objection to Biden-era rules on ensuring abortion access. Tuberville claims he is receiving strong veteran support for his standoff with President Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin over the department’s decision to pay for abortion-related expenses for service members using taxpayer dollars. Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl defended Tuberville after President Biden denounced the Alabama Senator’s position. “President Biden needs to get his house in order before attacking other people!” Chairman Wahl said. “This situation started because he ignored the will of the people and the U.S. Congress by circumventing the Hyde Amendment. As Commander-in-Chief, President Biden needs to take responsibility for his administration’s actions and reverse this flawed policy. He single-handedly has the power to end the Pentagon’s violation of the Hyde Amendment and stop the holds coming from the Senate floor. Coach Tuberville is not just representing the interests of his constituents here in Alabama but also the majority of Americans who have repeatedly expressed that they do not want taxpayer funds being used for abortion-related expenses. Senator Tuberville’s stance also upholds the constitutional understanding that spending decisions must originate with the legislative branch. I call on the President to end this standoff now, by reversing this unlawful policy.” The Alabama Republican Executive Committee overwhelmingly endorsed Tuberville’s position earlier this month. Tuberville was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2020 after a long career in football coaching and sports broadcasting. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
ALGOP Chairman John Wahl appointed to Committee Overseeing the Republican National Convention
On Tuesday, Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl landed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for the Republican National Committee’s Summer Meeting, where he was officially seated on the Republican National Convention’s Committee on Arrangements (COA). The COA is in charge of organizing the 2024 Convention. “I am honored to have been selected to serve on the Convention’s Committee on Arrangements and am excited about the opportunity to represent the State of Alabama at the national level,” Wahl said. “All eyes are going to be on Wednesday’s presidential debate and the convention coming up next year. My goal is to represent Alabama and the Republican Party well as we stand strong for conservative values and fight to take America back from the Democrat Party and their leftist agenda.” The committee will meet as part of a busy week for the Republican Party, including the RNC Summer Meeting and the first GOP Presidential Debate of the 2024 election cycle. The Committee on Arrangements oversees the organization and planning of all aspects of the Convention. Delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories will gather in Milwaukee from July 15–18, 2024, to officially select the Party’s nominees for President and Vice President. “I look forward to serving with the other members of the committee, as we put our time and talents together to make sure this historic convention is both memorable and effective,” Wahl said. “It’s time to cut inflation through fiscal responsibility, protect our children from woke policies, and defend the rights and freedoms of every American citizen. I will do all I can to ensure that message is on full display at the 2024 Republican National Convention.” The RNC Summer Meeting runs from Tuesday, August 22, 2023, through Friday, August 25, 2023. Wisconsin is a key swing state that Republicans need to win to hope to retake the presidency in 2024. The Chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, for an unprecedented third term, is Ronna Romney McDaniel. “In the next two years, we look forward to working with the mayor and everyone in the community to make this an event that highlights not just our nominee … but the great city that Milwaukee is,” said RNC Chair McDaniel when the RNC chose Milwaukee to host the Convention. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com
Republican Executive Committee will decide presidential delegates, not GOP voters
The Republican National Convention will be in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, next year to select the Republican nominee for President. On Saturday, the Alabama Republican Party State Executive Committee passed its Presidential Preference Primary Resolution – which details how Alabama’s presidential delegates will be allocated for the 2024 Republican Presidential Primary. Much of that remains the same. The major change is that Alabama’s Republican primary voters will still pick the candidates for President of the United States but will not get to pick the delegates pledged to that candidate. In past presidential elections, there were dozens of names on the ballot for voters to select from pledged to each presidential primary candidate. The winning delegates for the candidates with enough votes to be awarded delegates would then represent Alabama at the Republican National Convention. There won’t be any delegates for voters to vote on in the 2024 Republican primary ballot. Voters can still choose which presidential candidate they prefer: Donald Trump, Mike Pence, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, Tim Scott, Asa Hutchison, Chris Christie, etc. The roughly 475-member Republican State Executive will decide who the 50 delegates to the convention are. State Representative Matt Simpson (R-Daphne) introduced the resolution. “Delegates to the convention don’t just nominate the President. They also serve on the rules and platform committees,” Simpson said. “This is party business.” “The best people to make the decisions on how to grow up in the party is to reward the people that have been in the party,” Simpson said. “We know better than anybody who are the workers, who supported the party, who are the Republicans.” “The general public really doesn’t have a clue about the people on the ballot,” Simpson said. State Auditor Andrew Sorrell, who is also the State Executive Committee’s bylaws committee chairman, said that the delegates will still have to pledge to the candidate that they represent before the primary. Alabama will have 50 delegates at the RNC Convention in Wisconsin next year. The Chairman will be one delegate, as will the National Committeeman and the National Committeeman. Those positions are presently held by John Wahl, Paul Reynolds, and Vicki Drummond. The executive committee will then select 26 statewide at-large delegates. Alabama’s seven congressional districts will have three delegates each for a total of twenty-one delegates allocated by congressional district. The 2024 Presidential Preference Primary Resolution keeps the same delegate allotments as previous cycles. Details include the following: A candidate must receive a minimum of 20% of the vote on either the statewide or congressional district level to be awarded any delegates. The 26 statewide at-large Republican delegates will be awarded to the first-place candidate if that candidate receives over 50% of the vote in the state’s Super Tuesday primary. There will be three delegates from each of the state’s seven congressional districts, for a total of 21 delegates. The congressional district delegates will also be awarded to the first-place candidate that receives over 50% of the vote in each of the congressional districts. If no candidate receives over 50% at either the statewide or the congressional district level, the delegates will be awarded proportionally based on primary election results. The state executive committee voted 72% to 28% to approve the bylaw amendment. Since the Republican primary will be on March 5, presumably after the ALGOP’s winter meeting tentatively scheduled for February, there will likely be a special meeting of the State Executive Committee in the Spring to select the delegates. Other items passed at the Saturday meeting include: A ban on campaign donations from the National Education Association (NEA) and its affiliates – including the Alabama Education Association (AEA) – for all Republican school board and superintendent candidates. A resolution condemning President Joe Biden for circumventing the Hyde Amendment and using taxpayer money to fund abortion-related expenses and supporting Senator Tommy Tuberville for standing up to the Biden Administration over its flawed policy. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama Republican Party State Executive Committee approves rule change banning AEA, NEA contributions for certain candidates
On Saturday, the Alabama Republican Party State Executive Committee voted to pass a rule change barring candidates for State Board of Education, county school superintendent, and county board of education from accepting donations from either the National Education Association (NEA) or its Alabama affiliate, the Alabama Education Association (AEA). The rule change, which does not retroactively apply to past election cycles, will apply to the 2024 elections. The rule change was sponsored by Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl. “One of my goals with this Standing Rule Amendment is making sure our school board and superintendent candidates are not dependent on any special interest group,” said Wahl. “With that in mind, I have already committed that the Party will step in and replace any funding lost should it become necessary. The Alabama Republican Party is in an extremely strong position financially, and we will have our candidate’s backs.” Since Wahl was the author of the proposed bylaws change, he handed over his Chairman’s gavel to Alabama Republican Party Vice Chair Joan Reynolds for this debate while leading efforts on the floor to pass his bylaws change. The Wahl amendment was weakened somewhat in an agreed-on change when the words “and coordinate with” were removed. This effectively means that the candidate could still coordinate with AEA efforts to smear their opponent on an issue such as a school tax increase that both support. The original wording would have made both activities grounds for removal from the ballot. Hale County Commissioner Don Wallace offered an amendment to the rule change that would have also applied to candidates for the Alabama Legislature. State Representative Ron Bolton (R-Northport) objected to Wallace’s amendment and asked that it be tabled. State Auditor Andrew Sorrell said there would be time to consider extending this to other offices in future meetings, but with the 2024 election cycle beginning this fall, this was a time sensitive matter. Sorrell is the Bylaws Committee Chairman for the Alabama Republican Party and the State Auditor. Wallace replied that the State Legislature just passed the largest school budget in state history and voted down school choice legislation, and were likely to consider an even bigger $10 billion education budget next year. Wahl said Governor Kay Ivey has pledged that the state will pass one of the strongest school choice laws in the nation next session. The members of the executive voted to take consideration of the Wallace amendment. They also voted to table a second amendment which would have applied to all Republican candidates – no matter what the office. Jefferson County Republican Party Chairman Chris Brown made the argument that while he advises all of his clients and candidates never to take AEA dollars, the GOP has disqualified candidates from the ballot for several different reasons, and by putting this in the bylaws, it could make those efforts to disqualify future candidates more difficult. He then introduced a resolution to table the Wahl bylaws change. In what appeared to be a stunning rebuke of Chairman Wahl, the Executive Committee voted to table the proposed bylaws change. The State Executive Committee then moved on and passed a number of other bylaws changes – including making the bylaws and rules committees permanent committees and establishing that the state executive committee will pick the delegates to the Republican National Convention. After the other bylaws changes had passed, Sorrell said that in respect for all of the hard work that Chairman Wahl put into his AEA bylaws change, he asked the Committee to reconsider its earlier vote. The Committee then voted to pass the bylaws change. “The Party is strongly committed to protecting our children from indoctrination in the classroom by left-wing groups like the NEA and its affiliated organizations,” Wahl explained. “Parents should decide what their children learn about divisive concepts, not education unions that have lost touch with the values of the American people. Transgender ideology and other woke policies have no place in our schools, period. So many of our parents and local teachers want to see change in our education system, but how can we expect our superintendents and school board members to stand up against teaching these woke concepts if they are afraid of the money and financial power coming from liberal unions responsible for pushing this type of curriculum? It’s a blatant conflict of interest and something that needs to be addressed. Our elected school representatives must be responsible to Alabama parents, not special interest groups. This will stop this conflict of interest and is no different than the state’s prohibition on members of the Alabama Public Service Commission accepting donations from the utilities they regulate. The bottom line is it’s time to get woke agendas out of our curriculum and out of our classrooms.” This rule change only applies to Republicans. The AEA may still donate to candidates for school board, superintendent, or State Board of Education, but candidates who accept AEA contributions will have to run as Democrats or as independents. Republican state legislators, as well as statewide and county officeholders (outside of the school boards and school superintendents), may still take AEA and NEA contributions. The roughly 475 members Alabama Republican State Executive Committee is the largest state committee in the country. All 67 counties are represented on the state executive committee. It meets at least twice a year, holding meetings in both the summer and the winter. All 67 counties have a county Republican Party where members of that county party elect a chairman. The 67 county chairmen all are members of the state executive committee. There are members of the state executive committee elected by the Republican primary voters of each county. Additionally, the state party awards counties bonus members based on its GOP election performance. The bonus member spots are then filled by the members of the county parties (in most cases, the county party executive committee). To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Donald Trump boasts at Alabama fundraiser that he needs ‘one more indictment to close out this election’
Former President Donald Trump, fresh off his third appearance in court as a criminal defendant, delivered a speech full of defiance and bluster on Friday night, insulting prosecutors and declaring that the charges he faces only help his 2024 presidential campaign. “Any time they file an indictment, we go way up in the polls,” Trump said at a Republican Party dinner in Alabama. “We need one more indictment to close out this election. One more indictment and this election is closed out. Nobody has even a chance.” Trump pleaded not guilty on Thursday to crimes related to his efforts to overturn the results of his 2020 election loss. Although it’s his third criminal indictment this year, this case is the most serious, with the federal government he once ran charging him with orchestrating a scheme to block the peaceful transfer of power. But Trump was characteristically unapologetic as he took the stage Friday night to Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA,” flashing a thumbs-up at the crowd, raising his fist, and taking in a standing ovation of nearly three minutes. “We’re gonna be here for a little while,” he joked, asking the crowd to take a seat. The latest set of charges focuses on the two months between his November 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden and the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Trump has denied wrongdoing and has wedded his 2024 presidential campaign to his legal defense and his false claims of 2020 election fraud. In a sign of that defiance, his campaign released an online ad Friday attacking Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, who led the investigation that resulted in Trump’s latest charges and a separate case where he’s charged with mishandling classified documents. The ad, which is expected to start airing on television next week, also attacks Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who has charged Trump in a hush-money case, and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who is believed to be close to filing charges in her investigation into efforts by Trump and his allies to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. A Trump aide said the ad will start airing Monday and Tuesday in Washington, D.C., New York, Atlanta, and on national cable. The ad was also shown to the crowd at the Alabama dinner Friday night. Trump has continued to receive endorsements from GOP elected officials throughout the investigations and criminal cases, including on Friday from all six of the state’s Republican U.S. House members. Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, who is waging an unprecedented campaign to try to change Pentagon abortion policy by holding up hundreds of military nominations and promotions, introduced Trump at the dinner on Friday night. “He’s had a tough week. We need to stand behind him,” Tuberville said. “He needs encouragement. They’re after him.” Repeating Trump’s frequent refrain, he added, “They’re after you.” Among the opening acts of the dinner were Catherine Engelbrecht and Gregg Phillips, who produced the movie “2000 Mules,” which made various debunked claims about mail ballots, drop boxes, and ballot collection in the 2020 presidential election. Trump praised the pair in his remarks and said: “Get ready. Get those votes ready. Just get them ready. Keep those tapes handy because you’re going to need them.” The crowd of 2,700 began arriving several hours early for the dinner, a $250-per-ticket fundraiser for the Alabama Republican Party. “They are excited,” Alabama Republican Party Chair John Wahl said. “There is so much passion from Trump supporters and voters across the state.” Trump’s mounting legal troubles do not seem to be dampening his support in the Deep South state that is among more than a dozen that will hold primary contests on Super Tuesday. The March 5 slate of elections is increasingly seen as one of the last chances for any other GOP presidential candidate to try to make inroads in Trump’s front-runner status. Trump’s closest rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, has been making a play for Super Tuesday states. In Alabama, though, one gauge of interest doesn’t bode well for the governor: The state GOP sold about 1,000 fewer tickets for a similar dinner in March when DeSantis spoke. Robin Rowan, the owner of a financial company, wore a button and sash with Trump’s image and “NOT GUILTY” emblazoned in sequins as she waited Friday to hear Trump speak. Rowan, who does not believe the criminal accusations against Trump, said the charges have galvanized support for Trump rather than making voters doubt him. “We know the truth. They are trying to wear us down. They are not going to wear us down,” Rowan said. Rich Foster, a retired police officer wearing a black “Bikers for Trump” T-shirt, said he believes some crimes were committed on Jan. 6, such as the attacks on police officers defending the Capitol, but does not consider Trump responsible for the violence that happened. “I don’t think Trump committed a crime that day,” Foster said. He said he believed that Trump, as president, had a right to speak out about the election. Trump has not been charged with inciting the attack, but prosecutors accused him of exploiting the violence and chaos at the Capitol to continue making false claims of election fraud and trying to halt the certification of the election results. Foster said he and other Trump supporters viewed the charges as an attempt to keep Trump from winning in 2024. He said he would write in the former president’s name if he had to. “If they get him off the ballot somehow,” he said, “I know how to write Donald J. Trump on the ballot.” Republished with the permission of The Associated Press.
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville to introduce President Donald Trump in Montgomery on Friday
Former President Donald Trump will address the Alabama Republican Party on Friday at the ALGOP’s annual Summer Dinner event. Trump stalwart – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville will introduce Trump at the event. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and the entire Alabama Republican Congressional Delegation will be in attendance to welcome the former president to the State of Alabama. “I’m excited for President Trump to return to the most conservative state in the nation. Alabama is Trump Country, and we’re going to do our part to help Make America Great Again,” said Sen. Tuberville. Tuberville was the first U.S. Senator to endorse Trump when he announced his campaign to regain the presidency in 2024. “We are pleased to announce that Senator Tommy Tuberville will introduce the President at Friday night’s ALGOP Summer Dinner,” said Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl. “President Trump and Senator Tuberville are two of the most popular political figures in the State of Alabama. I am looking forward to hearing from these two conservative leaders when they make their remarks.” Tuberville will join President Trump on stage Friday at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center. “We are pleased to have the support of our elected officials as we head into the 2024 cycle,” said Chairman Wahl. “I want to see the Alabama Republican Party united against the out-of-control policies coming out of the leftist Democrat Party and the Biden Administration. We are going to support the American dream by pushing for fiscal responsibility, keeping our communities safe, bringing down runaway inflation, and protecting our children from woke policies. This is not going to be an easy election year, and it’s all hands on deck as we get ready to take back the White House and Senate, as well as hold on to the U.S. House.” The president’s advance team landed in Alabama on Friday, and the ALGOP staff is working with them to have a successful event Friday night. The former president will be the keynote speaker at the Summer Dinner event on Friday, August 4. Over 70 media professionals from around the country have applied for credentials to attend this event, which has the attention of the entire political world. Over two thousand people are expected to attend – which would break attendance records for an ALGOP dinner. Contact the ALGOP for the limited number of tickets that are still available. This event is expected to sell out soon. “We are doing our best to accommodate everyone wanting tickets,” Wahl said. “This is an amazing opportunity to host the frontrunner for the GOP nomination and give Alabamians the chance to hear from President Trump directly about his vision for our nation.” Trump is maintaining a significant lead over Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, and the other GOP contenders. While Trump has been coasting through the first months of his campaign, he is facing an increasing number of criminal indictments. Fulton County, Georgia District Attorney Fani Willis is expected to announce whether or not she will charge Trump and his team in the 2020 election and its aftermath. The Alabama Presidential primary will be on March 5. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
ALGOP Chairman John Wahl defends Tommy Tuberville after Joe Biden’s attack
On Thursday, President Joe Biden attacked U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville for his hold on military promotions in response to Biden’s controversial military abortion policy. On Friday, Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl released a statement concerning the President’s attack on the senior Senator from Alabama. “President Biden needs to get his house in order before attacking other people!” Chairman Wahl said. “This situation started because he ignored the will of the people and the U.S. Congress by circumventing the Hyde Amendment. As Commander-in-Chief, President Biden needs to take responsibility for his administration’s actions and reverse this flawed policy. He single-handedly has the power to end the Pentagon’s violation of the Hyde Amendment and stop the holds coming from the Senate floor. Coach Tuberville is not just representing the interests of his constituents here in Alabama but also the majority of Americans who have repeatedly expressed that they do not want taxpayer funds being used for abortion-related expenses. Senator Tuberville’s stance also upholds the constitutional understanding that spending decisions must originate with the legislative branch. I call on the President to end this standoff now, by reversing this unlawful policy.” Wahl’s statement was in response to a lengthy diatribe that the President launched Thursday night about Senator Tuberville. “The senior senator from Alabama, who claims to support our troops, is now blocking more than 300 military (nominations) with his extreme political agenda,” President Biden said. “Right now, tens of thousands of America’s sons and daughters are deployed around the world tonight, keeping us safe from immense national security challenges. But the senator from Alabama is not.” Tuberville placed his hold on unanimous consent for military promotions in response to Biden’s DoD policy of reimbursing military members, or their dependents, for travel to obtain an abortion if they are serving in a pro-Life state that has banned the killing of the preborn. “This partisan freeze is already harming military readiness, security and leadership, and troop morale,” Biden said. “A growing cascade of damage and destruction all because one senator from Alabama and 48 Republicans who refuse to stand up to him, to lift the blockade over the Pentagon policy offering servicemen and women and their families access to reproductive health care rights they deserve if they are stationed in states that deny it.” Biden called Tuberville’s hold on the promotions “outrageous.” The people of Alabama have overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment banning abortions. Tuberville has said that he is not going to budge on his stance. The Senate Majority Leader could simply pass every promotion one at a time through normal order. To this point, the Senate Democrats have not chosen to do that. Tuberville was elected to the Senate in 2020. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama Republican Party has sold nearly all tickets to Donald Trump dinner
If you plan to see President Donald Trump when he comes to Montgomery on August 4, you need to buy those tickets today because the Alabama Republican Party reports that their dinner with Trump event is nearly sold out. “With less than ten days to go, only a few tickets remain for the Alabama Republican Party’s Summer Dinner with President Donald J. Trump,” the Alabama Republican Party announced late Tuesday in a press statement. “The response we’ve received since we announced President Trump as our keynote speaker has been overwhelming,” said Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl. “We expect individual tickets to be sold out imminently, and sales for table sponsors will shut down on Friday, if not sooner.” The dinner will take place on Friday, August 4, 2023, at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel at the Convention Center. The evening will kick off with a reception at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. “We are excited at this opportunity to raise the profile of our state by hosting the GOP frontrunner for president and giving Alabamians the chance to interact with him,” Wahl said. “Alabama is a Super Tuesday state and will play an important role in selecting our Party’s nominee.” To purchase tickets and sponsorships, go to the Alabama Republican Party’s website. Trump previously headlined the ALGOP’s 2021 Cullman fundraiser, where more than 50,000 people braved wet conditions and mud to see the former President. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke to the Alabama Republican Party in March at their Winter Dinner fundraiser. Trump was elected President in 2016, defeating former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Trump failed to win reelection in 2020, losing the presidency to former Vice President Joe Biden. Trump is seeking a Trump v. Biden rematch, but he faces a crowded Republican primary field that includes: DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, U.S. Senator Tim Scott, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, and others. Trump remains the early polling frontrunner, despite being age 77 and facing indictments in at least three courts. At this point, Biden’s only serious roadblock to the Democratic nomination is former Congressman Robert Kennedy. The Alabama Presidential Primary will be on Tuesday, March 5. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Chairman John Wahl named to 2024 Republican National Convention Committee
On Thursday, the Alabama Republican Party announced that Chairman John Wahl had been named to the Republican National Convention’s Committee on Arrangements (COA). The COA is in charge of organizing the 2024 Republican National Convention, overseeing and planning all aspects of the Convention. In 2016 Republican nominee for President Donald Trump carried Wisconsin. In 2020 Trump lost Wisconsin and the Presidency. Realizing the importance of Wisconsin, the Republican Party is holding their 2024 Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. More than 2,500 delegates from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories will gather in Milwaukee from July 15 to 18, 2024, to officially select the Party’s nominees for U.S. President and Vice President. “I am thrilled to have been selected to serve as a member of the Committee on Arrangements, and I am very excited about the opportunity to represent the State of Alabama as the COA prepares for the 2024 Republican National Convention,” Chairman Wahl said. “We desperately need strong conservative leadership that is willing to stand and fight for the average, hardworking people across this nation. It’s time to bring common sense back to government by defending our God-given rights and freedoms, protecting our children from woke policies, and working to put people first again. These are the kind of principles that made America great, and these are the principles that the Republican Party stands for.” “The Convention is going to be a world-class event, and I look forward to serving with the other committee members as we put our time and talents together to make sure this historic convention is unforgettable,” Wahl added. “The bottom line is that it’s time to take America back, and I will do all I can to ensure that message is on full display at the 2024 Republican National Convention.” “In the next two years, we look forward to working with the mayor and everyone in the community to make this an event that highlights not just our nominee … but the great city that Milwaukee is,” said Republican Party Chairman Ronna Romney McDaniel when the RNC chose Milwaukee to host the Convention. In addition to this new committee assignment, Chairman Wahl was elected as an RNC Vice Chairman representing the Southern Region earlier this year. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Special session to be held next month
The U.S. Supreme Court surprised many court observers earlier this month when it ruled that Alabama’s congressional redistricting passed in 2021 violated the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The special session to address the redistricting will be next month. 2024 is a presidential election, and the Alabama major party primaries will be early in that cycle on March 5. This means that campaign qualifying with the major parties will begin in November. The three-judge panel of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta has ordered the state to present a redistricting plan acceptable to the court, or the court will appoint a special master to do it. State Representative Mack Butler (R-Rainbow City) told Alabama Today that he heard the special session would be on July 17. Butler said the special session would narrowly focus on passing a new congressional redistricting plan. Rep. Ron Bolton (R-Northport) addressed BamaCarry of Tuscaloosa County on Monday night. “The special session will be on July 17,” Bolton said. “It will be an agreed-upon bill.” Bolton said that the three-judge panel in Atlanta had set the deadline for the state to submit a compliant redistricting plan as July 21. Rep. Ed Oliver (R-Dadeville) told Alabama Today that the special session should include legislation on the ballot harvesting ban bill that failed in the last session. “That’s the Secretary of State’s bill,” Oliver said. “With two contested congressional races, we need that to ensure that the election is secure.” The federal court ruled that since Alabama is nearly 28% Black, the state should have two congressional districts that are either majority Black or are close to it. Currently, the Seventh Congressional District, comprised of a 55% Black voting population, is Alabama’s only majority-minority district. The other six congressional districts are all less than 30% Black and are all represented by White Republican men. The Seventh Congressional District is represented by Rep. Terri Sewell – the only Black person in the congressional delegation and the only Democrat. Since all seven congressional districts have to be roughly equivalent in size, changing the districts so that two have roughly 48% or more minority voters will mean that all seven districts will change in redistricting. Whereas the Legislature before sought to keep all seven of the incumbents in their districts, that won’t be a consideration in the next redistricting plan, so it is likely that some incumbents could be redistricted into the same districts. Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl has said the Alabama GOP will contest all seven congressional districts in 2024 – including Rep. Sewell’s. Rep. Oliver said that in that hyper-competitive environment, it is important to have as secure an election as possible, and that is why the call should include the ban on ballot harvesting. House Bill 209 (HB209) passed the House of Representatives in the recent regular session, but the Alabama Senate failed to address it. Ballot harvesting involves paying political operatives to collect absentee ballots. “Over the last decade, there have been multiple convictions for absentee ballot fraud across the state of Alabama,” wrote Secretary of State Wes Allen. “As a Probate Judge, a legislator, and now as Secretary of State, I am committed to eliminating election fraud in our state. HB209, sponsored by Rep. Jamie Kiel, makes incredible strides in protecting the rights of Alabama voters to cast their own votes without undue influence. Currently, it is legal for groups operating as non-profits to offer payments in exchange for absentee ballot applications to Alabama registered voters. HB209 would end that. Today, it is legal for out-of-state organizations to mail pre-filled absentee ballot applications to unsuspecting voters across the state, some of whom have moved or have no intention of voting absentee. HB209 would prohibit this practice.” “HB209 would make it illegal to pay or to be paid by a third party to collect absentee ballot applications or absentee ballots from Alabama voters,” Allen continued. “Furthermore, it would eliminate the ability of organizations to sow the seeds of chaos and confusion by sending pre-filled absentee applications into our state. Our elections are the foundation of our constitutional republic, and nobody should be paid for their absentee application or their ballot. Ballot harvesting should not be a job description.” Democrats, who opposed the bill, called it “voter suppression” and said that it would make it illegal for neighbors to help neighbors fill out their absentee ballot. HB209, as amended in the House, would allow family members to help family members prepare their absentee ballot. “House Bill 209 states that the Secretary of State, probate judges, absentee ballot election managers or their designee,” Rep. Adline Clarke (D-Mobile) said. “Now, it is absolutely unrealistic to believe that these individuals can take up the slack for the hundreds of volunteers that assist voters in every election. It is not humanly possible and will cause a huge decrease in the number of voters who vote absentee. That is a sad thought.” Whether or not the ballot harvesting bill is included in the call for the special session is solely the purview of Gov. Kay Ivey. “I have a wish list, I am sure you have a wish list, but that is up to the Governor,” Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook) told Alabama Today. Roberts warned that including Allen’s legislation in the special session would be “divisive.” Roberts was also skeptical of rumors that a proposed constitutional amendment addressing gambling could be in the call. “I had not heard that,” Rep. Butler said when asked about the gambling bill rumor. “I think it is going to be a simple one-issue special session.” “In all of the communications that I have had with Speaker (Nathaniel) Ledbetter, he has not given me any indication to think that is being considered,” Oliver said of the gambling rumor. Butler said that with two highly contested congressional races on the ballot in 2024, “We are going to need every Republican to turn out.” To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Donald Trump indicted in classified documents case, headed to Alabama in August
Former President Donald Trump was indicted Thursday in a case involving his handling of classified documents. Trump was already the President in American history to be impeached twice. These indictments also make him the first former U.S. president to face federal criminal charges. Despite that scandal, it was also announced this week that Trump, who is seeking to be the Republican nominee for President for a third consecutive time, will be the guest speaker for the Alabama Republican Party’s annual summer dinner fundraiser. The Biden Department of Justice unsealed the indictment Friday, ahead of Trump’s expected appearance in court next Tuesday. Trump has been indicted on 37 charges of mishandling classified documents. Throughout Trump’s presidency, newspaper clippings, press clippings, notes, letters, pictures, etc., were stored in cardboard boxes. Among those materials were hundreds of classified documents. The boxes were then shipped to the President’s resort at Mar-O-Lago, Florida which is a violation of existing federal law. The documents include information on the defense capabilities of the United States and other nations, the U.S. nuclear program, the military weaknesses of the United States military and those of our allies as well as what the U.S. response would be to an attack or an attack on our allies. The bulk of the 37 charges in the 49-page indictment, unsealed Friday afternoon, relate to willful retention of national defense information — a violation of the Espionage Act. The charges also include conspiracy to obstruct justice, withholding a document or record, corruptly concealing a document or record, concealing a document in an investigation, scheming to conceal, and false statements. Trump aide Walt Nauta also was indicted. “Our laws that protect national defense information are critical to the safety and security of the United States, and they must be enforced,” special counsel Jack Smith said. The special counsel alleges that the classified documents were spilled out on the floor at the Mar-A-Lago resort. The Trump defense team maintains that the documents were at Mar-O-Lago, which is secured by the U.S. Secret Service, and had not been published or made available to outside entities. Trump has vigorously denied any wrongdoing. U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Florida, Aileen Cannon, has initially been tapped to oversee the case against Trump. Cannon is a Trump appointee. Also on Friday, Trump attorneys, Jim Trusty and John Rowley, announced that they were exiting the case, saying that the indictment on Friday, were a logical exit point. “Now that the case has been filed in Miami, this is a logical moment for us to step aside and let others carry the cases through to completion,” the attorneys wrote in a joint statement. “I want to thank Jim Trusty and John Rowley for their work, but they were up against a very dishonest, corrupt, evil, and ‘sick’ group of people, the likes of which has not been seen before,” Trump wrote. “We will be announcing additional lawyers in the coming days. When will Joe Biden be Indicted for his many crimes against our Nation? MAGA!” Despite the legal crowds encircling Trump, he is still going to be welcomed by the Alabama GOP in August. Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl said on Facebook, “We are so excited that President Donald J. Trump has agreed to come back to Alabama for the Alabama Republican Party! We are still finalizing details, so be sure to sign up for updates so you’ll know when tickets go on sale.” The Summer Dinner is tentatively scheduled for August 4, 2023, in Montgomery. Trump still has solid support in Alabama, which he won in a landslide in both 2016 and 2020. Congressman Barry Moore (R-AL02) said on Facebook Thursday night, “Tonight’s news is another alarming chapter in the complete weaponization of our government. Biden’s corrupt Justice Department has gone after parents, Catholic parishioners, pro-life Christians, and now his top political opponent. America’s political battles belong at the ballot box, not in the hands of Biden’s DOJ.” Trump’s chief GOP rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, was hosted by the Alabama GOP in Hoover last March. Trump is also facing indictments brought by the New York District Attorney in an unrelated case. There is also a federal investigation into his role in the alleged attempt to overthrow the 2020 election results. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
