Marion Military Institute to receive $34 million boost from federal government
Marion Military Institute (MMI) in Perry County will get $34 million from the federal government to build a math and science building. U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) praised the disbursement of the $34 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology to MMI to construct a Math and Science Building on its Perry County campus. The new classroom space will enable MMI to expand its course offerings in computer science, cybersecurity, and information technology. This investment will also centralize all of MMI’s STEM classes and laboratories in a single state-of-the-art facility. “Every Alabamian deserves the opportunity to live their American Dream, regardless of their zip code,” said Senator Britt. “Turning this dream into a reality starts with ensuring that each young person across our great state has access to a high-quality education. This targeted, strategic federal investment will not only provide a new facility for Marion Military Institute but will also allow the school to offer more courses to its students and better prepare them for the demands of a military or civilian career as they live out the institution’s mission of service.” Colonel David J. Mollohan, USMC (Ret.), is the President of MMI. “We are excited at the prospect of this new building,” said Colonel Mollahan. “It will provide us the classroom and lab space and capabilities to expand course offerings in STEM. This will allow MMI to serve as both a leadership and STEM center of excellence.” Former Senator Richard Shelby initially secured the funding for MMI. Earlier this year, Senator Britt met with Colonel Mollahan and MMI leaders and received an update on the campus and MMI’s goals for the future. MMI is a member of the Alabama Community College System. It is one of only four military junior colleges in the United States that can commission students as officers in the U.S. Army after two years of study. It is also home to one of the nation’s top Service Academy Programs, with more than 600 MMI cadets receiving Academy appointments in the last seven years. The school counts more than 216 generals and admirals among its alums. MMI has an annual statewide economic impact of $25 million and supports 394 direct and indirect jobs. MMI was founded in 1842 and is the nation’s oldest military junior college. The institution uses an immersive military environment and a focus on the intellectual, leadership, character, and physical development of a student to prepare them for a military or civilian career while living by the school’s motto of “Truth, Honor, Service.” U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), in conjunction with the offices of Sen. Britt and the Alabama delegation, recently concluded the first-ever U.S. Service Academy information session tour with a stop at Southern Union State Community College in Opelika. “Our national security depends on strong leaders in the next generation who are willing to defend America at home and abroad,” said Sen. Tuberville. “It is encouraging to see so many students across our great state who are interested in answering this call to serve. The high attendance at each of our information sessions gives me hope for the future of our national defense and security. Nominating students for appointments to a U.S. Service Academy is one of my favorite things about being a senator, and I’m looking forward to the upcoming nominations for the Class of 2028.” Many who get service academy appointments started their higher education at MMI. Many high school seniors who fail to get service academy appointments will instead go on to MMI and transfer to a service academy after their first or second year. At one time, MMI also had a high school, but that was discontinued when MMI joined the Alabama Community College System. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Steve Flowers: Girls State has had a profound effect on current state leaders
The Alabama Boys State and Girls State programs have been the spawning ground for Alabama political leaders for generations. It is a marvelous civic contribution that the American Legion has sponsored for almost a century in our state. The prominence that Boys State has played is immense. However, Girls State may very well be eclipsing the boys in this generation, given the amazing array of women who are currently leading our state. Governor Kay Ivey was a young high school leader growing up in Wilcox County in the early 1960s. Kay was selected for Girls State and had a week there that left an indelible impression on her. She went on to Auburn, where she was a student leader. For over 40 years, Kay Ivey has come back to Girls State every year as a counselor, advisor, and speaker. She is devoted to Girls State. Dr. Cathy Johnson Randall has been one of the state’s most respected leaders for 50 years. She was the most outstanding student at the University of Alabama when I arrived in 1970. She graduated undergraduate and got her doctorate from the Capstone. In her early career years, she was an administrator at the University of Alabama. She has been a premier businesswoman and philanthropist and Tuscaloosa Civic leader in her adult life. As a teenager, Cathy was a Girls Stater, to say the least. She was elected Governor of Girls State. She then went on to Washington and was elected President of Girls Nation. Furthermore, her daughter Kate was elected Governor of Girls State like her mother, and – get this – Kate was also President of Girls Nation. Cathy’s late husband and Kate’s father, Pettus Randall, was Governor of Alabama Boys State. It is doubtful any family in America, much less Alabama, will ever match that family lineage. Cathy Randall and Kay Ivey took a young lady from Enterprise under their wings when she arrived at Girls State. That student leader was one Katie Boyd. Katie became Governor of Girls State. She then went on to the University of Alabama and pledged Cathy Randall’s sorority, Chi Omega. Katie was elected Student Government President at Alabama, then married Crimson Tide Football star, Wesley Britt. Last year Katie Boyd Britt was elected as our United States Senator at the ripe old age of 40. The list of Girls Staters that are current state leaders does not end with Governor Ivey, Senator Britt, and Dr. Randall. Supreme Court Justice Kelli Wise was a Girls Stater, as well as past Justice Lyn Stuart. Federal District Judge Anna Manasco is a Girls State alumnus from around the same era as Kelli Wise. Mary Margaret Carroll from Ozark, who is one of the state’s top lobbyists, was a Girls Stater with Katie Britt and a Chi Omega with Katie at Alabama. She was also President of the SGA at the University of Alabama. Liz Filmore, Kay Ivey’s Chief of Staff, got her start at Girls State. Many of these women have bonded through the Girls State program. Especially Kay Ivey, Cathy Randall, and Katie Britt. They are like sisters. The fourth sister in this close-knit group is Lee Sellers of Montgomery. Lee grew up in Montgomery and has lived there all of her life. She was a prominent Girls State leader as a teenager. She became Executive Director of Alabama Girls State 21 years ago. She and her husband, Supreme Court Justice Will Sellers, are some of Kay Ivey’s closest friends. Lee is the glue that keeps this band of Girls State Alumni together. Lee will more than likely bring this group of state leaders back to welcome this year’s group of teenage Girls State leaders when they arrive next week to Troy University for the 81st meeting of Alabama Girls State. There will probably be a future senator or governor in attendance. Our current governor, Kay Ivey, is the first elected female Republican governor of Alabama. She will not be the last female to be elected governor of our state. In the future, my prediction is that there will be mostly female governors and presidents in future years. It is a fact that the majority of college enrollees and graduates are female. The reason most future governors and presidents, and probably Supreme Court justices, will be women is because currently 60% of law school graduates are females, and this is expected to grow to 70% in the next decade. See You next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at: www.steveflowers.us.
Steve Flowers: Marshall County and Enterprise emerging as Alabama political breeding grounds
Over the years, certain counties in Alabama have bred an inordinate number of governors and state political leaders. The three most prominent enclaves historically have been Tuscaloosa, Barbour, and Cullman. In the earlier years of statehood, Tuscaloosa was the most heralded county. They have continued, intermittently, throughout the years. The most prominent senator in Alabama history, Richard Shelby, who retired after 36 years in the Senate, calls Tuscaloosa home. Indeed, the state capital was in Tuscaloosa one time in the early years. They have had a fairly recent governor in Dr. Robert Bentley. Barbour County is called the “Home of Governors,” and for a good reason. They have had more governors than any county in state history. This sparsely populated Black Belt county has had six governors hail from there. George Wallace is, of course, the most prominent Barbour County Governor, but they also have Chauncy Sparks, John Gill Shorter, William Jelks, Braxton Bragg Comer, and Jere Beasley. Barbour County and Tuscaloosa both claim Lurleen Wallace. She was born and raised in Northport in Tuscaloosa County but married George Wallace and moved to Barbour County. This split county claim of governors also applies to legendary Governor James “Big Jim” Folsom. Big Jim was born and raised in Coffee County near Elba but moved to Cullman as a young man. So, Cullman gets bragging rights since he lived in Cullman when he was first elected in 1946. Cullman has indeed come on strong in the past few decades. They have had two governors in recent years, Jim Folsom Jr. and Guy Hunt. Today, we have two counties emerging as hotbeds for breeding state political leaders. Coffee County is percolating with political success. More particularly the growing City of Enterprise. Our new U.S. Senator, Katie Boyd Britt, was born and raised in Enterprise. She is only 40. The Congressman from the second district, Barry Moore, is from Enterprise although Dothan, Montgomery, and Elmore County have more population in that Congressional District. Moore is only 56. A rising popular star in the State House of Representatives, Rhett Marquis, 48, is from the Boll Weevil City. Enterprise is the home of the new state senator from that southeast Alabama hub. Josh Carnley just took the seat of retiring legend Jimmy Holley, thus keeping that seat in Coffee County. Carnley is a Coffee County farmer and insurance broker. Enterprise has a very good Mayor in William “Bill” Cooper. He has been in city politics for a good while. Coffee County also dominates all the judicial posts in this circuit. All three circuit judges hail from Coffee County in Enterprise. Sonny Reagan, Jeff Kelley, and Shannon Clark are all relatively young. The new District Attorney, James Tarbox, is very young. Jimmy Baker, who is Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System, hails from Coffee County and lives in Enterprise. Enterprise has always laid claim to Ft. Rucker, which has been the impetus of their growth, but they are emerging as a political powerhouse. The other county that is set to be called an Alabama political spawning ground powerhouse is Marshall County. They currently have a cadre of the state’s most powerful and promising Alabama leaders. The most prominent is 41-year-old Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, who may be our next governor. State Senator Clay Scofield of Marshall County is only 42 and is Majority Leader of the State Senate. Attorney General Steve Marshall, 57, is in his second term as Attorney General. It is rare that two of the state’s highest-ranking officials, Will Ainsworth and Steve Marshall, are both from the same county. There are two rising stars in the Alabama House of Representatives from Marshall County. Young Wes Kitchens, an emerging leader in the House, is from Marshall. Also, the youngest member of the House of Representatives, Brock Colvin, has just been elected at the ripe old age of 26 and is catching people’s eyes on Goat Hill. Enterprise and Marshall County are emerging as new political breeding grounds for Alabama politicians. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
Tommy Tuberville releases video critical of Joe Biden’s border policy
President Joe Biden recently made his first visit to the southern border since assuming office. U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville has visited the U.S.-Mexico border multiple times since taking office and released a video montage criticizing Biden’s border policies. “Either he is blind, or he doesn’t know what he is doing,” Tuberville said of the President’s failure to recognize the crisis at the border and the effects that that lawlessness is having on the country as a whole. Tuberville most recently visited the border in October 2022. During the visit, he met with men and women on the frontlines of the border crisis, including National Border Patrol Council President Brandon Judd and Del Rio Sector Chief Jason Owens. “I have spoken directly with the men and women at the border, and it has opened my eyes to what needs to be done to fix this crisis,” Tuberville said. “When the leadership of our own country ignores our own laws, people take advantage. The result is cartels exploiting our laws to smuggle humans, drugs, and other illicit materials across the border.” On his first day in office, President Biden ended the national emergency on the southern border, halted construction on the border wall, and weakened enforcement of our immigration laws by halting the deportation and detention of those who cross our border. Since then, more than four million illegal immigrants have been apprehended at our southern border — nearly the total population of Alabama residents. “President Biden made the radical decision to open our borders by undoing many successful policies put in place by the Trump administration that were working, and he changed them,” Tuberville said. “You can draw a straight line from those ill-advised policy decisions to where we are as we speak. When we allow people to continuously break our laws, we should not be surprised when more people join in. We should not be surprised when our laws no longer carry authority in our country.” In August 2022, President Biden followed through with a campaign promise to end the “Remain in Mexico” policy that mandates those requesting asylum in the United States stay in Mexico while their claims are processed. Recently, a federal judge delayed the repeal of the “Remain in Mexico” policy, finding that the Biden administration failed to include key considerations in the memo rescinding the policy. Biden has also attempted to end Title 42, which allows the immediate expulsion of illegal immigrants during a national health emergency and was enacted at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Supreme Court blocked that effort before the policy was set to expire. U.S. Department of Homeland Security estimates that we could see upwards of 18,000 more illegal immigrant crossings per day should Title 42 be lifted. Biden has also recently announced a plan to provide an “app” to make it easier for illegal immigrants seeking asylum to schedule appointments with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), “They are bending to the pressure from the far left to abandon enforcement laws in this country and just look at where it has gotten us,” Tuberville said. “Yes, we need help. The border patrol needs help. ICE needs help.” Tuberville said that U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials told him that the new temporary processing facility in Eagle Pass, which was erected shortly after President Biden’s inauguration to alleviate overcrowding of apprehended illegal immigrants at border stations, costs American taxpayers $14 million per month. In 2021, the illegal immigrants apprehended at the southern border traveled from more than 160 countries. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Alabama) also recently visited the southern border. “What we witnessed these past 24 hours was gut-wrenching,” said Sen. Britt. “The raw numbers alone tell us that there is an unprecedented national security and humanitarian crisis at the southern border. However, seeing it up close was truly eye-opening, underlining the historic magnitude of the problem and giving faces to the very real human cost of the reckless policies that have caused this disaster. Tuberville is in his first term representing Alabama in the U.S. Senate. Tuberville lives in Auburn. Before his Senate service, Tuberville had a long, distinguished career in coaching, including as the head football coach at Auburn University. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama leaders survey storm damage
Governor Kay Ivey, U.S. Senator Katie Boyd Britt, and Congressmembers Terri Sewell and Barry Moore surveyed the storm damage in Central Alabama, following Thursday’s devastating tornados. “I surveyed yesterday’s tornado damage in Selma with Mayor [James] Perkins, @SenKatieBritt & @RepTerriSewell, and it is extensive. We are working on the federal, state & local level to ensure we can get those affected as many resources as possible in their recovery,” Gov, Ivey said on Twitter Saturday. Ivey, Sewell. And Britt held a press conference to provide updates on their coordinated response. “I want to thank the many first responders, workers, and volunteers who came together to assist with the recovery effort following Thursday’s devastating storm,” said Rep. Sewell. “While the destruction impacting Selma and the Black Belt is widespread, our community is nothing if not strong and resilient. I’m confident that with the close coordination of federal, state, and local partners, we will be able to secure the necessary resources to build our community back better and stronger than before.” Autauga and Dallas counties were heavily impacted by the tornados on Thursday. “This afternoon, I surveyed yesterday’s storm damage from the air with state and local officials,” Rep. Moore said on Twitter. “The devastation is heartbreaking, and I continue to pray for the families who lost loved ones. I am thankful to all our dedicated first responders and state officials who are already working to put our communities back together. My staff and I are continuing to monitor the situation and will be ready in the days and weeks ahead to help with any federal issues.” “Our prayers continue to be with Alabamians across our state who were impacted by Thursday’s severe weather, especially those who have lost loved ones, those who have been injured, and those who have lost their homes and livelihoods,” said Sen. Britt in a statement emailed to reporters. “Today, I joined Governor Kay Ivey, Congresswoman Terri Sewell, and local officials to see firsthand the devastation in Dallas and Autauga Counties. We saw damage and destruction, but we also witnessed the best of Alabama – people from all walks of life coming together to help each other. My office is working alongside our partners in Alabama’s congressional delegation to support Governor Ivey’s request for an expedited federal major disaster declaration, and we will continue to work to ensure every possible federal resource is made available to affected Alabamians. Thank you to the courageous law enforcement officers, first responders, and linemen who have been working tirelessly to serve their fellow Alabamians across impacted communities. We are grateful for the incredible volunteers, like those I visited with today, who are already giving their time, talent, and resources to help complete strangers get back on their feet. Autauga and Dallas Counties will need the support of Alabamians in every corner of our state as communities and families look to recover and rebuild, and I am confident that our people will step up to support one another. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if you need assistance. We stand ready and willing to help.” President Joe Biden declared Dallas and Autauga Counties a major disaster area Sunday. “Individuals in Autauga and Dallas Counties can apply online with FEMA at http://DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 1-800-621-3362. My office will continue to work alongside the Governor, local officials, and my Alabama congressional colleagues throughout the recovery process,” Sen. Britt said on Twitter. “I join all Alabamians in praying for the impacted families and mourning the lives lost to the extreme weather in our state this week,” said U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville in a statement. We’re also praying for those whose lives have been put on pause as they find their homes and neighborhoods torn apart. Amid this time of death and destruction, I know the strength and spirit of Alabama’s communities will prevail as we rebuild. “We are blessed to have dedicated first responders and state officials working around the clock to get Alabamians out of harm’s way and put our communities back together,” Tuberville continued. “I strongly support Governor Ivey’s work so far and have full faith in our state’s emergency relief network. I will continue to monitor the situation closely, and my team stands ready to offer any assistance needed by Alabamians during ongoing recovery efforts.” To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Joe Biden declares storm ravaged central Alabama a disaster area
President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster in the State of Alabama and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes on January 12, 2023. The President’s action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in Dallas and Autauga Counties. “Alabama has been approved for a major disaster declaration in Dallas & Autauga counties following Thursday’s devastating weather. @POTUS and @FEMA have been good partners in our recovery efforts, and we are thankful. Alabamians are resilient folks, and we will come back stronger,” Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced on Twitter. “I’m thankful that President Biden has heard our calls and expedited a declaration of major disaster for the State of Alabama following Thursday’s devastating storms,” said Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL07). “This declaration will free up critical federal resources to relieve, recover and rebuild. I look forward to continuing to partner with Governor Ivey, Alabama’s congressional delegation, as well as state, local, and community stakeholders to use these resources as an opportunity to build back Selma and all the affected areas better for the people of Alabama.” A powerful tornado touched down in Selma, Sewell’s hometown, destroying dozens of homes and businesses on Thursday afternoon. Another devastating tornado touchdown followed that tornado in Autauga County, where dozens of homes were destroyed, and six people died. Dozens more were injured. Many families were left homeless. Damage assessments continue in other areas, and additional areas may be designated for assistance after the assessments are fully completed. Federal assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Federal funding also is available to State, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work in the counties of Autauga and Dallas. Lastly, Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell has named Kevin A. Wallace, Sr. as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. Sewell, Ivey, U.S. Senator Katie Boyd Britt, FEMA response experts, and other state officials joined local officials as they surveyed the area on Friday. Cleanup efforts are ongoing. Restoring people’s homes, businesses, and lives will likely take many months. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Jessica Taylor: Don’t be fooled
The way I see it, the race for U.S. Senate will come down to the classic matchup: outsider versus establishment insider – us versus them. We have seen the political insiders and country club communities across Alabama coalesce like never before around mad mama candidate Katie Boyd Britt. The sheer volume of PAC dollars supporting her candidacy is mind-blowing. Over $10M was spent attacking Mike Durant. Watching them use their money and political crony networks to successfully manipulate the image of an American hero and successful businessman Mike Durant has been nothing short of campaign mastercraft, and it disgusts me. Do not let them fool you. I was and remain committed to making sure the next senator from our great state is not part of the establishment. They are the problem. They are the reason Alabama is last in the country by most standards. Even when Republicans had control of the House and Senate, they did nothing to reduce the size of the federal government and reverse our ill-fated course. Republican leadership has failed us. They are losing the battle to restore fiscal conservatism and small government principles. They go along to get along to stay in power and help their cronies prosper. Spineless, weak-kneed, establishment Republicans have allowed liberals to take control, and they are rapidly destroying our economy and clawing away at our freedoms. Katie Boyd Britt is the most establishment-backed candidate we have ever seen, and she is neither a conservative nor a fighter. Ask yourself why the people responsible for this mess want her elected so badly. The answer is clear; it’s because they want the status quo. It has served them well. Unlike lobbyist Katie Boyd Britt, Mike Durant is a fighter. He is tested and proven. He put his life on the line to fight for our country. For our freedom. Mike spent 11 days as a prisoner of war after his Black Hawk helicopter was shot down during the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993. After being tortured and held captive, he still served out his term in the military before settling down in Huntsville, Alabama, where he built a successful business from the ground up and raised six kids. Mike has had two successful careers, while Katie has had one – serving politicians. She has been moved from job to job, not based on her accomplishments, but because the powers that be have been grooming her to replace Richard Shelby since her college years. I’ve watched it happen. I attended the University of Alabama when Katie was crowned SGA president by the machine. Since then, and especially during my 15 years of working in Montgomery, I have seen more instances than I can count of her lobbyist and insider cronies manipulating candidates and votes. They think they are in control, and truth be told, they have been. But I’ve had enough of their backroom deals and incompetence. We cannot let the establishment candidate be crowned our next senator. Someone brought up and trained in the ways of the Swamp won’t know how to drain it. Plus, someone who has spent her whole life trying to climb the political ladder is immediately suspect in my eyes. We also know for certain Katie Boyd Britt isn’t a fighter for conservative values. She says she will fight in her campaign ads and talks about the issues her high-dollar pollsters tell her are important to conservatives, but she has a pattern and practice of not fighting for those very issues when given the chance. She says she will fight for life. Yet, she didn’t use her veto power as SGA president to do so, though she used the power two weeks later related to a parking matter. She says she is anti-big government and a fiscal conservative, but she promoted Common Core and advocated for the gas tax increase during her time as head of the Business Council of Alabama. She says she supports Veterans and mental health but declined to stand up for both when her Democrat surrogate, Parker Griffith, diagnosed Mike Durant with PTSD. Katie says she’s a fighter, but her actions show different. She is not a principled conservative; she is a polished establishment puppet. Attempting to paint her as a fighter or a conservative is more of the same campaign mastercraft mentioned above. Don’t fall for it. The well-funded super PACs supporting Katie have blanketed the state with mailers designed to subtly shift your impression of Mike. They say Mike doesn’t live in Alabama and that he hasn’t been campaigning. Both are lies. Mike has lived in Alabama over 20 years. He still has a child in high school in Madison County. As for campaigning, check out his social media accounts. He is on the ground working as hard as any candidate in the race. They said Mike doesn’t support the Second Amendment because of a dismissive sidebar comment made while speaking to the Army War College about military tactics to disarm a community. Mike has spent more time with firearms than all his opponents combined. No one in this race knows the importance of the Second Amendment more than Mike Durant. He risked his life to protect our right to bear arms. He owns over 20 guns, including an AK-47 and AR-15, and he won’t let anyone take them. They said Mike isn’t tough on immigration. Mike Durant is the strongest candidate on border security in this race. Mike knows that President Donald Trump was right: They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. And we stop it all by building the wall. They said Mike is backed by liberals. Mike’s disdain for liberals is clear every time you hear him speak. He wouldn’t accept their money, unlike Katie Boyd Britt. Mike Durant’s biggest donor is Mike Durant! Like President Trump and Coach Tommy Tuberville, he can’t be bought by anyone. Mike’s only priority is to serve the people of Alabama. That’s it. Let’s give Mike Durant a third tour of duty. He
Sources confirm Donald Trump appointee, Ambassador Lynda Blanchard plan to announce run for governor of Alabama
After months of speculation on a reported switch in campaigns for Lynda Blanchard, it looks like the rumors are true. According to insiders, Blanchard is planning to end her campaign for the U.S. Senate seat and run for governor of Alabama, according to a CNN report. She is expected to announce her campaign against Governor Kay Ivey next week. The former ambassador to Slovenia, Blanchard was a major donor to the Trump campaign but never received his endorsement for her run in the Senate. That endorsement went to Mo Brooks, a long-time Trump supporter. CNN reported that Trump met with Blanchard, and she was receptive to the prospect of her running for governor. In an August interview on FM Talk 106.5’s Jeff Poor Show, Blanchard commented, “You know, I can tell you that I’ve been all over this state, and there are a lot of people that, you know, like we saw this weekend, want everything Trump. And they want a Trump governor, as well.” According to a Rolling Stone report, Trump blames Gov. Ivey for canceling one of his rallies in Alabama this summer. The rally in question was a July 3 “Freedom Rally” at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile. Defenders of Ivey note that the rally was canceled by the Battleship Commission, not the governor herself though the commission is stacked with appointees she chose. Without Trump’s endorsement, Blanchard’s Senate campaign has lagged behind Mo Brooks and Katie Boyd Britt.
Katie Britt pulls no punches in responding to Mo Brooks’ ‘unqualified’ accusation
The Alabama senate race isn’t until 2022, but things are already heating up between frontrunners Katie Boyd Britt and Mo Brooks. While Brooks is betting on the power of the Donald Trump endorsement, Britt is leaning on more than just her connections to Senator Richard Shelby. According to the National Journal, Trump sent a statement through his PAC calling Shelby a “RINO.” Trump, in a statement, said Britt is “not what Alabama wants.” Trump wrote, “I see that the RINO Senator from Alabama, close friend of Old Crow Mitch McConnell, Richard Shelby, is pushing hard to have his ‘assistant’ fight the great Mo Brooks for his Senate seat.” In an interview with National Journal last week, Shelby suggested that Brooks is “feeling the momentum” of Britt’s candidacy. “Katie’s really just getting started. They’re showing a lot of interest, and they’re probably nervous about it,” Shelby commented. Britt has brought in $2.2 million in the second quarter of 2021 and had $2.1 million cash on hand. Brooks only brought in $824,000 in the second quarter. Brooks sent an email to the National Journal responding to Shelby’s comments. “I get that Richard Shelby wants to bequeath Alabama’s Senate seat to his former, relatively inexperienced employee. But U.S. Senate seats should never be inherited or bought, they should be earned and decided by the people of Alabama,” Brooks stated. “In any event, ‘rationality’ and ‘irrationality’ are in the eye of the beholder. I am 100% certain that, to Washington’s Swamp and special interest groups who routinely buy Congressmen and Senators, I appear very irrational because I put America First and special interest groups and their Swamp money dead last!” Brooks continued, “No person in Alabama history has been elected more times to public office as a Republican than has Mo Brooks. As such, I respectfully submit that Alabama voters have a much different perception of rationality than do Washington’s Swamp critters.” Apryl Marie Fogel, guest host of the Dan Morris Show on NewsTalk 93.1 Montgomery, spoke to Britt on her radio show on Thursday. When asked to respond to comments from the Trump organization and Brooks’ thoughts on her qualifications, Britt responded, “I know my opponent is a career politician, and he is clearly experienced at running for office and drawing a check off the taxpayer dime, honestly. I think as far as qualifications go, I believe qualifications are fighting tirelessly for Alabamians and listening to what issues they have and looking at what we’re facing in our country and knowing how to achieve results.” “Putting Alabama first and delivering real results for hard-working Alabamians is what I’ve done day in and day out throughout my career, Britt continued. “I define success through results, and it looks like my opponent, particularly given his words there, seems to define success through how many times he can put his name on a ballot in a lifetime. I guess I respectfully disagree.” There are also two other candidates in the senate race: former Ambassador to Slovenia Lynda Blanchard and former House candidate Jessica Taylor. *Apryl Marie Fogel is the owner and publisher of Alabama Today.
Upon Alabama Senate race, Mo Brooks says opponents ‘will go negative’
Last Thursday, Congressman and candidate for the Alabama senate, Mo Brooks, took to the stand and said his opponents ‘will go negative’, referring to his strong lead ahead of the 2022 GOP race for Senate. Brooks spoke on the April 2021 poll by the conservative Club for Growth. This comes shortly after Katie Boyd Britt announced her run for Alabama Senate on Tuesday. After Brooks made this statement, voices of the political arena stated they believe it is too early to make such a claim. Brooks, during a visit to South Alabama on Thursday, said his Republican challengers – Katie Boyd Britt, the former president and CEO for the Business Council of Alabama; and Lynda Blanchard, a former ambassador to Slovenia under President Donald Trump – will have to go on the attack ahead of the May 24 Republican primary race to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby. The poll showed Brooks with a whopping 46-point lead, with 19 percent of voters undecided. “When you have one person with 59 percent of the vote, and Candidates 2 and 3 at 13 and 9, they are pretty much boxed in to attack position,” said Brooks, referring to the Club for Growth poll that occurred on April 26-27, long before Britt announced her candidacy. “The only question is whether they will attack as Lynda Blanchard has or if they are going to attack indirectly through third-party groups so they can have some degree of plausible deniability.” Brooks said his current standing among Alabama Republican voters is “scary good,” citing the Club for Growth polling, which said that 77 percent of respondents were not aware that Trump had endorsed the Huntsville Republican’s candidacy. The former president endorsed Brooks in early April. Like Angi Horn Stalnaker of Montgomery, some GOP strategists noted that Club for Growth has a record of negative campaigning itself and that if it’s aligned with Brooks, it will be pushing out its own advertisements against Britt and Blanchard in the months ahead. Joe Kildea, a spokesman with Club for Growth, said the organization had not made an endorsement in the 2022 race. With the 2022 Senate Election a year away, the polls have yet to accurately predict the outcome.
Katie Boyd Britt files paperwork to run for U.S. Senate
A longtime aide to retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby is entering the race to replace him in what’s shaping up to be a GOP primary slugfest at a time when the national Republican Party is trying to chart a direction after President Donald Trump’s departure. Katie Boyd Britt, the former president of the Business Council of Alabama and Shelby’s former chief of staff, filed federal paperwork Thursday to run for the seat in the 2022 election. While she has not announced a run, it has been long speculated that she would. Shelby announced in February at the age of 86 that he would not seek a seventh term. The GOP primary could serve as a microcosm of the larger national tug of war over the direction of the Republican Party. While Shelby has amassed a conservative voting record, the measured Republican senator has not embraced the bombastic populist style of some GOP candidates. Two Republicans are already in the race: Congressman Mo Brooks, who is armed with an endorsement from Trump, and Lynda Blanchard, a businesswoman who was Trump’s ambassador to Slovenia. Brooks, 66, has come under fire for telling attendees at a Jan. 6 rally that preceded the U.S. Capitol riot that it was time to “start taking down names and kicking ass.” Brooks said the phrase was intended to fire up the crowd for the next election cycle and is being misconstrued as advocating the violence that followed. Britt resigned from the Business Council of Alabama on Friday. In a statement, the council said she was leaving to pursue other opportunities. In her own statement, Britt said that she considered one of her greatest achievements to have been “bringing the previously forgotten back into the fold — our small businesses on Main Street, and the rural businesses and industry that are the heartbeats of local communities in every corner of our great state.” Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
32 Powerful and Influential Alabamians to know
It’s true, the words “powerful and influential” can be vague and subjective. However, it’s fair to say among the universally accepted definitions within politics and policy is an individual’s ability to create change, start a conversation, influence the public or public officials, move an agenda forward or stop one in its tracks. There’s no doubt that a good number of people are moving Alabama forward in politics and business. Recently, Yellowhammer published its 2021 annual list of who they consider the most influential and powerful. They noted it was a “Peek behind the curtain.” That it always is – a peek into the mind of the editorial team, writers, and friends of the site. With the same people on it year after year, often in the same companies and offices and the standard members of the legislature and statewide offices. Dozens of whom certainly would belong on any list of power or influence: Jo Bonner, Katie Britt, Bob Geddie, Dax Swatek. No one can deny the influence any of them have. Others on the list begged the question “Why?” while others were glaringly missing. This list purposely does not duplicate any name already appearing on that list. Not all influencers within the public arena are lobbyists or lawmakers. Some within the media or in advocacy organizations can shape or change public opinion. In addition, some influencers have the ability to position themselves, loved ones, or friends to the front of the line for coveted appointments or jobs. There’s so much to power and influence; while it may hard to describe, you know when you see it, and you know who lacks it. It could be argued that 1-5 are no brainers and would be list repeats, but heck, I say repeat them until it changes. So with that, let Alabama Today offer 32 additional notable people who were nominated by a ragtag group of incredibly biased judges. Did I mention how incredibly biased we are? This, combined with the YH list, might give one a better view of the movers and shakers with power and influence in the state’s political world. Worth noting, some of them are the bosses, mentors, elders statesman, and wise counsel of many on the YH list, while a couple of others are up and comers. Jimmy “Yellow Fella” Rane, President/CEO at Great Southern Wood Preserving Not only is the Yellow Fella the wealthiest man in Alabama and Board of Trustee at Auburn, but there’s also no doubt he’s used his financial success to the betterment of the state, giving him great power and influence. His contributions are well documented, politically, economically, and through philanthropy. From 2013 to May 2021, his company has given 178 contributions totaling $2,079,316.40. He also has the Jimmy Rane Foundation, which has more than doubled his political donations with $4.7 million in scholarships. His influence is undeniable and unmatched, which is why he is number one on our list. Mark Crosswhite, CEO Alabama Power Crosswhite’s voice carries a lot of weight, so much so that multiple people on the YH list answer to him in one way or another. Which begs the question, how can anyone deny his place on any list of power and influence? He chaired the BCA board during a critical time when the organization’s future was in peril, saving a key organization critical to the state’s business development, growth and success, and ensuring a better economic future for the state. As the organization continues to grow and evolve, there’s no doubt he’s still helping steer the ship. 3. Fess St. John IV, Chancellor of The University of Alabama System Finis “Fess” St. John IV comes from a storied line of Alabama influencers, including his father and grandfather. He’s currently the Chancellor of The University of Alabama (UA) System. Which makes him the chief executive officer of Alabama’s largest employer with multiple school campuses and a massive healthcare system. According to the school’s website, “Total enrollment in the UA System achieved a new record this fall, with more than 70,400 students enrolled at UA, UAB, and UAH. The System’s annual economic impact surpasses $10 billion annually, and upwards of 1.7 million patients are served every year in the System’s hospitals and clinics.” 4. Chris England, House of Representatives, District 70 While many have tried over the last couple of decades, England was able to stop the further deterioration of the Democrat party (with a reputation that was nationally marred by chaos, a lack of structure, oh, and that one toilet story) and begin its rebuilding. One long-time democrat described the infrastructure as stronger now than it has been since the days of Bill Baxley. England is a graduate of Howard University and the University of Alabama School of Law. His father grew up in Circuit Court Judge John H. England Jr., who served as a justice on the Alabama Supreme Court in 1999-2000. To leave him off the Top 5 of any influential list is to deny reality. 5. Stephanie Bryan, Tribal Chair and CEO for the Poarch Creek Indians No one should question the top female on this list. It’s no coincidence that she heads one of the biggest political powerhouses in the state of Alabama. PCI has capitalized on the shift in public attitudes towards a more tolerant attitude towards gaming and lottery to push for changes in the law that would allow their tribe’s operations to grow. This session’s gaming proposal wasn’t successful, but it got further than expected and may come up again in a special session. She is a political player that many say could be the most powerful over the next couple of campaign cycles. 6. Tom Coker, The Southern Group Rare can someone survive with the longevity and respectability of Tom Coker. His strength is the state senate, but he can get things done. His firm’s website names him as President of Tom Coker & Associates since 1982. Tom Coker offers a full range of governmental
