Kay Ivey, challengers race to right in Alabama GOP primary
In a pair of campaign ads this GOP primary season, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey falsely declares the election was stolen from Donald Trump and accuses the federal government of “shipping illegal immigrants” to the state. “My message to Biden: No way, Jose,” she says. But a competing ad by former Trump ambassador Lindy Blanchard calls Ivey a “tax-hiking Fauci-loving” liberal, swiping at her for actions during the COVID-19 pandemic and a gas tax increase. Alabama’s Republican primary has become a race to the right, with candidates staking out extreme positions on abortion, immigration, and LGBTQ issues. The race was supposed to be a cakewalk for Ivey — who still remains favored to win a second full term — but right flank opponents are trying to make it a referendum on conservative credentials as they seek to push the Alabama governor into a runoff. Blanchard, who left the U.S. Senate race to run for governor, said there are GOP voters who are not happy with Ivey’s leadership on a number of issues. She particularly cited Ivey’s support for the gas tax increase and mask mandate and business closures during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic. “I don’t want the government anywhere near my health care telling me what to do,” Blanchard said. “I want the people of Alabama to know that if you like Gov. [Ron] DeSantis and Kristi Noem, then you’ll like Gov. Blanchard,” she said, referencing the Florida and South Dakota governors. It is historically difficult for a primary challenger to defeat an incumbent governor. None of the primary challengers have the footprint to defeat Ivey alone. They instead are placing hopes that they can collectively garner enough primary votes and keep Ivey below 50% of the vote to spark a runoff and a new political ballgame. Ivey faces a total of eight primary challengers, including Blanchard, businessman Tim James — the son of former Gov. Fob James — and Lew Burdette, who runs King’s Home, a Christian-based nonprofit with group homes throughout the state. Former Morgan County Commissioner Stacy Lee George, Opelika pastor Dean Odle, businessman Dean Young, Donald Trent Jones, and Springville Mayor Dave Thomas are also challenging Ivey. James has also criticized past mask mandates and the gas tax increase that includes a provision for automatic increases based on the National Highway Construction Cost Index. “Governor Ivey and the political crowd found a way to raise taxes forever without having to vote on them,” James said in the ad. James, in other ads, called transgender swimmer Lia Thomas “a man in a woman’s bathing suit” and criticized a first-of-its-kind charter school in Homewood that was created to welcome LGBTQ students. An Ivey campaign spokesman said the governor is confident she will win without a runoff. Spokesman William Heartsill said the governor’s record speaks for itself. “Governor Ivey has done what other people are only talking about doing.” Among other actions, the campaign cited her record on job creation and her signing of legislation to try to ban abortion at any stage of pregnancy, forbid transgender girls from playing on girls’ sports teams at schools, and outlawing the use of puberty blockers and hormones to treat transgender minors. “Kay Ivey is the most conservative governor our state has ever had. She has always been a fighter for conservative values, and that will never change,” Heartsill said. Blanchard, who was Trump’s ambassador to Slovenia, ran an ad that questioned why Ivey didn’t appear on stage with Trump at a Cullman rally. It was there that a cantankerous crowd jeered U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks for suggesting that voters focus energy on the next election since they couldn’t change the outcome of the most recent presidential contest. Ivey greeted Trump at the airport, and her office distributed photos of the meeting. Trump has not weighed in on the Alabama race. The dynamic is playing out in other states. J.D. Vance, the author of “Hillbilly Elegy,” won the Republican primary for an Ohio Senate seat in a race where contenders competed to be the most Trump-like candidate. State Rep. Mike Ball, who is retiring after 20 years in the Alabama Legislature, said the candidates all have staunchly conservative positions and are in a race amongst themselves to be the most conservative of all. “There are some extreme positions being taken in this primary. Look at the ads on these hot button issues,” he said. David Mowery, an Alabama-based political consultant, said right now there is “a lot of sound and fury and we’ll see what it signifies on Election Day.” “Ivey still has the upper hand and at least a solid shot of winning without a runoff,” he said. Republished with the permission of The Associated Press.
Steve Flowers: Governor’s race down to the wire
We are down to the last few days in the 2022 Governor’s Race. For the first time in my memory, the governor’s race has been overshadowed by another race. The race to fill the void left by retiring senior U.S. Senator Richard Shelby has eclipsed the interest in the governor’s race. It is an obvious fact that our open senate seat is more competitive and interesting than a race with a popular incumbent governor running for reelection. Kay Ivey has been in control of this race since the get-go. National polls have ranked her as one of the most popular incumbent governors in the nation. Alabama’s polls have consistently shown her with a commanding lead. Most polls have her winning without a runoff. She has been bombarded by ads from two well-financed opponents. Lindy Blanchard has spent over $8 million of her own money and Tim James has spent over $4 million. They both have primarily run against transgenders. A recent Cygnal poll indicates that either Blanchard or James could force Ivey into a runoff Kay Ivey will be reelected governor. The question is whether she beats her eight opponents without a runoff. My guess is that she wins Tuesday without a runoff. However, I disagree with some Ivey naysayers and her opponents that forecast that if she does not win straight out with 50% plus one vote, she is in trouble in a June 21 runoff. My thoughts are that if she dips 45% to 48% that still does not make it a close race in the runoff. She would be at 48% and whoever finishes second will be at about 15%. She can pick up the phone as an incumbent governor and raise $2 million dollars for the six-week runoff in two days. Polling depicts a picture of the entire Republican electorate in the state. The polling is only skewed if there is a lighter-than-expected turnout. The turnout Tuesday is going to be largely due to the U.S. Senate race and the avalanche of Potomac money being spent in our state. Therefore, my belief is that Ivey’s polling numbers will hold. She will probably win outright Tuesday, if not she will win on June 21. Most of us thought Kay would not run for reelection when she won overwhelmingly in 2018. However, when she announced she was going to run for another four-year term, early polls revealed that she would be tough to beat. Those of us who follow and pontificate on Alabama politics felt that the only way she could lose is if she beat herself with a faux paus or misstep. She has avoided any potholes in this six-month campaign for reelection. Matter of fact, she has run a flawless and almost perfect campaign. Her media firm has done an excellent job with her television ads. The one with her saying, “Bless Joe Biden’s heart” and “No Way Jose” captured the essence of why she is popular. Her best attribute politically is that she comes across as your grandmama. How in the world can someone run negative ads about people’s grandmama? She has also been fortunate to have fielded a much weaker field of opponents than she had in 2018, which by the way, she beat without a runoff. Kay Ivey has done a good job as Governor and I think people, deep down, know this. They trust her as being honest and straight forward. She is running for the right reason. She has some more things she wants to accomplish for her state. You cannot say that Kay Ivey does not love Alabama. The only serious opponents that Kay has endured are Tim James and Lindy Blanchard. They have both run valiant campaigns and given it the old college try. It will be a close race to see who finishes second. However, finishing second only counts in horseshoes and it will be a distant second at best. This will be Tim James’ third try for the brass ring his father garnered twice. Three strikes and you are probably out. Lindy Blanchard has really given this race her all. She has spent a lot of her personal money, more than anyone expected. She has also crisscrossed the state campaigning hard every day. If you meet her, you cannot help but like her. However, the hill you must climb to defeat an incumbent governor is steep. We will see next Tuesday. 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.
Governor candidates Lindy Blanchard and Tim James take to the road in statewide tours to defeat Kay Ivey
As Election Day in Alabama draws near, two of the candidates looking to unseat Governor Kay Ivey have announced statewide tours. Gubernatorial candidates Lindy Blanchard and Tim James have both hit the road to get their individual messages to the people of Alabama. A recent poll commissioned by Alabama Daily News and Gray Television and conducted by Cygnal, Ivey’s former consulting firm, has Ivey getting 40% of the vote. The poll, which was released to subscribers of Inside Alabama Politics first, has James coming in behind Ivey at 17.9% and Blanchard with 14.6% with a margin of error of +/- 3.99% making it a dead heat for which one of them will be in the run-off should there be one. Lew Burdette follows James and Blanchard with 5.8% and Dean Odle with 3.6%. Blanchard announced she will continue traveling across Alabama this week for her Alabama Values Tour stopping to speak with voters in every corner of the state. On Monday, Blanchard started with what she called “‘Bama Roots Day” and made stops in Montgomery to Fort Deposit, Greenville, and Mobile, and then ended the day in Brewton. Tuesday is “Faith and Family Day” beginning with multiple stops in Huntsville and will continue to Decatur, Birmingham, and ending in Montgomery. Please see below for a schedule of Blanchard’s Tuesday Tour Events: Breakfast MeetingBlue Plate Cafe3210 Governors Dr. SW, Huntsville, AL 358058:30 AM Faith Walk to the CrossMonte Sano State Park5105 Nolen Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 3580111:30 AM Montgomery County GOP “Countdown to the Primary” Baseball Game – Riverwalk Stadium200 Coosa St, Montgomery, AL 361046:30 PM Tim James will be kicking off his “Fight Back” bus tour across Alabama on Wednesday morning, May 18, at Fort Dale Academy in Greenville. From Greenville, Tim will stop to meet with Alabama voters in Camden, Linden, Tuscaloosa, Sheffield, and Florence. Thursday morning, May 19, James will begin the day in Huntsville, and travel through Guntersville, Gadsden, Oxford, Sylacauga, Alexander City, Auburn, and Opelika. Friday morning, May 20, he will meet with Alabama voters in Auburn and his hometown of Opelika, then depart for Troy, Ozark, Dothan, Enterprise, Elba, and Andalusia. On Saturday, May 21, James will start in Mobile and make stops in Fairhope, Foley, Daphne, and end the day back home in Greenville. To get more information including a sample ballot, your polling place, and your current voter registration information leading up to the May 24, 2022 election, visit the Secretary of State website at AlabamaVotes.org.
Transgender medication law in Alabama blocked by judge
A federal judge on Friday blocked part of an Alabama law that made it a felony to prescribe gender-affirming puberty blockers and hormones to transgender minors. U.S. District Judge Liles Burke issued a preliminary injunction to stop the state from enforcing the medication ban, which took effect May 8, while a lawsuit goes forward. The ruling was a victory for families and advocacy groups who challenged the first-of-its-kind law as an illegal intrusion into family and medical decisions. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey referred to the ruling as a “temporary legal roadblock.” Alabama’s state attorney general indicated he will appeal. “This ruling means that parents of transgender children in Alabama will continue to be able to make the healthcare decisions that are best for their families. It is an extraordinary relief. Parents should not be punished for wanting to do what’s best for their kids,” said Jennifer Levi, director of the transgender rights project for GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders. The Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act made it a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, to prescribe or administer gender-affirming medication to transgender minors to help affirm their new gender identity. The judge left in place another part of the law that banned gender-affirming surgeries for transgender minors, which doctors had testified are not done on minors in Alabama. He also left in place a provision that requires counselors and other school officials to tell parents if a minor discloses that they think they are transgender. “We will continue fighting to protect Alabama’s children from these radical, unproven, life-altering drugs, despite this temporary legal roadblock,” Ivey said in a statement issued Saturday morning. “It is especially important while they are at such a vulnerable stage in life. We will continue to uphold our duty to ensure that children are free to grow up into the adults God intended them to be, even with today’s societal pressures and modern culture.” A spokesman said Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is disappointed in the court’s decision “and is already working on filing an appeal in defense of the law.” Four families with transgender children ranging in ages 12 to 17 had filed a lawsuit challenging the Alabama law as discriminatory, an unconstitutional violation of equal protection and free speech rights, and an intrusion into family medical decisions. The U.S. Department of Justice joined the lawsuit seeking to overturn the law. Burke — nominated to the court by former President Donald Trump in 2017 — ruled that Alabama had produced no credible evidence to show that transitioning medications are “experimental.” He added that “the uncontradicted record evidence is that at least twenty-two major medical associations in the United States endorse transitioning medications as well-established, evidence-based treatments for gender dysphoria in minors.” He noted testimony from a mother who said she feared her child would commit suicide if she lost access to the medications. “Enjoining the Act upholds and reaffirms the ‘enduring American tradition’ that parents — not the states or federal courts — play the primary role in nurturing and caring for their children,” Burke wrote in the opinion. Jeff Walker of Auburn, Alabama, told The Associated Press on Saturday that the ruling “took a lot of weight off our shoulders.” The Walker family is not one of the plaintiffs in the case but said they had been scrambling to figure out how to continue care for their 15-year-old daughter, Harleigh, and if they needed to move to another state. Harleigh Walker said the decision was a “huge stress relief.” The legislation was part of a wave of bills in Republican-controlled states regarding transgender minors but was the first to levy criminal penalties against the doctors who provide the medications. In Arkansas, a judge blocked a similar law before it took effect. Dr. Morissa Ladinsky, a pediatrician who founded a Birmingham medical team that treats children with gender dysphoria, said the decision was a “huge relief for transgender children and their families.” “The court’s decision recognizes that this is well-established care that has been endorsed by 22 major medical associations. This decision will ensure transgender children in Alabama and beyond can continue to receive this evidence-based well-known life-saving care,” she said. More than 20 medical and mental health organizations urged Burke to block the law. Fifteen states filed a brief in the case in support of Alabama’s law. The state attorney general’s office argued that the use of the medications is unsettled science, and thus the state has a role in regulation to protect children. During a court hearing before Burke, state attorneys argued European countries take a more conservative approach to the medications. Alabama lawmakers, who approved the bill this spring, said decisions on the medications should wait until adulthood. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Kay Ivey names Jeff Smitherman as Alabama EMA acting Director
On Wednesday, Gov. Kay Ivey announced she has appointed emergency management veteran and West Point alumnus Jeff Smitherman as Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) acting director. Current AEMA Director Brian Hastings is taking a new opportunity and will lead the agency through Friday, May 20. Smitherman will take the helm Saturday, May 21. “Alabama knows better than most the need to be prepared always and to be ready to respond efficiently in emergency situations, and our Emergency Management Agency plays a major role in that. I thank Director Hastings for his service to the state the last nearly five years and am now proud to appoint Jeff Smitherman to lead the agency,” stated Ivey. “Jeff is no stranger to emergency management, from his time serving our country and state in the Army to his several years at the Alabama EMA, he is more than qualified. I am confident Jeff will bring a steady hand, vast knowledge, and a servant’s attitude to this role.” Smitherman currently serves as the executive operations officer at AEMA. Prior to that, he was the director of operations. Before beginning his tenure at AEMA, Smitherman held leadership positions with the Alabama National Guard. “I am both honored and humbled to be asked by Governor Ivey to lead this agency as the acting director. This agency has a critical mission in the state, and I will strive to continue the great work that this staff performs every day for the citizens of Alabama,” said Smitherman. “The state’s emergency management system, with all its stakeholders, is recognized nationally as one of the best. I will work with the governor, her staff, and the outstanding staff at the agency to continue to uphold the highest standards for the citizens of this great state.”
Anti-gambling coalition urges Kay Ivey to reject gambling legislation for any 2022 special sessions
This year, the Alabama legislature considered but did not pass any bills to expand gambling in the state. This year Gov. Kay Ivey told 1819 News that her greatest regret of the 2022 Alabama Regular Session was that gambling legislation did not pass. “I was disappointed that they did not get the gambling bill passed,” Ivey said. “Not that I am so much for gambling, but I do think the people of Alabama ought to have the right to make that decision. I wish that had passed the legislature so that people could vote it up or down in November.” That statement prompted an anti-gambling coalition to urge Gov. Ivey to avoid bringing the gambling issue up during any special sessions in 2022. According to a press release from the group, it has been reported that $1.5M “dark money” has recently been contributed to Governor Ivey’s re-campaign for governor. The group says it’s been rumored that at least half of that money was donated by pro-gambling organizations. In April, WBRC reported that Ivey’s largest donor, Get Families Back to Work, contributed two $750,000 contributions to her campaign. It’s the largest single donation Ivey’s received since 2013. Additionally, the group pointed out that PCI (Poarch Creek Indians) never stopped advocating or advertising for gambling expansion, even though the regular legislative session ended April 8th. The Alabama Legislature and Alabama voters have rejected gambling at the ballot box. Former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Glenn Murdock stated, “Our founders understood how destructive gambling is for families and communities and included a blanket prohibition against it in Alabama’s constitution. As a legal and practical matter, if that clause is removed from our constitution to allow a lottery, it will open the door to all forms of Las Vegas-style gambling throughout Alabama.” The group is calling on Ivey to resist pressure from big-money donors and gambling operators who are currently breaking state law and enforce the gambling laws that prohibit state-sponsored games of chance. The anti-gambling group includes: Eagle Forum of Alabama AL Conservative Coalition AL Christian Education Association SE Law Institute Alabama Citizens Action Program (ALCAP) Christian Citizen Task Force Thatcher Coalition Citizens for a Better Alabama Alabama Policy Institute
Additional plaintiffs added to lawsuit against Kay Ivey and Scott Harris over COVID shutdowns
The Alabama Center for Law and Liberty (ACLL) has added plaintiffs in a March 2022 lawsuit stemming from Alabama’s COVID-19 lockdowns, 1819 News reported. According to a release from the ACLL, O’Dell Equipment Rental, LLC, and JoJo’s Mini Golf & Frozen Yogurt, both owned by Jonathan O’Dell, have been added to the Riccio v. Harris lawsuit that was filed in March against Gov. Kay Ivey and State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris. On March 19, the ACLL filed suit on behalf of Saranne Riccio and her business, Uncorked Providence, which also went out of business after the lockdowns. The suit claims that, after COVID hit in March of 2020, the lockdowns imposed by Ivey and Harris forced JoJo’s to close its doors because it was considered a “nonessential” business. It was shut down until May, and then only at half capacity. “JoJo’s was subject to that order until November 2020,” the release read. “These orders resulted in JoJo’s losing over 77% of its revenue, and it was forced to close in December of 2020. O’Dell was also forced to sign JoJo’s property back over to the bank.” “This suit is about three things: compensating our clients for their losses, holding our government accountable for its actions, and defending the principle of separation of powers.” ACLL President Matt Clark stated. “Dr. Harris and Gov. Ivey ran the state for an entire year without any meaningful input from the legislature. Just as taxation without representation was a major grievance of the American Founders, ‘shutdown without representation’ is the major grievance in this suit. The Alabama constitution gives the legislative branch the authority to make the law and the executive branch the authority to execute the law. When the two powers are combined in the executive branch, people get hurt, as our clients’ case demonstrates.” Other lawsuits have been filed against Harris and Ivey, including one lawsuit filed by seven Alabama residents. The group is represented by former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore and The Foundation for Moral Law. Their suit claims the two abused their power to impose Covid restrictions. “The Governor and State Health Officer of this State have clearly and repeatedly exceeded their authority under both the Constitution of the United States and the Alabama Constitution over the last six months,” Moore stated. “Unconstitutional restriction of church assembly and worship, discriminatory closing of businesses, stay at home orders, social distancing, wearing of masks, and restriction on travel are simply against our rights secured by the Constitution of the United States.” “Because the legislature failed in 2020 and 2021 to rebalance the powers of the legislature and the executive, and since Gov. Ivey views the people’s representatives as a ‘herd of turtles’ unworthy of a vote, the people have no other choice than to resort to the courts to ensure that something like this never happens again,” Clark stated. “Suits in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania have resulted in successful precedents holding that, even in a pandemic, the executive branch’s authority is still limited. We hope that the Alabama courts will agree.”
Airbus expanding in Alabama, adding 1,000 jobs
The space industry is expanding in Alabama, Gov. Kay Ivey said. The governor was in Mobile on Monday afternoon to announce Airbus is adding to its aerospace manufacturing facility and will create more than 1,000 new jobs in the coming years. The company is planning to add a third production and final assembly line at the facility as it plans to increase production on its A320 family of single-aisle passenger aircraft. “It’s wonderful to see Airbus continue to grow its only U.S. airliner manufacturing operation with another expansion in Mobile,” the Republican governor said in a release. “This growth is made possible by the company’s skilled workforce in Alabama and our commitment to developing a pipeline of future aerospace workers.” Airbus already employs 1,200 at the Mobile production facility, according to the release. The announcement comes just one week after the aerospace company said it plans to increase global production on the jets, which features the new 350,000 square-foot production line addition in Mobile as part of its plan. “The fact that Mobile will lead our unprecedented global production rate increase in coming years is a tribute to the world-class labor force in Alabama,” C. Jeffrey Knittel, chairman and CEO of Airbus Americas, said in the release. “I’m so proud of our Mobile employees for proving through years of hard work what Alabama is capable of, and I’m also immensely grateful to state leadership for making Alabama such a great place to invest and do business.” According to the release, the state is focusing workforce development and education efforts to work on recruitment and training initiatives to construct a pipeline for jobs, said Ed Castile, director of AIDT who also serves as secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “Airbus has been an extraordinary partner as we work together daily to help change people’s lives,” Castile said in the release. “Airbus provides incredible career opportunities, and we have the awesome opportunity to help them find their team and assist with training.” According to the release, AIDT said it will widen its Aviation Training Center, which is located in Mobile at the Aeroplex at Brookley. The 36,500 square-foot facility, which opened in 2014, will aid Airbus production in place, Castile said. The organization plans to increase apprenticeship programs to support the company’s training programs at Flight Works Alabama. Focused projects include FlightPath9 and We Build It Better. Dual enrollment will be accepted at area schools, according to the release. Flight Works Alabama, which is located near the production facility, provides education in aerospace with a goal of drawing in future aviation workers to the 15,000 square-foot facility, the release says. The facility targets high school seniors to provide information for those students who want to work in the industry, according to the release. The We Build It Better focuses on providing classroom kits and interactive programs that will help teachers to expand creative capacity of students. Airbus, according to the release, began production of the A320 aircraft in 2015 and launched production for the A220 single-aisle passenger jets in 2019. A new production line for the aircraft also opened that year. The company has invested more than $1 billion into the plant, the release said. Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
White House responds to new transgender laws in Alabama
The White House today has reacted to the recent transgender laws in Alabama. The Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act was signed by Gov. Kay Ivey in April and took effect on Sunday. The law will make it a felony for doctors to prescribe puberty blockers and hormones to trans people under age 19. Four Alabama families with transgender children have filed a lawsuit challenging and the U.S. Department of Justice has joined the suit. Alabama is the first state to enact such a ban, and a similar measure in Arkansas was blocked by a federal judge before it took effect. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra responded to the law, vowing to support trans youth. Becerra stated, “HHS is committed to protecting young Americans who are targeted because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and supporting their parents, caregivers, families and their doctors. I know that many youth and their families are feeling scared and isolated because of these attacks — and I want them to know we see you, we support you and we are with you. HHS is closely monitoring the situation in the states, and will use every tool at our disposal to keep our kids and doctors safe.” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said during a press briefing that the Biden administration will not ‘hesitate to hold states accountable’ as lawmakers advance anti-trans laws across the country. “Alabama’s lawmakers and other legislators that are contemplating these discriminatory bills have been put on notice by the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services that laws and policies preventing care that healthcare professionals recommend for transgender minors may violate the constitution and federal law,” stated Psaki. “LGTQI+ people can’t be erased or forced back into any closets and kids across our nation should be allowed to be who they are without the threat that their parents or their doctor could be in prison simply for helping them and loving them.” In April, Alabama Secretary of State Steve Marshall said in a statement on Twitter, “On April 8, Alabama enacted the Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act to protect children from experimental medical procedures that have no proven benefit and carry a substantial risk of long-term, irreversible harm.” “There are very real challenges facing our young people, especially with today’s societal pressures and modern culture,” Ivey said in a statement. “I believe very strongly that if the Good Lord made you a boy, you are a boy, and if he made you a girl, you are a girl.”
Paul DeMarco: Candidate debate unlikely in Alabama high profile races as Primary day nears
Alabama voters are trying to sort out who they are going to support in the next four weeks as we approach the upcoming primary elections in our state. The two high profile races in the state are that for Governor and the United States Senate. And usually by this late in the campaigns, we would see a debate on a stage to allow the voters to evaluate the candidates to determine who they will get behind. But both front runners in these two races have made it clear they do not intend to participate in any debates as we approach election day. Neither Governor Kay Ivey nor Mike Durant who have the lead in their respective elections according to polling must believe a debate with their opponents is not the right move. The other candidates asked for a debate with the front runners, but it does not appear it will happen. As we approach the finish line for the Republican Primary, the lack of debates should not surprise us as we have seen it in the past. We will see if voters care either as the May 24th election day is upon us. Paul DeMarco is a former member of the Alabama House of Representatives.
Kay Ivey receives National Right to Life endorsement
The reelection campaign for Gov. Kay Ivey announced today that she has received an endorsement from the National Right to Life. The organization is the oldest and largest federation of state right-to-life affiliates and local chapters in the country. Governor Ivey thanked National Right to Life for their endorsement. “National Right to Life dedicates itself each and every day to protecting and defending our nation’s most precious asset – our next generation. I am humbled to accept their endorsement,” Ivey stated. “Our children are a gift from God, and I will never stop defending them. It’s easy to talk about protecting life, but it’s a different thing to act on it, and that’s what our state did when I signed the strongest pro-life bill in the entire nation, which struck at the core of Roe v. Wade itself,” said Ivey. “This bill is particularly important now in light of recent events in the United States Supreme Court. I pray that Roe v. Wade may be heading to the ash bins of history, I am hopeful that is the case.” Ivey continued: “In Alabama, we’ve set a national standard for what it truly means to protect unborn children. To no one’s surprise, Hollywood, the mainstream media, and the radical left had a come apart when I signed this bill. Who knew protecting innocent, unborn babies could be so controversial? Well, despite their best attempts to intimidate us into backing down, we didn’t flinch. I stand by Alabama’s pro-life values, and as long as I’m the governor of this state, I always will. Our children are a gift from God, and it is our responsibility to make sure that they are protected at all costs.” In 2019, Ivey signed the Alabama Human Life Protection Act, which made abortion and attempted abortion a felony offense. Now the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to overturn Roe v. Wade, which will allow the 2019 law to go into effect. It will be considered one of the restricted abortion laws in the country. The act is what is considered a trigger law, and will take effect to outlaw abortion if the Supreme Court ever gives states control of abortion. In their endorsement letter to Governor Ivey, National Right to Life said, “Alabama voters who are concerned with the right to life and with the protection of vulnerable members of the human family should vote to re-elect you [Kay Ivey] as governor so that you can continue to advance vital pro-life public policies.”
The NRA Political Victory Fund announces primary endorsements
The NRA Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) has announced its endorsements for the May 24 primary in Alabama. The NRA-PVF is NRA’s political action committee. The NRA-PVF ranks political candidates – irrespective of party affiliation – based on voting records, public statements, and their responses to an NRA-PVF questionnaire. Mo Brooks received the endorsement and A rating for the U.S. Senate seat and incumbent Rep. Mike Rogers got an A rating and was endorsed for the U.S. House of Representatives. For the governor’s race, the group gave an A rating and endorsement to incumbent Kay Ivey. Incumbents continued to take the top spots in the Attorney General, State Senate, and House of Representatives elections. AG Steve Marshall received an A rating along with incumbent State Senators Tim Melson (Dist. 1), Tom Butler (Dist. 2), Steve Livingston (Dist. 8), Randy Price (Dist. 13), Dan Roberts (Dist. 15), Shay Shelnutt (Dist.17), Tom Whatley (Dist. 27), and Mike Jones (Dist.31). For the State House of Reps., the following incumbents received an A rating and endorsement: Phillip Pettus (Dist. 1), Parker Moore (Dist. 4), Proncey Robertson (Dist. 7), Tim Wadsworth (Dist. 14), Tommy Hanes (Dist. 23), Nathaniel Ledbetter (Dist. 24), Gil Isbell (Dist. 28), Debbie Wood (Dist. 38), Ginny Shaver (Dist. 39), Dickie Drake (Dist. 45), Jim Carnes (Dist. 48), Brent Easterbrook (Dist. 65), Jeff Sorrells (Dist. 87), Will Dismukes (Dist. 88), Rhett Marques (Dist. 91), and Matt Simpson (Dist. 96). State House of Rep. candidates that are not incumbents that received an A rating and an endorsement include Michael Hart (Dist. 49) and Troy Stubbs (Dist. 31). For the Sheriff’s elections, the following candidates received an A rating and endorsement: Max Sanders (Lawrence County), Joshua McLaughlin (Limestone County), Eric Balentine (Colbert County), and Matt Gentry (Cullman County).
