Candidate Gerrick Wilkins announces border security plan
On Wednesday, Congressional candidate Gerrick Wilkins announced his “America First Border Security Plan.” Wilkins said that his plan focuses on robust border security, adherence to the rule of law, and the safety of American citizens to solve the pressing crisis at our southern border. “As the crisis at our border escalates into a dire national security risk, it’s imperative for Congress to act decisively,” Wilkins said. “Our ‘America First Border Security Plan’ is a call to action, not just a policy proposal.” The key pillars of the plan are: · Constructing a formidable physical barrier along the entire southern border. Wilkins said this initiative is aimed at deterring illegal entry and symbolizes national resolve. · Significant funding increases for ICE and CBP by reallocating funds from the IRS expansion and Ukraine’s security. · Mobilizing the National Guard to bolster border security. Wilkins seeks the support of the US military to assist Mexico in eradicating drug cartels, highlighting the shared challenges in border security. · Enhanced collaboration with border states to strengthen security programs. · Deploying advanced technology such as drones, satellites, and surveillance tools for border monitoring and security. · Funding to streamline legal processes for asylum, deportation, and enforcement actions by empowering local law enforcement. · Reinstating President Donald Trump’s “Stay in Mexico” policy. · Ending Biden’s catch-and-release program · Stricter regulations and severe penalties for human traffickers · Expanding background checks for all individuals entering the country. · Imposing substantial penalties for visa overstays · Holding foreign governments accountable for facilitating or ignoring illegal immigration into the United States. · Companies will be mandated to verify the immigration status of their employees. · Immigration reforms shifting from family-based to merit-based immigration that aligns with national needs. · Reforming the refugee system to focus on low-risk individuals. · Increased costs of visas, background checks, and the naturalization process, as well as for international money transfers. These adjustments are designed to generate additional revenue to support the funding of enhanced border security measures. 2.76 million illegal immigrants crossed the southern border in fiscal year 2022 alone – that is equal to 55.1% of the population of the state of Alabama. That was followed by a record-breaking 3.2 million in fiscal year 2023 – equivalent to 64.5% of the population of the state of Alabama. The open border is also contributing to the deadly fentanyl epidemic, which is killing 107,000 Americans a year. 69.5% of the deaths are males. Drug overdose is now the leading cause of death for adults aged 18-45. Wilkins is involved in his local church, serving as a deacon and lay leader, engaging in mission work locally and globally, and working with Gideons International. Wilkins says that he is a Christian who loves the Lord. Gerrick also serves on several local advisory boards, including one for Mission Increase and Samford University’s Brock School of Business. Wilkins and his wife of 24 years, Carol, have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to churches, various charities, mission organizations, and educational programs. They have one daughter. They have lived in Alabama since 2006 and in Vestavia Hills since 2014. Wilkins has a bachelor’s degree from Pensacola Christian College. He also has a degree in theology from Liberty University and a master’s in business administration from Samford University. Wilkins has worked for over 24 years in the automotive industry. His experience includes managing large-scale dealerships and helping other community-based dealers grow. While managing car dealerships in Alabama, he has learned firsthand the constant heartaches small businesses must contend with from overregulation and excessive taxes. Wilkins is running against incumbent Gary Palmer (R-AL06) and insurance agent Ken McFeeters in the Republican primary on March 5. The eventual Republican nominee will face Democrat Elizabeth Anderson in the November 5 general election. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Congressional candidate Ken McFeeters opposes proposed ADPH COVID rule
On Wednesday, Republican Congressional candidate Ken McFeeters announced his opposition to a proposed Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) new rule requiring all the healthcare providers in the state to report every positive COVID-19 test in their office to ADPH. The proposed new rule would reportedly even require the doctors to report every suspected COVID-19 case that comes into the office to state authorities. McFeeters condemned the proposed change in COVID-19 reporting requirements. McFeeters is running for the GOP nomination for Congressional District 6. The proposed rule changes would require all positive tests for COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 to be reported to the County or State Health Department within 24 hours. ADPH released the proposed changes on November 20, 2023. The new rules would put positive COVID test results in the same category as Rabies, Polio, Tuberculosis, and Legionairre’s disease. “This is just another example of the idiotic policies of ADPH and Dr. Scott Harris, our State Health Officer,” McFeeters said in a statement. “Dr. Harris got everything wrong during the COVID pandemic, and now he wants more power over us? To demand that every positive COVID test be reported to the Health Department within a day is ridiculous.” McFeeters is concerned that the new rule further infringes on Americans’ privacy rights. “The COVID tests are notoriously unreliable,” McFeeters continued. “The number of false positives they give is too high. A positive test in a person with no symptoms doesn’t merit an urgent call to ADPH to give them your age, sex, address, ethnicity, phone number, and birthday.” McFeeters told Alabama Today that the economy never should have shut down in 2020 over COVID. He is also skeptical of the vaccine’s effectiveness and believes that the suspected side effects outweigh the benefits of mass vaccination. “COVID isn’t rabies. It’s not TB. Yes, it’s dangerous for the old and sick, but for most of us, it’s just a cold,” McFeeters continued. “Dr. Harris and ADPH have been either clueless or complicit throughout the COVID pandemic. Scott Harris has been a good little drone, carrying out the orders of Drs. [Anthony] Fauci and [Rochelle] Walensky, pushing lockdowns, mandates, and treatment protocols that left thousands dead. At the same time, he’s touted the Big Pharma party line and worked to marginalize courageous doctors who were treating sick people and saving lives.” McFeeters continued, “We don’t need this hysteric, intrusive level of reporting for COVID tests. What we do need is accountability for Dr. Harris and ADPH for the tens of thousands of Alabamians killed or injured by their COVID mismanagement, their deadly “treatments,” and the toxic jabs they forced on us.” A public hearing on the proposed reporting changes will be held on December 13, 2023 at 9:00 a.m., at the Alabama Department of Public Health, RSA Tower, Training Room 982, 201 Monroe Street in Montgomery. Ken McFeeters co-founded PAC Insurance Agency at age 21, and has worked there for the last 42 years. McFeeters is a father and grandfather. McFeeters said in his statement that he is running for Congress to disrupt Washington’s toxic culture of deceit and corruption and protect everyday Americans. McFeeters will face incumbent Congressman Gary Palmer and businessman Gerrick Wilkins in the Alabama Republican primary on March 5. The eventual Republican nominee will face Democratic nominee Elizabeth Anderson in the November 5 general election. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Gerrick Wilkins announces congressional bid
Last week, businessman Gerrick Wilkins announced he is running for Congress representing Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District. Wilkins is challenging incumbent Congressman Gary Palmer in the Republican primary. “It is with deep humility and responsibility that I enter the race for Alabama’s 6th District,” said Wilkins. “In 1964, Ronald Reagan said that our nation had reached a time of choosing; if that was true, then it is especially true today. Daily, we see the dysfunction in Washington, D.C., where career politicians have made the halls of Congress a lobbyist’s paradise. This must end. That is why I am supporting term limits for Congress and will work tirelessly to see that is enacted. Only with term limits will we be able to drain the swamp. Wilkins pledged if elected, he would be a true conservative and bring Alabama solutions and values to the U.S. House. “America is at a crossroads, and a strong conservative vision is needed to change the nation’s current trajectory and that he will be able to bring that vision to the House,” Wilkins said in a statement. Wilkins says that he is running as a strong fiscal conservative and supports a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. Wilkins claimed that for too many, including Palmer, serving in Congress has become a way to make money and gain influence, not the citizen politician that the founding fathers envisioned and President Ronald Reagan advocated. Wilkins says he supports abolishing the federal Department of Education and returning its duties to the states and local communities, where education belongs. He also pledged to fight against “the woke indoctrination” and to be a staunch advocate for parental rights and school choice. “Education is supposed to unlock the potential of every child and put them on the path for a great future,” Wilkins said. “Sadly, our education system has become an indoctrination center for the far left and its woke agenda. That is why we must abolish the federal Department of Education, return education to the states and local communities, and allow parental choice in education decisions.” “Economically, the failed policies of Joe Biden and career politicians are bankrupting our nation and future,” Wilkins said. “This must end. That is why I am supporting a Balanced Budget Amendment. If families must balance their budget, so must the federal government.” Wilkins vowed to combat the leftist, woke agenda attacking our religious freedoms and trying to break down our families. “Together, we can bring commonsense Alabama values and solutions to Congress,” concluded Wilkins. “I pledge in Congress to be the representative of the 6th District and not D.C. insiders.” Wilkins is involved in his local church, serving as a deacon and lay leader, engaging in mission work locally and globally, and working with Gideons International. Wilkins says that he is a Christian who loves the Lord. Over the years, he has committed significant time and personal resources to missions and philanthropic work locally to help his community in Alabama and worldwide. Gerrick also serves on several local advisory boards, including one for Mission Increase and Samford University’s Brock School of Business. Wilkins and his wife, Carol, have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to churches, various charities, mission organizations, and educational programs. Wilkins and Carol have been married for 24 years. They have one daughter, Hanna. They have lived in Alabama since 2006 and in Vestavia Hills since 2014. Wilkins has a bachelor’s degree from Pensacola Christian College. He also has a degree in theology from Liberty University and a master’s in business administration from Samford University. Wilkins has worked for over 24 years in the automotive industry. His experience includes managing large-scale dealerships and helping other community-based dealers grow. While managing car dealerships in Alabama, he has learned firsthand the constant heartaches small businesses must contend with from overregulation and excessive taxes. Ken McFeeters is also challenging Palmer in CD6. Palmer has served the people of Alabama in Congress for five terms. The primary will be on March 5. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Gary Palmer’s primary opponents not convinced that he would be a conservative speaker
On Sunday, Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL06) announced that he will seek to be elected as the next Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. However, his two primary opponents in Alabama remain skeptical about Palmer’s commitment to conservative principles. Palmer is facing two Republican primary opponents, Ken McFeeters and Gerrick Wilkins. Alabama Today spoke with McFeeters on Sunday about Palmer and his campaign to be Speaker of the House. McFeeters is an independent insurance agent. “Congressman Palmer might just get the Speakership as Congress has proven it doesn’t want a true conservative by not selecting Jim Jordan, so Gary might be their man,” McFeeters said. “More status quo, more multi-billion-dollar socialist spending bills/CARES Acts, more shutdowns, more “corporatism.” If Congressman Palmer is selected, and I think that’s what Congress wants.” McFeeters did not think that a Speaker Palmer would excite the Republican electorate. “I wish Congress did what the people wanted on occasion,” McFeeters added. “A side note. Gary’s own constituents cannot trust him because he broke his term limits pledge. Thus, why would his colleagues trust him as their next Speaker?” On Monday, Alabama Today spoke with Wilkins – a longtime businessman who declared his candidacy for House District six late last week. “We do need to get the Speaker’s race resolved, but I think there are better choices than Gary Palmer,” Wilkins said. “I think Byron Donalds is the best choice in the Speaker’s race.” “Gary started as a strong conservative, but he has lost his way,” Wilkins said. “He now sides with the establishment more than with the people. He even opposed the parent’s bill of rights.” Wilkins objected to Palmer’s decision earlier this year to renounce his term limits pledge and run for a sixth term. “I think what you say matters,” Wilkins said. “I have been in business for 24 years, and now I am devoting considerable time and resources to this race.” Palmer is facing eight opponents in his bid to be the next Speaker of the House. The House Republican Conference will meet Monday evening to select a new nominee for the open Speaker of the House race. The last two nominees, Jim Jordan and Steve Scalise could not unite the caucus. It takes a simple majority of the Conference to win the Republican nomination, but winning the Speaker of the House position requires 217 Republicans to vote in favor of the nomination. With ultra-conservatives and more mainstream Republicans refusing to vote for the Conference’s nominee, it has been difficult for Republicans to elect a Speaker. Palmer will still have to face McFeeters and Wilkins in the Republican primary. The major party primaries are on March 5. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Ken McFeeters running for Congressional District 6
On Tuesday, Republican Ken McFeeters qualified to run for the U.S. House of Representatives in Congressional District Six. McFeeters is challenging five-term incumbent Gary Palmer in the Republican primary. Ken McFeeters is an independent insurance agent who lives and works in the Hoover-Birmingham area. Alabama Today spoke on the phone with McFeeters on Thursday while he was out campaigning. “I got involved in politics initially because of some issues that came up in the insurance business that I am in,” McFeeters said. Over time, McFeeters said that his concern about the country’s direction increased. “I have had some concerns for a while,” McFeeters told Alabama Today. “The last couple of years has been insane.” “Gary Palmer says all the Republican talking points, but I don’t feel that he is leading,” said McFeeters on why he would run against an entrenched incumbent. “I met with Gary for two hours hoping that he would talk me out of it (running),” McFeeters said. McFeeters said that he was not satisfied with Palmer’s answers on the issues he cares about, including Palmer’s answers on COVID-19 vaccines for infants, the war in Ukraine, and some of the shutdowns. That conversation convinced McFeeters to run. McFeeters believes the federal government needs some fiscal discipline, as evidenced by the $33 trillion national debt. “It is insanity,” McFeeters said. “Gary voted for the CARES Act, a $2.2 trillion bill.” McFeeters said on the issue of the COVID lockdowns, “Gary said under the circumstances, it would have been worse not to. How could it have been worse.” McFeeters also questioned the wisdom of the federal government’s COVID-19 vaccination program. “My sister was injured by the vaccine with micro clots,” McFeeters said. “Gary said that he thinks he got myocarditis from the shot. And his letter says that everybody should get shots.” “They are injecting it into infants,” McFeeters said. “They put it on the schedule, so unless you opt-out, it is given to every child.” We asked McFeeters about his view on the GOP house member’s inability to agree on a Speaker of the House. “It is discouraging,” McFeeters said. “I was disappointed. I was hoping that Jim Jordan would get it.” McFeeters said it was a bad look for House Republicans that they could not come together and select a Speaker of the House after the Hamas attacks on Israel. McFeeters speculated that the 20 members who opposed Rep. Jordan are controlled by corporate interests in Washington, D.C., that do not want Jordan to be speaker. “It seems like we are living at an insane time,” McFeeters said. McFeeters expressed fears that corporate elites have gained too much power in federal and state governments and that Congress and the legislatures serve them rather than the people. “Both sides call the other side fascist,” McFeeters said of the left and the right. “But if you look up the history of the term fascism, it was invented by Benito Mussolini in the twenties. He said that it represented the merger of state and corporate power. That seems like what we have been living with.” He discussed the education system. “I want to abolish the U.S. Department of Education and get the federal government out of education,” McFeeters said. “When it was created around 1980, our educational system was number two in the world. Now, after spending hundreds of billions of dollars, depending on what rankings you use, we are somewhere between 25 and 28.” McFeeters expressed concerns that the educational system is not teaching students how to be critical thinkers but instead just making them into good workers for corporate interests. McFeeters referenced the border issue as another area in which corporate interests supply big corporations with willing workers without regard for the people of the United States. “When Republicans were in there, they didn’t do anything either,” McFeeters said of the GOP’s inability to pass an immigration bill even in those times when they controlled both houses of Congress and held the presidency. McFeeters said that he is enjoying being out on the campaign trail. “Everywhere I go, everybody agrees with me,” McFeeters said. McFeeters said the informed voters who go to Republican group meetings, read, and actively study the issues generally agree with him on most issues. His concern is with the voters who aren’t paying attention and will be swayed by the media. McFeeters is not optimistic about his chances of beating a five-term incumbent in Palmer. “I don’t think I will win because not enough people are awake yet,” McFeeters said. The major party primaries are on March 5. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Ken McFeeters to run for Congress
On Saturday, in Vestavia at the Mid-Alabama Republican Club (MARC), independent insurance agent Ken McFeeters announced he is a candidate for Congress in Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District. McFeeters has been very active in local Republican politics and has previously served as a MARC officer. McFeeters had offered himself up as a candidate for the vacant Alabama House District 42 seat after Rep. David Wheeler (R-Vestavia) died. The ALGOP Steering Committee chose Hoover City Councilman Mike Shaw instead. As an independent insurance agent, McFeeters has lobbied the state Legislature hard for a level playing field in the insurance industry and against tax breaks for insurance firms with a large physical presence in the state – primarily benefitting ALFA insurance and State Farm. McFeeters is challenging incumbent Gary Palmer (R-Hoover), who has already announced that he is running for a sixth term. Qualifying for Congress formally opens next month for the major party primaries. Since the court-appointed special master has not yet submitted his congressional redistricting map, it is unknown where the seven congressional district boundaries will be. The court has thrown out the redistricting map passed by the Legislature in a special session in July. The state is appealing. The special master will complete his redistricting map by September 25. The major party primaries will be held on March 5. The Mid-Alabama Republican Club meets on the second Saturday of each month in the Vestavia Hills Public Library at 8:30 a.m. John Lyda is the current President of MARC. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
