Pell City holds annual law enforcement appreciation luncheon
The City of Pell City recently held its annual law enforcement appreciation luncheon sponsored by Metro Bank owner Annette Cox. The annual event was held at the Pell City municipal complex. Cox expressed her pleasure at being able to host this event to honor the members of law enforcement in the community. The annual event honors law enforcement for making Pell City and St. Clair County a great place to live, work, and raise a family. The luncheon featured steak entrees with a wide selection of cakes for desserts. St. Clair County Commission President Stan Bateman (R) said, “This community is so special. Metro Bank and Ms. Annette Cox steps up and does this every year to show all of our appreciation of what you in law enforcement do for our community. If you drive around the county and see all the commercial development that’s going on, if you will look at the sign in front of the project Metro Bank is the one providing the financing for a lot of it. I want to give Metro Bank a round of applause.” Bateman spent his career law in enforcement, having spent decades as a game enforcement officer for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). Bateman said that the biggest change he has seen since his early days in law enforcement is the adoption of technology. “I didn’t have any of the technology and tools that you have today,” Bateman said. “In my day, I just had to recognize people by the back of their heads.” Members of the Pell City Police Department and St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department were on hand to be honored. Several dignitaries were present including Associate Alabama Supreme Court Justice Sarah Stewart. Stewart, who was being escorted that day on a tour of St. Clair Counties by St. Clair County Presiding Judge Phil Seay, expressed her support for the law enforcement community and all that they do for the people of Alabama. Stewart is a candidate for the Republican nomination for Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. Stewart faces two Republican opponents in the March 5 Republican primary: former State Senator Bryan Taylor and Jerry Michael Blevins. The eventual Republican nominee for Chief Justice will face Democratic nominee Montgomery Circuit Judge Greg Griffin in the November 5 general election. State Sen. Lance Bell (R-Pell City), State Representative Randy Wood (R-Anniston), Rep. Craig Lipscomb (R-Gadsden), Rep. Jim Hill (R-Odenville), Probate Judge Andrew Weathington, Commissioner Ricky Parker, Commissioner Bob Mize, Commissioner Tommy Bowers, Sheriff Billy Murray, Circuit Judge Bill Weathington, St. Clair County School Board President Bill Morris, Revenue Commissioner Ken Crowe, Circuit Clerk Kathryn Burke, St. Clair County Republican Party Chairman Deputy Freddy Turrentine, St. Clair County Young Republican Chairman Logan Glass, and former St. Clair County Republican Party Chairman Joey Stevens. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Young Republicans gather in Moody
On Saturday, Young Republicans (YRs) from across the state gathered at Moody Park for an afternoon of barbecue, bluegrass music, and camaraderie as the St. Clair County Young Republicans (YRs) held their summer gathering. St. Clair County Young Republicans Chairman Logan Glass presented plaques to Federation of Alabama State Young Republican President Stephanie Petelos and State Representative Craig Lipscomb (R-Gadsden) – who represents parts of St. Clair and Etowah counties. Glass praised Petelos for her example and her leadership and credited her with restoring the Greater Birmingham Young Republicans (GBYRs) to its role as the largest Young Republican group in the state. That club has grown to the point that a new club has branched off from the GBYRs – the Shelby County Young Republicans. Glass thanked Lipscomb for his work in Montgomery on behalf of the county and for his support of the YRs. The St. Clair Young Republicans presented former St. Clair County Republican Party Chairman Circuit Judge Phil Seay with the inaugural Phil Seay Award. Seay is the President of the Alabama Judges Association. Glass thanked Seay for his years of unwavering support for the YRs. Former State Representative Mike Ball and his bluegrass band performed at the event. Ball served twenty years in the Alabama Legislature representing Madison. He is the author of an autobiographical book about his experiences: Picking, Politicking and Pontificating: How an Ex-Cop Legalized Cannabis While Fighting Corruption. Several state appellate court seats are on the ballot in 2024, so several judicial candidates were present at Saturday’s event. Former State Senator Bryan Taylor (R-Prattville) was present. Taylor is running for Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. Current Chief Justice Tom Parker is near the age 70s age limit, so he is prevented from running again. Taylor is a practicing attorney who has held many state government positions, including counsel for Governor Kay Ivey. Taylor is a retired Judge Advocate, a former military prosecutor, and an Iraq War veteran. Taylor faces a Republican primary battle with Alabama Supreme Court Justice Sara Stewart. Current Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Chris McCool is running for the position on the Alabama Supreme Court that Stewart is vacating in her run for Chief Justice. McCool is a former district attorney in West Alabama. McCool is also a farmer, a preacher, and a gospel singer. He performed a couple of songs with Ball and his band at Saturday’s event. James Govan is running for the position on the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals that Judge McCool is vacating. Govan is a career prosecutor and a U.S. Air Force Reserve officer currently working for the Alabama Attorney General’s office. Rich Anderson is also an Assistant Alabama Attorney General and a prosecutor running for the Alabama Criminal Court of Appeals. Anderson has represented the state of Alabama before the Criminal Court of Appeals, federal district courts, the Alabama Supreme Court, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Emory Cox was the platinum sponsor of Saturday’s event. Cox is U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville’s aide on finance and economics. While Cox’s duties in Washington D.C. prevented him from attending, Cox’s mother, Annette Cox, the owner of St. Clair County-based Metro Bank, was present. Glass thanked the Cox family for their friendship and history of support for the YRs and Emory for his service in Washington. Bamacarry of St. Clair County was an exhibitor and a sponsor of Saturday’s event. Glass also thanked Shaw’s Barbecue for the food as well as all of the many bronze sponsors of the event. Other notables in attendance were State Supreme Court Justice Greg Cook, State Rep. Jim Hill (R-Odenville), State Senator Lance Bell (R-Pell City), Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Bill Cole (R), Alabama Court of Civil Appeals Judge Matt Fridy, St. Clair County District Attorney Lyle Harmon, St. Clair County Commissioner Tommy Bowers, commission candidate James McGowan, former St. Clair County Republican Party Chairman Joey Stephens, St. Clair County School Board Member Bill Morris, and Colbert County Assistant DA Brent Woodall. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Senator Lance Bell: Camaraderie in the People’s House & our immigration crisis
June 6th marked the last day of the 2023 legislative session and the end of my first session as your State Senator in District 11. I realized from the beginning that this session would be a valuable learning experience. Despite being new to the Senate, I believed that I could have a meaningful impact on the legislative session. Support from the sophomore class of legislators was immediately evident, inspiring, and invaluable. Despite the competitive nature often associated with politics, these now-seasoned legislators graciously took the rookies under their wing, offering guidance and mentorship. Their willingness to share their knowledge and experiences planted a solid foundation for me and the other freshmen to navigate the world of state government. This guidance allowed me to make an impact in my first session. When I compare the Alabama Legislature to the dysfunction in Washington, D.C., I learned to admire our state’s approach. I often express my belief that if D.C. worked like Montgomery, we could actually fix the problems our great nation faces. In Alabama, we collaborate, find common ground, and prioritize the needs of our constituents – I am proud to be a part of this model. During this first session, I had the privilege of joining various leaders from around the state on a trip to see our nation’s southern border. This visit caused my perspective on governance to be changed forever. While we were there, we saw countless human rights violations and total chaos. We learned how the cartels are using aerial drones to spot gaps in the border patrol for their drug mules to pass. The wall needs to be finished, and the border needs to be closed. As everyone knows, illegal drugs are a menace to our hard-working families. This mayhem compelled me to act. Motivated by the horrors and human rights atrocities I witnessed, I returned home with a sense of purpose. Collaborating with colleagues, I introduced legislation that offers practical solutions for the challenges faced by the border crisis. My bill, SB320, mandates that any criminal alien must have a fingerprint and DNA swab on file if they are to be released. My bill will be a tool to aid law enforcement. This adds a level of security for our law enforcement officers and allows us to keep a database for future investigations. Unfortunately, as fast-paced as Montgomery can be, we were not able to pass my bill before the session ended. This setback has not slowed me down but rather fueled my determination to make a positive difference. As a legislator, I find inspiration in my 14- and 11-year-old children. They, as well as other children, deserve the best our state has to offer, and I will do everything in my power to provide that to them. The responsibility to spark change lies within each of us. Engaging with my community and listening to my constituents’ concerns are integral to my job as a Senator. While we could not pass SB320 this session, I am committed to enhancing and strengthening its provisions. I am diligently working to ensure that when the 2024 legislative session arrives, I will be fully prepared to reintroduce the bill with an even greater determination to make it the law. I am here in the present, ready, willing, and able to make positive and meaningful changes to give everyone opportunities to be successful. Lance Bell represents Senate District 11 and is life long St. Clair County resident.
The Alabama Republican Party passes resolutions and elects officers
The Alabama Republican Party State Executive Committee held its Winter Meeting in Birmingham on Saturday. The ALGOP elected officers and passed resolutions urging legislators to adopt these policy positions. John Wahl was elected to a second term as Chairman. Wahl is a butterfly farmer in Limestone County. “It is an honor for me to represent you, not just you, the Republican executive committee, but you, the Republican primary voters,” Wahl said. “I am incredibly humbled by the support of my fellow committee members and the trust they have put in me. I look forward to working with them, as well as our County Parties and Auxiliary organizations, to promote and defend our Conservative values.” Joan Reynolds of Shelby County was elected Vice Chair. Reynolds is the founder and head of the Mighty Alabama Strike Force, a group that campaigns door-to-door for Republican candidates in swing states. “I would like to thank the members of the ALGOP Executive Committee for the confidence they have shown in me by electing me as Vice Chairman,” Vice Chair Reynolds stated. “I have worked with our chairman for two years as Finance Chair and feel that together we can accomplish great things for the state.” Carol Jahns of Autauga County was elected Secretary. “I am honored and respectively thank the State Executive Committee members providing me the opportunity to continue to serve as your ALGOP Secretary,” Jahns said. “I am confident that supporting each other and staying true to our platform principles are the keys to the Alabama Republican Party’s future victories.” Sallie Bryant of Jefferson County was re-elected as Treasurer. Bill Harris of Autauga County was elected Regional Vice Chairman, Congressional Districts 1 and 2. Renee Gentle Powers of Chilton County was elected Regional Vice Chairman of Congressional Districts 3, 6, and 7. Josh Dodd of Lauderdale County was elected as Regional Vice Chairman, Congressional Districts 4 and 5. State Rep. Matt Simpson of Baldwin County was elected as the Congressional District 1 Chairman. William Rayburn of Crenshaw County was elected as Congressional District 2 Chairman. State Sen. Lance Bell of St. Clair County was elected Congressional District 3 Chairman. Bonnie Sachs of Winston County was elected as Congressional District 4 Chairman. Former Congressman Mo Brooks of Madison County was elected Congressional District 5 Chairman. Jefferson County Republican Party Chairman Chris Brown was elected as the Congressional District 6 Chairman. Pierce Boyd of Sumter County was elected as Congressional District 7 Chairman. All those elected on Saturday will serve a two-year term. They will also sit on the 21-member ALGOP Steering Committee that directs Republican business throughout the year. The Alabama Republican State Executive Committee also passed three resolutions: • A measure calling on the Alabama Legislature and Governor Kay Ivey to correct the state’s so-called “Good Time” law by passing legislation sponsored by State Sen. April Weaver and State Rep. Russell Bedsole. • A measure to abolish Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) bureaucracies and policies in public institutions. • A measure calling for an improved working relationship between the Alabama Legislature and the Alabama Republican Party. The Alabama Republican Party maintained its supermajorities in both Houses of the Alabama Legislature in 2022 and won every statewide elected office: including Governor, U.S. Senator, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Auditor, Public Service Commission, Alabama Supreme Court Justice, and picked up 50 new county and local seats across the state; while contributing to Republicans winning back control of the U.S. House of Representatives. “The Alabama Republican Party has had an amazing two years, and I am looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish together during my second term,” Wahl said. The 400+ member ALGOP State Executive Committee is the governing body of the Alabama Republican Party. Its members are elected every four years and meet twice a year at the Winter Meeting and the Summer Meeting. The Summer Meeting will be in August at Montgomery’s Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center. The Winter Meeting will return to Birmingham in 2024. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Bulldozers are on the site to fight the Moody landfill fire
For eight weeks, an underground landfill fire has been belching out smoke and odors across the Moody/Trussville area and beyond. Now there are workers on the site to begin the difficult work of putting the fire out. On Wednesday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed an order declaring a limited state of emergency in St. Clair County to address the ongoing underground inferno at a 50-acre state-permitted landfill in Moody at the intersection of Annie Lee Road and Blackjack Road. At the state’s request, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now taking the lead role in the disaster response. On Thursday, Alabama Today spoke with St. Clair County Chairman Stan Batemon about the situation. “There are bulldozers on site working to cover up the fire,” Bateman said. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) had taken a lead role in the disaster. Their early opinion had been to build a fire break around the site so that the fire was contained to the site and then to let it burn itself out. Days became weeks, and weeks became months, and thousands of people in the suburbs ringing the eastern edge of Birmingham have woken up each day to the smell of smoke – lots of smoke. Still, the fire has not burned itself out. Now ADEM is taking a back seat to the federal authorities, attempting a more aggressive approach to dealing with fire. Alabama Today visited the site Thursday night, and there were trucks, machinery, and workers on site to begin the hard, dangerous work of putting out the multi-acre underground inferno. Flames could be observed shooting from the top of the large manmade hill in dozens of places. The smoke was not as heavy or as malodorous as in earlier trips to the site. Alabama Today asked Batemon how much is all of this cleanup effort going to cost St. Clair County. “Not anything,” Batemon said. “At least for now. It is being handled like a Superfund site.” State Senator Lance Bell said residents have been phoning him constantly to complain about the smoke. The landfill was permitted by ADEM but was not closely monitored and regulated. It is not a lined landfill that accepts garbage and other waste. The site is permitted to be strictly limited to limbs and other yard waste. Many Moody residents insisted that the smoke smelled more like burning plastics or old tires. The EPA requested that ADEM monitor the air quality and water quality around the site. The testing shows that the smoke is consistent with what you would find from burning wood. Residents of the area have had to deal with ongoing odors from the fire and the smoke since November, over the Christmas holidays, thru New Year’s, and to the present. It is not known at this time how long putting the fire out will take or what the effort to combat the raging inferno will cost the taxpayers. Once the fire is out, there is a possibility that the site operator could be assessed penalties associated with the cost of putting out the fire. Work is ongoing at the site. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Seven State Senate seat races to watch
All 35 State Senate seats are up for grabs in the November 8 general election. Republicans hold a 27 to 8 margin over Democrats in the current makeup of the Alabama Senate. The Alabama Republican Party is running candidates in 29 seats. The GOP is defending all of the 27 seats they currently hold and are running candidates in two districts currently held by Democrats. Alabama Democrats are defending the eight seats they currently hold and are challenging the GOP in six districts currently held by Republicans. Libertarians currently hold no seats in the Alabama Senate but are running twelve candidates in State Senate races. There are a number of contested State Senate races on the November ballot. These are the seven races with the most chance of becoming interesting. Democrat Lisa Ward is challenging Republican incumbent State Sen. Gerald Allen in Senate District 21. Both of these candidates are well known in the Tuscaloosa area. Allen has represented the district for three terms and served in the Alabama House of Representatives before that. Ward is a former city councilwoman who is very active in the community. According to filings with the Alabama Secretary of State’s office, Allen has a $204,872.68 campaign account balance entering September, which includes August contributions of $8,250. Ward, the challenger, meanwhile raised $23,149.76 in August and has a cash balance of $31,968.94 entering September. Neither faced a primary opponent. Democrat Kim Lewis versus Republican incumbent State Sen. Tom Butler in Senate District 2. Butler has represented Madison County in the legislature for parts of five decades, but this is one of the fastest growing areas in the state, and there are thousands of new people that bring different politics with them to the area. Lewis is hoping that an increasingly purple Madison County will result in a win. Butler was pushed hard in the Republican primary by former State Sen. Bill Holtzclaw. Butler raised $44,500 in the month of August and enters September with $38,166.63. Lewis raised $7,830 in August and comes into September with $27,859.70. In Senate District 33, incumbent Democratic Sen. Vivian Figures faces Republican challenger Pete Riehm. This has been a very safe Democratic district consisting of the poorest parts of Mobile as well as Mobile County suburbs like Prichard, but redistricting meant that the new district now goes deep into Baldwin County and picked up the very prosperous and heavily Republican community of Spanish Fort. This district went from very blue to purple thanks to the legislature’s redistricting and efforts to “unpack” Black voters from majority-minority districts. Is it purple enough for a Republican to take it away from the Democrats? That is for the voters to decide on November 8. Sen. Figures raised $31,500 in the month of August to enter September with $110,497.02. Riehm had contributions of $19,577.54 in August and enters September with $60,911.31. Democrat Sherri Lewis versus Republican Jay Hovey in Senate District 27. Hovey, an Auburn City Councilman, just narrowly defeated incumbent Tom Whatley (R-Auburn) in a heavily contested GOP primary. Hovey, who has the challenge of unifying Republicans, raised $85,500 in contributions in August to enter September with a cash balance of $70,074.17. Reese meanwhile raised $1,806.20 in August to bring a total of $2,703.33 into the month of September. Senate District 23 – here, there are three candidates vying for the open seat formerly held by State Sen. Malika Sanders-Fortier, who vacated the seat in an unsuccessful bid for governor. Democrat Robert Lee Stewart narrowly defeated former State Sen. Hank Sanders in a hard-fought Democratic primary runoff in June. Stewart faces both a Republican in Michael Nimmer and a Libertarian in Portia Stephens. Stewart raised $16,987 in August to bring $17,872.84 into September. The Libertarian, Stephens, reported raising $2,060 in August to finish the month with $6,285 in cash on hand. The Republican, Nimmer, has not filed a campaign finance report. Alabama does not have general election runoffs, so when there are multiple candidates, the candidate with the most votes wins even if they got less than half of the votes. There is another three-way contest in Senate District 29. There, incumbent Republican Sen. Donnie Chesteen (R-Dothan) faces both Democrat Nathan “Nate” Mathis and Libertarian Floyd “Pete” McBroom. Matthis reported raising no money in August, but he has $5,719.36 in cash on hand. McBroom has not filed a campaign finance report with the Secretary of State’s office yet. The incumbent, Chesteen, raised $25,500 in August to enter September with $327,660.86. In Senate District 12, Republican Keith Kelley is battling Democrat David McCullars for the open seat currently held by Sen. Del Marsh. Kelley raised $29,658.24 in August and has $65,102.13 in cash on hand. McCullars only raised $265 in the month of August and entered the month of September with $4,377.15 in cash on hand. Kelley had a hard-fought Republican primary. This is a district that has given Marsh a close call in the 2014 general election. In other contested Alabama Senate races · SD3 incumbent Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) faces Libertarian Rick Chandler · SD4 incumbent Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) faces Libertarian Jacob Marlow · SD6 incumbent Larry Stutts (R-Sheffield) faces Libertarian Kyle Richard-Garrison · SD7 incumbent Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville) faces Democrat Korey Wilson · SD15 incumbent Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook) faces Libertarian Michael Crump · SD17 incumbent Shay Shelnutt (R-Trussville) faces Libertarian John Fortenberry · SD24 incumbent Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro) faces Libertarian Richard Benderson · SD25 incumbent Will Barfoot (R-Montgomery) versus Libertarian Louie Woolbright · SD28 incumbent Billy Beasley (D-Clayton) faces Libertarian David Boatwright · SD35 incumbent David Sessions (R-Grand Bay) faces Libertarian Clifton Hudson Republican incumbents Tim Melson, Greg Reed, Steve Livingston, Clay Scofield, Andrew Jones, Randy Price, April Weaver, Jabo Waggoner, Greg Albritton, Clyde Chambliss, Chris Elliott, and Jack Williams are all running unopposed. Republican newcomers Lance Bell in SD11 and Josh Carnley in SD31 are also unopposed in the general election. Democratic incumbents Rodger Smitherman, Linda Coleman-Madison, and Kirk Hatcher are all also unopposed in the general election. State Rep. Merika Coleman is unopposed in SD19, which is being vacated by the retirement of Priscilla Dunn (D-Bessemer). In 2022 Republican candidates in Alabama have received $44,321,108.97 in contributions. Political Action Committees have received $17,846,761.05. Democratic candidates have received $6,629,199.43, and all other candidates have received just $111,950.87. The general
AFA releases its next slate of Alabama Senate endorsements
The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) announces its endorsement of Lance Bell, Jay Hovey, and Pete Riehm for seats in the Alabama Senate. The AFA represents Alabama’s forestry community with membership that includes forest products manufacturers, landowners, loggers, wood dealers, foresters, consultants, and others involved in forestry. Bell is running to represent Senate District 11, which covers parts of St. Clair, Talladega, and Shelby Counties. He is a lifelong St. Clair County resident and practices law focusing on plaintiff and civil defense matters, as well as providing criminal defense services. He has served as the Chairman of the St. Clair County Republican Party for six years. Bell currently serves as the Chairman of the 3rd Congressional District Alabama Republican Party Executive Committee. He and his wife, Holly, have two boys. Hovey is running for Senate District 27, which covers parts of Tallapoosa, Lee, and Russell Counties. He was born and raised in South Lee County in the Beauregard community. Hovey began his career as a firefighter for the City of Auburn to put himself through college. He now works as a mortgage loan originator for AuburnBank and has served as the Ward 7 Council Member for Auburn City Council for four years. Hovey has served two terms on the Lieutenant Governor’s state Small Business Advisory Commission. He and his wife, Anna, have been married for 20 years. “I am incredibly honored to receive the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association,” stated Hovey. “I very much appreciate their active conservative voice across our state. Timber and forest products are very important to District 27. AFA’s support for landowner’s rights and small business interests are paramount to continued success.” Riehm is running to represent District 33, which covers parts of Mobile and Baldwin Counties. He retired from the U.S. Navy after 21 years. Since retiring in 2005, Riehm is active in the Mobile Bay Area Veterans Day Commission. He is now a Commercial Real Estate broker with CRE Mobile and is civically involved in serving as a Land Commissioner for the Mobile County Probate Court. Riehm and his wife, Debra, have four children. “Timberland is one of Alabama’s most precious resources, and forestry products are integral to Alabama’s economy, so it is vitally important that we advance our forestry industries and protect their interests for posterity,” said Riehm. “The AFA is a tremendous advocate for our forestry community, and I appreciate their relentless efforts, so I am humbled and honored to earn their very important endorsement to serve as Senator for District 33.” The General Election is November 8, 2022.
Steve Flowers: Women and young folks prevail in 2022
In my observations of Alabama politics, every election year brings an underlying election year surprise or two. The underlying prevailing theme emerging from the Alabama political arena this year is that women have arrived politically in the Heart of Dixie. Governor Kay Ivey is only the second female elected Governor of Alabama, Lurleen Wallace being the first in 1966. Governor Ivey won a decisive second-term nomination as the Republican nominee in May. She will face another female Democratic nominee, Yolanda Flowers, in the November General Election. This is the first time two women will face each other for governor. In fact, the first and second place finishers in both the Republican and Democratic primaries were women. Governor Ivey was followed by Lindy Blanchard, who finished second in the GOP primary. Dr. Yolanda Flowers, a retired Birmingham educator, was in a runoff with second place Democratic female State Senator Malika Sanders Fortier in the Democratic primary. Katie Britt emerged victoriously from the Republican U.S. Senate contest, and if elected in November, as is expected, she will be the first female elected to the U.S. Senate from Alabama. Katie Britt is the brightest young star in Alabama politics. She is the new rock star of the state. Not only will she be the first female senator, but she is also the headliner for the second theme of 2022. That is, we have a pair of new youthful stars arriving on the scene as the dust settles from the June 21 runoffs. Wes Allen and Andrew Sorrell have become the new stars on the scene. Wes Allen defeated veteran politico Jim Ziegler in the Secretary of State race. Andrew Sorrell bested Stan Cooke and Rusty Glover to become State Auditor. Both Sorrell and Allen were about to become freshmen members of the Alabama House this time four years ago. Now, they are the new stars on the statewide political block. They will be joining Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth as young constitutional officeholders with a future. You have four young stars on the horizon in the state. Rockstar Katie Britt is 40, superstar Will Ainsworth is 41, star Wes Allen is 46, and star Andrew Sorrell is 36. Another young superstar has arrived on the behind-the-scenes political consulting arena in Alabama politics. Twenty-seven-year-old Sean Ross ran the Katie Britt campaign masterfully. He is absolutely brilliant. He ran one of Twinkle Cavanaugh’s campaigns four years ago when he was just graduating from the University of Alabama. Katie did a good day’s work when she acquired his services with a recommendation from Twinkle. He is the hottest item in Alabama political consulting. There were four vacancies in the Alabama State Senate. State Representative Merika Coleman, a Bessemer attorney, won a very impressive victory for the seat of retiring Priscilla Dunn. She is young and brilliant and is going to be a star in the Alabama State Senate. Lance Bell won the seat of retiring state Senator Jim McClendon. Bell beat his opponent 73% to 27% in this Republican seat. Keith Kelley emerged victorious over Wendy Ghee Draper, in the Anniston-based Republican seat of retiring veteran state Senator Del Marsh. In probably the biggest upset surprise of the 2022 primary season was the victory of Josh Carnley to fill the Republican Southeast Alabama Senate Seat held for decades by the powerful and popular Jimmy Holley. This district is comprised of Coffee, Covington, Pike, and part of Dale counties. Twelve-year veteran State House member Mike Jones of Andalusia was expected to waltz to victory having every business group’s endorsement. Carnley carried his home county of Coffee overwhelmingly, and veteran political consultant David Mowery did a masterful job with Carnley’s ads. Popular first-term state senator, Dan Roberts, was challenged by a self-financed urologist in Roberts’ silk stocking Jefferson/Shelby district, but Roberts won handily. For the first time in 40 years, there will not be a Sanders representing the Black Belt in the Alabama Senate. Veteran Senator Hank Sanders failed in his bid to take back his seat he loaned to his daughter, the aforementioned Malika Sanders Fortier. Hank Sanders had served nine terms as the Black Belt’s senator. He was defeated by Robert Stewart of Selma. Jay Hovey won the coveted Lee/Tallapoosa/Russell County State Senate seat, prevailing over incumbent Tom Whatley by one vote. For the most part, the powerful 35-member State Senate will return intact with only a few new faces. 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 Marshall slams Lee County Judge Jacob Walker for reducing Mike Hubbard sentence
A judge on Wednesday slashed former House Speaker Mike Hubbard’s prison sentence from four years to 28 months, significantly reducing the time the once-powerful Republican will spend behind bars for an ethics conviction. Lee County Circuit Judge Jacob Walker reduced Hubbard’s sentence at the request of defense attorneys after part of his conviction was overturned earlier this year. In his order, Walker noted that Hubbard was convicted of 12 felonies when he handed down the four-year sentence, but that six counts were reversed on appeal. The action was met with swift criticism from Alabama’s attorney general and praise from Hubbard’s attorney who had argued a four-year sentence was too harsh for the reduced conviction. “While we were hoping for a more substantial reduction of sentence, we welcome this decision. We are grateful for Judge Walker’s recognition of the issues that prompted his action today,” attorney Lance Bell said in a statement. Attorney General Steve Marshall expressed disappointment in the sentence reduction. “Mr. Hubbard was convicted of the intentional violation of Alabama’s ethics laws, the same laws he championed in the legislature only later to brazenly disregard for his personal enrichment,” Marshall said in a statement. “Even as he sits in state prison as a six-time felon, Mike Hubbard continues to deny any guilt or offer any remorse for his actions in violation of the law. Reducing his original four-year sentence sends precisely the wrong message to would-be violators of Alabama’s ethics laws.” A jury in 2016 convicted Hubbard of violating the state ethics law, including using his public office for personal financial gain. Prosecutors accused Hubbard of leveraging his powerful public office to obtain clients and investments for his businesses, violating the prohibition against giving a “thing of value” to an elected official. His defense maintained the contracts were legitimate work and unrelated to his position as House speaker. In upholding the conviction this spring, justices noted that when contacting a company for one client, Hubbard “identified himself as a state legislator and as Speaker of the House of Representatives.” They also noted how one company executive wrote in an email that Hubbard could get the company, “in front of any speaker in the country regardless of party.” The Republican was one of the state’s most powerful politicians until the ethics conviction in a corruption case ended his political career. Hubbard, the architect of the GOP’s takeover of the Alabama Legislature in 2010, was a legislator from Auburn and former chairman of the Alabama Republican Party. He was elected House speaker soon after Republicans won control of both legislative chambers. Hubbard was automatically removed from office after his 2016 felony conviction. Hubbard reported to jail in September and was later moved into the state prison system. He is currently incarcerated at Limestone Correctional Facility. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Mike Hubbard reports to begin prison sentence
Hubbard reported to the Lee County Detention Center in Opelika to begin his four-year sentence.
Mike Hubbard trial day 12: Defense rests case, closing arguments begin
After nearly three weeks of testimony from witnesses including high-profile names such as Gov. Robert Bentley, former Gov. Bob Riley, Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, the defense rested its case against Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard Thursday morning after calling but one witness — Hubbard himself. Hubbard spent little more than an hour Thursday morning testifying, hoping to prove his innocence. Early Thursday, prosecutor Matt Hart brought up an email Hubbard sent to Michael Mitchell, a Publix representative, asking to set up a meeting about Capitol Cups – a company Hubbard had a consulting contract with that paid $10,000 a month. In the email, Hart told the courtroom that Hubbard called Capital Cups a constituent and even signed the email with his Alabama House Speaker title. The defense argued this was an automatically generated email signature. Hart prodded Hubbard, asking if he mentioned in the email to Mitchell that he was working as a consultant for Capital Cups. “No sir. Didn’t think it was relevant,” Hubbard replied. Hubbard went on to testify that Mitchell was a friend who sadly died a few years ago of an aneurysm. Hart quickly pointed out that Mitchell must not have been that good of a friend, as he just spoke with him a few days ago. “Well I must have him confused with someone else,” Hubbard explained to the courtroom. That was the last thing he was asked on the stand. Closing arguments got underway in Hubbard’s trial shortly before 3 p.m. with the Deputy Attorney General Mike Duffy presenting for the prosecution and finishing in roughly an hour and a half. Duffy’s main argument was Hubbard’s actions clearly violated the Alabama Ethics Law, saying that Hubbard “knew where the line was, and he crossed it.” “The cornerstone of the ethics law is that public officials should not be able to make money off their offices,” said Duffy. Hubbard “diminished the integrity of our government … because he wanted to make some money,” Duffy continued arguing that while chair of the Alabama Republican Party Hubbard intentionally directed business to his companies Craftmaster Printers and the Auburn Network. “What matters is he asked for something he’s not allowed to ask for, and he took things he’s not allowed to take,” Duffy said before he asked the jury to told Hubbard accountable. “I’m going to ask you to find this defendant accountable and find him guilty,” he said. Next attorney Lance Bell began the closing arguments for the defense, where he made it roughly 45 minutes of the allotted two hours. He will wrap-up Friday morning. Hubbard was indicted in October 2013 on 23 felony ethics charges of using his political office for personal gain. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of two to 20 years incarceration and fines of up to $30,000 for each count. He would be removed from office if convicted of any of the 23 charges. Hubbard has since maintained his innocence and continued to serve as Speaker of the Alabama House during the 2016 legislative session.
Consultant: ‘No choice’ but to subcontract to Mike Hubbard
A Florida political consultant testified Thursday that he believed he had no choice but to subcontract Alabama Republican Party campaign printing work back to a firm owned by the party’s chair. The chair at the time was Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard, now on trial for ethics violations. On Thursday, jurors heard that about party campaign work that was sent to Hubbard’s company, and conflicting evidence about Hubbard’s role in that. Prosecutors have accused Hubbard of using his political positions as speaker and Republican Party chair to make money and solicit favors such as investments from lobbyists. Defense lawyers argue that the transactions were above board. Randy Kammerdiner, co-owner of Majority Strategies, designed glossy direct mail pieces for the Republicans’ 2010 campaign to take over the Alabama Legislature. He testified that he believed party officials wanted the fliers printed at Craftmaster, where Hubbard was a co-owner. Prosecutor Matt Hart asked Kammerdiner if he felt he had any other option but Craftmaster for the printing work. “No,” Kammerdiner replied. Prosecutors also showed jurors a 2010 email from Kammerdiner to a state party employee, which said: “Per Mike, we’re printing at Craftmaster and just passing the actual charges on to you all.” However, under cross-examination by defense lawyer Lance Bell, Kammerdiner said Hubbard never directed him to use his firm. “I never had a specific conversation with Mike Hubbard saying I had to use Craftmaster.” Kammerdiner said. The political consultant also testified that the firm had previously used Craftmaster before Hubbard became party chair and the party was probably getting a “better deal” because they avoided the normal markup Majority Strategies applies to printing costs. Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
