Personnel note: Lt. Gov.-elect Will Ainsworth taps Judy Miller as Chief of Staff
Less than a week after winning the lieutenant governor’s race, Republican Will Ainsworth on Monday announced who he has chosen to serve as his chief of staff. Ainsworth has tapped Judy Miller, who has more than three decades of experience having served as the executive director of the Marshall County Legislative Office. During her career directing the Marshall County Legislative Office, Miller worked with a dozen state legislators and was tasked with handling constituent casework, grant programs, research and development of legislation, scheduling, communications, and other state government duties. “Judy Miller has more than 30 years of experience in working with legislators of both parties, drafting bills and resolutions, and handling constituent services, which will prove invaluable to the citizens of Alabama and to me, as lieutenant governor,” Ainsworth said. “During my service as a state representative in Marshall County, Judy’s professional and political talents were obvious, and I am proud to have her lead my staff and help enact my agenda.” Miller, who is believed to be the first female appointed as chief of staff to an Alabama lieutenant governor, said she looks forward to the challenges that service in Montgomery offers. “Throughout the past four years, I have witnessed firsthand Will Ainsworth’s commitment to the citizens in his legislative district and his deep desire to improve their quality of life. Now he is ready to devote that same work ethic and vision to all Alabamians,” Miller added. “Will has instructed me to make his lieutenant governor’s office the most active and responsive in Alabama history, and I will work hard to carry out that mission.” Miller has a lengthy resume of community service in Marshall County which includes holding seats on the boards of the United Way of Marshall County, the Child Advocacy Center of Marshall County, and the Marshall County Convention and Visitors Bureau. A graduate of Leadership Marshall County, Miller founded the Marshall County Teen Pregnancy Prevention Coalition and was selected as a “Local Hero” by the Sand Mountain Reporter newspaper in 2014. A life-long resident of Arab, she and her husband, Jimmy, a veteran law enforcement officer, have two married children and two grandchildren.
Get to know: Will Ainsworth Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor
In a highly contested and publicized Lieutenant Governors race Guntersville-Republican State Rep. Will Ainsworth is standing on his strong record in hopes of winning his party’s nomination in the GOP runoff election on July 17. Elected to the Alabama House in 2014, Ainsworth championed a push for ethics reform. As a member of the House Ethics Committee, he signed Articles of Impeachment against former Gov. Robert Bentley and introduced a strict term limits bill. Ainsworth also sponsored recall legislation that would allow the public to remove elected officials who abuse their office. Rather than addressing ethics violations only after wrongdoing occurs, Will has taken steps to give the epidemic of corruption affecting the Alabama Capitol Building and State House a strong dose of preventative medicine. While some voters don’t know much about the office of Lt. Governor, current Gov. Kay Ivey attributes her time in the position as what prepared her to take over the Governorship last April. As written in state law, the Lieutenant Governor is the President of the Senate and is entitled to vote in the event of a tie, much like that of the Vice President of the United States. They are also vested with certain prescribed legislative duties, powers, and responsibilities. Here Ainsworth is in his own words: Significant other? How long married? Kids? My wife, Kendall, and I have been married for 14 years, and we have three children, twin eight-year-old boys and a six-year-old daughter. Education background? Professional background? I graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Marketing, and I have built three separate and successful business since college. I also worked as a youth pastor following graduation. What was your first job before college/adulthood and after? My first job before college was a small grass mowing business I started while growing up, and my first job following college graduation was serving as youth pastor at Albertville’s Grace Fellowship Church. In 25 words or less, why are you running for office? I believe that you have only one life with which to make a difference, so you better make a difference while you are here. Did you speak with anybody in your political party before deciding on running? Receive any encouragement? From whom? I consulted with my wife, my parents, and my House colleagues in the freshman and sophomore class, and received a great deal of encouragement from all of them. I also prayed and sought encouragement from above. Who do you count on for advice besides significant other or clergy? Throughout my life, my father has proven to be my best source of advice and, perhaps, the wisest man I have ever known. Who is your political consultant? Campaign manager? My political consultant is Ward Baker, and my campaign manager is Lewis McDonald Who was the first person to contribute to your campaign? Why did they donate? I do not recall who provided my first campaign contribution. Who, if anyone, inspires you in state government? During my time in the Alabama House, I have been greatly impressed with State Rep. Bill Poole of Tuscaloosa, who chairs the House Ways and Means Education Committee. Responsible for almost $7 billion in education spending, he is talented at dealing with numbers and with people – two skills that serve him well in his position. Why do people mistrust elected officials and what are you going to do about it? Too many elected officials take advantage of the system, abuse their offices, and use them for personal gain. Trust is hard to gain and easy to lose, and each incident of corruption does damage to the public’s confidence that they are being served. I am not a career politician and refuse to become one. I am a citizen servant who wants to give back to my state and then return to the private sector. What are 3 specific policy positions that you‘re running on? We must make sure that all children have access to state-of-the-art technology, which includes high-speed broadband. We must ensure that any child whose parent would like for them to attend a Pre-K program has the opportunity to attend a quality Pre-K program. In order to continue our economic development successes, we must focus our attention on workforce development and ensure that every student is “job ready” when they finish school. What is a “disruptive” issue (i.e. ride-sharing) you are interested in? I believe we must integrate more technology into the classroom (ebooks, tablets, etc.) so that students are more attuned to what awaits them in the workplace. Name one current state law you would want repealed? We must repeal Common Core, which I believe is among the most damaging legacies of the Obama era. Who was the best governor in Alabama’s modern history? Gov. Fob James was always guided by his conservative principles, and he was an outsider who did what he thought was right in spite of what the career politicians demanded. What will set you apart from other candidates in this race? My roots are in the private sector, and that is where I will return after public service because unlike my opponent, I am not a career politician. My opponent supported Amendment One, the largest tax increase in Alabama history, while I have helped kill roughly $1 billion in new taxes during my term in the Alabama Legislature. I have never been a lobbyist while my opponent made her living as one. What’s the first thing you read each morning? Typically, the news is the very first thing I read in the morning. Where do you get your political news? I rely upon Fox News and several online news sources. Favorite TV series? Duck Dynasty is my favorite show, and I am friends with several of the people on the show. My favorite radio show is the Rickk & Bubba Show, and both Rick Burgess and Bill “Bubba” Bussey have endorsed my campaign. Social media presence? Twitter handle? Facebook? Who posts you, campaign staff, combination? I am responsible for posting most of my posts. Twitter Facebook Instagram In 140 characters, what’s a Tweet that best describes your campaign
Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee endorses Twinkle Cavanaugh for Lt. Gov.
Former Arkansas governor and presidential candidate Mike Huckabee endorsed President of the Public Service Commission and Lieutenant Governor-hopeful Twinkle Cavanaugh on Monday. Cavanaugh chaired Huckabee’s 2008 Presidential Campaign in Alabama, when he carried the state over Sen. John McCain and Gov. Mitt Romney. Before becoming Arkansas’ 44th Governor, Huckabee served in the ministry. “I have known Twinkle for over a decade and consider her to be a friend and a staunch Republican ally,” Huckabee announced. “But I am not supporting Twinkle simply because we are friends. I am supporting Twinkle because of the Christian, conservative values she and I share. We need leaders who are not afraid to fight for their core values and have the courage to hold their peers accountable when they stray from their promises to the people. Twinkle has kept her promises as President of the Public Service Commission, shrinking her agency’s budget by 30%, saving the taxpayers over $60 million through cuts, and bringing transparency and honesty to the office.” Cavanaugh said she’s honored to receive Huckabee’s endorsement. “I am honored to have the endorsement of my friend, Governor Mike Huckabee,” Cavanaugh said. “Governor Huckabee has been a role model to me throughout my time in public service, and I am deeply humbled that he has chosen to support our campaign and our vision of a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.” There are 13 days until the July 17 primary runoff election.
Five things you need to know about Will Ainsworth
Now that the runoff elections are over, voters are turning their attention to the November General Election less than 90 days away. After a jam-packed primary race, Guntersville-Republican State Rep. Will Ainsworth Public Service Commission President Twinkle Cavanaugh garnered enough support to tip the race into a runoff election. Ainsworth won the July 17 runoff with just 51 percent of the vote. Now Ainsworth moves to the November general election, where he faces Democratic candidate Dr. Will Boyd. With that in mind, Here’s five things you need to know about Will Ainsworth: 5. His first job out of college, he served as a youth pastor After graduating from Auburn University with a Bachelors degree in Marketing, Ainsworth served as a youth pastor at Grace Fellowship Presbyterian Church in Albertville. There, he led middle school and high school students into a committed relationship with Jesus Christ. 4. He loves the outdoors, and owns a Hunting lodge in Guntersville, Ala. After leaving his job as a youth pastor, Ainsworth sought a way to incorporate his passion for hunting and fishing into his daily life. He and his brother Austin founded Dream Ranch, a popular hunting lodge in Guntersville attended by over 20,000 people annually. The lodge allows guests to hunt Whitetail Bucks, Bobwhite Quail, and Ducks all on the same property. He is also a co-founder and promoter of the Tennessee Valley Hunting & Fishing Expo held annually at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville Ala. The expo allows outdoor enthusiasts of all kind to gather for a weekend of entertainment and gives hunting, fishing, and outdoor gear merchants a place to peddle their wares. 3. Kay Ivey used his security program as a backboard for the new Alabama Sentry Program Ainsworth proposed a bill in the legislative session earlier this year, and even though the bill failed, Kay Ivey’s Alabama Sentry Program is very similar to the proposed bill. The bill proposed that school administrators, principles, and teachers who met certain qualifications would be allowed to carry a firearm on school campuses. It also required that those carrying must complete a 40-hour course in basic school policing in a program approved by the Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission, and pass an annual firearm re-qualification; the same test required of law enforcement officers. The only real difference between the two plans is Ainsworth’s provision to include teachers in the program, which he believes is crucial to the program’s success. 2. He’s a member of several committees in the Alabama Legislature Although all members of the legislature serve on several committees, Ainsworth serves on a wide array of committee’s integral to the state and Alabamians. Ainsworth currently serves on the Agriculture and Forestry, Ethics and Campaign Finance, State Parks, Public Safety and Homeland Security, and the Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure committees. 1. He has twin boys Ainsworth has twin boys, Hunter and Hays, who are eight years old. He coaches them in basketball, baseball and soccer. “My priorities will always be Faith, Family, and Service in that order,” Ainsworth wrote on Facebook in 2014.
Five things you need to know about Twinkle Cavanaugh
The primary elections are over, but some highly sought spots still remain open due to the primary races resulting in runoffs. One of those races is for the Lieutenant Governor’s seat. In a highly contested and publicized race; Guntersville-Republican State Rep. Will Ainsworth came in second to Public Service Commission President Twinkle Cavanaugh. Ainsworth garnered just enough support to tip the race into a runoff election. Now the two republicans will battle it out until the runoff set for July 17 determines a winner. With that in mind, here are the five things you need to know about Twinkle Cavanaugh: 5. She was the first female Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party Elected in 2005 as the first female Chair of the Alabama Republican Party, Cavanaugh led the way to building a strong and inclusive state party, encouraging other women to pursue their goals as well. According to AL.Com in 2003, she spoke to a group of Huntsville business leaders sharing her five tidbits of success, “Build relationships, have goals, think outside the box, face adversity positively and make a difference”, Cavanaugh told a group of 40 women. But her time as chairman wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Cavanaugh devoted a large part of the party’s efforts at removing conservative Democrats in the legislature. Telling them they could consider switching parties or face tough, well-financed conservative republican opponents in the general election. 4. She was Governor Bob Riley’s Deputy Chief of Staff and a senior advisor in his office Before her election as Chairman of the Republican party, Cavanaugh served as then Governor Bob Riley‘s appointments secretary, then Deputy Chief of Staff from 2003 to 2004. After losing her first shot at a Public Service Commission seat in the 2008 general election, then Riley offered her another job, this time a special assistant for corporate affairs in the state’s finance department. 3. She’s been involved in Alabama politics for 20 years Cavanaugh has an incredibly impressive resume. After graduating from Auburn University in 1989 she went to work in Washington D.C. for the Republican National Committee, she then went to work for then Mobile-Republican U.S. Rep. Sonny Callahan. Returning to Montgomery in 1998 she worked on several Republican campaigns and served as executive director of the Alabama Republican Party from 1999 until 2001. She then took a job as state director of Citizens for a Sound Economy. From there, she worked in Riley’s office, secured her spot as chairman of the Republican party, and began to run for public office in 2008. In 2010 Cavanaugh won her seat on the Alabama Public Service Commission, and was elected President of the commission in 2012, a position she maintains today. 2. She is a co-owner of two different businesses Cavanaugh is a co-owner of her husband Jeff’s veterinarian clinic in Auburn, Ala. the Cavanaugh Bradley Animal Hospital. She is also a co-owner of Conservative Solutions, a political consulting firm run by herself. 1. She loves FOX News When Cavanaugh filled out Alabama Today’s candidate questionnaire, she was asked wether she watches 60 Minutes or House of Cards, her answer: “Neither; in our house if the TV isn’t on Fox News, it’s only because the local news is on or there’s a college football game on.” She also mentioned that Fox News is the outlet she gets almost all of her political news from.
Twinkle Cavanaugh will face Will Ainsworth in July runoff for Lieutenant Governor
The current President of the Public Service Commission and an outgoing State Rep. are headed for a runoff in July in the race to be Alabama’s next Lieutenant Governor. Guntersville-Republican State Rep. Will Ainsworth finished second to Montgomery’s Twinkle Cavanaugh in Tuesday’s Republican primary for Lieutenant Governor. Ainsworth took home 36 percent of the vote compared to Cavanaugh’s 43 percent. The third candidate, Rusty Glover, received 19 percent of the vote. The results move the top two vote-getters to a runoff as no candidate won 50 percent or more of the vote in order to outright win the nomination. Cavanaugh said she’s looking forward to traveling to all 67 counties again in the runoff. “What a night! Thank you to everyone who voted today and all of our tremendous supporters! We couldn’t have done it without you!,” Cavanaugh posted on Facebook. “Looking forward to traveling to all 67 counties again and working harder than ever in the runoff. Together, we will build a brighter Alabama!” “Over the last year, we’ve taken on the crooked career politicians in Montgomery and stood up for conservative values. Tuesday’s results show that we’re on the right track,” said Ainsworth following news of the runoff. “Alabamians’ continued dedication to conservative values inspires me, and I am grateful for the support of conservatives in every city, town and crossroads across our state. We’ve taken on the career politicians and we’ve made great strides, but the fight for Alabama’s future is not over.” The runoff is set for July 17. The office of Lieutenant Governor While some voters know much about the office of Lieutenant Governor, current Gov. Kay Ivey attributes her time in the position as what prepared her to take over the Governorship last April. As written in state law, the Lieutenant Governor is the President of the Senate and is entitled to vote in the event of a tie, much like that of the Vice President of the United States. They are also vested with certain prescribed legislative duties, powers, and responsibilities.
Get to know: Rusty Glover Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor
Alabama State Senator Rusty Glover is one of three Republicans vying for their Party’s nomination for Lieutenant Governor in Tuesday’s primary election. The 51-year-old Mobile-native has served in the Alabama Legislature for 15 years — as a member of Alabama House of Representatives from 2002-2006 and the Senate from 2006-present. Now he’s running for Lieutenant Governor to defend conservative values, demand transparency in Montgomery, and bring good-paying jobs to all of Alabama. While some voters know much about the office of Lieutenant Governor, current Gov. Kay Ivey attributes her time in the position as what prepared her to take over the Governorship last April. As written in state law, the Lieutenant Governor is the President of the Senate and is entitled to vote in the event of a tie, much like that of the Vice President of the United States. They are also vested with certain prescribed legislative duties, powers, and responsibilities. Here Glover is in his own words: Significant other? How long married? Kids? I have been married to Connie for 27 years. I have 2 children – Katie, 25 and Kellie, 21. Education background? Professional background? I graduated from the Faulkner Community College and then from the University of South Alabama, with a bachelor’s degree – and I also hold two master’s degrees from the University of South Alabama, one in education and one in history. What was your first job before college/adulthood and after? Before college I worked for a Textbook Depository Company and harvested pecans. After college I taught high school at Mary G. Montgomery High School. In 25 words or less, why are you running for office? I am running to serve Alabamians by utilizing my 25 years of experience in the classroom, and 3 terms in the Senate, to promote good legislation for schools, jobs, and our families. Did you speak with anybody in your political party before deciding on running? Receive any encouragement? From whom? Actually I did not speak to anyone before running, I decided to run completely on my own.. After making the decision, I spoke with my friends, family and other legislators – all of whom supported my decision. Who do you count on for advice besides significant other or clergy? My father. Who is your political consultant? Campaign manager? I am utilizing a 3 member team from Britney Garner and Garner Consulting. Who was the first person to contribute to your campaign? Why did they donate? Richard Wilson – a high school football teammate – who owns a small business in Troy, Alabama, was the first to donate. He donated because he believes in my character, trustworthiness as a leader in the state. Who, if anyone, inspires you in state government? Nobody at this time. Why do people mistrust elected officials and what are you going to do about it? Because there are some two have gone astray, and convicted of misdeeds – and what I can do is set an example by having an open, transparent office that will keep me above suspicion. What are 3 specific policy positions that you’re running on? (Please don’t simply say “education” or “improving the schools”) First, I believe in improving pathways to community colleges. For too long, we have neglected our community colleges which provide a solid opportunity to improve the state’s economic position. Second, I want to see improvements in ports, airports, docks, bridges, and digital infrastructure. Third, the protection and the advancement of the family through job training and utilizing faith-based services. What is a “disruptive” issue (i.e. ride-sharing) you are interested in? Common Core – and its full repeal. Name one current state law you would want repealed? There are several bills that have produced red tape for small businesses – I would choose to focus on these, such as small business licensure. Who was the best governor in Alabama’s modern history? There are good points which have occurred in every administration. As a historian, to choose one, that might possibly denigrate other administrations, which have worked hard on various issues. What will set you apart from other candidates in this race? The first job of the Lt. Governor is to preside over the Senate.As the only one in the race who has even been in the Senate, I can use my experience and ability to lead the Senate in efficiently passing good legislation for Alabamians. What’s the first thing you read each morning? The Bible. Right now, I am about to finish Acts in the New Testament. Where do you get your political news? I seek out a variety of sources, from reputable internet newspapers and television outlets which are local to Alabama. Favorite TV series? Hawaii 5-0 Social media presence? Twitter handle? Facebook? Who posts you, campaign staff, combination? I am on Facebook and Twitter. Both myself and my communications coordinator post on my Facebook page. However, most all posts must first receive my approval. In 140 characters, what’s a Tweet that best describes your campaign message. Putting the People First. Hobbies? None right now – I’m campaigning! (But I do try to laminate news articles for may constituents, in addition to hunting and fishing). Favorite sport and sports team? College Football – and all teams from our state. With less than a week to go until voters head to the ballots for the June 5 primary elections, AlabamaToday.com is inviting all candidates running for office in Alabama this year, to complete a questionnaire we believe offers an interesting, albeit, thumbnail sketch of who they are and why they are running. If you are a candidate and would like to complete the questionnaire, email Elizabeth@ALToday.com.
Will Ainsworth calls Twinkle Cavanaugh ‘tax-loving lobbyist,’ as she calls him ‘desperate’
Guntersville-Republican State Rep. and Lt. Governor-hopeful Will Ainsworth took to the airways ahead of the holiday weekend with a new ad calling out his opponent Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh. Titled “Shooting Straight,” the 30 second spot claims Cavanaugh, the current Chair of the Public Service Commission and former Chair of the Alabama Republican Party, is a “career politician.” “Career politician. Bureaucrat. Special interest lobbyist. Twinkle even supported the largest tax increase in Alabama history. Twinkle Cavanaugh, another tax-loving lobbyist bureaucrat turned career politician,” the ad asserts. But Cavanaugh is pushing back, calling Ainsworth’s attacks in the final week before the primary “desperate.” “State legislator Will Ainsworth has done this before,” Cavanaugh said. “He attacked President Trump in the same dishonest manner when his candidate for President was failing. Just last week, Rep. Ainsworth even attacked Governor Ivey and tweeted out a disgusting photoshopped picture of the Governor covered in blood. He’s trailing in the polls by a huge margin, so now he’s desperate.” Cavanaugh is referring to the fact when Donald Trump was running for President, Ainsworth called him “a con artist,” a “liberal,” and “not a conservative,” said that Trump’s campaign for President was “a ridiculous act,” and even declared that President Trump needs to be stopped. “I’m calling on state legislator Will Ainsworth to immediately apologize to President Trump and Governor Ivey. What he’s said about both of them is just plain wrong,” concluded Cavanaugh.
Pro-life SBA List endorses Twinkle Cavanaugh for Lieutenant Governor
The national pro-life group Susan B. Anthony List (SBA List) on Thursday announced its endorsement of Twinkle Cavanaugh for Lieutenant Governor of Alabama. Dedicated to pursuing policies and electing candidates who will reduce and ultimately end abortion, the SBA List and its network of more than 630,000 pro-life Americans nationwide emphasize the education, promotion, mobilization, and election of pro-life women. “Susan B. Anthony List has a special calling to promote strong pro-life, pro-woman leaders like Twinkle Cavanaugh. We are proud to endorse her for lieutenant governor,” said former congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave, SBA List’s Vice President of Government Affairs. “Twinkle’s pro-life convictions are unshakeable. She will be a powerful advocate for unborn children and their mothers, as well as the taxpayers of Alabama in the role of lieutenant governor, which doubles as president of the state senate. We encourage pro-life voters to support her.” Cavanaugh said she was humbled by the endorsement. “I am humbled by Susan B. Anthony List’s endorsement,” said Cavanaugh. “Alabama is a profoundly pro-life state where the voters believe every life is precious and deserving of protection. I am deeply committed to the future of all our children, including those yet unborn. It will be a privilege to serve as lieutenant governor and stand up for these values at every opportunity.” Twinkle Cavanaugh is president of Alabama’s Public Service Commission where she works to ensure taxpayers’ confidence in local government. Previously, she was the first woman to serve as chair of the Alabama Republican Party. The primary election will take place on June 5.
Rusty Glover: Be an informed voter, learn about the candidates before casting your vote
In politics, as in life, it’s crucial to always be honest with yourself and everyone else. That’s why I strive to never make promises I cannot keep, during my campaign to become Alabama’s next lieutenant governor, and in my life as a husband, father, new grandfather and life-long resident of this great state. I’m writing this letter, in part, to help inform voters about the duties assigned to the lieutenant governor, such as approving or denying tax-payer funded travel for senators and assigning bills to committees. While the lieutenant governor presides over the senate, he or she can typically only cast a vote to break a tie. It’s important to know what your public servants can and cannot do when determining who will receive your vote. If elected, I won’t take a driver because it’s the right thing to do. With a shortage of State Troopers, we need every officer available to keep our roadways and residents safe. Since 2017 when I announced my intention to seek the office of lieutenant governor, I have traveled the state, listening to our people, learning what’s important to small business owners and parents, farmers, leaders of industry and everyone in between. I’m not a millionaire. And while my war chest is modest, it’s a point of pride that a substantial amount of my donations have come from individual donors. I’m truly honored and grateful for the passionate support from so many people all across the state who believe in me and the conservative values I stand for. I have been so encouraged these last few months by the positive responses I receive on the campaign trail. A retired teacher, I spent 25 years helping high school students determine what their futures might look like. It was an awesome responsibility. Pursuing an education, whether in a traditional college setting or through a career tech program, can be transformational to an individual and his or her family. Education has the power to change the course of your life. As voters, you owe it to yourselves to learn as much as possible about the candidates and make informed choices about who will do the best job leading Alabama forward. The Republican primary is June 5 in Alabama. Please go to the polls and vote. It’s a challenge I hope everyone will take. Sincerely, Senator Rusty Glover ••• Rusty Glover is a native of Mobile, Ala. He has served in the Alabama Legislature for 16 years as a member of Alabama House of Representatives (2002-2006) and Senate (2006-present). Glover is a graduate of B.C. Rain High School, Faulkner State Community College and the University of South Alabama. He retired after 25 years of teaching from Mary G. Montgomery High School in Semmes, where he lives with his wife, Connie. Together they have two daughters, Kellie and Katie; a son-in-law, John McGraw; and a new grandson, Beau Monroe McGraw. He is a member of Wilmer Baptist Church in Wilmer, AL. Visit rustyglover.com to learn more.
Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh raises over $200k in final fundraising period before June 5 primary
With just over a month to go to the June 5 primaries, Lieutenant Governor-hopeful Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, a small business owner and former Chair of the Alabama Republican Party, has grown her war chest even bigger. In April, Cavanaugh, the current president of the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC), brought in a whopping $214,085 according to her most recent fundraising report — record numbers for her campaign. Cavanaugh believes the numbers exemplify “the snowballing momentum for her campaign.” “I’ve been blown away by the response I’ve received from moms and dads in every corner of our state,” said Cavanaugh. “Our support comes from job creators and hardworking people all across Alabama- from our construction workers and coal miners to our doctors and Realtors. We need a proven, conservative Lieutenant Governor who will help move our state forward, and I’m extremely encouraged by the reception our campaign is getting. With a strong team of supporters, together, we will build a brighter Alabama for our children and grandchildren.” Cavanaugh’s April total was the most raised by any candidate for Lieutenant Governor since she got in the race; the single month total was also more than either of her opponents — Republicans Will Ainsworth and Rusty Glover, along with Democrat Will Boyd — raised cumulatively in the last six months. To-date, her total contribution list represents 658 donors representing 104 Alabama hometowns.
Bill to strip Lieutenant Governor of powers delayed in State Senate
Legislation that would propose an amendment to the Alabama Constitution stripping the Lieutenant Governor’s office of any legislative duties was delayed in the State Senate Thursday when it was pulled from the floor before a vote. Sponsored by Lineville-Republican State Senator Gerald Dial, SB88 stipulates the “sole responsibility” of the Lt. Governor’s post would be “to succeed to the Office of Governor upon the Governor’s removal from office, death, or resignation.” Under current legislation, the Lieutenant Governor is the President of the Senate and is entitled to vote in the event of a tie, much like that of the Vice President of the United States. They are also vested with certain prescribed legislative duties, powers, and responsibilities. Gov. Kay Ivey has been a vocal critic of the bill. In her State of the State address, she explained her time presiding over the Senate as Lt. Governor prepared to assume the office of the Governor when former. Gov. Robert Bentley resigned. “The smooth transition of government, brought me full circle – from the legislative to the executive – and I am better able to lead and govern because of it. I support having a lieutenant governor who presides over the Senate. Our current order of succession serves the state well. I know this firsthand, having experienced it. I strongly support our current order of succession,” Ivey said in her speech earlier this month. Nevertheless, Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh said the bill was a priority to consider, but failed to say whether or not it would make it back to the floor before the Senate is scheduled to end in two weeks. The position for Lt. Governor currently vacant, and has been since Ivey assumed office in April 2017. Republicans Will Ainsworth, Twinkle Cavanaugh and Rusty Glover, along with Democrat Will Boyd are running to fill it the position this year.
