Accusations and name calling heat up Lt. Gov race between Twinkle Cavanaugh and Will Ainsworth runoff
He calls her a “Swampy Star.” She calls him a tiger thief. Alabama Public Service Commission President Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh and state Rep. Will Ainsworth of Guntersville are swapping accusations — and accusing the other of distorting the truth — ahead of Tuesday’s heated GOP runoff in the race for lieutenant governor. Cavanaugh, 52, has an ad targeting Ainsworth’s theft arrest when he was a college student and was accused of stealing fiberglass tigers in downtown Auburn. Ainsworth, 37, is running ads, playing on Cavanaugh’s unusual first name, and lampooning her lengthy resume in politics. The Cavanaugh ad targets Ainsworth’s 2002 arrest on theft charges when he was 20. The charges were later dropped. “It is the most disingenuous and lying ad. … It was a college prank,” Ainsworth said, saying the ad, which displays a photograph of the balding Ainsworth, makes it look like the arrest was recent. Court records show that Ainsworth, along with several others, was charged in 2002 with stealing five fiberglass tigers worth $3,000 each, in downtown Auburn. Cavanaugh defended the ad, saying it was a “serious matter.” “Twinkle Twinkle Swampy Star” is the slogan on an Ainsworth mailer criticizing Cavanaugh’s lengthy resume in politics. He is running a similar television ad with a star-gazing couple. Cavanaugh has spent much of her life in and around politics. She worked as the first female chairwoman of the Alabama Republican Party and worked for the Republican National Committee in Washington and on Gov. Bob Riley’s staff. She was elected to the PSC in 2010 and commission president in 2012. Cavanaugh said she is proud of her record on conservative causes but notes that she also worked for a year as a teacher and started a restaurant business. The heated and expensive race comes for a position that has relatively little power with one big exception: the potential to succeed the governor. The lieutenant governor presides over the state Senate, votes in case of a tie and makes a number of board appointments. The position is most notable because the officer holder takes over as governor if the governor dies, steps down or is in impeached. The lieutenant governor position has been vacant since April 2017, when Kay Ivey succeeded Robert Bentley as governor. Bentley stepped down in the midst of an impeachment push. Cavanaugh had considered running for governor but switched to the lieutenant governor when Ivey announced she was running this year. “I believe our state needs a strong second-string quarterback,” Cavanaugh said of the position of lieutenant governor. She is touting her record on the utility board that she said includes cutting expenses and approving rate reductions. “We need a proven conservative, someone who has a proven record of turning Christian values into strong conservative government,” Cavanaugh said. Ainsworth is a rancher and the owner of a sportsman’s lodge and founder of a prominent hunting and fishing expo. A relative political newcomer, Ainsworth was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 2014. In his legislative tenure, Ainsworth is perhaps best known for sponsoring legislation in the wake of the Florida school shooting that would allow certain teachers to carry or access firearms in the classroom. Campaigning as a political outsider, Ainsworth is emphasizing the fact that he has not spent much time in politics. “I’m not a career politician. I’ve actually been involved in the private sector,” Ainsworth said. Ainsworth said as lieutenant governor — the only statewide elected official involved in the daily dealings at the Statehouse — that he wants to help “drive the conversation” at the Alabama Legislature. “The lieutenant governor has the bully pulpit,” Ainsworth said. The Republican nominee will face Democrat Will Boyd in November. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
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.
Twinkle Cavanaugh: Putting Alabama families first
When you run for public office, you think of family first – your spouse, your children, and your parents. Both of my parents were teachers. I grew up in a modest home where education was important, and where I was rooted in the kind of traditional family values which everyone can appreciate. The lessons I learned then are the lessons that I am trying to pass on to my children and my grandchildren today. Yet, we are constantly being told by, what Ronald Reagan called a “distant elite,” that we need to change. But what exactly are these people asking us to change? In 1979, Margaret Thatcher said, “it’s passionately interesting for me that the things that I learned in a small town, in a very modest home, are just the things that I believe have won the election.” Isn’t that what we want again in our government? We as Alabamians have seen too many people who come to Montgomery and bill themselves as the one who will change the system, only to find out that it is the system that has changed them. The moment change asks you to put your values aside, is the time when danger looms on the horizon. Values which are a mile wide and one inch deep will not be able to change the course of our great state. But values rooted in the soil of belief and the principles of our nations’ founding will be able to deliver on better infrastructure and a better education for our most precious resource – our children. Hard work, honesty, faith in God, respect for life, and a rugged optimism which believes that tomorrow can always be better – have held many Alabamians through good times and dark times. Simple, yes. But it is in these same deeply-rooted, proven values, which lies the confidence we need to address the future. We are a people who look to God, while rolling up our sleeves to work harder in the jobs we do and for the families we raise. This is precisely why I am running for Lt. Governor. I want to continue bringing our timeless Alabama values to Montgomery. I want to bring about jobs – good, high-paying jobs – for our state, so that families become stronger. I want to strengthen our high school, community college and higher education offerings, so that our children today will be the best and brightest. I want to be the Lt. Governor who puts our families and our values first – rejecting self-interest and special interests. These are the values which create the real leaders in Alabama, and this can be our future. Our brighter future. ••• Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh is the President of the Alabama Public Service Commission. She is a small business owner and former Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party. Opinions expressed do not represent the position of the Public Service Commission or its other commissioners.
Steve Flowers: Best races of the year have been for Attorney General and Lt. Governor
The best races of the year have been for Attorney General and Lt. Governor, as well as Agriculture Commissioner and for the 2nd Congressional district. The Attorney General post is considered the best stepping stone to Governor and U.S. Senator. It is very high profile and prosecutes bad guys who go to jail and cannot vote against you, and you look like a good guy to the rest of the law abiding voters in the state. Therefore, in recent years it has attracted ambitious politicians rather than veteran dedicated prosecutors. These aspirants were novices at being lawyers, much less prosecutors. They sought the position for political posturing rather than the job as the state’s top law enforcer. We have not had a tough former DA since the days of Bill Baxley and Charlie Graddick. As the race began, there were three major candidates with prosecutorial experience. Troy King had been Attorney General, Alice Martin had been the U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of Alabama and had handled numerous major high-profile convictions. Even the Bentley appointee, Steve Marshall, had been a district attorney. Troy King had begun the race as the front runner simply because he had some name identification from having been Attorney General. Early polls showed him with around 27 percent with Martin and Marshall at 10-12 and Chess Bedsole at 5-6. The final results wound up mirroring the amount of money spent by the candidates. There was an amazing correlation to money equals media equals name identification, which results in votes. “Money is the mother’s milk of politics. Troy King and Steve Marshall ended up in a dead draw with 28 percent each. Alice Martin got 23 percent and first-time candidate, Chess Bedsole, got a surprising and impressive 21 percent. He got a great vote in Mobile and Birmingham, especially in the silk stocking boxes. His $1 million media buy did not hurt. The runoff between Troy King and Steve Marshall will be interesting. Again, it will probably boil down to money. Marshall made the runoff by outspending Alice Martin significantly. He used the power of incumbency to strong arm contributions. Both candidates will have to go negative. Marshall is more vulnerable. He campaigned for Obama and was a Democrat only a few years ago. He was appointed DA by Democrat Don Siegelman and was appointed Attorney General by Robert Bentley. These are not good calling cards in a GOP Primary runoff. King will be the favorite on July 17. The winner will not get a free ride in November. The aforementioned Don Siegelman’s son, Joseph Siegelman, won the Democratic nomination on June 5 and will be a viable opponent in the Fall. The Lt. Governor position has very little power. However, over the past few decades the Lt. Governor has risen to Governor quite a few times. Therefore, this race has gotten a lot of attention from voters and campaign donors. Twinkle Cavanaugh entered the race as the favorite simply because of name identification. Will Ainsworth and Rusty Glover had very little of that. However, Ainsworth came to the dance with the ingredient to buy name ID. Money is that recipe. He had it and he spent it. Twinkle wound up with 43 percent to Ainsworth’s 37 percent and Glover’s 20 percent. Twinkle will be a slight favorite in the runoff. However, if Ainsworth spends another million and stays with negative or some say comparison ads, it will be close. Rick Pate bested Gerald Dial 40 to 30 in the Agriculture Commissioner race despite Dial outspending him with a catchy jingle ad. Alabamians inexplicably have a way of ascertaining who is the farmer in that race. Pate was the only farmer. The Alabama Farmer’s Federation Endorsement helped him in the first primary. Over 61 percent of the 2nd Congressional District GOP voters voted against incumbent Martha Roby. Bobby Bright may very well win this rematch, which has been years in the making. Bright is well known and liked in the District, especially in the Wiregrass where he was born and raised as well as in Montgomery where he was Mayor for 10 years. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh announces endorsements from AGC, ALVMA
With less than three months to go to Republican June 5 primary, Lieutenant Governor candidate Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh on Friday announced two major endorsements of her candidacy. A lifelong conservative Republican and current President of the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC), Cavanaugh received the endorsements of the Alabama Associated General Contractors (AGC) and the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association (ALVMA). The AGC and ALVMA join the Business Council of Alabama and Manufacture Alabama in endorsing Cavanaugh’s campaign for Lt. Governor. “I am honored to receive the endorsements of job creators across our great state,” Cavanaugh said of the endorsements. “Having owned several small businesses, I have signed both sides of a paycheck and am committed to sound conservative policies that allow job creators to do what they do best. With education and workforce development as priorities, Alabama’s brightest days are ahead of her.” Since January 1, 1920, Alabama AGC has brought together qualified construction contractors and industry-related companies dedicated to skill, integrity and responsibility. Alabama AGC is a $100 million+ construction trade association with holdings all over Alabama and the Panhandle of Florida with 26 full-time employees and own offices in Florence, Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile and Pensacola. With over 1,000 members statewide, Alabama AGC is the oldest and largest non-residential construction trade association in Alabama. Founded in 1907 and comprised of approximately 700 veterinarians from around the state, the ALVMA is the oldest and largest professional veterinary association in the state of Alabama and is nationally recognized as one of the most active. ALVMA members are dedicated to the advancement of the art and science of veterinary medicine, the promotion and support of sound legislation as it affects veterinarians and small business owners, and the encouragement of responsible pet ownership. Cavanaugh has caught the attention of many organizations by the way she has led the PSC by refusing a state car, and over the past seven years she has “right-sized” the PSC, reduced overall spending by 30%, and saved the taxpayers over $50 million. In 2017 alone, the PSC returned a record $13 million to the general fund. “Politicians always talk about cutting government, but talk is cheap,” Cavanaugh added. “I have actually cut government. As Alabama’s Lt. Governor, I’ll work to right-size state government just like I right-sized the PSC. And I’ll fight to make Alabama a land of economic opportunity so we all can enjoy a brighter future in the years ahead.”
Alabama lawmaker proposes bill to strip Lt. Governor of current duties
Lineville-Republican State Senator Gerald Dial has introduced legislation that would propose an amendment to the Alabama Constitution stripping the Lieutenant Governor’s office of any legislative duties. Under current legislation, the Lieutenant Governor is the President of the Senate and is entitled to vote in the event of a tie. They are also vested with certain prescribed legislative duties, powers, and responsibilities. SB88 would change all of that. The bill, which is a proposed amendment to the Alabama Constitution, stipulates the “sole responsibility” of the post would be “to succeed to the Office of Governor upon the Governor’s removal from office, death, or resignation.” It would also require the members of the Senate to elect from its own membership a President and President Pro Tempore of the Senate and would provide that the prior legislative duties, responsibilities, and powers of the Lieutenant Governor would be vested in the President of the Senate. “It’s a job that does not require hardly any work at all and it could be better used if the people are going to fund it,” Dial said of the job of lieutenant governor to the AP. Governor Kay Ivey opposes the proposal. 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. If approved by the legislature, the amendment would go to the public for a vote for final approval.
Former Alabama Lt. Gov. Lucy Baxley dies at age 78
Alabama’s first female Lt. Gov. Lucy Baxley has passed away at the age of 78. She died peacefully at her home surrounded by family. Baxley was the last Alabama Democrat to hold statewide office, serving in the as lieutenant governor from 2003-2007. In 2006, Baxley defeated Don Siegelman to claim the Democratic nomination for governor, where she ran against incumbent Republican Gov. Bob Riley, but lost. Shortly after the election, Baxley suffered a stroke that left her confined to a wheelchair. Nevertheless she persevered and went on to narrowly defeat Republican Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh for president of Alabama’s Public Service Commission in 2008. In 2012, Cavanaugh defeated Baxley in her re-election bid. “Today the state of Alabama lost a great public servant,” Gov. Robert Bentley said of Baxley’s passing. “Lucy Baxley loved Alabama and loved the people of Alabama. I enjoyed our time working together when I served in the Legislature. Lucy will forever be remembered as a fierce advocate for the people of Alabama, for her decades of service and as Alabama’s first female lieutenant governor. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this time.” House Minority Leader Craig Ford echoed Bentley’s sentiments that Baxley was a great public servant. “My thoughts and prayers are with the Baxley family today,” said Ford in a statement. “Lucy was a true public servant, a pillar of the Alabama Democratic Party and will be greatly missed.” Baxley is survived by her husband of 20 years, Jim Smith, her son Louis Baxley, daughter Becky Nichols, as well as four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. “When I asked Lucy to marry me, I really didn’t know what it would be like to be married to a politician,” Smith said in a news release from the family. “I’m still not so sure about the politician part, but I do know what it was like to be married to the most caring and wonderful woman in the world.”
