Email insights: Mark Meadows endorses Mo Brooks, asks for support
Chairman of the House Freedom Caucus and North Carolina 11th District U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows has endorsed Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks in the Alabama special election to fill the seat left vacant by former Sen. Jeff Sessions, when he accepted the Attorney General of the United States position in February. Meadows emailed conservatives of his endorsement asking them to also support Brooks’ campaign. Read Meadows’ email below: Dear Conservative, There’s been a lot of talk lately about what it means to be a true conservative. And Lord knows, we could use a few more “true conservatives” in the United States Senate. That’s why I am writing you today. I’m Congressman Mark Meadows, I’m the chairman of the House Freedom Caucus. My friend and fellow Freedom Caucus member Mo Brooks is running for Jeff Sessions’ Senate seat that was vacated when President Trump appointed Sessions as Attorney General. Mo Brooks is a fighter. He has the most conservative voting record in the Alabama congressional delegation. He’s got an A-rating from Numbers USA and the NRA. He has proven himself to be a proven constitutional conservative in the mold of Ted Cruz, Mike Lee, Rand Paul and Ben Sasse. We need more like him in the Senate. Mo’s not afraid to stand up to the Washington, DC establishment and this has not made him any friends with the K-Street crowd. They have already sworn to spend as much as ten million dollars on behalf of his establishment opponent. We need Mo Brooks to win this race, my friend. He understands the threats we face at home from an ever-expanding federal government. And he understands that it will take free-market, conservative solutions to fix all the messes President Obama and the Democrats created the last eight years. Mo is a battle-tested conservative who is committed to restoring America’s greatness. But if he’s going to make it to Washington, he needs the help of conservatives just like YOU. The Republican Primary is August 15th. The establishment sees Mo as a real threat. They would like nothing better than to see Mo defeated and they’re pulling out all the stops to make sure he doesn’t win. The road our country has been on these last several years is simply not sustainable. We need conservatives who will go to the Senate and be a part of the fight–not part of the club. A major course correction is needed –- and conservative leaders like Mo Brooks are needed in the Senate to make it happen. Below is a letter from Mo with more information about his campaign. I’m all in to help Mo Brooks defeat the DC establishment and send him to the Senate. I hope you are too. Will you join me? Sincerely, Congressman Mark Meadows Chairman, House Freedom Caucus Dear Conservative, I’m looking for your support in my race for US Senate. We face serious challenges right now–as serious as any point in our history. I believe we need representation in DC that is ready to shake things up, stand by our President, and get things done…not just be part of the lobbyist, establishment club. Before you make up your mind about who you’re going to support I want you to know a little bit about me. In Congress I was very proud to be a founding member of the Freedom Caucus, a group of fiscal and social conservative members. And, my record as a proven conservative leader has been recognized by leading conservative organizations, including the following: Heritage Action (94% rating) NRA (“A” lifetime rating) Club for Growth (86% lifetime rating) Numbers USA (A+ 100% rating) American Conservative Union (89% lifetime rating, 94% rating for the 114th Congress) FreedomWorks (92% rating in 2016), and endorsed by Eagle Forum in 2016. If you’re interested in sending a proven conservative to represent you in the Senate, I’d ask you to visit my website and learn a little more about the kind of things I’ve fought for, and the things I will fight for as your United States Senator. For America, Congressman Mo Brooks, Conservative Republican for US Senate
5 GOP Senate contenders appear at Vestavia Hills candidate forum
Five Republican Senate hopefuls appeared before the Mid-Alabama Republican Club for a meet-the-candidate event Saturday. As reported by AL.com, two of the leading candidates onstage — Congressman Mo Brooks and state Sen. Trip Pittman — took pains to point out their private sector experience in an attempt to distance themselves from the ‘career politician’ marker. “My primary source of income has always been in the private sector,” Brooks said, noting his law firm and time as general counsel for a distributor of roofing, siding, and windows, the largest in the nation. Brooks also referred to his ranking by conservative groups such as the anti-tax Club for Growth, Heritage Foundation and the immigration reduction group Numbers USA. “Every candidate talks the talk,” Brooks told the crowd. “It’s more important to walk the walk.” Brooks also pointed out a list of endorsements from conservative talk show hosts Sean Hannity, Mark Levin and Laura Ingraham, and his success in stopping the so-called Gang of Eight immigration reform effort in 2013. In an email this week, Brooks also received the endorsement of North Carolina Republican Rep. Mark Meadows, chair of the House Freedom Caucus. Pittman’s started his business in 1988, as well as standing for the state’s Gulf Coast in Montgomery. After a plane crash a decade ago, Pittman turned to public service. “It’s been a great challenge,” Pittman said. “But we have been successful in what we’ve been able to do in moving Alabama forward.” Pittman also discussed his time as chair of the Senate Budget Committee. “I understand the process. The process is important,” Pittman said, adding that whoever wins the Special Election to replace former Sen. Jeff Sessions should someone “willing to take staunch philosophical positions. “This is the best opportunity you have to elect someone with good ideology,” he said. Also at the forum were Hoover businessperson Dom Gentile, Alabama Christian Coalition head Randy Brinson, and Pelham physician James Beretta. Candidates who did not attend Saturday’s forum are scheduled to visit the Mid-Alabama Republican Club’s next meeting July 8.
Mike Rogers endorses colleague Mo Brooks for US Senate seat
U.S. Senate-hopeful, Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks picked up yet another endorsement for his Senate run on Sunday. This time from his House colleague, fellow Alabama Republican 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers. “Congressman Mo Brooks is one of the most principled conservatives I know,” said Rogers of his endorsement. “I am confident Mo Brooks will fight every day in the U.S. Senate for the conservative values we hold dear in Alabama.” Rogers continued, Mo is an unwavering proponent of strictly enforcing immigration law, reducing the size and scope of government, and of restoring Constitutional order. I have served with Mo for 6 years and know him as the fighter that the people of Alabama want to represent them in the U.S. Senate.” Brooks said he was honored to receive his colleague’s endorsement. “I am greatly honored to receive the endorsement of my colleague,” said Brooks. “Mike knows I’m a proven conservative, and has first-hand knowledge of my work ethic and my principled stances on behalf of our state and country.” Brooks faces a crowded GOP field in August 15 primary. The winner, will go on to represent the Republican Party in the special election scheduled for December 12, pending no run-off is necessary.
Sean Hannity endorses Mo Brooks for Alabama U.S. Senate seat
Fox News’ Sean Hannity tweeted his endorsement of Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks‘ Senate bid on Thursday. Hannity, an avid supporter of President Donald Trump, singled Brooks out from a crowded GOP field saying, “Mo Brooks will support Pres.Trump’s America 1st agenda, he is a proven conservative we need in the Senate. Support @RepMoBrooks 4 Senate.” Mo Brooks will support Pres.Trump’s America 1st agenda, he is a proven conservative we need in the Senate. Support @RepMoBrooks 4 Senate. — Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) June 8, 2017 Hannity is one of the most prominent and influential conservative voices in the country, hosting The Sean Hannity Show, a talk radio show that is syndicated to more than 500 stations and heard in all of the top 50 markets and has a loyal listenership of 13.5 million. Hannity also hosts a cable news show, Hannity, on Fox News Channel. Hannity’s endorsement follows the endorsements of other leading conservative thought leaders Brooks has picked up in recent weeks, including Laura Ingraham and Mark Levin. “With endorsements from leading national conservatives rolling in, my campaign is continuing to build momentum,” said Brooks. “Sean Hannity has carried the torch of conservatism for decades, and I’m proud to have his endorsement in this election.”
Mo Brooks defends Donald Trump’s withdrawal from Paris Climate Accord on House floor
Alabama 5th District U.S. Congressman Mo Brooks appeared on the House floor Wednesday to support President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord. “President Trump is right, America must lead by putting America’s national interest first. The Paris Climate Accord did not do that,” said Brooks. “I am proud that President Trump puts America First. America should not and must not yield even a smidgeon of our national sovereignty to the dictates of other, lesser nations. Despite liberal, climate-scare and socialist Democrat hysteria to the contrary, America has been, and is, by almost every standard, the greatest nation in world history. With an ‘America First’ attitude, America will continue its 75 year streak as the greatest nation in the history of the world, second to none.” Trump announced his decision to withdraw from the agreement that former President Barack Obama signed last week, saying it has disadvantaged the United States all the while benefitting other countries, leaving American businesses and taxpayers to pay the tab. Brooks agreed with Trump’s assessment, calling the accord a “global redistribution of wealth scheme.” “Lest there be any doubt, the Paris Climate Accord intentionally hurt America to the benefit of competitor nations. In a global redistribution of the wealth scheme, the Paris Climate Accord called for America to give away tens of billions of dollars to other countries,” Brooks added. Watch Brooks’ floor speech below:
Steve Flowers: Lay of the land in U.S. Senate sprint
As the race for our open U.S. Senate seat begins, let’s look at the lay of the land. First-of-all it will be a sprint. The race is upon us with the primaries August 15 and the run-off six weeks later September 26. The Republican primary victor will be coronated December 12. We, in the Heart of Dixie, are a one-party state when it comes to major statewide offices. Winning the GOP primary is tantamount to election. Therefore, our new senator will probably be elected September 26. With 10 Republicans in the race, it will be highly unlikely that anybody could win without a run-off, so the initial goal is to make the run-off. There are amazingly 19 total candidates who qualified. You can write the 8 Democrats off as irrelevant because a Democrat cannot win in Alabama. With 11 Republicans running, it appears to be a crowded race. However, 6 of the 11 are “run for the fun of it” qualifiers. Therefore, even though the field has a lot of horses, there are only 5 of the 19 who could be considered thoroughbreds and probably only 3 who have a viable chance to win. Former Chief Justice Roy Moore and former State Attorney General and Robert Bentley appointee to the Senate, Luther Strange, are more than likely headed to a Republican run-off. Huntsville and Tennessee Valley Congressman Mo Brooks has the best chance to challenge for a run-off spot. Initial polling has Roy Moore at 30 percent, Luther Strange at 14 percent and Mo Brooks at 7 percent. Roy Moore’s removal from his post as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court by some vague Judicial Inquiry Commission for being against gay marriage has made him a hero and martyr among Alabama’s conservative and religious voters. There is a pent-up desire to right a wrong among the Alabama people. It is obviously showing up in the polling, but it could be illuminated and result in a higher than anticipated 30 percent. Polls are a picture of the total pool of voters. However, the final poll and the one that really matters is who actually shows up to vote August 15. Roy Moore’s folks will be there, they are ardent and mad. They will not be at the lake or the beach. In fact, if there is an extremely low turnout, Moore could conceivably win without a run-off. It is unlikely that occurs. However, he more than likely finishes first and has a spot in the run-off. Luther Strange will be fighting to hold on to the other spot in the Sept. 26 final dance. He will more than likely prevail in his quest to get into the run-off and keep the seat. Luther will have $10 million of Washington establishment super PAC ammunition at his disposal. It is hard to overcome that kind of money. It is the mother’s milk of politics. Luther is banking on the fact that most U.S. Senate seats are bought by special interest money. Folks, $10 million washes a lot of taint away from the Bentley to Luther deal. It looks inevitable that Roy Moore and Luther Strange will be in a run-off and the prevailing opinion is that Moore cannot get over 50 percent. However, polling indicates that neither Moore nor Strange can get over 50 percent. They both have a large base of detractors. This race was ripe to be won by an outside rich man who could spend $10 million of their own money. “Yella Fella” Jimmy Rane walked away from a U.S. Senate seat that was his for the taking. Congressman Mo Brooks has the best chance to knock Strange out of the run-off. He starts off with a base of support in the Tennessee Valley and $1.2 million in his federal war chest. If he were to raise $3 million, he would probably beat Luther and ultimately would probably beat Moore. Brooks is to the right of Attila the Hun and belongs to a right-wing congressional group known as the Freedom Caucus. There are some very rich right-wing zealots around the country who give to Freedom Caucus candidates. They may load ole’ Mo up and teach the Elitist Establishment Mitch McConnell crowd a lesson. If state Sen. Trip Pittman, from Baldwin County, could raise $5 million he could sell. He is the only serious candidate from the vote-rich Baldwin/Mobile area. Dr. Randy Brinson has the perfect background, narrative and family values story. However, like Pittman, he needs $5 million to tell his story. We will see. 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.
Alabama Patriots Tea Party group endorses Mo Brooks for U.S. Senate
Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks is facing a sea of Republican challengers in the upcoming GOP primary for the U.S. Senate special election. In an effort to bolster the Congressman’s conservative support and help him stand apart from the crowd, the Alabama Patriots Tea Party, one of the oldest Tea Party groups in the Yellowhammer State, announced its endorsement of Brooks over the 10 other GOP candidates, including incumbent Sen. Luther Strange on Tuesday. The endorsement comes two weeks after Brooks announced his candidacy, and following a thorough interview with the Commander of the Alabama Patriots, Danny B. Joyner. “In these trying times we believe God has provided men of honor and integrity to stand in the gap for our beloved Alabama and our Christian nation,” said Joyner. “Congressman Mo Brooks is the man to replace our friend and fellow Patriot Jeff Sessions as the next United States Senator from Alabama.” Joyner continued, “As critical to our nation as the choice of Neil Gorsuch was to replace Justice Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court, we the Alabama Patriots feel it is just as critical to support and elect Mo Brooks to the U.S. Senate. His record needs no defending when it comes to the foundational building blocks of our republic in matters of our faith, family and freedom.” Joyner says Brooks stand apart from the other candidate for two reasons: he’s is the only candidate in the race with a proven record of conservative leadership who is renowned for standing up against special interests and Washington insiders. And according to Joyner, Brooks’ “impeccable ethics record stands out.” “Not once has a valid or even an invalid, politically motivated ethics complaint been filed against Mo Brooks with the Alabama Ethics Commission or any federal government ethics agency during Mo Brooks’ thirty years of public service as a Tuscaloosa Assistant District Attorney, Circuit Court law clerk, Madison County District Attorney, Alabama legislator, Madison County Commissioner, and U.S. Congressman,” Joyner added. “Mo Brooks’ proven, impeccable ethics record is exactly what Alabama needs in the U.S. Senate.” Brooks said he was honored by the endorsement. “I am honored to have the Alabama Patriots endorsement for the United States Senate,” Brooks expressed. “I am running for the United States Senate because America’s status as the greatest nation in world history is at risk, because Congress is failing the American people, and because I am the only candidate for the Senate who has a record of proven conservative leadership.” Brooks continued, “Having the support of the Alabama Patriots is a boon to my bid for the Senate. As a Constitutional conservative, I will defend Americans’ First Amendment Right to freedom of religion. As a father and grandfather, I will fight in the Senate to leave my children and grandchildren a financially sound nation where they can prosper, and as a strong defender of freedom, I stand firmly against increasing the size of the federal government. “As my past record proves, I have and will fight in the United States Senate to protect and promote faith, family, freedom and our foundational principles that have combined to make America the greatest nation in world history. As I have shown in the past, I have no hesitancy standing up against special interests and Washington insiders who put their own self-interests above America’s interests.”
Memorial Day messages from the Alabama delegation
Today America honors the service of our men and women in uniform and memorializes those who died to secure our safety, security and freedom. We honor and mourn those, who generation after generation, coming from every corner of our great Nation, have shed their blood in this country and in foreign lands across the globe so that we may have our liberty still today. Here are some Memorial Day messages from elected officials in Alabama: U.S. Sen. Luther Strange: Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: Memorial Day serves as a day to remember those brave men and women in uniform who served our country and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Our heartfelt prayers are with all the families who have lost loved ones as we honor their sacrifice today and every day. God Bless the United States of America. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: On this Memorial Day, we once again recognize and pay tribute to the incredible dedication and bravery of men and women who chose to defend our country, and in doing so, gave their lives in order to uphold the freedoms we all enjoy. We as Americans owe our continued liberty and independence to these men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield. As festivities commence this Memorial Day, it is important that we remember how extraordinary our Armed Forces are in maintaining our great democracy. Let us also never forget the families that mourn the loss of loved ones and those who have returned home yet face ongoing challenges. Even as war continues around the globe, those who fight on our behalf and those who support them back home, make the American dream a closer reality with every passing day. It is because of these selfless sacrifices that our veterans and their families should always be a priority and the benefits they have rightly earned should never be in question. Their commitment to upholding our freedoms requires that we do no less for them. As we assemble for backyard cookouts and family gatherings, let us remember that our democracy and the freedoms we share are not republican or democratic issues, they are not conservative or liberal ones, they are uniquely American values. For that reason, we should all be proud!
Mo Brooks introduces legislation to reform TPS immigration program
Congressman Mo Brooks this week introduced a bill that would tighten-up an oft “abused” immigration program that lends itself to de facto amnesty. Established in 1990 as a temporary immigration status — granted to eligible nationals of a country as a result of a natural disaster, civil violence, or other extraordinary conditions making the country “unable, temporarily, to adequately handle the return of its nationals” — the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program is essentially a nascent green-card program of sorts providing recipients a work permit, Social Security number, driver’s license, and access to certain welfare benefits. While it’s not an immediate path to citizenship, under current law “Temporary” Protected Status is de facto permanent and is often renewed time and again, permanently extending the TPS status. Meaning hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens from countries across the globe, who would otherwise be deported, spend years, even decades, enjoying the protections and benefits of the program, even well-past the time the extraordinary conditions which qualified them for it had dissipated due to this never-ending “temporary” measure. Which is why Brooks introduced H.R. 2604: the Temporary Protected Status Reform Act of 2017. The TPS Reform Act would shift authority from the Executive and empower Congress to designate a nation’s participation in the TPS program. Further, it would set strict, clear time limitations for TPS duration, aiming to make the law, which was designed to be inherently temporary, temporary once more. “The United States provides Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to more than 300,000 foreign residents. As the name implies, the TPS statute purports to provide temporary relief to foreign residents for a period of 6 to 18 months. However, the Executive repeatedly renews protected status, effectively providing a free and permanent pass into America – including all the benefits that come with it,” said Brooks. “My bill, the TPS Reform Act would ensure that ‘temporary’ means temporary by establishing clear time limitations and creating statutory tests that must be met to grant the TPS designation. This legislation provides the needed reform for what has become a long-running amnesty program.” Among the supporters of the bill is the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), a non-profit that advocates for immigration reform based out of Washington, DC, who claim TPS is “misnamed.” “By now, we should have learned from experience that TPS is misnamed—what we offer as ‘temporary’ protection is rarely, if ever, temporary,” Federation for American Immigration Reform Executive Director, Dan Stein noted. “Most often, unfortunately, it’s used by aliens residing in the United States as a foot in the door to permanent residence. They are certainly happy to receive TPS because it apparently never expires. The true test of TPS as a policy tool is if it ever is, truly temporary. Our laws should not reward illegal immigrants to the United States regardless of the political or natural upheavals in their homelands. Otherwise, experience shows that we will encourage further illegal immigration.” The Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies, Mark Krikorian, agreed. “It’s long past time to fix the TPS statute so that ‘temporary’ no longer means permanent,” said Krikorian. “Past administrations have been abusing this temporary, humanitarian program for 27 years, using it as a de facto amnesty program,” Rosemary Jenks, Director of Government Relations at NumbersUSA added. “This bill would restore critical oversight by Congress.” Original cosponsors of the TPS Reform Act include: Texas-Republicans Louie Gohmert and Michael McCaul, and Iowa-Republican Steve King. NumbersUSA and FAIR both endorsed the bill.
Steve Flowers: Sizing up the U.S. Senate sprint
Well, folks, the field is set for the sprint to fill the open U.S. Senate seat of Jeff Sessions. The primary Aug. 15 is less than three months away. There will probably be a run-off Sept. 26, and the winner of that GOP run-off will be our Junior Senator from Alabama. In the Heart of Dixie, winning the Republican nomination is tantamount to election. The Dec. 12 General Election will be a coronation for the winner of the Sept. 26 Republican primary. It was an interesting closing day of qualifying Wednesday. It was unbelievable how many people showed up to qualify. Eleven candidates are running in the Republican primary and amazingly, the Democrats fielded eight candidates. It was like ants coming out of the woodwork. It was similar to our olden days of Alabama politics when everybody and their brother ran for an open governor’s race or a seldom seen open Senate race. We ought to refer to this race as an ant race rather than a horse race. Of the 19 candidates, only about five are viable contenders. Therefore, about 14 of these folks are running for the fun of it. In fact, we use to refer to them as “run for the fun of it” candidates. The most colorful run for the fun of it candidate in Alabama political history was Ralph “Shorty” Price. Shorty ran for governor every four years. He usually finished last. His slogan was smoke Tampa Nugget cigars, drink Budweiser beer and vote for Shorty Price. His campaign platform declared that he would change the term of governor from four years to two years. He would say if you are not smart enough to steal enough as governor in two years, you ain’t smart enough to be governor. My guess is that if someone put Shorty’s name on this Aug. 15 ballot, he would run sixth out of the 12-person GOP field, posthumously. He would probably win the Democratic nomination from the grave. The party leaders were probably glad to see them all show up. The raked in $3,400 a pop from each qualifier. You wonder what motivates those also-ran candidates to put their names on the ballot. Maybe they just want to see their name on the ballot, maybe their Aunt Susie left them $5,000 with the stipulation that they had to use it to run for the U.S. Senate, or they want to tell their grandchildren one day that they ran for the U.S. Senate. They can omit that they ran 11th. Maybe they won a 4-H speaking contest when they were in school and figured their destiny was to be a U.S. Senator. It is similar to someone trying to walk on to Bear Bryant’s or Nick Saban’s football team, and Bryant or Saban grants them permission to get a uniform if only for a day and try out. That bold soul who had to be hit by John Hannah like a tackling dummy can truthfully say to their grandson, “I played football at Alabama for Bear Bryant.” Actually, Alabama’s Sixth Congressional Jefferson/Shelby U.S. Representative, Gary Palmer, was elected to Congress by his doing the above thing while in college at Alabama. Some people suspect that his saying he played for Bear Bryant helped propel him to victory when he was elected a few years ago. Well, let’s give them just due and list them for you. I will list them in order of how I would handicap the field as the race for the Republican nomination begins. The two frontrunners are Roy Moore, followed by Luther Strange. Congressman Mo Brooks is within striking distance of Big Luther. State Senator Trip Pittman and Dr. Randy Brinson could be players if they come up with $5 million to spend on the race. Right now, they are unknown to more than 95 percent of the electorate. If Mo Brooks can raise and spend $3 million, or if Brinson or Pittman can pony up $5 million, one of these three could probably knock Luther out of the run-off. Roy Moore is in the run-off – he leads the crowded field. These six brave souls are in for the fun of it. Hopefully, their next-door neighbor or grandmother will vote for them, James Paul Baretta, Joseph Breault, Dom Gentile, Karen Jackson, Mary Maxwell and Bryan Peeples. Enjoy the race. I will keep you posted. Next week I will analyze and handicap the race in-depth. 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.
Del Marsh not running for U.S. Senate seat
State Sen. Del Marsh will not be seeking the U.S. Senate seat previously held by Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Marsh, an Anniston Republican, has served as Alabama Senate President Pro Tem since 2010. Currently in the race for the Republican nomination are Sen. Luther Strange, who had been appointed by former Gov. Robert Bentley in February, Huntsville Congressman Mo Brooks, former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore, state Rep. Ed Henry of Hartselle, Christian Coalition of Alabama President Randy Brinson, Dominic Gentile and Birmingham business executive Bryan Peeples. AL.com is reporting that 5 p.m. today is the deadline for candidates enter the special election for U.S. Senator. The Republican primary is Aug. 15. According to the Alabama Republican Party, also qualifying for the race are Mary Maxwell and Joseph F. Breault. Democratic candidates include Michael Hansen of the environmental advocacy group Gasp; former U.S. Attorney Doug Jones; Mobile resident Robert Kennedy Jr.; and Orange Beach’s Jason Fisher, who serves as vice president of direct marketing firm Ruffalo Noel-Levitz. Today’s announcement puts end to speculation Marsh would enter the race. Earlier this month, Marsh met with members of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. “I don’t consider Gov. Bentley’s hand-chosen senator to be the incumbent,” Marsh told NRSC officials. “I think the people will choose that in an election cycle.”
Mo Brooks announces run for Jeff Sessions’ former U.S. Senate seat
Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks joined a crowded Republican field vying for the the U.S. Senate formerly held by Jeff Sessions, when he announced Monday morning he will run in Alabama’s special Senate election later this year. The three-term Congressman launched his candidacy with an email announcement, saying he is “the only candidate for the Senate who has a record of proven conservative leadership.” “I am running for the United States Senate because America’s status as the greatest nation in world history is at risk, because Congress is failing the American people by not rising to the challenges America faces, and because I am the only candidate for the Senate who has a record of proven conservative leadership,” Brooks said. Brooks scheduled a series of appearances across the Yellowhammer State to announce his candidacy. He began in Huntsville, with stops scheduled in Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile the rest of the day. The seat is currently held by former Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange. Strange is also running for the seat. Former Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court Roy Moore; State Rep. Ed Henry; President of the Christian Coalition of Alabama Dr. Randy Brinson, and Birmingham businessman Dom Gentile are also running for the GOP nomination. The deadline for candidates to qualify for the Senate run is May 17. The primary vote is August 15. The special election is December 12. Full text of Brooks’ speech below: I hereby announce my candidacy for the United States Senate. At the conclusion of this announcement, I will drive to the Alabama Republican headquarters in Birmingham and file my qualifying papers. I am running for the United States Senate because America’s status as the greatest nation in world history is at risk, because Congress is failing the American people by not rising to the challenges America faces, and because I am the only candidate for the Senate who has a record of proven conservative leadership. Let me be clear, for 75 years America has been unquestionably the greatest nation in world history. America enjoys a standard of living that is the envy of most of the world. America’s military prowess is unparalleled in world history. America is a beacon of freedom for all. America is not great because we are lucky. America is great because foundational principles have made us who we are. First, we are a Republic, which means we, as American citizens, control our government. Second, we enjoy a bill of rights that guarantees our freedoms are protected from abusive government power. Third, we are a nation of moral principles that act as a compass to guide us to do the right thing. Fourth, America enjoys a free enterprise economy that, over time, has made us the world’s greatest economic superpower. Finally, we have been blessed by our ancestors: people who worked hard and sacrificed so that we could enjoy a better future. But today, America is at risk. History reveals that great nations rarely fall from the outside. Rather, great nations fall because of weakness from within. Today, America’s elections are threatened by those who oppose voter identification laws and want to allow noncitizens to vote in America elections. Our 2nd Amendment Right to Bear Arms is threatened by powerful political forces that seek to disarm America. America’s moral principles are threatened by those who seek to destroy our values and faith in God. America’s economy is threatened by the twin evils of Socialism and deficits and debt that increasingly risk a debilitating insolvency and bankruptcy of America. The solutions to America’s challenges are there. The roadblock to these solutions is the United States Senate. In order to preserve America’s status as the greatest nation in world history, we must elect senators with the understanding and backbone needed to face and defeat America’s challenges. In that vein, I offer myself as candidate for the United States Senate because I am the only candidate with a proven record of conservative leadership. As you know, every election cycle a lot of candidates talk that talk. What distinguishes me from those candidates is that I have also walked the walk. The proof is my record of conservative leadership. As a freshman Congressman, The United States Business and Industry Council, representing 2000 manufacturers and 200,000 American jobs, awarded me their “Fighting Freshman of the Year” award because my record was #1 out of 93 freshmen as “a stalwart defender of domestic American industry, technology, innovation, and job creation.” That’s proven conservative leadership. During my six years in Congress, the Club for Growth has consistently graded me in the top 20% of all Congressmen on “economic policies that strengthen our nation’s economy and shrink the size of the federal government.” That’s proven conservative leadership. During my six years in Congress, the National Taxpayers Union has consistently graded my record at the top of the Alabama Congressional Delegation, tied with Congressmen Bradley Byrne and Gary Palmer, on issues concerning “tax relief and reform, lower and less wasteful spending, individual liberty, and free enterprise.” That’s proven conservative leadership. During my six years in Congress, the American Conservative Union has graded my record in the top 20% of all Congressmen, with an overall “A” grade during the last session of Congress, on issues relating to “liberty, personal responsibility, traditional values, and strong national defense.” That’s proven conservative leadership. During the last session of Congress, Heritage Action, the political wing of the Heritage Foundation, ranked my record in the Top 10 of all Congressmen on “principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense.” That’s proven conservative leadership. During my six years in Congress, NumbersUSA has graded my record a perfect 100%/A+ score in the fight to secure America’s borders and protect American families’ wages and jobs from the damage done by illegal aliens. Stated differently, over the past six years, no Congressman has had a better border security record than I have. That’s proven conservative leadership. Today, America’s challenges are great, perhaps the most challenging in a generation. But, you
