Robin Litaker qualifies in Congressional District Seven
On Tuesday, retired schoolteacher Robin Litaker qualified as a Republican to run for Congress in Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District. Litaker is challenging incumbent Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL07) in the general election. Alabama Today spoke with Litaker about her campaign. When asked why she was running for Congress, Litaker said, “There are tons of reasons. Our country is in desperate need for conservative leadership.” “We have been traveling across the Black Belt as well as Birmingham even before the redistricting lines were redrawn, and there are so many needs,” Litaker said. “There are areas with no running water. There are areas with no sewage service.” “The Blackbelt has the richest soil in the world, but it is one of the most impoverished regions, not just in the state, but in our country.” The incumbent. Rep. Sewell is in her seventh term representing the Seventh Congressional District, but Litaker believes she can do a better job than Sewell. “The further away you get from an area, the less responsive to that community you become,” Litaker said. “Take Selma for example it is disintegrating with all of the population loss.” “We see a lot of her during election time, but in my travels, I have met with people all over the district who have never seen her,” Litaker added. Republicans like to say that the budget needs to be balanced but usually provide no specifics. When asked what she would cut from the federal budget, Litaker said, “Well, we have got a lot of problems.” Litaker said that a lot of the issue is the bureaucratic agencies have become “bloated.” Litaker gave the Department of Education as an example. “I do believe in school choice, but a poor in Choctaw County has to have a public education,” Litaker stated. “The federal Department of Education is so bloated with administrative costs that none of the money is getting down to the child. As a teacher, you are dictated to from the Department of Education. Even when you get federal money, they dictate what you can do with it. Whatever we are doing, obviously, it ain’t worked.” Litaker said that she favored abolishing the federal Department of Education. “Every agency can be trimmed,” Litaker continued. “The spending, it is out of control, and the salaries that the upper people get are outrageous.” “Every citizen has to balance their checkbook,” Litaker added. “If you spend and borrow more money than you can pay back, there would be repercussions. When Congress spends more than we have, there should also be repercussions.” When asked if she supported aiding Ukraine in its current war with Russia, Litaker stated, “No, what I don’t endorse is spending billions in unaccountable dollars. We have issues here. We are being invaded on our southern border, and I haven’t heard anything from the current district seven representative about it.” There is a lot of rural land mass in CD7. Alabama Today asked Litaker if she was confident that she could effectively represent Alabama farmers in the Congress. “Oh yes. I have talked to some farmers in my travels, and they want a voice,” Litaker said. “They need an advocate. The Blackbelt is one of the richest land areas in the world, but underutilized.” Litaker said that she supports legislation preventing foreign nationals from buying American farmland, but she would go further than that and take back the land owned by foreign nationals if their government does something hostile towards the U.S. “We need to put more in place to protect the farmers,” Litaker said. “I have got some ideas I have been working on. They need our support.” At present, Litaker does not have a Republican primary opponent. No Democrat has formally qualified to run against Sewell. The election is still 13 months away. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Mac McCutcheon endorses Jeremy Oden and Chip Beeker for Public Service Commissioner
Alabama House Speaker Mac McCutcheon announced endorsements for Jeremy Oden and Chip Beeker for Public Service Commissioner. McCutcheon, a retired law enforcement officer, explained that keeping Beeker and Oden on the Public Service Commission will ensure Alabamians have a conservative voice on the state level. McCutcheon emphasized the need to have leaders who will “push back on the Biden Administration’s radical, liberal anti-energy agenda.” According to Alabama Secretary of State campaign finance records, radical “environmental justice” activists have selected their preferred “Republican” primary candidates, Robin Litaker and Brent Woodall, for the Public Service Commission. As first reported by Dylan Smith of Yellowhammer News, both candidates have taken large sums of money from Nelson Brooke of Black Warrior Riverkeeper. Brooke has made a total of $73,000 in contributions to Alabama candidates, all of the money going to democrats except three contributions: $20,000 to Litaker this cycle, $10,000 to her in her last race, and $10,000 to Woodall. “Alabama has the most conservative Public Service Commission in the nation, and we need to keep it that way,” said McCutcheon. “That’s why I’m proudly voting for conservative fighters Jeremy Oden and Chip Beeker on June 21. This is a critical election for Alabama’s future, and we need to get everyone out to the polls to keep the PSC conservative. We cannot allow the radical Left to buy a Republican primary in our state. Chip Beeker and Jeremy Oden will fight PresidentBiden’s ‘America Last’ Green New Deal agenda, and they’ll defend our jobs, small businesses, farmers, and values.” McCutcheon concluded, “Jeremy Oden and Chip Beeker support affordable, reliable, and secure energy for hardworking Alabama families. I am proud to endorse them and urge Alabamians to vote to keep the Alabama Public Service Commission conservative.” The Republican primary runoff is June 21.
Will Ainsworth announces Public Service Commissioners endorsements for Chip Beeker and Jeremy Oden
Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth announced his endorsement of Chip Beeker and Jeremy Oden for their reelection bids to the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC). Ainsworth believes that conservative leaders should hold these seats because the two incumbents have already successfully shielded Alabama from the far left climate agenda. According to Alabama Secretary of State campaign finance records, radical “environmental justice” activists are once again pushing their agenda in Alabama. They have selected their preferred “Republican” primary candidates Robin Litaker and Brent Woodall for the Public Service Commission, Alabama Today reported in May. As first reported by Dylan Smith of Yellowhammer News, both candidates have taken large sums of money from Nelson Brooke, of Black Warrior Riverkeeper. Brooke has made a total of $73,000 in contributions to Alabama candidates all of the money going to democrats except three contributions: $20,000 to Litaker this cycle, $10,000 to her in her last race, and $10,000 to Woodall. Ainsworth asserted that the left’s “Green New Deal” would have consequences for Alabama. “Chip Beeker and Jeremy Oden have shown they have the grit, tenacity, and leadership to fight Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, Bernie Sanders, AOC, and the rest of the Washington liberals who are pushing radical energy policies and the snake oil promises of the Green New Deal,” Ainsworth stated. “If the liberal Democrat extremists are allowed to win, energy prices will skyrocket, jobs will disappear, and Alabama’s economy, which is currently the best in our history, will go into freefall.” “Commissioners Beeker and Oden will preserve our jobs and protect our Alabama way of life from the left-wing radicals and their dangerous agenda. They have my full confidence and strong endorsement for a new term on the Public Service Commission,” concluded Ainsworth. The runoff election will take place on June 21.
Progressive environmental activists pick ‘Republican’ favorites in Alabama Public Service Commission primary races
According to Alabama Secretary of State campaign finance records, radical “environmental justice” activists are once again pushing their agenda in Alabama. They have selected their preferred “Republican” primary candidates Robin Litaker and Brent Woodall for the Public Service Commission. As first reported by Dylan Smith of Yellowhammer News, both candidates have taken large sums of money from Nelson Brooke, of Black Warrior Riverkeeper. Brooke has made a total of $73,000 in contributions to Alabama candidates all of the money going to democrats except three contributions: $20,000 to Litaker this cycle, $10,000 to her in her last race, and $10,000 to Woodall. Alabama Today reported on Brooke’s contribution history in an opinion piece last cycle when Litaker, who is attempting her third run to the Public Service Commission. She ran against Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh in 2020. Cavanaugh handily won that election with 73.8% of the vote. In 2018, Litaker ran against Beeker with him getting 68.7% of the vote. In that race, she was her own biggest contributor and the next closest gave her $250.00. According to the Yellow Hammer report, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) campaign finance records show that Margaret Wade Johnston, from the advocacy group Sierra Club, loaned Litaker’s campaign $45,000. Johnston has a history of backing progressive candidates in an attempt to defeat incumbent conservatives in Alabama. Johnston donated to the Democratic challengers of U.S. Reps. Robert Aderholt and Mo Brooks in the 2018 general election and also donated to former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones in 2020. Like Johnston, Brooke also has a history of financially supporting far-left candidates in federal races, including former President Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign and socialist U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential bid. It is unknown if the ALGOP will take action to decertify their elections based on these contributions. Earlier this year, Trip Powell was removed from the ballot for giving a $500 contribution to Walt Maddox. Litaker and Woodall supporter Brooke gave Maddox a total of $6,000. In 2018, the party voted to not certify a candidate who made social media posts that were described as “anti-Semitic, racist or otherwise offensive.” The primary election is on May 24, 2022. You can find your polling place or get more voting information at AlabamaVotes.gov.
Alabama Republican Assembly releases primary endorsements
The Alabama Republican Assembly has released its candidate endorsements for the upcoming May 24 primary. The Republican Assembly meets every two years to listen to candidates, questions candidates in private settings, and then issues endorsements in races where any candidate garners at least a two-thirds vote of delegates. The 2022 Endorsement Conference was held last Saturday at Hotel Capstone in Tuscaloosa. Local President Jennifer Montrose said she was “excited about the passion and energy in support of conservative candidates and constitutional values.” U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks was endorsed for U.S. Senator, receiving 96% of the vote. ALRA President Don Wallace stated, “Mo Brooks made a clear and convincing case for being the only consistent conservative in the race, based on a track record of experience and an un-matched voting record on issues like illegal immigration, pro-life values, support for our military and sound economic policies. The near unanimity of his support, when other races were not so clear cut, is an indication that the Brooks campaign has a new focus, new energy, and rising hopes to reclaim leadership in the Senate race.” In the matchup in the Governor’s race, businessman Tim James led the field, followed by Pastor Dean Odle. However, no candidate received enough votes to be endorsed in that race. Former BAM Executive Lew Burdette was placed fourth. Lindy Blanchard was fourth. There were also not enough votes for endorsement for the races for Attorney General, State Auditor, or the Secretary of State race where current State Auditor Jim Zeigler was just shy of the number of votes needed from the 55 delegates. Calhoun County Circuit Judge Debra Jones received the necessary votes for endorsement at Supreme Court Justice, Place 5. Robin Litaker and Brent Woodall also garnered an over 67% vote for their respective PSC campaigns. Other major endorsements included Paul Sanford and Michael Joiner for Congress, as well as Alex Balkum, Marie Manning, and Wayne Reynolds for State Board of Education. The group also is in the process of making endorsements in a slate of legislative races in the Republican primary to be released soon on social media and other outlets.
Conservative groups hold Welcome Back Rally at Statehouse today
Conservative groups around the state will hold their 11th Annual Welcome Back Rally today at the Statehouse. The event starts at 12:15 pm. The Common Sense Campaign, Eagle Forum, and HealthFreedom Alabama are sponsoring the rally. The Facebook event page stated, “We want the Legislators to not only see a big crowd of motivated voters, but we want you to go see your House and Senate members and lobby them to support some critical bills.” The Common Sense Campaign Tea Party President will open the rally, and pastor Dr. Terry Batton will give the invocation. State auditor Jim Zeigler will speak at 12:15 p.m. His address will be about Gov. Kay Ivey’s state of the state address. State House Rep. Bob Fincher will discuss replacing Common Core, and Rep. Shane Stringer will discuss repealing current conceal and carry legislation. Below is a tentative schedule: 12:14-Dr. Lou Campomenosi, President, Common Sense Campaign Tea Party, calls everyone to order Invocation: Pastor, Dr. Terry Batton, President, Barbour County, Taxed Enough Already Tea Party;Common Sense Campaign member Ms. Janet Taverna in period costume as Georgette Washington. 12:20-Key Note Speaker: State Auditor, Mr. Jim Zeigler,” Reply to Gov Ivey’s “State of the State Address” 12:30-State House Representative Bob Fincher, “Replacing Common Core–A Moral Imperative Now with Alabama at the Bottom of NAEP” 12:34-State House Representative Shane Stringer, “It’s Time for Constitutional Carry to Pass” 12:38–Ms. Becky Gerritson, Executive Director, Eagle Forum, Alabama, ” Pass VCAP to Protect our Children!” 12:42-Dr. Robin Litaker, Retired School Principal and Former Alabama Teacher of the Year, “Recovering From Common Core–The Way Forward” 12:46-Ms. Kim Harris, President, Baldwin Cty ‘Bama Carry, “Grassroots Support for Constitutional Carry” 12:50-Mr. Charlie Wycoff, President, ‘Bama Carry of Mobile 2:54-Dr. Lou Campomenosi, “What Will It Take for Gov Ivey to Replace Common Core?” 12:57-Dr. Lou Campomenosi, Closing remarks. Benediction, Pastor, Dr. Terry Batton
The joke’s on us. ‘Republican’ candidate scores big bucks with liberal environmentalist
Republican voters in Alabama: I have a simple riddle for you. What does Robin Litaker, a “Republican” candidate have in common with those who have made the following statements? “The Alabama Republican Party has lost their damn minds…” “ICE raids beginning tomorrow. Because polls show Trump losing to Dem front-runners. He needs to fire up his base, and must pander to Racist Bigots of Amerikka.” “Vote Democrat!” “We’re just 7 days away, Alabama, from electing a wonderful man and my dear friend. Help me this week in making sure Doug Jones makes it over the finish line!” Oh wait, that’s right, Litaker’s biggest financial supporter — the extremely liberal environmentalist, Nelson Brooke — also donated to each of the individuals quoted above. Read those quotes again. And again. Since 2013, Brooke has donated a total of $43,000 to 17 Alabama candidates. 16 of them, Democrats. You read that correctly, among Robin’s Nelson-financed counterparts are Trump-hating, Republican-bashing, pro-choice, pro-amnesty, anti-coal candidates. 16 out of 17 contributions went to these folks and then the last donation Brooke’s has made… want to guess who that went to? That’s right, Litaker. Think about that for a moment. An environmentalists who backs some of the farthest left candidates our state has seen in recent years is now bankrolling a “Republican.” Robin raised a total of $17,765 (taking out the money she’s given her own campaign). Of that, $10,000 came directly from Brooke. Why? Why would he do that? Did his tastes in candidates finally evolve? Or does he know something we don’t know? I started this post with a riddle but maybe, just maybe what’s happening is the joke is on all of those supporting this so-called “Republican.” Still not convinced? Take a look at some of things Brooke-backed candidates have said in the past? Here is the list of all candidates and contributions made:
Wetumpka TEA Party hosts GOP candidate meet and greet
The Wetumpka TEA Party will host the River Region Candidate Fair on Monday evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. for candidates running in the 2018 Republican primary election. Over 40 candidates have confirmed their attendance for the event, which will be held at the Wetumpka Civic Center. Advertised as a “meet & greet,” the event will allow Alabamians to meet each candidate individually and ask them questions about the position they are seeking, rather than listen to speeches and debates. The Wetumpka TEA party will also be conducting a straw poll at the end of the night, with results posted Tuesday morning. “Our mission at the Wetumpka TEA Party is to educate citizens on national, state and local issues and help them get involved in our representative government,” said Wetumpka Tea Party founder Becky Gerritson. “It is important that people vote for their elected officials because they know what the candidates stand for and do not just rely on 30 second commercials and attractive yard signs. This is a terrific opportunity to meet the candidates who are running for an elected position, to ask them questions and understand what each candidate stands for.” The following candidates have confirmed their attendance on Monday night: CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICES Governor: Bill Hightower, Kay Ivey, Scott Dawson, Tommy Battle (will send a representative) Lieutenant Governor: Will Ainsworth, Twinkle Cavanaugh, Rusty Glover Attorney General: Chess Bedsole, Troy King, Alice Martin Auditor: Stan Cooke, Elliott Lipinsky, Jim Zeigler Secretary of State: Michael Johnson, John Merrill Treasurer: Stephen Evans, John McMillan Commissioner for Agriculture and Industries: Gerald Dial, Rick Pate (will send a representative) STATE LEGISLATURE Alabama House of Representatives 31: Dustin DeVaughn, Mike Holmes Alabama House of Representatives 88: Al Booth Alabama Senate 25: Will Barfoot, Ronda Walker Alabama Senate 30: Clyde Chambliss (Unopposed) ALABAMA COURT SYSTEM Supreme Court Chief Justice: Tom Parker AL Supreme Court Place 1: Sarah Stewart AL Court of Civil Appeals Place 1: Michelle Thomason, Pat Thetford Circuit Court 19 Judge: Bill Lewis (Unopposed) PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION Public Service Commission Place 1: Jeremy Oden, Jim Bonner Public Service Commission Place 2: Chip Beeker, Robin Litaker LOCAL AND CIRCUIT RACES: Elmore County Sheriff: Bill Franklin (Unopposed) Probate Judge (Elmore): Vicki Bonner-Ward, John Thornton Elmore County Commission Dist 4: Bart Mercer (Unopposed) Coroner (Elmore): Brad Linville, Jody Jeffcoat Circuit Clerk (Elmore): Michael Dozier, Angie Cruise-Gardner FEDERAL RACE U.S. Congress Dist 2: Rich Hobson, Bobby Bright, Barry Moore A flier for the event may be viewed here: River region candidate fair.
