Alabama Republican Party State Executive Committee approves rule change banning AEA, NEA contributions for certain candidates
On Saturday, the Alabama Republican Party State Executive Committee voted to pass a rule change barring candidates for State Board of Education, county school superintendent, and county board of education from accepting donations from either the National Education Association (NEA) or its Alabama affiliate, the Alabama Education Association (AEA). The rule change, which does not retroactively apply to past election cycles, will apply to the 2024 elections. The rule change was sponsored by Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl. “One of my goals with this Standing Rule Amendment is making sure our school board and superintendent candidates are not dependent on any special interest group,” said Wahl. “With that in mind, I have already committed that the Party will step in and replace any funding lost should it become necessary. The Alabama Republican Party is in an extremely strong position financially, and we will have our candidate’s backs.” Since Wahl was the author of the proposed bylaws change, he handed over his Chairman’s gavel to Alabama Republican Party Vice Chair Joan Reynolds for this debate while leading efforts on the floor to pass his bylaws change. The Wahl amendment was weakened somewhat in an agreed-on change when the words “and coordinate with” were removed. This effectively means that the candidate could still coordinate with AEA efforts to smear their opponent on an issue such as a school tax increase that both support. The original wording would have made both activities grounds for removal from the ballot. Hale County Commissioner Don Wallace offered an amendment to the rule change that would have also applied to candidates for the Alabama Legislature. State Representative Ron Bolton (R-Northport) objected to Wallace’s amendment and asked that it be tabled. State Auditor Andrew Sorrell said there would be time to consider extending this to other offices in future meetings, but with the 2024 election cycle beginning this fall, this was a time sensitive matter. Sorrell is the Bylaws Committee Chairman for the Alabama Republican Party and the State Auditor. Wallace replied that the State Legislature just passed the largest school budget in state history and voted down school choice legislation, and were likely to consider an even bigger $10 billion education budget next year. Wahl said Governor Kay Ivey has pledged that the state will pass one of the strongest school choice laws in the nation next session. The members of the executive voted to take consideration of the Wallace amendment. They also voted to table a second amendment which would have applied to all Republican candidates – no matter what the office. Jefferson County Republican Party Chairman Chris Brown made the argument that while he advises all of his clients and candidates never to take AEA dollars, the GOP has disqualified candidates from the ballot for several different reasons, and by putting this in the bylaws, it could make those efforts to disqualify future candidates more difficult. He then introduced a resolution to table the Wahl bylaws change. In what appeared to be a stunning rebuke of Chairman Wahl, the Executive Committee voted to table the proposed bylaws change. The State Executive Committee then moved on and passed a number of other bylaws changes – including making the bylaws and rules committees permanent committees and establishing that the state executive committee will pick the delegates to the Republican National Convention. After the other bylaws changes had passed, Sorrell said that in respect for all of the hard work that Chairman Wahl put into his AEA bylaws change, he asked the Committee to reconsider its earlier vote. The Committee then voted to pass the bylaws change. “The Party is strongly committed to protecting our children from indoctrination in the classroom by left-wing groups like the NEA and its affiliated organizations,” Wahl explained. “Parents should decide what their children learn about divisive concepts, not education unions that have lost touch with the values of the American people. Transgender ideology and other woke policies have no place in our schools, period. So many of our parents and local teachers want to see change in our education system, but how can we expect our superintendents and school board members to stand up against teaching these woke concepts if they are afraid of the money and financial power coming from liberal unions responsible for pushing this type of curriculum? It’s a blatant conflict of interest and something that needs to be addressed. Our elected school representatives must be responsible to Alabama parents, not special interest groups. This will stop this conflict of interest and is no different than the state’s prohibition on members of the Alabama Public Service Commission accepting donations from the utilities they regulate. The bottom line is it’s time to get woke agendas out of our curriculum and out of our classrooms.” This rule change only applies to Republicans. The AEA may still donate to candidates for school board, superintendent, or State Board of Education, but candidates who accept AEA contributions will have to run as Democrats or as independents. Republican state legislators, as well as statewide and county officeholders (outside of the school boards and school superintendents), may still take AEA and NEA contributions. The roughly 475 members Alabama Republican State Executive Committee is the largest state committee in the country. All 67 counties are represented on the state executive committee. It meets at least twice a year, holding meetings in both the summer and the winter. All 67 counties have a county Republican Party where members of that county party elect a chairman. The 67 county chairmen all are members of the state executive committee. There are members of the state executive committee elected by the Republican primary voters of each county. Additionally, the state party awards counties bonus members based on its GOP election performance. The bonus member spots are then filled by the members of the county parties (in most cases, the county party executive committee). To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Special session to be held next month
The U.S. Supreme Court surprised many court observers earlier this month when it ruled that Alabama’s congressional redistricting passed in 2021 violated the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The special session to address the redistricting will be next month. 2024 is a presidential election, and the Alabama major party primaries will be early in that cycle on March 5. This means that campaign qualifying with the major parties will begin in November. The three-judge panel of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta has ordered the state to present a redistricting plan acceptable to the court, or the court will appoint a special master to do it. State Representative Mack Butler (R-Rainbow City) told Alabama Today that he heard the special session would be on July 17. Butler said the special session would narrowly focus on passing a new congressional redistricting plan. Rep. Ron Bolton (R-Northport) addressed BamaCarry of Tuscaloosa County on Monday night. “The special session will be on July 17,” Bolton said. “It will be an agreed-upon bill.” Bolton said that the three-judge panel in Atlanta had set the deadline for the state to submit a compliant redistricting plan as July 21. Rep. Ed Oliver (R-Dadeville) told Alabama Today that the special session should include legislation on the ballot harvesting ban bill that failed in the last session. “That’s the Secretary of State’s bill,” Oliver said. “With two contested congressional races, we need that to ensure that the election is secure.” The federal court ruled that since Alabama is nearly 28% Black, the state should have two congressional districts that are either majority Black or are close to it. Currently, the Seventh Congressional District, comprised of a 55% Black voting population, is Alabama’s only majority-minority district. The other six congressional districts are all less than 30% Black and are all represented by White Republican men. The Seventh Congressional District is represented by Rep. Terri Sewell – the only Black person in the congressional delegation and the only Democrat. Since all seven congressional districts have to be roughly equivalent in size, changing the districts so that two have roughly 48% or more minority voters will mean that all seven districts will change in redistricting. Whereas the Legislature before sought to keep all seven of the incumbents in their districts, that won’t be a consideration in the next redistricting plan, so it is likely that some incumbents could be redistricted into the same districts. Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl has said the Alabama GOP will contest all seven congressional districts in 2024 – including Rep. Sewell’s. Rep. Oliver said that in that hyper-competitive environment, it is important to have as secure an election as possible, and that is why the call should include the ban on ballot harvesting. House Bill 209 (HB209) passed the House of Representatives in the recent regular session, but the Alabama Senate failed to address it. Ballot harvesting involves paying political operatives to collect absentee ballots. “Over the last decade, there have been multiple convictions for absentee ballot fraud across the state of Alabama,” wrote Secretary of State Wes Allen. “As a Probate Judge, a legislator, and now as Secretary of State, I am committed to eliminating election fraud in our state. HB209, sponsored by Rep. Jamie Kiel, makes incredible strides in protecting the rights of Alabama voters to cast their own votes without undue influence. Currently, it is legal for groups operating as non-profits to offer payments in exchange for absentee ballot applications to Alabama registered voters. HB209 would end that. Today, it is legal for out-of-state organizations to mail pre-filled absentee ballot applications to unsuspecting voters across the state, some of whom have moved or have no intention of voting absentee. HB209 would prohibit this practice.” “HB209 would make it illegal to pay or to be paid by a third party to collect absentee ballot applications or absentee ballots from Alabama voters,” Allen continued. “Furthermore, it would eliminate the ability of organizations to sow the seeds of chaos and confusion by sending pre-filled absentee applications into our state. Our elections are the foundation of our constitutional republic, and nobody should be paid for their absentee application or their ballot. Ballot harvesting should not be a job description.” Democrats, who opposed the bill, called it “voter suppression” and said that it would make it illegal for neighbors to help neighbors fill out their absentee ballot. HB209, as amended in the House, would allow family members to help family members prepare their absentee ballot. “House Bill 209 states that the Secretary of State, probate judges, absentee ballot election managers or their designee,” Rep. Adline Clarke (D-Mobile) said. “Now, it is absolutely unrealistic to believe that these individuals can take up the slack for the hundreds of volunteers that assist voters in every election. It is not humanly possible and will cause a huge decrease in the number of voters who vote absentee. That is a sad thought.” Whether or not the ballot harvesting bill is included in the call for the special session is solely the purview of Gov. Kay Ivey. “I have a wish list, I am sure you have a wish list, but that is up to the Governor,” Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook) told Alabama Today. Roberts warned that including Allen’s legislation in the special session would be “divisive.” Roberts was also skeptical of rumors that a proposed constitutional amendment addressing gambling could be in the call. “I had not heard that,” Rep. Butler said when asked about the gambling bill rumor. “I think it is going to be a simple one-issue special session.” “In all of the communications that I have had with Speaker (Nathaniel) Ledbetter, he has not given me any indication to think that is being considered,” Oliver said of the gambling rumor. Butler said that with two highly contested congressional races on the ballot in 2024, “We are going to need every Republican to turn out.” To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
House passes legislation making it illegal for persons under 21 to possess or purchase vape products
On Tuesday, May 16, the Alabama House of Representatives passed legislation to prevent children from being able to buy vape products. The bill bans the sale of vapes to anyone under 21. It also established the Alcohol Beverage Control Board as the agency tasked with enforcing these regulations. House Bill 319 (HB319) is sponsored by State Representative Barbara Drummond. “This is another bite at the vaping apple,” Drummond said. “The purpose of this bill is to protect young people under 21 from vaping,” Drummond said. “This makes it illegal to purchase, possess, or transport any vaping products.” HB319 expands the definition of electronic nicotine delivery systems to include vape products that do not contain nicotine. Drummond explained that her previous legislation was difficult to enforce. “We will now have an opportunity for ABC to help,” Drummond said. “I have gotten 1200 vaping violations this year.” “There will be consequences for those kids that are continually vaping in our communities,” Drummond added. Drummond asked that the body adopt the substitute version of the bill prepared by the House Judiciary Committee. Rep. A.J. McCampbell (D-Livingston) said, “I am glad to know that we are going to have something out there, and I look forward to voting for it.” “Our children are exposed to a lot of things that frankly they should not be exposed to,” McCampbell said. Drummond said, “This is for the health of our young people.” “We did not have the enforcement,” in my previous bill Drummond said. Under existing law, there is no fee for a permit to distribute tobacco, tobacco products, electronic nicotine delivery systems, e-liquids, or alternative nicotine products. This bill would require a one-time application fee and an annual permit fee for the distribution of those products and would provide for the distribution of those fees. “We do not get any money from this industry now,” Drummond explained. “I have worked with more groups on this piece of legislation.” Drummond said, “I am only concerned with young people 21 years and younger.” McCampbell said, “You have evolved from one level of understanding and moved to another level of understanding on this topic.” Rep. Mark Shirey said, “We are going to have some long-term health problems from vaping.” Drummond explained that the bill creates “a graduated penalty process for those young people who vape and who continue to vape, especially on school campuses.” The House voted to adopt the committee substitute. Rep. David Faulkner brought an amendment to the bill as substituted. “It has how the fees should be collected and how the fees should be distributed,” explained Faulkner. “On the punishment on sellers, it makes this penalty a ‘shall’ so they will receive that punishment. It is not an issue of ‘may.’” Drummond said. “I think this will be a great amendment, and I appreciate you working with me.” Rep. Napoleon Bracy asked, “Can you tell me a little about the penalties? The penalties are enforced by the ABC Board?” “Yes, that is correct,” Faulkner said. “It is a graduated penalty. So on a first violation, a $500 fine, or subsequent $700, then $1000. Eventually, you will lose your permit.” The amendment was adopted on a vote of 101 to 0. Rep. Curtis Travis said, “It is a major problem for school systems. Thank you for bringing this bill.” Rep. Ron Bolton said, “I want to thank you for bringing this bill and the bipartisan way that you worked on it.” HB319 passed the Alabama House of Representatives 100 to 1. It now goes to the Senate for their consideration. Vape industry representatives have contacted Alabama Today and expressed their unhappiness with the definitions in the bill. Additionally, they insist that their products are far safer than smoking and that further cracking down on vape products in Alabama will only lead to products being brought across state lines. HB319 has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which meets next on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. in Room 325 of the Statehouse. The committee agenda has not been posted as of press time. Tuesday will be day 24 of the 2023 Alabama Regular Legislative Session. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Legislature passes changes to sheriff succession
On Thursday, the Alabama Senate voted in favor of legislation that would mandate that in the event of a vacancy in the office of sheriff that the next highest-ranking member of that department would assume the sheriff’s responsibilities until the governor can appoint a replacement. House Bill 276 (HB276) is sponsored by State Representative Ron Bolton. The legislation was carried in the Senate by Sen. Steve Livingston. “This changes an 1874 rule that the coroner would assume those duties,” Livingston told the Senate. Bolton explained that in the event of a vacancy in the sheriff’s office, the highest-ranking member of that department would take control of the department. This could be because of the death of the sheriff, the sheriff has been charged with a crime, or the sheriff has resigned or retired. Bolton said, “They will automatically take control of that office until the governor makes the appointment.” Bolton said that he has spoken with the sheriffs and that the Alabama Sheriffs Association helped to draft the bill. Rep. John Rogers asked, “What if the highest-ranking deputy has some charges pending against him?” Bolton said, “He would be removed himself. It would go to the next-ranking deputy.” Rep. Juandalynn Givan asked, “Did you talk to the sheriffs about this, and specifically, did you talk with Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway about this?” Bolton said, “I did. I taught Sheriff Pettway in the academy 27 years ago. The Sheriffs Association helped draft the bill, and I spoke with Sheriff Pettway about this when he is in town. Bolton said that the law establishing that the coroner assumes the powers of a sheriff in the event of a vacancy dates back to 1852. “It has been amended a number of times, but it has never been changed in terms of succession,” Bolton said. According to the synopsis, “Under existing law, when the office of the sheriff of a county is vacant or in certain other circumstances when existing law has provided that it is not appropriate for the sheriff to serve, the county coroner discharges the duties of the sheriff. This bill would provide that when the office of sheriff is vacant or when certain other circumstances exist, the highest ranking deputy sheriff in the county would serve as acting sheriff.” HB276 passed the Senate 33 to 0. It passed the House of Representatives 104 to 0 last week. It now goes to Gov. Kay Ivey for her consideration. Wednesday was day 17 of the 2023 Alabama Regular Legislative Session. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Legislature votes to regulate psychoactive cannabinoids
On Wednesday, the Alabama Legislature approved legislation that set the minimum age to purchase psychoactive cannabinoids at 21. The House of Representatives made several changes to the legislation when they passed it on Tuesday. Specifically, the House voted to jettison a 5% tax on the products that the Senate had included in their version of the bill. The House substitute also added a requirement for stores to put those products out of the reach of children and in child-proof containers. On Wednesday afternoon, the Senate voted to concur with the House changes and send the legislation to the Governor. Senate Bill 66 (SB66) is sponsored by State Senator Tim Melson. It was carried in the Alabama House of Representatives by State Representative Russell Bedsole. Bedsole explained that the legislation deals with psychoactive cannabinoids: Delta 8 and Delta 10. “This legislation contains penalties if you are caught selling this,” Bedsole said. “There are penalties if you are caught in possession of these if you are under 21.” Bledsole explained that these products are packaged in such a way that they are designed and target children. “There is no oversight,” Bedsole said. “Oftentimes, the THC content is much higher than advertised on the packaging.” Rep. Juandalynn Givan said, “Thank you for bringing this. We have had some problems in Jefferson County with students purchasing candies and getting sick. We need to get a handle on what is going on with these candies. We had an incident with a young girl last week in Jefferson County who got really sick from one of these candies.” Givan said that these products sold on the shelves differ from marijuana. “The weed man is my friend,” Givan said. “This bill has nothing to do with the weed man. This is being sold in the open market in convenience stores on the shelf. There is also a problem with cough syrup and other products on the shelf.” “People don’t realize how dangerous these products are,” Bedsole said. “I hope there is a task force like Steve Marshall used to shut these bingos down,” Givan said. “I pray that there is a task force that goes into these stores.” Rep. Chris Sells said, “It is a great bill. I support anything that helps the children.” Rep. Anthony Daniels said, “I don’t understand why we have not to this point cracked down on this. It has had a negative impact on our communities.” Bedsole said, “Originally, this had a tax of five percent on it when it came out of the Senate. That tax has been removed.” “This product must be placed in a place not accessible to children,” Bedsole said. “This product should be behind the counter.” “There will be some form of community service for those below 21 found to be in possession,” Bedsole said, Rep. Barbara Drummond said, “I am so happy to see this bill as well as others that will come. I am for anything that we can do to protect children.” Rep. John Rogers asked, “How do you stop an adult from giving it to the kids?” “You can ask that question about so many laws that are on our books,” Bedsole answered. “We believe this bill is a good first step.” “The sub that came out of committee did not have an additional tax,” Bedsole said. The House voted to adopt the committee substitute 105 to 0. “I have a friendly amendment,” said Rep. Reed Ingram. “All the amendment does is that all the packaging has to be in a child-resistant container.” Bedsole replied, “I do consider the amendment to be a friendly amendment.” The House voted to adopt the Ingram amendment 105 to 0. Rep. Ron Bolton brought an amendment that raised the penalty for a third offense for violating this statute to $400. “The judge could still make the decision to require community service,” Bolton said. SB66 passed the House 105 to 0 On Wednesday, it returned to the Senate. Sen. Melson asked that the Senate concur with the House changes. “All they actually did was remove the tax that we had,” Melson said. “They also put it behind the counter and also put it in child-proof containers. I would like to concur with the House.” The full Senate voted to concur 33 to 0. SB66 now goes to the Governor for her consideration. Thursday will be day 18 of the 2023 Alabama Regular Legislative Session. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
House passes bill addressing Sheriff’s succession rules
On Thursday, the Alabama House of Representatives passed legislation establishing that in the event of a sheriff dying, quitting, or being charged with a serious crime, the next senior officer in the department would take control of that department until the Governor appoints a successor. House Bill 276 (HB276) is sponsored by State Representative Ron Bolton. According to the synopsis, “Under existing law, when the office of the sheriff of a county is vacant or in certain other circumstances when existing law has provided that it is not appropriate for the sheriff to serve, the county coroner discharges the duties of the sheriff. This bill would provide that when the office of sheriff is vacant or when certain other circumstances exist, the highest ranking deputy sheriff in the county would serve as acting sheriff.” Bolton explained that in the event of a vacancy in the sheriff’s office, the highest-ranking member of that department would take control of the department. Bolton said, “They will automatically take control of that office until the governor makes the appointment.” Rep. David Standridge said, “I want to make sure that that deputy wouldn’t lose their job when a new sheriff is appointed if it is not him or her that is appointed.” Bolton said he would be open to amending the bill to include that stipulation when the bill is in the Senate. Rep. Pebblin Warren said, “The only thing that really concerns me is that the sheriff, in most cases, is the most liked person in the county. The chief deputy may not be well-liked. What is the current law?” Bolton said, “The current law puts the coroner in charge instead of the senior deputy.” Warren asked, “And that person will stay in office until the governor makes an appoint?” Bolton answered, “That is correct.” Warren said, “I personally know of a situation where the sheriff was popular, and the chief deputy was liked by no one.” Rep. John Rogers asked, “What if the highest-ranking deputy has some charges pending against him?” Bolton said, “He would be removed himself. It would go to the next-ranking deputy.” Rep. Juandalynn Givan asked, “Did you talk to the sheriffs about this, and specifically, did you talk with Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway about this?” Bolton said, “I did. I taught Sheriff Pettway in the academy 27 years ago. The Sheriffs Association helped draft the bill, and I spoke with Sheriff Pettway about this when he is in town. Bolton said that the law establishing that the coroner assumes the powers of a sheriff in the event of a vacancy dates back to 1852. “It has been amended a number of times, but it has never been changed in terms of succession,” Bolton said. HB276 passed the House of Representatives 104 to 0. It now goes to the Senate for their consideration. HB276 was Rep. Bolton’s first bill to pass the House for the freshman lawmaker. Thursday was day 15 of the 2023 Alabama Regular Legislative Session. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Legislature to convene Tuesday for fourth week of the session
Both Houses of the Alabama Legislature will meet on Tuesday for the eleventh day of the 2023 Alabama Regular Legislative Session. The Alabama Senate will convene at 2:30 p.m. The Alabama House of Representatives has not posted the start time on the Legislature’s website, but it is probably around 1:00 p.m. The House Tuscaloosa County Legislation Committee will meet Tuesday at 12:45 p.m. in Room 418 of the Statehouse. The committee will consider just one bill. House Bill 275 (HB275) is sponsored by State Representative Ron Bolton. According to the bill, “it would allow the City of Northport in Tuscaloosa County to provide for a warrant recall fee to allow a municipal judge or municipal magistrate for the City of Northport to recall, under certain conditions, a failure to appear warrant.” The Senate County and Municipal Government Committee will meet at 1:00 p.m. in the Senate Finance and Taxation room on the eighth floor of the Alabama Statehouse. Two bills are on the agenda. There is a public hearing scheduled for House Bill 114. HB114 is sponsored by State Representative Debbie Wood. HB114 will allow county governments to claim unclaimed property in their custody faster. Senator Gerald Allen sponsors Senate Bill 169. SB169 would specify that for municipal business taxes purposes, the definition of gross receipts does not include any excise tax imposed by the federal, state, and local governments. Senate Bill 203 (SB203) had been on an earlier version of the Committee agenda but was removed as of press time. SB203 is sponsored by Sen. Jabo Waggoner. SB203 would “authorize any county, municipality, or governmental entity subject to a countywide civil service system to elect by a majority vote of the county or municipal governing body to opt out of the countywide civil service system; to require the county, municipality, or governmental entity to adopt a human resources policy and procedures manual; and to require the county, municipality, or governmental entity to notify the director of the countywide civil service system of its decision to withdraw from the system.” There are over a dozen committee meetings scheduled for Wednesday. Neither the House of Representatives nor the Senate have released a special order calendar as of press time. State Rep. Susan Dubose reported that her legislation (House Bill 261) will be on the House floor on Tuesday. HB261 protects female college athletes from having to compete with biological males in athletics events. The transgender community will likely oppose the bill. It has 39 Republican cosponsors. The regular session is limited by the Alabama Constitution of 1901 to no more than thirty legislative days in a regular session. Tuesday will be the 11th Legislative day. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Retired Northport Police Captain, Ron Bolton, running for District 61 seat
Retired Northport Police Captain Ron Bolton announced that he is seeking the Republican Party’s nomination for State House District 61 in the 2022 primary elections. This is his first run for public office. The District 61 seat will be vacated by Rodney Sullivan, who announced in June that he would not seek re-election. Bolton stated, “I’m running for the Alabama Legislature because I understand the importance of strong representation in Montgomery. My campaign will focus on four key issues that are vital for the future of Tuscaloosa and Pickens counties. I’ll work to expand Rural Broadband access to our district; I won’t give up on our financially struggling rural healthcare initiatives; I’ll fight to make sure our counties and cities get our fair share of road and bridge funds from the state; and I’ll work with stateand local economic development leaders to bring good-paying jobs to Pickens and Tuscaloosa counties.” Bolton is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has served in various leadership capacities during his 25 years of service with the Northport Police Department. He served as both Administrative and Patrol Division Commander, as an instructor at the University of Alabama Law Enforcement Academy, and as the Tactical Team Commander for the Northport Police Department. He also spent many years serving on the Board of Directors for Turning Point Services. “If I’m elected to serve in the Alabama House of Representatives, my job will be to produce for ourcommunities,” Bolton added. “I humbly ask for the consideration and votes of my neighbors and friendsin District 61.” Bolton has been married to his wife Sharon for 31 years. He has two children, two grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He is an active member of the Tuscaloosa County Republican Executive Committee, the Alabama Republican State Executive Committee, and Five Points Baptist Church in Northport.
