Tim James announces Faith & Family Values Advisory Committee
Today, the Tim James Governor Campaign announced they will be creating a Faith and Family Values Advisory Committee. The committee believes that the foundation for any great society and culture is faith and family. According to a press release, a Tim James Administration will be driven by the values these institutions represent, and the plan will be for committee members to have input on policy decisions important to the state of Alabama. “God, country, family, freedom—these are our bedrock principles, and they are at the center of our movement,” said James. “The members of this advisory committee are committed to God’s Word and are examples of godly leadership in their communities. Now, more than ever, we need strong men and women of faith providing input on public policy to preserve the values that have made our state and nation great.” Rev. Dr. John Killian, Chairman of the Coalition states, “We are in a war for liberty, for cultural sanity and for religious freedom. The Alabama State Motto is Audemus Jura Nostra Defendere or ‘We dare defend our rights’ and the current war on our liberties demands that we rise to defend our rights. In the 2022 election, we must send forth warriors who will rise to the occasion and defend our state, fight for our liberties, and war for our values. Tim James is battle-tested, filled with conviction, and motivated by his Christian faith. Alabama needs Tim James as our Governor ‘for such a time as this.’ (Esther 4:14)” The campaign will continue to add to this team, but initial members of the state Faith and Family Values Advisory Committee are as follows: Rev. Dr. Keith Adams, Fultondale Rev. Dr. Terry B. Batton, Barbour County Rev. Greg Beasley, Tuscumbia Rev. Tom Caradine, Birmingham Rev. Rick Cargile, Fayette Rev. Robert Cobb, Gordo Rev. Scott Dawson, Birmingham Rev. C. Dwight Everett, Scottsboro Rev. Dr. C.O. Grinstead, Oxford Rev. Ray Hallman, Tuscaloosa Rev. Fritz P. Harter, Hueytown Rev. David Haynes, Jacksonville Rev. Louis Johnson, Troy Rev. Donald Jones, Jemison Rev. Dr. John Killian, Fayette Dr. J. Chris Lamb, Birmingham Rev. Maurice McCaney, Florence Rev. Adrian Nottonson, Fayette Rev. Austin Olive, Fayette Rev. Dr. Michael Rouse, Birmingham Rev. Robert D. Smith, Moulton Rev. Tim Smith, Crossville Rev. Bill Sullivan, Fayette Dr. Tim Thompson, Auburn Rev. Randal Trimm, Berry Rev. David Webb, Jackson
Scott Dawson releases bus tour schedule
Alabama voters take to the polls on Tuesday to cast their ballots in for the candidate of their choice. In a final push to rally grassroots conservative voters, evangelist and Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Dawson has announced a bus tour leading up to the June 5 primary. Dawson faces against incumbent governor Kay Ivey, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, and Sen. Bill Hightower in the Republican primary. Here’s the schedule for Dawson’s bus tour, and election day: Friday June 1: Cullman: 7:45 a.m., Cracker Barrel, 6020 AL Hwy 157, Cullman, Alabama 35058 Jasper: 9:45 a.m., Warehouse 319, 221 19th St W, Jasper, Alabama 35501 Guin: 11:15 a.m., Jimbo’s, 161 11th Avenue, Guin, Alabama 35563 Haleyville: 12:30 p.m., Haleyville 9-1-1 Festival, downtown Haleyville, off of Highway 13, (parking at original Guthrie’s) Decatur: 2:15 p.m., Krispy Kreme, 1648 Beltline Road SW, Decatur, Alabama 35601 Muscle Shoals: 4:00 p.m., Chick-Fil-A, 511 W Avalon Avenue, Muscle Shoals, Alabama 35661 Florence: 4:45 p.m., Florence First Friday, Downtown Florence, 104 South Court Street, Florence, Alabama Athens: 8:00 p.m., Rally at Limestone County Courthouse, 200 W Washington Street, Athens, Alabama 35611 Saturday June 2: Madison: 7:30 a.m., Hobby Lobby/Another Broken Egg, 7504 Hwy 72 W., Madison, Alabama 35758 Scottsboro: 10:15 a.m., Scottsboro Gun & Pawn, 117 N Broad Street, Scottsboro, Alabama 35768 Fort Payne: 12:00 noon, Dekalb Theatre, 306 Gault Avenue North, Fort Payne, Alabama 35967 Albertville: 2:00 p.m., Alexander Dodge, Chrysler Jeep, 6764 U.S. 431, Albertville, Alabama 35950 Attalla: 3:30 p.m., TBA. Hayden: 5:15 p.m., Phil’s Grill, 195 Smokerise Trail, Hayden, Alabama 35180 Sunday, June 3: No events scheduled, Dawson says he will be worshipping and resting. Monday, June 4: Pell City: 8:05 a.m., Pell City Coffee Co., 1605 Martin Street S, Suite 6, Pell City, Alabama 35128 Lincoln: 9:20 a.m., TBA. Rainbow City: 11:00 a.m., the old Hyundai location, 626 W. Grand Avenue, Rainbow City, Alabama 35906 Gadsden: 12:00 noon, Noccalula Falls Park, 1500 Noccalula Road, Gadsden, AL 35904 Piedmont: 1:45 p.m., Garcy Manufacturing, 1000 Garcy Blvd, Piedmont, Alabama 36272 Oxford: 3:40 p.m., Oxford Exchange, 650 Oxford Exchange Blvd., Oxford, Alabama 36203 Saks: 5:15 p.m., Saks Community Center, 473 Brightwood Ave., Anniston, Alabama 36206
Kay Ivey touts tax cut that’s modest at best
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s campaign is touting in an ad and email to supporters that as governor she signed the largest middle-class tax cut in 10 years, a claim that is true. However, the income tax cut is also modest at best. Ivey, who became governor last year, is stressing her record in office as she faces Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, evangelist Scott Dawson and state Sen. Bill Hightower in the Republican gubernatorial primary on June 5. Here’s a look at the facts behind the ad: Ivey Ad: “Just like Trump, Kay Ivey just signed the largest state tax cut for middle-class families in over a decade,” the announcer says in the radio spot by Ivey’s campaign. In a fundraising email titled, “how I’m fighting for you,” Ivey’s campaign wrote that she “secured the largest middle-class tax cut in over a decade.” The Facts: It is the largest middle-class tax cut in over a decade, but the 182,000 tax payers who qualify for it will only see a modest change of an average of $21.97 annually. The measure, which Ivey signed into law this year, was sponsored by Republican Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh of Anniston. It allows more taxpayers to take the maximum standard deduction on their state income taxes. During debate on the bill, the Legislative Services Agency estimated, based on information about prior year returns from the Alabama Department of Revenue, the tax cut is collectively worth $4 million and would impact 182,000 tax returns. Marsh has described the tax cut as aimed at working class households. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
2018 statewide election ad roundup: May 25 edition
The June 5 Republican and Democratic primaries are only 11 days away and Alabama’s candidates have taken to the internet and the airwaves with campaign ads in hopes of swaying Yellowhammer State voters to their side. All of the Republican gubernatorial candidates fought for voter’s attention, with each one rolling out a new ad this week. In true Sue Bell Cobb fashion, Cob rolled out two new ads this week, maintaining her streak for what is now her tenth week in a row. Only Rusty Glover, and Will Ainsworth released new ads in the Lieutenant Governor’s race, while Chess Bedsole, Steve Marshall, and Alice Martin let voters know what’s on their minds. (Hint: it’s corruption) Lone-wolf Jim Zeigler launched his first ad of the 2018 election cycle in the early morning hours last Saturday while tens of thousands of Alabamians were up and watching the royal wedding. Gubernatorial ads Republicans Tommy Battle: Title: Battle For Governor Commercial 2 Published: May 24, 2018 Tone: Encouraging Title: Battle For Governor Commercial 3 Published: May 24, 2018 Tone: Pragmatic Scott Dawson: Title: “The Time is Now” Bus Tour Published: May 24, 2018 Tone: Urgent Bill Hightower: Title: Recycling Published: May 22, 2018 Tone: Contemplative Kay Ivey: Title: Prosperity Published: May 21, 2018 Tone: Optimistic Democrats Sue Bell Cobb: Title: Clean Water is a Human Right Published: May 23, 2018 Tone: Accusing Title: Lifelong Learner Lottery funds Quality Educational Childcare Published: May 24, 2018 Tone: Lighthearted Lieutenant governor ads Republicans Will Ainsworth: Title: Pencil Published: May 22, 2018 Tone: Direct Rusty Glover: Title: “Common Sense” – Rusty Glover for Lieutenant Governor Published: May 22, 2018 Tone: Earnest Title: “Legacy” – Rusty Glover for Lieutenant Governor Published: May 23, 2018 Tone: Virtuous Attorney General ads Republicans Chess Bedsole: Title: Justice Published: May 24, 2018 Tone: Forceful Steve Marshall: Title: Stand Published: May 22, 2018 Tone: Conventional Title: A Principled Conservative Published: May 24, 2018 Tone: Defensive Alice Martin: Title: Stop the Deal-makers Published: May 23, 2018 Tone: Disapproving State Auditor ads Republicans Jim Zeigler: Title: Jim Zeigler – 2018 – State Auditor Published: May 19, 2018 Tone: Assertive
Scott Dawson criticizes grant to LGBT group
An evangelist running against Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is criticizing anti-violence grants the state gave to a support organization for gay and transgender individuals. Scott Dawson in a Tuesday press conference said Ivey “betrays our values” with the grants worth nearly $800,000 to Free2Be. Dawson is challenging Ivey in the Republican primary. The nonprofit runs several support centers in the state. Grant paperwork indicated the money is to be used for violence prevention and support services. A telephone message to Free2Be’s director was not returned. An answering machine message indicated the group is temporarily closed. Ivey called the accusation “nonsense.” The GOP governor said while she doesn’t agree with the group’s “values,” the grant is entirely paid for with federal dollars and dates back to 2014. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Only 30 days until the primary election: get voting information here
With the Alabama primary elections only 30 days away voters in the yellowhammer state need to know where to vote, and who’s on their ballot. According to the Secretary of State’s office, the last day to register to vote or update your voter registration is the 15th day prior to the election, making the last day to register before the June 5 primary May 21. Absentee ballots are available for those who cannot be physically present to vote, but you must complete an application before May 31. Here are the links to the statewide candidate’s website: Governor’s race: Republicans: Tommy Battle Scott Dawson Bill Hightower Kay Ivey Democrats: Sue Bell Cobb James Fields Walt Maddox Attorney General’s Race: Republicans: Steve Marshall Chess Bedsole Troy King Alice Martin Democrats: Chris Christie Joseph Siegelman Sample Ballots: Jefferson County: Montgomery County: Madison County: Mobile County:
Scott Dawson stresses evangelist background, outsider status
Republican gubernatorial hopeful and evangelist Scott Dawson said if people are surprised to see him running for governor, they are not alone. In a way, he is too. Dawson said he got in the governor’s race because he was tired of the state being embarrassed by corruption, noting the number of recent governors involved in scandals. He said he sees his newness to the political arena as an advantage, not a hindrance. “I’m one of us. I’m not a politician. The competitive advantage I’ve got is that everyone else is serving in office. I’m the one that’s been one of us for 30 years,” Dawson said. Dawson is one of three Republicans, along with Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and state Sen. Bill Hightower, challenging Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey in the June 5 Republican primary. Speaking at a lunchtime gathering at a senior center in Jasper, Dawson said some will argue the state needs a “seasoned politician” or a businessman as governor. “I am convinced more than ever before, Alabama needs a leader. Alabama needs someone who can cast a vision,” he said. Dawson, 50, is a native of Ensley and graduated from Samford University and Beeson Divinity School. He is the founder of the Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association. The organization, among other things, hosts youth and pastor retreats and large-scale Christian revival meetings. “I’ll go ahead and tell you I make decisions through a Biblical world view,” Dawson told the crowd in Jasper, adding quickly that he understands “we’re not creating a theocracy” and respects those of different beliefs. While trailing far behind in monetary donations, Dawson’s underdog campaign has been assisted by prominent friends made during his decades in ministry, and whose names he mentions in his campaign speech. He announced his intention to run on the Rick and Bubba Show, a syndicated morning radio show; has turned to former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee for advice; and received donations from Hobby Lobby co-founders David and Barbara Green. Dawson said he supports legislation that would take Alabama “out of the marriage business” by doing away with probate judge-signed marriage licenses. He said he also supports the repeal of the Common Core curriculum standards and would like to implement mandatory drug testing for students seeking to be involved in extracurricular activities. Asked about education funding, Dawson responded that he thought the state has a “leadership issue” and not a “funding issue.” However, Dawson said he has declined to sign a no new taxes pledge. Dawson made the decision to run in early 2017, thinking that he would be running for an open seat. Instead, Ivey became governor after former Gov. Robert Bentley resigned in scandal. She is seeking a full term after a year of holding office. Dawson has criticized Ivey’s decision not to attend debates with her primary challengers, saying that she should be “vetted” for the position since she wasn’t previously elected governor. Ivey’s campaign has said she is focused on official duties, and that her record is open to voters and the media. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Walt Maddox receives endorsement from Ron Sparks, other Alabama influencers
Walt Maddox‘s campaign announced on the backing of former Alabama Agricultural Commissioner Ron Sparks on Monday. “Walt has compassion and he has leadership. He stood in the streets of Tuscaloosa in its darkest hours and darkest days. He showed compassion, leadership, and strength to rebuild the city,” said Sparks. “He will never put party over the people of Alabama.” Maddox hinted that should he be elected, Sparks might be asked to join his administration. “I am honored to receive the endorsement of Ron Sparks,” said Maddox. “Ron has been a political force in Alabama for years and he shares our vision for a better Alabama. He will be an invaluable asset to this campaign and to my administration should I be elected governor.” This is just one of many endorsements Maddox has received recently; last week he revived an endorsement from Mobile-Democrat Sen. Vivian Figures, and in March received and endorsement from Russellville-Democrat, former state Sen. Roger Bedford. “I am honored and proud to endorse Mayor Walt Maddox to be our next governor,” said Figures. “I know he is ready to serve all of the people of AL, because he’s not filled with empty rhetoric, but has a plan that will move AL to the next level.” Bedford said, “I know first-hand that Walt Maddox has what it takes. He has a proven record in Tuscaloosa and is a new fresh face we need in Montgomery. He has the knowledge, demeanor, and work ethic to make a difference and will make us proud to call him our governor.” Maddox will face former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb, along with Christopher Countryman, James Fields, Doug Smith and Anthony White in the June 5 Democratic primary. The winner will go on to face the Republican nominee in the general election, to be selected among: Gov. Kay Ivey, Tommy Battle, Bill Hightower, or Scott Dawson.
Wetumpka TEA party straw poll results
After a large turnout at the Wetumpka TEA Party’s event on Monday night, the straw poll results are in. Advertised as a “meet and greet,” the event allowed Alabamians to meet each candidate individually and ask them questions about the position they are seeking, rather than listen to speeches and debates. Over 40 candidates from offices across the state attended the event. Governor’s race The polls concluded that Scott Dawson is the favorite in the Republican governor’s race, remaining undefeated in grassroots straw polls thus far this election season. “Our winning track record in grassroots straw polls reflects the support I see every single day on the campaign trail,” Dawson said. “We’re bringing a vision for the future, hope for Alabama politics, conservative solutions, and an outsider option with the moxie to top the special interests and make Montgomery a place that serves the people again.” Lt. Governor’s race In the race for lieutenant governor, Rusty Glover took the top spot. “I am extremely pleased to see the results of this poll. It shows the momentum that is building for my campaign as a direct result of the hard work I’m putting in across our great state,” stated Glover. “For me, this race is about putting the people of Alabama first. As Lieutenant Governor, I will be a leader and listen to what is important to the people of our state.” Attorney General’s race Alice Martin won the straw poll for Attorney General by over 10 points. “Last night’s results clearly show that the momentum in this race is with my campaign and that we have strong grassroots support throughout the state,” said Martin. “Conservative organizations like the Wetumpka TEA Party have led the fight against big government policies and corruption here in Alabama and I am proud to have the support of a great majority of their members. Conservatives here in Alabama knows that if I am elected Attorney General, establishment politicians will no longer be allowed to enjoy business-as-usual in Montgomery and corrupt officials will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” State Auditor’s race In a landslide victory, Jim Zeigler won the poll for State Auditor. Other races John Merrill won the poll for Secretary of State by over 130 points, Rick Pate was the top choice for Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, and John McMillan was the winner of the State Treasure’s poll, leading by nearly 120 points. The Wetumpka TEA Party stressed in a Facebook post on Tuesday the poll was not scientifically backed, or an endorsement for any particular candidates. It was for purely educational purposes.
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.
Scott Dawson calls for investigation of all Alabama abortion clinics
Gubernatorial candidate Scott Dawson called for the investigation of all Alabama abortion clinic’s on Friday; after it was reported that a Montgomery abortion clinic failed to report potential sexual abuse 13 year-old patient. According to AL.com, the girl first visited the clinic in January 2016 and gave the clinic a birth date in July 2000, which would have made her 15. Two weeks later when she returned to have the abortion she brought her birth certificate showing that she was born in July 2002, meaning she was actually 13 at the time the abortion was performed. The girl had a second abortion in April of 2017, when she was 14 years old. In January of this year, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) sent an inspector to interview the director of the clinic who verified the information and only reported the patient and both abortions to ADPH after the inspection. The clinic has since provided the ADPH with a complete correction plan to revise how it obtains and reviews information from minors. “The news coming out of Montgomery breaks my heart and the apathy exhibited by our Montgomery politicians is angering,” declared Dawson. “When a 13-year-old child—with non-English speaking parents—is given an abortion, without a third-party counselor and no suspicion of sexual abuse and no report, we know Montgomery needs new leadership. Where is law enforcement? If this were a public school employee who had failed to report potential sexual abuse, they would be without a job and under investigation.” Dawson said as Governor he will immediately call for a full investigation of all abortion clinics across the state. “As Governor, I will immediately call for full investigation of all abortion clinics in the State of Alabama and at minimum, I will see to it that the Department of Public Health is held accountable to enforce their own rules, and that entities operating like this will be closed,” explained Dawson. “In Alabama, we treasure all human life—the born, the unborn, and certainly 13-year-old children who may need to be rescued from an abusive situation. Just because a clinic can legally murder, doesn’t mean they get a pass on the laws of this state.” Dawson faces Incumbent governor Kay Ivey, Huntsville mayor Tommy Battle, and State Sen. Bill Hightower in the June 5 Republican primary.
Top five take aways from the gubernatorial debates
With the June 5 Democratic and Republican gubernatorial primaries only 52 days away, candidates have begun to participate in debates across the state, trying to persuade voters to their side. On Wednesday, and Thursday night WVTM hosted two gubernatorial debates, one for each party. On Wednesday, former Alabama Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox and former state legislator James Fields participated in the Democratic debate. And on Thursday, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, state Sen. Bill Hightower and evangelist Scott Dawson participated in the Republican debate. Here are 5 takeaways from the debates: 5. Candidates are open to Medical Marijuana, but not recreational Marijuana. The legalization of Marijuana was a question that debate panelists asked both the Republican and Democratic candidates. And although all three candidates referred to the plant as a “gateway” drug, Dawson and Hightower said they were not opposed to allowing medical marijuana within the state, as long as it was highly regulated and available only to those who really need it. Battle however, was opposed, saying “Medical marijuana opens up the same gateway, the gateway that goes to the opioids, which goes to heroin, which also becomes a national crisis, and it has become a national crisis.” During the Democratic debate candidates were asked specifically about the decriminalization of marijuana and medical marijuana. All three Democratic candidates support the legalization of medical marijuana. Maddox said there are three necessary steps to take within the state; decriminalization, institute full use of medical marijuana, and to continue to look at states who have recreational use, collect data from them, and use that data to move forward. 4. Most candidates are in support of an Education Lottery The question of an Education Lottery was also posed in both debates, Maddox and Cobb are known for their support of an education lottery, and Fields said that he would introduce a “clean piece of legislation” for Alabamians to vote on, if they want an education lottery. In the Republican debate; Hightower and Dawson were both opposed, with Hightower saying he really dislikes that lotteries are marketed to minorities and that the financial burden they carry rests on minority groups. Battle said we would allow citizens to vote on a lottery, and that he supports it, although he believes it’s not a cure-all for the state’s problems. 3. Candidates took party stances on increasing the Minimum wage In the republican debate candidates were asked about increasing the state’s minimum wage; no candidates were in support of raising the minimum wage. Battle and Dawson cited their experiences, and how low their starting pay was when they were young. “Raising the minimum wage hurts the poor, it’s cuts them out of jobs. And there’s something worse than not having a minimum wage, and that’s not having a job,” said Hightower. Democratic candidates Cobb and Maddox discussed the minimum wage when Cobb asked Maddox, “How would you convince the voters of Alabama that you truly are for increasing the minimum wage since you used all of your power and influence to defeat the minimum wage when it came before the city council in Tuscaloosa.” To which Maddox replied, “Lets be clear, I support the minimum wage increase, in fact the City of Tuscaloosa is the only entity I know on the record supporting not only a statewide minimum wage, but tying it to the CPI…The legislation she’s talking about would have allowed cities to raise minimum wage, which would have violated Alabama law…It would have been wrong of me to promise something to the citizens of Tuscaloosa that I couldn’t deliver.” Fields did not get the opportunity to comment on a minimum wage increase. 2. Roy Moore is still a hot-button issue Although not mentioned in the Democratic debates, Roy Moore was mentioned several times during the Republican debates. The debate panel asked candidates wether or not they voted for Moore, and was mentioned when the panelists asked about Ten Commandments legislation. Battle said he supported the Republican candidate, but that if the allegations were true, Moore did not need to serve in the Senate. “You have to give the benefit of doubt, you have to look at [the fact that] this was 40 years ago; [and these are] serious accusations. But I will answer the question; Yes. I did vote for Roy Moore,” said Dawson. 1. Kay Ivey declined the invitation to participate. d The most talked about issue covered in the Republican debates was the fact that incumbent Governor Kay Ivey declined the invitation to participate in the debates. She was, instead, throwing the first pitch at the Baron’s baseball game just down the hill from the debate. All candidates criticized Ivey’s choice and agreed that by skipping the debate, saying Ivey did a disservice to all Alabama voters. Candidates were asked why they thought they would be better candidates than Ivey. “Well I’m here, answering your questions for one,” said Hightower. “People lose the value of public service, and thats a shame…being at a baseball game, throwing the first ball out versus coming to talk about the issues and what really affects our communities, that’s a shame,” said Battle. Dawson said he took it personally because he flew back from a pastor’s meeting in Kansas city to be at the debate. “Alabama deserves; we deserve; as a voter I deserve; to hear her vision her dream, and her passion for the future of Alabama,” said Dawson.
