Challengers criticize absent Kay Ivey as governor skips debate
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s Republican primary challengers took aim Thursday night at her decision to skip a televised debate. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, state Sen. Bill Hightower and evangelist Scott Dawson criticized Ivey’s decision to not attend the Thursday debate hosted by WVTM-13 in Birmingham. Ivey was also in Birmingham Thursday night but was throwing out the first pitch at the Birmingham Barons’ minor league baseball game. Dawson said while Ivey is the incumbent, she was never elected or vetted for that post. Ivey, who was lieutenant governor, became governor automatically a year ago when then-Gov. Robert Bentley resigned in the midst of a sex-tinged scandal. “Our current governor was not elected to this position. She was appointed to this position and we deserve to know what she is going to do in the future,” Dawson said. “I have to start asking myself…Are we hiding something?” Dawson said. Asked why he was a better choice than Ivey to be the GOP nominee for governor, Hightower began with, “Well, I’m here. I’m answering your questions. That’s one.” Battle said it was “a shame” that someone would attend a baseball game instead of discussing the issues of the state. Ivey will also not attend a debate next week hosted by al.com. When asked about her debate absences, Ivey told The Decatur Daily Thursday morning that she was focused on governing. “This race is about our individual records and mine is an open book,” Ivey told the newspaper. The three candidates, who had a chance to put questions to each other, used the opportunity to take aim at the absent governor instead. Hightower said Ivey was “taking credit for a lot of things going on in Huntsville” such as low unemployment and the decision for Toyota and Mazda to build an auto plant in that city that will eventually employ 4,000 people. “I want to know how that makes you feel,” Hightower asked Battle. Battle responded chuckling that certain campaign ads make it look like “no one else was there” but said the effort was under way long before Ivey was governor. “It was a huge team effort. It was a local team effort We got the site ready for 10 years. I visited Japan for the past four years.” Battle said. Dawson asked Hightower if Ivey was “engaged” in dealings with the Alabama Legislature. Hightower, in what appeared to be a jab at Ivey’s age, replied that the state needed someone with “the vision, the vigor and the health to carry the state forward.” Ivey is 73. The three GOP candidates agreed on a number of other issues. All three opposed raising the state minimum wage. They also expressed support for Ivey’s proposal to put a work requirement on the state’s few able-bodied Medicaid recipients. Hightower and Dawson expressed opposition to a state lottery. Battle said a lottery could be a “financial tool” to help fund education programs but was not a “cure-all.” The primary election is June 5. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Tommy Battle challenges Kay Ivey to explain contributions from special interests, industry
Campaign finance reports filed with the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office on Tuesday, revealed Governor Kay Ivey in the lead with over $3 million in fundraising money; but they also revealed an interesting fact about her campaign. According to the reports, Ivey’s campaign has received more than $1 million in contributions from 114 different special interest group or PAC donations. Some of the PAC’s contributing to Ivey’s campaign are: Alabama Power Company State Employees PAC, Business Council of Alabama’s PAC, Alabama Farmer Federation’s PAC, Alabama Forestry PAC, MCG PAC, and BIZPAC. While Ivey rakes in the millions, her GOP opponents — Tommy Battle, Bill Hightower, and Scott Dawson — are trying their best to keep up. As of Wednesday Battle has raised a total of $1.8 million; Hightower a total of $860,847; and Dawson a total to $731,782 for his campaign. In a release sent on Thursday, Battle touts his campaign has received more than 1,100 individual contributions from “real Alabamians” since the beginning of his campaign, which he claims are more than any other candidate running. “Only 14 PACs have contributed towards Battle’s fundraising efforts. In contrast, Governor Ivey’s numbers show she’s topped more than $1 million in contributions from her 114 PAC donations,” said Battle’s campaign. “Our numbers show that the people of Alabama are behind us. They’re looking for a better vision and a better plan for moving Alabama forward,” said Battle. “As Governor Ivey said in 1982, I think the voters deserve to hear from my opponent about what commitments these endorsements carry.” Battle has consistently challenged Ivey over the course of his campaign, most recently pushing her to commit to joining himself and other candidates in some of the debates scheduled before the primaries. A call to action that as of Tuesday, Ivey has yet to answer.
Kay Ivey dominates fundraising in gubernatorial race
Gov. Kay Ivey appears to be benefiting from the power of incumbency when it comes to fundraising in her quest to win election to the Governor’s office for the first time. Campaign finance reports filed Tuesday, show Ivey surpassed the $3 million mark by raising $402,000 in March. Bringing her total up to over $1 million more than any other candidate in the June 5 Republican primary. Ivey’s biggest contributors, all giving contributions totaling $25,000, were Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Ozark Striping Co, Inc., and the Alabama Forestry PAC. A look a Ivey’s GOP opponents: Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle raised a $137,000 in March giving him a total of $1.8 million in financing; Mobile-Republican State Sen.. Bill Hightower raised $71,000 in March taking his fundraising total to $860,847; Evangelist Scott Dawson raised $92,000 in March, bringing his total to $731,782 for his campaign. On the Democratic side Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox has a slight fundraising edge over former Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb. Maddox reported raising $114,000 in March, bringing his total up to $554,857; Meanwhile Cobb reported raising $78,000 in March, for a total of $517,380. Although she has come under fire lately for her unwillingness to debate her fellow gubernatorial candidates, Ivey still holds the top spot in the polls, and in fundraising. Both the Republican and Democratic primaries will be held June 5. The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Kay Ivey won’t commit to gubernatorial debates
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has been called upon by several gubernatorial candidates to join them in debates across the state; but she just can’t seem to commit. In an interview with WHNT News 19 on Monday, Ivey was asked about her plans for debating the other candidates. “I am focused on letting people know my record, I go wherever I can schedule going, but I’ve got to govern first and sometimes there are conflicts on when they want to debate, but my job first is to govern, and be responsive to the people,” she explained. In March, Huntsville Mayor and Republican gubernatorial candidate Tommy Battle extended an invitation to Ivey to appear with him at several political events, candidate forums, and debates across the state. Other candidates joined Battle’s call on Ivey, “I’m ready to debate anytime, anywhere,” Mobile-Republican State Sen. Bill Hightower told AL.com. “I’ve got some great ideas I want to tell Alabama about. So everybody’s talking about it but I’m ready to do it… I will do it on my own if nobody else does it. I think I’ve got the best ideas.” “Everyone says they want a debate,” evangelist Scott Dawson said in the same report. “So if you say you’re going to debate, then the next step is actually debating.” “I’ve extended an invitation to her to join us in sharing our vision with the people of the state of Alabama. I’ve always believed people make time for things that are important to them. The people of Alabama are important to me and sharing my plan for this state with them is important to me,” said Battle in a release on Tuesday. WHNT asked Ivey if she would be attending the April 18 debate hosted by AL.com. She responded by saying that she is currently committed to working with the Restore Council and the NRDA Council in Mobile, Ala. that day and will not be attending. Dawson, Battle, and Hightower have already committed to attend the debate. Ivey faces Battle, Hightower, Dawson and Michael McAllister in the June 5 Republican primary.
2018 gubernatorial ad roundup: March 30 edition
As the state draws closer to the June 5 primaries, Alabama’s gubernatorial candidates have taken to the airwaves and the internet with campaign ads in hopes of swaying Yellowhammer State voters to their side. This week only Republican candidates Governor Kay Ivey, Evangelist Scott Dawson and Democratic candidate Sue Bell Cobb have released ads. Here are the ads the candidates have released this week: Scott Dawson: Title: “New Day” (Radio Ad) Published: March 26, 2018 Tone: Restorative Kay Ivey: Title: Honest Conservative (Radio Ad) Published: March 26, 2018 Tone: Proud Title: Look Like Published: March 26, 2018 Tone: Informative Title: Alabama Values Published: March 26, 2018 Tone: Protective Title: Back to Work Published: March 26, 2018 Tone: Industrious Title: Clean Up Published: March 26, 2018 Tone: Misleading Title: My Word Published: March 26, 2018 Tone: Delusory Title: Proud Published: March 26, 2018 Tone: Direct Title: Trust Published: March 26, 2018 Tone: Serious Democrats Sue Bell Cobb: Title: You Can Lead Alabama Leaders to Water, But You Can’t Make Them Think Published: March 28, 2018 Tone: Diplomatic
Tommy Tuberville endorses gubernatorial candidate Tommy Battle
Former Auburn Head Football Coach Tommy Tuberville on Tuesday announced his endorsement of Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle to be Alabama’s next governor. “I think we need something different in Montgomery; We need somebody that’s outside the Montgomery rim… I think Tommy Battle is gonna be the guy that people should look at,” said Tuberville. Tuberville made the endorsement on the Auburn-Opelika This Morning show on the WANI station in Auburn, Ala. He came very close to running for governor himself, but announced in April of 2017 that he decided not to run. Tuberville applauded Battle’s success of recruiting 24,000 jobs to Alabama since 2010. He also praised Battle’s efforts in putting together the right team to carry out his plan and vision. Being Governor is “kind of like being a a head football coach,” said Tuberville. “You put together staffs, you know people who can help you make decisions, give you advice, and he’s [Battle] has done that in Huntsville. A lot of people from Birmingham, South, Mobile, Dothan, Auburn they don’t know a lot about Tommy Battle but Huntsville is one of the most growing parts of the country, not just the state of Alabama.” Battle was thrilled to hear Tuberville’s comments and honored to receive the important endorsement. “We may be on different sidelines when Alabama and Auburn play each other, but Coach Tuberville and I are on the same team when it comes to moving our great state forward,” said Battle. “I want to thank him for his support. I can’t wait to see Coach Tuberville on the campaign trail.” Battle will face incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey, Bill Hightower, Scott Dawson and Michael McAllister in the June 5 Republican primary.
‘Lets debate’ gubernatorial candidates join forces to call out Kay Ivey
Several gubernatorial candidates have joined in on Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle‘s invitation to debate Gov. Kay Ivey. Battle sent his request via e-mail to Ivey’s team on Tuesday, and although they acknowledged they received the invitation, as of Friday Ivey’s team had yet to deliver a response. Other candidates have joined Battle’s call on Ivey, “I’m ready to debate anytime, anywhere,” Semmes- Republican Sen. Bill Hightower told AL.com. “I’ve got some great ideas I want to tell Alabama about. So everybody’s talking about it but I’m ready to do it…I will do it on my own if nobody else does it. I think I’ve got the best ideas…I’ve been in Montgomery for only a few years but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see we haven’t had leadership.” “Everyone says they want a debate,” evangelist Scott Dawson said in the same report. “So if you say you’re going to debate, then the next step is actually debating.” “We do not have an elected governor at this stage. We have a selected governor because our previous governor was removed. So I think all of Alabama deserves to hear all four candidates on the platform to share their ideas and their vision instead of being dictated by other people.” Battle, Hightower and Dawson all agreed that debates would be good for the state. However, no actual debates have been formed. Ivey’s campaign told The Associated Press last month that she would be “happy to discuss her record” in a debate setting. Battle has committed to attend the following events, and hopes that Ivey will also attend: April 12 – 7 a.m.: A debate hosted by the Birmingham Business Journal April 12 – 7 p.m.: A debate hosted by NBC 13 in Birmingham April 14 – 8 a.m.: A candidate forum hosted by the Mid Alabama Republican Club in Birmingham May 9 – 2 p.m.: A candidate forum hosted by the Association of Builders and Contractors in Huntsville May 10 – 11:30 a.m.: A candidate forum hosted by the Moody Area Chamber of Commerce
Walt Maddox releases School Safety Plan
With school safety on the forefront of everyone’s minds; Walt Maddox released his school safety plan that he would implement if elected Governor on Wednesday. “Our children deserve a bright and safe future,” Maddox said on his campaign website. “There is no higher priority for government, for society, than ensuring that our children are protected.” Legislative officials are under pressure to make a decision regarding school safety given last week’s national school walkout meant to honor the 17 victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting Parkland, Fla. In his release, Maddox listed five school safety strategies that he will instill if elected Governor of Alabama: School hardening Training school security officers and staff Restrictions on guns Early identification of potential attacker Support gun control 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, Scott Dawson, or Michael McAllister. Read Maddox’s full school safety plan below: 1. School Hardening Our schools were built with open doors and were never constructed with the level of security in mind that we now must demand. Our schools have become soft targets for those who want to harm our children and our way of life. All future schools must be designed and built with security as a central focus. In addition to the physical improvements, every Alabama school must be protected by a trained and certified law enforcement professional (School Security Officers). 2. Training school security officers and staff School Security officers will be highly trained to work with in a school environment. There will also be required active shooter and other school safety training for local law enforcement, staff and administrators. Planning and integration of responses are vital in preventing these incidences or saving lives. 3. Restrictions on guns No gun will ever be allowed on a school premise at any time except for the trained school security officers. 4. Early identification of potential attacker Protocols will be in place to identify people who are prone to violence in an effort to prevent any harm. This includes the integration of the Department of Mental Health, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and local law enforcement and school systems. 5. Support gun control We will fully support rational gun control efforts to ensure those that are mentally unstable do not get guns. Together, we can secure our schools, make our children safe, and protect the future by allowing our students to focus on their reason for being there – to improve their minds, expand their knowledge, and prepare them to be the leaders of tomorrow.
Mike Huckabee stumps for gubernatorial candidate Scott Dawson
Mike Huckabee, former Governor of Arkansas and former candidate for President of the United States, joined Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Dawson Monday night, along with Alabama radio personalities Rick and Bubba for a “Kickoff to Win Rally.” “What a joy to be here with the next Governor of Alabama, Scott Dawson,” Huckabee told the crowd as he walked on stage at the Pelham Civic Complex in Pelham, Ala. Huckabee explained if we’re to save the Republic, our country and states needs politicians willing to change the status quo. “I really believe we’re in a time in our country where we need disruptive personalities, who are willing and ready and able and committed to go and be different than the kind of politicians that we have had that have led us into a level of trouble that will end this great Republic if we don’t change the course of our country and our individual states,” stated Huckabee. Huckabee also said Dawson has the sort of humility voters should want in a political leader. “Here’s why I came… when I got to know Scott I realized here is a person who has something that very few people in political life have, humility,” added Huckabee “Real honest to goodness humility… He’s got an honest assessment of who he is. He doesn’t think he’s better than God thinks he is, or worse than God thinks he is. He just knows who he is and he’s willing to be that servant, that vessel, through whom the Lord can do something extraordinary.” Dawson will face incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey, Tommy Battle, Bill Hightower, and Michael McAllister in the June 5 Republican primary. The winner will go on to face the Democrat nominee in the general election, to be selected among: Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb, Christopher Countryman, James Fields, Doug Smith or Anthony White. Watch Facebook live coverage of the event below:
Get to know: Scott Dawson, Republican candidate for Governor
Evangelist Scott Dawson is one of the four main Republican candidates vying for their Party’s nomination for governor this year. Dawson is a lifelong resident of Alabama, reared on the west side of Birmingham. The son of Paul and Ann Dawson, Scott grew up in a modest, blue-collar family with traditional values and a strong work ethic. For the last thirty years, Dawson has shared the good news of the Gospel with enthusiasm and clarity across the Southeast. Now he’s running for Governor because “if you want to fix what’s wrong with Alabama, the first step is to stop electing politicians and start electing leaders.” With a little over four months until voters head to the ballots, AlabamaToday.com is inviting all candidates running for office in Alabama this year, to complete a questionnaire we believe offers an interesting, albeit, thumbnail sketch of who they are and why they are running. If you are a candidate and would like to complete the questionnaire, email Elizabeth@ALToday.com. Here Dawson is in his own words: Significant other? How long married? Kids? I’ve been married to my wife, Tarra, for 26 years and we have two kids: our son, Hunter (22), and our daughter, Hope (18). Education background? Professional background? I graduated from Ensley High School in 1985 and then went on to graduate from Samford University in 1989. I earned a Master of Divinity from Beeson Divinity School in 1993. I started my non-profit ministry thirty years ago—it was me, a Bible, and a mailbox. Today, I’m blessed to be part of an organization with over a dozen full-time, paid team members and an annual budget that exceeds three million dollars. We have worked with churches, faith-based organizations, businesses, schools, student groups, Major League Baseball, and the National Football League to make an impact across the nation and globe. Last year alone, I spoke to over one hundred thousand people face-to-face sharing the transformational power of the Gospel. What was your first job before college/adulthood and after? A work ethic was instilled in me by my parents at an early age. At 15, I worked at a neighborhood shoe store. Then, as a full-time student in college, I got a job as a bagger at a grocery store and eventually moved up the line to become the assistant manager. In 25 words or less, why are you running for office? For decades, Alabama has suffered corruption and mediocrity from career politicians. I’m an outsider casting a bold vision to restore faith in Alabama’s future. Did you speak with anybody in your political party before deciding on running? Receive any encouragement? From whom? When this journey began, I was part of a group of concerned, grassroots citizens who were frustrated with the status quo and in search of an energetic leader with integrity. When they turned to me and said I should run I was surprised and very, VERY hesitant. I declined. When they remained persistent for several weeks, I began to prayerfully consider and sought the counsel of people I knew and trusted. Among those friends were former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, U.S. Senator James Lankford (Oklahoma), Rick and Bubba, and a host of others from various walks of life. Who do you count on for advice besides significant other or clergy? One key to effective leadership is to place a diverse multitude of counselors, with their unique perspectives, around you. That’s been a consistent practice in my ministry, on this campaign, and it’s what I’ll do as governor. I’ve received wisdom and advice from teachers, first-responders, small business owners, organizational leaders and many others. Unlike the typical politician, I don’t pretend to have all the answers. During this campaign, I have constantly reached out to those with the extensive, relevant experiences I don’t possess, asked questions, and relied on the wealth of their invaluable life lessons. Who is your political consultant? Campaign manager? Jonathan Gray with Strategy, Inc. is our General Consultant and Rick Renshaw is Campaign Manager. Who was the first person to contribute to your campaign? Why did they donate? One of my earliest contributors was Tom Bradford. He’s been a mentor to me for over fifteen years. He’s a devout man of faith, a gentleman in every regard, a respected pillar in our community and a person who passionately believes that Alabama needs a principled, visionary leader at the helm. Who, if anyone, inspires you in state government? Well, I certainly have admiration for some dedicated servant-leaders in Montgomery. Frankly, the ones who have earned my deep respect and gratitude are the ones I’ve talked with in small groups: corrections officers, teachers, mental health professionals, and those who serve our veterans and the elderly. Many of them love what they do, do it well everyday, and don’t receive fat paychecks or fancy titles. THESE are the ones who make me proud and inspire me to be their champion and partner when we get to the governor’s office. Why do people mistrust elected officials and what are you going to do about it? Mistrust exists because of our long history of corruption, incompetence, and mismanagement. It’s no secret—we’ve all seen it, year after year after year. We are constantly over-promised and perpetually under-delivered. To reverse course, our leaders must prove that they are here TO serve not BE served. I’ll bring a can-do spirit of collaboration and greater purpose to Montgomery and as we raise the bar for performance and demand excellence, leadership-by-example will foster reform and become the norm. To regain trust, we must go above and beyond what the people expect; deliver real, exemplary results; and create a new era of ethics, integrity and honest behavior. A Dawson administration will work tirelessly to do exactly that. What are 3 specific policy positions that you’re running on? (Please don’t simply say “education” or “improving the schools”). First of all, I want to see our kids excel, not just at school, but in life. I will be rolling out details of my plan to implement drug-testing for every high school student who wants to participate in an extracurricular activity as a
Scott Dawson says Kay Ivey’s new school safety task force is no substitute for action
On Tuesday, Gov. Kay Ivey unveiled her new “Smart on Safety Initiative” to enhance school safety and security during a press conference at the State Capitol. But her Republican primary opponent, Evangelist Scott Dawson says Ivey’s task force is no substitute for action as “task force” is government code for doing nothing. “Establishing another task force is no substitute for action and when it comes to the safety of Alabama children, decisive leadership from the state’s highest office is absolutely necessary. I won’t kick the can to another task force. Task force is government code for doing nothing,” Dawson state in a statement. “With the Alabama Legislature’s last day in session being April 23rd, the council’s report deadline will be too late for action. Today’s announcement has every appearance of campaign theater, not sound public policy and leadership.” Dawson continued, “When Kay Ivey assumed office after the resignation of Governor Robert Bentley, she disbanded 18 task forces which she claimed had been ineffective and promised to ’make decisions’ not ’kick the can.’” ”As a parent with two kids who attended public school in Alabama I don’t want Alabama to be the last to implement a safe method for arming school personnel for the protection of teachers and students. We need action today. Nineteen other states have passed legislation allowing for some form of a security program for school personnel to coordinate with law enforcement and qualify to carry a firearm incognito. In 2013, the State Legislature enacted a local law for Franklin County, Ala. that allows suitable teachers, school personnel, and locals to volunteer to be trained as Reserve Deputy Sheriffs and carry firearms on school grounds in Franklin County. Dawson envisions the state safely implementing a similar program statewide. ”I envision Alabama schools allowing teachers who volunteer, and are properly trained, qualified, and deputized to provide armed protection for our schools in coordination with local law enforcement,” added Dawson. “Their names would be kept confidential—reported only to the superintendent and local law enforcement—and they would receive bonuses for their participation.” ”Kay Ivey’s indecision on a significant issue like this is a clear example to the people of Alabama that she will be more of the same in Montgomery and in this instance our children’s lives are being placed in jeopardy while the Governor restores the Bentley tradition of do-nothing task forces.”
Ask the candidates: Gubernatorial responses on transparency and accountability
Alabama Today sent the candidates a copy of a sitting governor’s daily schedule as sent the evening before to press and interested parties. We noted in the email that Governor Robert Bentley and Governor Kay Ivey had chosen not to do so. It turns out that Governor Ivey has sent her schedule out to some media for several months. Neither her official office nor campaign was able to provide a response as to why Alabama Today was originally included on the list of recipients only to be removed within days leading to the conclusion they weren’t providing them anymore. Good news: It looks as though in a crowded field of candidates transparency is key to many. Here is the question as posed and their responses. The following question: If elected, in the name of transparency and accountability, would you be willing to implement a policy to do so (provide a public schedule to press)? If not why? *In the order in which they were received with the exception of Ivey whose official office and campaign responded at separate times but are being published together. Governor Kay Ivey via Brent Buchanan (campaign): Buchanan, “Governor Kay Ivey promised transparency and to clean up the mess in Montgomery. She has done and will continue to do both. Governor Ivey has been releasing her schedule to the media – any of whom can publish more widely than a government website – for many months.” Governor Kay Ivey via Daniel Sparkman (official office): Sparkman re: Alabama Today request to receive the governor’s schedule*, “it is solely to be used for planning purposes and not for publication. It is also not to be shared outside of your organization.” * Ivey’s official schedule is released at the beginning of each week. We are unsure if it is amended or updated based on changes as is Governor Rick Scott‘s of Florida. It is unlikely, though possible, the governor’s office remains fixed days in advance. Scott Dawson (Republican candidate): The people of Alabama have lost trust in their leadership and the way to regain that trust is by taking openness and transparency beyond what is normally expected. The corporate world talks about “exceeding expectations.” Can you imagine how much better Alabama would be if our leadership talked in those same terms? That’s why I will implement a calendar policy to keep the people informed about how their governor is spending time in their service and more importantly, I will work to be sure that each moment of the day is devoted to the highest degree of ethical behavior and making Alabama a better place for everyone. Mayor Walt Maddox via Chip Hill, Communications Director (Democrat candidate): Walt Maddox not only believes transparency and accountability are vital, he’s taken action that proves it. For example, as Mayor of Tuscaloosa he implemented an online portal where anyone can access the details of city spending. Announced last year, this online portal was established to provide information and data on the city’s budgetary revenues and spending as well as up-to-date crime reports and demographics for Tuscaloosa, among other features. This portal made city information more readily available while allowing taxpayers to see how funds are budgeted and, ultimately, where they are spent. State Sen. Bill Hightower via Chris Brown, campaign advisor (Republican candidate): Bill Hightower firmly believes that the Governor’s office does not belong to any one public official, but it instead belongs to the voters of Alabama. As Governor, Bill Hightower will be committed to transparency and making sure his public schedule is available so that the people of Alabama will know where and how his official time is being spent working for them. Justice Sue Bell Cobb (Democrat candidate): I believe it is paramount for public servants to be open and accountable to those they serve. I would absolutely implement a policy within my administration that the press should be notified in advance of my public schedule. Democracy relies on informed, engaged citizens, and it is the responsibility of leaders to offer themselves for dialogue with whom they serve. We will do just that in the governor’s office
