Farmers Federation endorses Richard Shelby in 2016 Senate re-election bid
The Alabama Farmers Federation, the state’s leading agricultural industry interest group, came out in support of Republican Sen. Richard Shelby‘s bid to retain his seat in the U.S. Senate on Thursday. Federation President Jimmy Parnell praised Shelby for taking Alabama’s deeply conservative attitudes many on issues with him to Washington, D.C. “The Alabama Farmers Federation is proud to endorse Richard Shelby for the U.S. Senate,” ALFA President Jimmy Parnell stated. “As our state’s senior senator, he shares the same conservative values that the farmers and rural Alabamians hold so dear.” Shelby, first elected to the Senate in 1986, responded in kind to Parnell’s warm words. “I am proud to have the endorsement of the Alabama Farmers Federation. I will always defend our shared values and way of life,” said Shelby. Shelby chairs the Senate’s Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs Committee, as well as the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science. Shelby is facing a long-shot primary challenge from former state Sen. Shadrack McGill.
Shadarack McGill to challenge Richard Shelby in 2016 Senate primary
Former Montgomery lawmaker Shadarack McGill will reportedly announce a Republican primary challenge to long-serving U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby on Tuesday. McGill, who served in a state Senate from 2010 until 2014, when he decided to forego a reelection campaign. The former legislator is one of four Republicans who are likely to mount a challenge to the 81-year-old Shelby, who reaffirmed he will again seek the office by filing with the state elections chief ahead of a November 6 deadline. Shelby, first elected by statewide in 1986, is pursuing a sixth term in the Senate. He says his experience and seniority are assets for Alabamians. “I am running for the United States Senate because I’m not done fighting for Alabama,” Shelby said in a recent statement. “My unmatched record of proven, conservative leadership puts me in the best position to stand up for Alabamians against big government policies in Washington. I have always and will continue to put Alabamians first.” McGill, perhaps best known for claiming he was visited by strippers in the middle of the night during his 2010 campaign for the state Senate, will make his announcement in front of the Jackson County Courthouse.
