Mo Brooks hits back on Luther Strange’s ‘deceptive attacks’ in Senate primary
Mo Brooks is hitting back on the recent wave of “deceptive attacks” from opponents in the Alabama’s U.S. Senate race. Brooks’ new ad is the latest push on Sen. Luther Strange over who is the true Donald Trump supporter in the increasingly heated midsummer Alabama Senate primary to serve the rest of Attorney General Jeff Session’s term. The 30-second “Support Trump,” which launched Tuesday, reaffirms his “strong support” of Trump’s agenda, touting he voted with the president “95 percent of the time in Congress.” Strange — who has enjoyed support from the Senate Leadership Fund, linked to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell — has leveled waves of negative hits on Brooks, trying to paint the four-term Huntsville Republican congressman as a tepid (at best) Trump supporter and even a “closet liberal.” “There’s only one ‘Never Trumper’ in this race: Luther Strange,” said Brooks, a member of the House Freedom Caucus. “I supported President Trump in 2016 and wrote a $2,500 check to help him win. Luther never endorsed Trump, never donated and is now helping Mitch McConnell block the America First Agenda in the Senate.” “So, who are you going to believe: Mitch McConnell and Luther Strange?” he asks. With a “proven conservative” record, Brooks finishes his ad with a list of endorsements from leading “conservative thought leaders” such as Laura Ingraham, Sean Hannity, Mark Levin and Ann Coulter. Strange and Brooks are locked in a contentious primary battle, part of a nine-person GOP field that includes former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore. All three are running for a place in the race’s staunch conservative lane in a state that overwhelmingly supported Trump in 2016. Other Republican candidates in the race include Dr. James Beretta, Joseph Breault, Alabama Christian Coalition president Randy Brinson, Mary Maxwell, Bryan Peeples and state Sen. Trip Pittman of Baldwin County. As for who will ultimately represent Alabama, voters have less than two weeks to decide before the Aug. 15 Republican and Democratic primaries. The last day to apply for an absentee ballot is Aug. 10. If there is no primary winner — with 50 percent plus one — a runoff is Sept. 26; the general election is Dec. 12. “Support Trump” is now available on YouTube.
Get to know Luther Strange, Republican running for Alabama U.S. Senate seat
11 Republicans and eight Democrats will officially move forward to their party’s August 15 primaries to vote in the Alabama special election to replace Jeff Sessions in the U.S. Senate With a little over three months until voters head to the ballots, AlabamaToday.com is inviting all of the candidates, including appointed-incumbent Sen. Luther Strange, 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. Today’s candidate spotlight features the sitting Senator, Luther Strange. The Birmingham, Ala. native who served as the Attorney General of Alabama for six years before his appointment to the U.S. Senate in February. Here he is in his own words: Significant other? Kids? My beautiful wife is named Melissa, and we have two wonderful sons and a young grandson. Education background? Professional background? I went to Shades Valley High School in Homewood before heading to Tulane on a basketball scholarship. After graduating from Tulane Law School I worked as a lawyer in various capacities and then served as Alabama’s Attorney General for six years. What was your first job? Paper route In 25 words or less, why are you running for office? To help President Trump repair the damage from eight years of Obama and be a conservative, common sense voice for Alabama in Washington. Did you speak with anybody in your political party before deciding on running? Receive any encouragement? From whom? It was a family decision with input from Jeff Sessions and Richard Shelby. Who do you count on for advice? Melissa has been my best friend and closest confidante for many years. She’s always who I talk to first when I need advice. Who is your political consultant? Campaign manager? Jeff Roe and Michael Joffrion Who was the first person to contribute to your campaign? Why did they donate? Old friends who know my desire to be in public service. Who, if anyone, inspires you in state government? Our selfless law enforcement officials are who inspire me the most. Daily, they risk their lives for our safety. Why do people mistrust elected officials and what are you going to do about it? I think most folks feel that politicians are not listening to them anymore. I plan on not just listening to what my constituents have to say, but to be their voice in Washington. What are 3 issues that you‘re running on? (Please don’t simply say “education” or “improving the schools”) Protecting our borders and reforming our immigration system so that the needs of Americans are put first. Repealing Obamacare and returning to a market-based approach to healthcare that encourages innovation and spurs competition, so that health care becomes both truly affordable and accessible. Reforming our tax code and lifting the heavy regulatory burden on our job creators so that we can get our economy going strong. What is a “disruptive” issue (i.e. ride-sharing) you are interested in? Helping President Trump disrupt Washington. Who was the best governor in Alabama’s modern history? I’d have to say that Kay Ivey has this one wrapped up. Are yard signs an important part of campaigning in your district? They’re an important part of an overall campaign strategy. What’s the first thing you read each morning? Calling Jesus Where do you get your political news? Fox 60 Minutes or House of Cards? Too busy playing with my grandson. Social media presence? Twitter handle? We have a campaign page on Facebook. And you can find me on Twitter @lutherstrange and on Instagram @lutherstrangeforsenate. In 140 characters, what’s a Tweet that best describes your campaign message. I fought corruption and radical Obama agenda policies in Montgomery; ready to drain the swamp and roll back Obama-era damage in Washington. Hobbies? Hunting, fishing and playing with my black lab, Sophie. Favorite sport and sports team? Tulane basketball Get to know the other candidates running for the seat, here.
Alabama Republican Assembly backs Roy Moore for Senate
With just over two weeks to go until the special primary election for the rest of Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ Senate term, the Alabama Republican Assembly announced it would back former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Roy Moore for the GOP nomination. The Alabama Republican Assembly announced its support for Moore on July 26, citing his “correct moral and constitutional principles” as what sets him apart in the crowded Republican Primary race. “Judge Moore is a proven fighter, personally and politically, and will stand strong for government that abides by the Constitution,” said ALRA President Jennifer Montrose. Don Wallace, who heads up the Southeast Region of the ALRA, said “while there are several good candidates that are running for this position and who would serve Alabama well in the Senate, the Republican Assembly voted overwhelmingly for Judge Moore because of his demonstrable commitment to conservative principles and a willingness to stand up against an out of control Federal Judiciary.” Montrose closed out the endorsement by issuing a call to arms for “all conservatives to join us in supporting Judge Roy Moore in the August Republican Primary. Moore’s major rivals in the primary race are sitting U.S. Sen. Luther Strange, who was appointed to the seat earlier this year by scandal-plagued former Gov. Robert Bentley, and CD 5 U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks, who is a member of the House Freedom Caucus and has recently doubled down on his concerns with President Donald Trump’s administration. A recent poll from Raycom News Network put Strange and Moore in a statistical tie heading into the final stretch, with Brooks coming in as the only other GOP candidate in the nine-person field with double digit support. Alabama requires a primary runoff election if no candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote, which seems likely given current poll numbers. The primary race is set for Aug. 15. The primary runoff, if necessary, will be Sept. 26; the general election is Dec. 12.
Alabamians have one week left to register for August 15 primary
Alabamians looking to vote in the Aug. 15 primary election for Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ former Senate seat have one week left to get on the voter rolls. Those unsure of their registration status can check through the Alabama Secretary of State’s website, while first-time Alabama voters can register online, by mail or at their local Board of Registrars, Driver License Division or Department of Public Safety office. Voters will also need to remember to bring a government issued photo ID, such as a driver license or U.S. passport, to their polling place to be allowed to vote. Voters can look up their polling place through the Secretary of State’s website. Both special primary elections feature crowded slates. On the Republican side, sitting U.S. Sen. Luther Strange is running against CD 5 U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks, former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore, Montrose state Sen. Trip Pittman, Randy Brinson, Bryan Peeples, James Baretta, Joseph Breault, and Mary Maxwell. Democrats vying for the seat include former U.S. Attorney Doug Jones, activist Michael Hansen, Will Boyd, Vann Caldwell, Jason Fisher, Robert Kennedy, Jr. (no, not that one), and Charles Nana. Voter registration closes down in Alabama 15 days before any election. The deadline for the Sept. 26 special runoff election, if needed, is Sept. 11, while the deadline for the Dec. 12 general election is Nov. 27.
Mo Brooks Second Amendment ad doesn’t avoid Scalise shooting
Republican U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks released a new ad for his Senate campaign touting his position on the Second Amendment in the aftermath of the July 14 shooting in Alexandria, Va., that left four wounded, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise. The 30-second ad opens with a black background and the sound of gunfire before displaying text that reads “June 14: A Bernie Sanders supporter fires on Republican Congressmen.” The next slide fades in and reads “Mo Brooks gives his belt as a tourniquet to help the wounded” followed by “What’s the liberal media immediately ask?” The ad then cuts to news footage shortly after the shooting where Brooks is asked by a reporter whether the event changes his views on “the gun situation in America.” “The Second Amendment, the right to bear arms is to ensure that we always have a republic, so no I’m not changing my position on any of the rights that we enjoy as Americans,” Brooks said. The ad has upset at least two Scalise staffers, including Brett Horton, Scalise’s Chief of Staff, since its release. Monday afternoon, Horton tweeted: The day of the shooting, while waiting at the hospital, I avoided the news/audio/video as much as possible. This makes my stomach turn. — Brett Horton (@bretthhorton) July 24, 2017 In an email to The Washington Post, Chris Bond, a spokesperson for Scalise echoed Horton’s distaste, “I guess some people have their own ideas about what’s appropriate, don’t they?” Brooks is one of several Republicans vying for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Attorney General Jeff Sessions earlier this year. Among his competition is sitting Sen. Luther Strange, who was appointed to the seat by former Gov. Robert Bentley, and former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Roy Moore. The special primary election is set for Aug. 15. A primary runoff, if necessary, will be Sept. 26 and the general election is scheduled for Dec. 12. The winner of the general election will serve out the remainder of former Sessions’ term, which runs through Jan. 2021.
Dom Gentile withdraws from Senate race, endorses Mo Brooks
Birmingham businessman Dominic “Dom” Gentile, who entered Alabama’s U.S. Senate in hopes of shaking-up the status quo, withdrew his candidacy on Monday and urged his supporters to back Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks. “Two weeks ago my family was hit with a complex issue that I don’t yet have my head around and I must learn more about. My wife of 29.5 years was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer,” Gentile explained at a press conference with Brooks Monday afternoon in Birmingham. “It is time for me to spend my time by her side, fighting to help her and others stricken by this nasty disease. So I am immediately withdrawing from the US Senate race, and will be taking the fight to cancer.” Gentile says during the race he had the oppounity to get to know the other candidates running, but only Brooks meets his “extremely high” standards. Gentile continued, “If you are looking for a rare breed of US Senator with true conservative principles who will get the government out of your way. If you are looking for an ethical family man who will represent our state with dignity. If you are looking for a Senator who is smart as a whip and who will work hard for you. If you are looking for a Senator with a huge heart who is guided by the principles of God… Then Mo Brooks is your man.” Brooks offered his prayers to the Gentile family, as he thanked Dom for his support. “Martha and I are very sorry to hear of Karen Gentile’s illness and send her our prayers for a full recovery. Our family has experienced breast cancer so I have some understanding of what Karen and Dominic Gentile are going through,” said Brooks. “It has been an honor to compete with Dominic Gentile during this Senate campaign and to receive his endorsement. It means a lot.” Watch the announcement below:
Analysis: Dem loss in Georgia underscores party challenges
Republicans just got a big argument for sticking with President Donald Trump and pushing forward with dismantling former President Barack Obama‘s health law. And Democrats are struggling to translate the energy of their core supporters into actual election victories. Tuesday night’s outcome in a special House race in Georgia was a triumph for the GOP, and the most recent and devastating illustration of the Democrats’ problems – from a weak bench and recruiting problems to divisions about what the party stands for today. Instead of a win or even a razor-thin loss by Democrat Jon Ossoff that many had expected, Republican Karen Handel ended up winning by a relatively comfortable 4 percentage point margin in the wealthy suburban Atlanta district previously held by Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price. That followed another recent Democratic disappointment in Montana, where the Republican candidate won even after last-minute assault charges, and an earlier loss for the Democrats in Kansas. Rep. Rick Nolan, D-Minn., said Democrats are not as good on delivering a winning message to voters as they should be. “Harry Truman said it best, if you want to be Republican-lite, people will vote for the real thing every time,” Nolan told reporters Wednesday. Indeed the best news Democrats got Tuesday night was that a different special House race, in South Carolina, ended up closer than the Georgia contest even though it had drawn little national attention. Republican Ralph Norman beat Democrat Archie Parnell by around 3 percentage points in South Carolina, closer than expected and a warning sign to the GOP not to take any seat for granted. But for Democrats, having failed to unseat a Republican in four special House elections in a row despite an extremely energized base, it’s now a time for soul-searching – and finger-pointing. Ossoff ran a careful campaign and shied away from talking about Trump, and some groups on the left wasted no time in insisting that Democrats must draw brighter contrasts with the GOP. “Defeating Republicans in districts that they have traditionally held requires doing something drastically different than establishment Democrats have done before – specifically, running on a bold progressive vision and investing heavily in direct voter contact,” said Jim Dean, chair of Democracy for America. The Georgia race was the most expensive House race in history, with many millions spent on both sides. The fact that that level of investment failed to pay off with a win against a Republican candidate widely viewed as uninspiring left Democrats frustrated and dispirited heading into the 2018 midterm elections. Democrats will need to pick up 24 House seats to take back the majority. The outcome “better be a wake-up call for Democrats – business as usual isn’t working,” Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., said on Twitter. “Time to stop rehashing 2016 and talk about the future.” House Democratic leaders tried to play down the loss ahead of time, pointing out that the Georgia race took place on GOP-friendly terrain, as did the other recent special elections. Rep. Joe Crowley of New York, chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, said that there are 71 districts that will be more favorable for Democrats to contest than the one in Georgia. Democrats face gerrymandered districts after the last census combined with Trump selecting lawmakers for his administration from districts the GOP should hold. “They pick people in safe and tough districts for Democrats to win,” Crowley said Wednesday. But for Republicans from the president on down, it was time to celebrate. Trump sent supporters a text message crowing, “Congrats to Karen Handel on a HUGE win in GA! Democrats lose again (0-4). Total disarray. The MAGA Mandate is stronger than ever. BIG LEAGUE.” As the results rolled in Tuesday, AshLee Strong, spokeswoman to House Speaker Paul Ryan, mused over Twitter, “Remember when they told us we’d be punished in the special elexs for following through on our promise to #RepealAndReplace #obamacare?” Indeed the string of special election wins, especially in Georgia, sent a powerful message to Republicans that they must be doing something right, even though Trump’s approval ratings are low by historical standards and the GOP has yet to notch a single major legislative accomplishment on Capitol Hill. Far from rethinking their support for Trump or their plans to undo former President Barack Obama’s health care law, Republicans seem likely to stay the course. “It shows us that people are wanting some of the things we’ve been talking about, President Trump’s been talking about – less government, more power to the folks. Tax reform. That’s the kind of things we’ve got to get done. They believe in us being better able to do it rather than the other side,” said Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas. And as for the Democrats, they, clearly, are doing something wrong. What exactly it is, and whether they can fix it, will be debated in the weeks and months ahead. Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
Get to know Brian McGee, Democrat running for Alabama U.S. Senate seat
11 Republicans and eight Democrats will officially move forward to their party’s August 15 primaries to vote in the Alabama special election to replace Jeff Sessions in the U.S. Senate With a little over three months until voters head to the ballots, AlabamaToday.com is inviting all of the candidates, including appointed-incumbent Sen. Luther Strange, 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. Today’s candidate spotlight features Brian McGee, a Lee County Democrat who believes the nation must begin to put Country in front of Party. Here he is in his own words: Significant other? Kids? Married to Jacqueline Harrison McGee for 47 years. Son, Jonathan, Navy vet, works for the Department of Defense in Japan, married with 3 children. Daughter, CPA in Florida, married with one child. Education background? Professional background? Military Background: Volunteered Infantry during Vietnam War, Attended Officer Candidate School and in 4 years of active duty rose from private to Army Captain, Ranger Training, Jungle Warfare, Biological, Chemical and Nuclear Warfare training, Commander of 39th Scout Dogs for the 173rd Airborne in Vietnam, Military awards include Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, significant achievement –13 months in Vietnam and did not lose a single man, Company Commander of an Engineer Reserve Company Educational Background: Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with minor in Science, Master’s Degree in Educational Technology, Specialist Degree in School Administration. Taught for 11 years in the United States and then went to work for the Department of Defense Schools living 25+ years in Bahrain in the Middle East, Panama, Japan and England. Traveled to over 50 countries. What was your first job? As a teenager I worked on a farm. Then I joined the US Army. After the army and while in college, I was a common laborer building tunnels, bridges and digging ditches. In 25 words or less, why are you running for office? As a nation we MUST begin to put Country in front of Party. We must put the people FIRST. We CAN do this. Did you speak with anybody in your political party before deciding on running? Receive any encouragement? From whom? Before putting my name in the ring, I talked to the Chairwoman of the Democratic Party, Nancy Worley, and also Jessie Smith, who had twice been a candidate for the US House Seat in the 3rd congressional district. I also, of course, talked in great detail with my wife and adult children. This was a decision that would affect all of our lives and their input was critical. Who do you count on for advice? My wife of 47 years is my primary confidante and advisor. After that, I have to give a nod to my sister who is a Republican, my pastor/priest and even my Bible Study Group. They are significant as they have a wide range of opinions from right to left and all points in between. I can float an idea with some of them and get an interesting and thoughtful comeback. Who is your political consultant? Campaign manager? What you see is what you get. This is a grassroots organization and we are not being politically correct. We speak from the heart and from years of experience gained through an incredible life, well lived and including a wide set of experiences. Who was the first person to contribute to your campaign? Why did they donate? I cannot appropriately share the individual’s name, but she resides in Oregon. I used to work with her in Europe and she knows and trusts I will put country over party or and over getting elected or reelected. Who, if anyone, inspires you in state government? I wanted to talk about someone current and so I am picking Governor Kay Ivey. She is the second woman to be governor of Alabama and the first teacher to sit as governor. I believe she is someone who could get things done for Alabama and its people. I am filled with hope. At the current time, if you look on her website she lists five initiatives. The Military Stability Commission, Aerospace Caucus, End Child Hunger, Economic Development, and Girl’s State. I support all of those initiatives but I would include the following: a commission on improving public education, one on expanding health care opportunities in Alabama, and, within the Economic Development commission, expanding the Green Technology sector, using the successful template used of the Aerospace industry. Why do people mistrust elected officials and what are you going to do about it? The reason I am running is I mistrust many, if not most, politicians. We in Alabama deserve better than people who lie to and mislead us in order to get into office. Many of these people seek votes with slick campaign ads but people are not stupid and their real needs should be addressed. My understanding is that Strange is coming into this election with a 4 million dollar war chest. ‘Who is control? Those who vote or those who fund? So what will I do differently when elected? I pledge to all Alabamians that I will work to get money OUT of politics. I tell anyone donating to my campaign that I WILL PUT COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY AND COUNTRY WAY BEFORE MONEY. If that is unacceptable, then I really do not want the money. What are 3 issues that you’re running on? (Please don’t simply say “education” or “improving the schools”) Solving problems. Typically politicians do not try to solve problems. They are after good sound bites and things that will help them and their party get elected and stay in power. They twist and mislead. They sow alt-facts and spread downright lies in order to get elected. I was trained in the military that if you are given a mission you need to break that mission down into its component parts and devise a plan to SOLVE the problem. I do not care what side of the aisle has the idea or who gets the credit. I care about the results. We need to solve problems. The bottom
Alabama Patriots Tea Party group endorses Mo Brooks for U.S. Senate
Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks is facing a sea of Republican challengers in the upcoming GOP primary for the U.S. Senate special election. In an effort to bolster the Congressman’s conservative support and help him stand apart from the crowd, the Alabama Patriots Tea Party, one of the oldest Tea Party groups in the Yellowhammer State, announced its endorsement of Brooks over the 10 other GOP candidates, including incumbent Sen. Luther Strange on Tuesday. The endorsement comes two weeks after Brooks announced his candidacy, and following a thorough interview with the Commander of the Alabama Patriots, Danny B. Joyner. “In these trying times we believe God has provided men of honor and integrity to stand in the gap for our beloved Alabama and our Christian nation,” said Joyner. “Congressman Mo Brooks is the man to replace our friend and fellow Patriot Jeff Sessions as the next United States Senator from Alabama.” Joyner continued, “As critical to our nation as the choice of Neil Gorsuch was to replace Justice Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court, we the Alabama Patriots feel it is just as critical to support and elect Mo Brooks to the U.S. Senate. His record needs no defending when it comes to the foundational building blocks of our republic in matters of our faith, family and freedom.” Joyner says Brooks stand apart from the other candidate for two reasons: he’s is the only candidate in the race with a proven record of conservative leadership who is renowned for standing up against special interests and Washington insiders. And according to Joyner, Brooks’ “impeccable ethics record stands out.” “Not once has a valid or even an invalid, politically motivated ethics complaint been filed against Mo Brooks with the Alabama Ethics Commission or any federal government ethics agency during Mo Brooks’ thirty years of public service as a Tuscaloosa Assistant District Attorney, Circuit Court law clerk, Madison County District Attorney, Alabama legislator, Madison County Commissioner, and U.S. Congressman,” Joyner added. “Mo Brooks’ proven, impeccable ethics record is exactly what Alabama needs in the U.S. Senate.” Brooks said he was honored by the endorsement. “I am honored to have the Alabama Patriots endorsement for the United States Senate,” Brooks expressed. “I am running for the United States Senate because America’s status as the greatest nation in world history is at risk, because Congress is failing the American people, and because I am the only candidate for the Senate who has a record of proven conservative leadership.” Brooks continued, “Having the support of the Alabama Patriots is a boon to my bid for the Senate. As a Constitutional conservative, I will defend Americans’ First Amendment Right to freedom of religion. As a father and grandfather, I will fight in the Senate to leave my children and grandchildren a financially sound nation where they can prosper, and as a strong defender of freedom, I stand firmly against increasing the size of the federal government. “As my past record proves, I have and will fight in the United States Senate to protect and promote faith, family, freedom and our foundational principles that have combined to make America the greatest nation in world history. As I have shown in the past, I have no hesitancy standing up against special interests and Washington insiders who put their own self-interests above America’s interests.”
Get to know Mary Maxwell, Republican running for Alabama U.S. Senate seat
11 Republicans and eight Democrats will officially move forward to their party’s August 15 primaries to vote in the Alabama special election to replace Jeff Sessions in the U.S. Senate With a little over three months until voters head to the ballots, AlabamaToday.com is inviting all of the candidates, including appointed-incumbent Sen. Luther Strange, 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. Today’s candidate spotlight features Mary Maxwell, a professional researcher turned investigative journalist who can no longer sit back and watch what’s happening in this country. Here she is in her own words: Significant other? George Maxwell, a dutiful, disciplined Scotsman, educated me and inspired me (not to mention made me extremely happy). He went aloft 17 years ago and it took me nine years to recover, as my fellow widows will understand. Kids? I am nulliparous but deeply interested in the situation of the millennials today. I want them to be given values and principles that will carry them through anything. (I’ve published “Teen Etiquette with Feelings” at Amazon under pseudonym Fortunata Fifi — only goes a little way, though.) Education background? BA from Emmanuel, a ladies Catholic college in Boston. Master of Liberal Arts, a town-and-gown thing at Johns Hopkins, for which I mainly chose courses from faculty of Public Health. Certificate of Advanced Study at Harvard Extension, very lightweight but allowed one to sing Brahms in the Harvard Summer Chorus. PhD in Politics at Adelaide University, Australia, led to my book “Morality among Nations” (using sociobiology as a base). Law degree, LLB, obtained in my near-dotage, would have led to my wearing a wig in Australian courts. Professional background? Been doing research for 39 years, so I guess I should claim “researcher” as my profession. In the last few years this took a turn into investigative journalism and the producing of stage plays. What was your first job? New England Telephone Co. operator, at $1.60 per hour. Loved it. In 25 words or less, why are you running for office? I can’t sit by and watch what’s happening, especially the despoiling of the planet. Constitutionally, we’ve got all we need to deal with criminal officials. Did you speak with anybody in your political party before deciding on running? No. Receive any encouragement? From whom? I made the decision so quickly (heard about the Senate vacancy on May 1st), had no time to consult. Whom do you count on for advice? If I get elected I will run to Senator Rand Paul for guidance, but in thinking out my positions now I don’t need his help as he and I are twins, constitution-wise. Who is your political consultant? Campaign manager? None — still waiting to obtain such help. Who was the first person to contribute to your campaign? My friend Dee McLachlan made a beautiful website for me: MaxwellForSenate.com. Why did they donate? Because an artist’s got to do what an artist’s got to do. Who, if anyone, inspires you in state government? Governor Kay Ivey slays me. Why do people mistrust elected officials and what are you going to do about it? They should not mistrust them; they should shoot them. What I mean is, it’s the citizen’s fault if their representatives are working for someone other than the people. (“Pull your employees into line, Folks.”) What am I going to do about it? I am going to yak constantly about the fact that 25-year-olds and up should completely wipe out the present 435 members of the House of Representatives in 2018, and one-third of the Senate. It is a doable. Get crackin’, young ones. Save the Great Republic! What are 3 issues that you’re running on? Well, I certainly won’t say Education even if that is VITAL, as it is none of the federal government’s business. First, I will concern myself with avoiding war – yes, and “regime change.” Look how easily a ‘trend’ becomes acceptable. We regime-changed Iraq, Libya, etc. and now media says it’s what we are supposed to do in Syria, etc. No, it ain’t. Second, I will whack the FDA, CDC, NIH, and other organizations for keeping medical cures under lock and key. Please see my 2 books – free download at maryWmaxwell.com: “Consider the Lilies: A Review of 18 Cures for Cancer and Their Legal Status,” and “A Balm in Gilead: Curing Autism and Awakening the Physicians.” Third, I’d be honored to be the voice of the voiceless, whether that be homeless persons, targeted individuals, or prisoners. I hear the biblical injunction “I was in prison and you visited me.” Matthew 25:36. I’m dying to know what is going on in federal prisons, especially Supermax. What is a “disruptive” issue (i.e. ride-sharing) you are interested in? Medical experimentation on soldiers. Gulf War Illness is probably the tip of the iceberg. Who was the best governor in Alabama’s modern history? George Wallace. I am a maniac for states’ rights, so I’d even countenance his sticking up for segregation (as I like Judge Roy Moore sticking up for straights-only marriage, despite my wholly endorsing integration and gay marriage). The Constitution requires that every one of the 5 forces (3 branches plus states and people) guard their part – or we’ll die. Anyway, Wallace apologized for his bigotry, asked for forgiveness, and got support from African-Americans after that. The fact that Wallace was shot at when running for president tells me a lot (and no, I do not think Arthur Bremer was the assassin). Are yard signs an important part of campaigning in your district? I don’t know. What’s the first thing you read each morning? I don’t read in the morning. I jump out of bed and start writing. True. Where do you get your political news? From GumshoeNews.com, sometimes buttressed by Globalresearch.ca or waynemadsenreport.com. 60 Minutes or House of Cards? Please. Social media presence? Twitter handle? I wish to learn this game. So far I’m a bit
Gov. Kay Ivey schedules Senate special election in line with state law
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed a proclamation Tuesday morning to reschedule the special election date for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by now-Attorney General Jeff Sessions. The new primary date is Aug. 15, with a runoff set for Sept. 26; the general election is Dec. 12, a year ahead of the previously scheduled election date. In February, Gov. Robert Bentley temporarily appointed then-Attorney General Luther Strange to the Senate seat until Alabama could hold a special election. Bentley originally scheduled the special election to coincide with the 2018 regular election cycle, a primary in June and general election in November. “I promised to steady our ship of state. This means following the law, which clearly states the people should vote for a replacement U.S. Senator as soon as possible,” Ivey said in a statement. “The new US Senate special election dates this year are a victory for the rule of law.” Ivey signed the proclamation at 9:21 a.m. “This is not a hastily-made decision,” Ivey added. “I consulted legal counsel, the finance director, Speaker [Mac] McCutcheon, Senate President Del Marsh, and both budget chairmen since the cost to the General Fund could be great. However, following the law trumps the expense of a special election.” Alabama statute says that if a Senate seat vacancy occurs more than four months before a general election, the governor is required to call a special election “forthwith.” Bentley interpreted “forthwith” to mean an announcement, not the actual election. Senator Strange is taking the change of date in stride. “As I’ve said for months, I’m a candidate and I’m ready to run whether the election is next month or next year,” said Strange. “As the only announced candidate for this office, I will spend the next several months being the best Senator I can be, upholding Alabama values and working with President Donald Trump to drain the swamp and help make America great again. The people of Alabama deserve nothing less and ultimately it will be up to them to decide who will represent them in Washington.”
Robert Bentley to defend his special election decision next month
Gov. Robert Bentley will have to defend his decision to set the special election to fill Jeff Sessions’ vacated U.S. Senate seat for 2018 in a hearing next month. Bentley’s decision is being challenged in court by Republican State Auditor Jim Zeigler and retired District Attorney Tommy Chapman, a Democrat, who contend the governor set the election so far in the future in order to give sitting Senator and former Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange two years of incumbency as payment to halt an investigation. A state House committee investigating Bentley but was told to stop Nov. 3 after Strange said his office was doing “related work.” Strange had announced he would run for the vacant U.S. Senate seat but would not apply for appointment by Bentley. He then proceeded to interview with Bentley for the job, which he was appointed to Feb. 9. After his appointment, Strange said in a news conference that he never claimed he was investigating Bentley. “The whole thing stinks,” Zeigler said. “We’ve got a Bentley appointed senator instead of a peoples’ elected senator.” The pair, joined by attorney Doyle Fuller, are asking for a declaratory judgment that Bentley’s decision to push the election back to 2018 is illegal. Alabama law says, in part, that the governor must set a special election “forthwith” in the case of a vacancy, but only specifically addresses when a vacancy occurs within the four months preceding a general election, however the Ziegler team is citing a Feb. 13 finding by the Legislative Reference Service that the governor is required to set the special election immediately. “Bentley and Strange think they have gotten away with this illegal election. They have not gotten away with it yet, and the people of Alabama will remember this at election time,” Zeigler said. The case will go before Judge J.R. Gaines of the Montgomery County Circuit Court. Zeigler released a statement Tuesday telling Alabamans not to buy in to rumors that Bentley is resigning, calling the rumors a “devious way” to get the state House to adjourn without impeaching Bentley. “The rumors that Gov. Bentley will resign are just a diversion to get citizens to stop contacting their State Representatives urging impeachment – and to get the state House to back off,” he said. “If people think Bentley may resign, they will not be pushing for impeachment.”
