ALGOP celebrates legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
As Americans across the country commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.‘s contributions to the nation, Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) Chairman Terry Lathan made the following statement celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: We honor and celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. His vision for America and commitment to equal rights changed history for the better. Dr. King’s words and peaceful protests are still deeply valued today. It is our prayer that the actions of all citizens reflect the dream Dr. King had for every man, woman and child – that our nation would be an ‘oasis of freedom and justice.’ Dr. King’s words are timeless and continue to stand as a foundation of goodwill for all today, for all to ‘not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.’ In light of this we reflect on the scripture found in Amos 5:24: ‘But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.’
Alliance for a Pro-Life Alabama names Cavanaugh, Lathan, McClurkin co-chairs
The Alliance for a Pro-Life Alabama — a group dedicated to fighting for the rights of the unborn and educating the public about Amendment Two — announced on Thursday that Public Service Commission President Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, Alabama Republican Party Chair Terry Lathan, and former State Representative Mary Sue McClurkin have agreed to serve as co-chairs of the group and will help lead its efforts to pass Amendment Two on the November general election ballot. Cavanaugh was elected president of the Public Service Commission in 2012 and previously served as state chair of the Alabama Republican Party. “Alabama has the chance to lead the nation in protecting unborn life with successful passage of Amendment Two on November 6,” Cavanaugh said. “Amendment Two declares Alabama as a pro-life state and positions us to take action in the event that Roe v. Wade is overturned, which seems an increasing possibility with the confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh.” Lathan, a former public-school teacher in Mobile, has served as chair of the Alabama Republican Party since being elected to the post in February of 2015. She and her husband, Jerry, were selected as the “Alabama Republicans of the Year” prior to her service as state party chair. “Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, the Feminist Majority Foundation, and other ultra-liberal groups are working to defeat Amendment Two and block Alabama’s opportunity to defend the unborn,” Lathan explained. “According to Secretary of State finance reports, out-of-state leftist groups have donated almost $1 million to the political action committee working against Amendment Two in order to preserve the abortion mill industry.” McClurkin served as a state representative from 1998 – 2014 and successfully passed several pro-life measures into law during her four terms in office. The Yellowhammer News political blog named her “one of the most ardently pro-life members of the Alabama legislature.” “The same liberal groups that attacked Justice Brett Kavanaugh and attempted to destroy his life have now turned their full attention toward Alabama and Amendment Two,” McClurkin added. “The choice is clear. Alabamians can side with unborn life and support Amendment Two, or they can side with Planned Parenthood, the ACLU and the abortion industry by voting against it. I’m standing strong for unborn babies.” Amendment 2 The Alabama Fair Ballot Commission explains the constitutional amendment, which was sponsored and passed by Montevallo-Republican, State Rep. Matt Fridy , with the following description: “Amendment 2 provides that it would be the public policy of the state to recognize and support the importance of unborn life and the rights of unborn children, including the right to life; and to protect the rights of unborn children. Additionally, the amendment would make clear that the state constitution does not include a right to abortion or require the funding of an abortion using public funds.”
What they’re saying: Alabama politicians react to Brett Kavanaugh confirmation
Brett Kavanaugh was sworn in Saturday night as the 114th justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, after weeks of debate over sexual misconduct and judicial temperament that divided the nation. He was ultimately confirmed in the Senate by a vote of 50 – 48. Here’s what Alabama politicians are saying about his confirmation: U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby: I voted today to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh, who has devoted 26 years of public service to our nation as a jurist, lawyer, and professor. During the hearings, I found Judge Kavanaugh’s testimony to be credible. I also found the subsequent FBI report to be thorough. As a senator, my job is to carefully consider and review all available information. After doing so, it is evident that the accusations against Judge Kavanaugh are uncorroborated, and there is no confirmation of any of the alleged misconduct. During his time as a federal judge, Judge Kavanaugh has been a principled, intelligent, and steadfast supporter of the rule of law. In accordance with my constitutional right to ‘advice and consent,’ I advise that Judge Kavanaugh be the next associate justice on the Supreme Court of the United States.” Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: Our nation is better off with Judge Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court, and I am glad the circus is over. I applaud the senators who supported Judge Kavanaugh, including Alabama Senator Richard Shelby. This process and the shameful tactics used have been an embarrassment to our nation, but I hope we can now move forward as a country and not return to these pathetic political games again. Terry Lathan | Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party The Alabama Republican Party congratulates Judge Brett Kavanaugh on his confirmation. Judge Kavanaugh has our full support as he begins his honorable journey serving the American people on our nation’s highest court. In celebrating this confirmation, we thank Senator Shelby and his Republican colleagues for their yes votes. Unlike Senator Jones, Senator Shelby exemplified what it means to be a true public servant by representing the majority of Alabamians when he cast his final vote. Without meeting with Judge Kavanaugh, Doug Jones even went so far as to insinuate his opinion mattered more than those of the people he was elected to serve… It is clear that Senator Doug Jones’ allegiance lies not to his Alabama constituents, but strongly to the Democrat Party. Voters will remember this when they head to the polls in 2020. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: Judge Brett Kavanaugh is a conservative, experienced jurist who I believe will be a strict constitutionalist on the Supreme Court. I am pleased that the United States Senate voted to confirm him, and I am confident he will serve the Court and the American people admirably. Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: When we appoint a Supreme Court justice for life, their honesty, their temperament, and their credibility should not be in question. But Judge Kavanaugh fails on all of those counts. This man should not be on the Supreme Court.
What they’re saying: ALGOP reacts to Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination advancing to final floor vote
It’s official: the U.S. Senate will give Judge Brett Kavanaugh a final floor vote on Saturday, after enough senators voted to end debate and advance his nomination Friday. The final vote was 51 to 49. Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) Chairman Terry Lathan said the state party was “very supportive” of the vote. “The Alabama Republican Party is very supportive of today’s vote now allowing Judge Kavanaugh’s confirmation to come to a full floor vote in the U.S. Senate,” said Lathan. “We have the utmost respect for Judge Kavanaugh as he has endured baseless and slanderous attacks on his character from the left. We deeply appreciate Senator [Richard] Shelby‘s yes vote today along with his careful consideration of the requests of Alabamians who want to see this confirmation move forward.” The ALGOP doubled-down on their disappointment to Jones, whom they called out last week when they described his decision to vote against Kavanaugh as a betrayal to the State of Alabama. Lathan continued, “It is an absolute shame Senator Doug Jones chose to vote no and deny the pleas and calls of his constituents who clearly want to see Judge Kavanaugh confirmed. In 2020 the voters will hold Senator Jones responsible for continually ignoring the will of Alabamians and instead choosing to follow the bidding of Democrat leadership.” Friday morning’s cloture vote follows a September 27 hearing in which Kavanaugh fended off allegations by Christine Blasey Ford that he had sexually assaulted her when both were in high school in the 1980s.
ALGOP blasts Doug Jones over Brett Kavanaugh decision: ‘His NO vote betrays our state’
U.S. Sen. Doug Jones publicly confirmed on Thursday he will vote against the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court, which led Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan to release a sharply worded statement blasting the newly elected senator’s decision. Before digging into Jones, Lathan first stopped to thank Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby for his support of Kavanaugh. “The Alabama Republican Party thanks Senator Richard Shelby for representing our state and committing to cast a YES vote to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court,” said Lathan. She continued, “Senator Doug Jones has now said he will vote NO on the confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court. His NO vote betrays our state and his actions highlight his disingenuous promise to represent the majority of Alabamians.” Lathan says Jones’ “no” vote shows he is in the “Schumer/Feinstein/Warren/Sanders column” and is now a “full-fledged member of the ‘Never Trump’ resistance.” “After siding against Alabamians and President Trump, Senator Jones is now firmly in the Schumer/Feinstein/Warren/Sanders column. With his experience as an attorney, it is shocking that he is willing to betray the right of due process. This ‘seek and destroy’ hijacking of one of the most qualified court nominees in our lifetime is an abomination to our nation’s most fundamental principles of fairness,” Lathan added. “Alabama will not forget his betrayal. Senator Doug Jones’ days in the United States Senate are numbered,” Lathan added. “Anyone who experiences an assault should be taken seriously. All avenues should be exhausted to help a victim and to find the truth pertinent to each individual situation. It is clear Dr. Ford suffered from a traumatic event in her youth, and like Judge Kavanaugh’s daughter, we should pray for her to receive strength, peace and healing. Nevertheless, there was no case made that Brett Kavanaugh was involved in her incident. Actually, the opposite happened as witnesses she named refuted her story and Kavanaugh convincingly denies it.” “The one thing we are confident of is this: Senator Doug Jones’ nameplate on his office door in the halls of the United States Senate will be replaced by Alabamians in 2020,” she concluded.
ALGOP Chair: time is now for Doug Jones to decide if he’s with Chuck Schumer or Alabama
The confirmation hearings for President Donald Trump‘s Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) pick, Judge Brett Kavanaugh, began Tuesday. If confirmed by the Senate, Kavanaugh will take the seat currently held by retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy. The confirmation hearings are expected to be the scene of highly partisan battle over the future high court, where Alabama’s junior Senator, Doug Jones, among a handful of other Democratic senators in red states, are facing pressure to confirm Trump’s SCOTUS nominee. On Tuesday, the Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) Chairman Terry Lathan asserted the State Party’s support for Kavanaugh and called on Jones to “decide to either vote with Chuck Schumer or with Alabama.” “The Alabama Republican Party strongly supports Judge Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the United States Supreme Court. A brilliant and fair mainstream jurist with over 20 years of public service on the bench, Judge Kavanaugh is thoroughly qualified to serve on the High Court of our great nation,” said Lathan.” Political theatre Kavanaugh’s confirmation has already been overtaken by political theatre as Democratic lawmakers delayed the start of the hearing by more than an hour saying they lack of important information about the judge’s record. “Helpful reminder: Democrats didn’t show up to see sensitive documents that were made available to them, the idea the hearing should be delayed because they haven’t read material is quite laughable,” tweeted Sen. Orrin Hatch‘s office. Helpful reminder: Democrats didn’t show up to see sensitive documents that were made available to them, the idea the hearing should be delayed because they haven’t read material is quite laughable. #KavanaughConfirmation — Senator Hatch Office (@senorrinhatch) September 4, 2018 Hatch’s office continued to set the record straight, tweeting the process has not been rushed. Myth: “this has been rushed.” Fact: that’s nonsense, this has been an appropriately paced, deliberate process. Kavanaugh was nominated 64 days ago ✅ Sotomayor was confirmed in 66 days ✅ Roberts in 23 days ✅ Kennedy in 65 days ✅ Ginsburg in 42 days#KavanaughConfirmation Nevertheless Senate Democrats have interrupted the hearing 63 times during the first half of the first day. “As his confirmation hearings begin and senseless attacks from the left continue, it is imperative that Americans remember the truth surrounding this nomination. Senate Democrats are reacting in a knee jerk manner of disapproval simply because it is President Trump’s choice,” Lathan continued. “In fact, many Democrats publicly stated they would oppose whatever nominee he chose. Their attempt to discredit Judge Kavanaugh, who earned the unanimous endorsement of the American Bar Association, is another example of their consistent obstructionist choices.” Jones to decide: Schumer or Alabama Lathan encouraged Alabamians to call Jones’ office and let him know of their support for Kavanaugh. “The Alabama Republican Party urges Senator Jones to confirm Judge Kavanaugh to the U.S Supreme Court. In 2020, our voters will remember a ‘no’ vote. We urge every Alabama citizen to call Senator Jones’ office at 202.224.4124 to let him know of your support for Judge Kavanaugh.” “The time is now for Senator Jones to decide to either vote with Chuck Schumer or with Alabama. We thank Senator Richard Shelby for making an early and firm commitment to support Judge Kavanaugh. We hope Senator Jones will follow Senator Shelby’s lead and hear the voices of Alabamians,” Lathan concluded.
ALGOP takes first official stance on marriage, immigration, judges and more in party platform
During the Alabama Republican Party‘s (ALGOP) biannual meeting in Tuscaloosa on Saturday the State Executive Committee voted overwhelmingly in favor of the ALGOP Party Platform — the first in the group’s history. “Proud to announce the @ALGOP has confirmed our first state party platform this past weekend 🐘🇺🇸#alpolitics,” ALGOP Chairman Terry Lathan tweeted Monday. Proud to announce the @ALGOP has confirmed our first state party platform this past weekend 🐘🇺🇸#alpolitics https://t.co/9eYs1rY855 — Terry Lathan (@ChairmanLathan) August 27, 2018 According to Lathan, the ALGOP state steering committee, chaired Sam Givhan from Madison County, drew up a draft of the platform, which was sent out several times to members where they were asked for their input, comments and edits. After several rounds, the committee submitted the final product that passed on Saturday. Lathan says the ALGOP still stands with the national RNC platform, however the new platform defines where the ALGOP stands as a state Party. “Our state Party has always stood on the platform of the RNC and we still do. However, many state GOP groups have their own platform. We decided it was time that we would do the same and highlight issues that we felt defined our thoughts and where we stand as a Party,” Lathan explained to Alabama Today. “Our candidates and county parties around the state can now use the platform to share with our voters.” Among its many provisions, the platform affirms the party’s: Belief in “equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, creed, age, sex or national origin;” Support for traditional marriage and family as being the foundation for a free society; Condemnation for decisions by activist judges to allow the desecration of the flag and to deny children the opportunity to say the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools; Support for Alabama to be a “Right to Work” state; and opposition to the implementation of the Common Core Curriculum. The platform comes at a critical time ahead of the November 6 general election, where Alabamians will decide whether or not to shift power from the hands of incumbent, Republican Gov. Kay Ivey to Democrat Walt Maddox among several other contested statewide and local races. “It also clearly highlights the glaring differences between Alabama Republicans and Democrats-and we will share these contrasts with Alabamians,” Lathan added. View the complete platform below:
Jim Bonner appeal fails at Alabama Republican Party meeting
During the Alabama Republican Party’s (ALGOP) summer meeting on Saturday the party voted overwhelmingly to deny an appeal from controversial Public Service Commission candidate Jim Bonner. Bonner was not present for the appeal. “I’m asking this body to trust your leadership and pass this motion,” ALGOP Chairman Terry Lathan said, according to Jeff Poor on Twitter. Jim Bonner appeal overwhelming fails #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/Ryo7BaAySO — Jeff Poor (@jeff_poor) August 25, 2018 Bonner under fire Before the June 5 primary, the party censured Bonner and announced that they wouldn’t certify any votes for the candidate. Bonner quickly announced he would be appealing the party’s decision, saying the that Republican leaders were against him because he was “campaigning for tighter regulation of the politically powerful Alabama Power Company.” However, Lathan named different reasons for censuring Bonner, naming the opinions he expressed on his radio show, and on social media as the chief cause. “In post after post, Bonner seems to revel in racist, sexist and anti-semite comments, but this has dampened his support among those who think he is someone he’s not,” wrote APR. But Bonner doesn’t consider himself racist or anti-Semitic. In May, he responded to a post on his Facebook wall about political correctness and those attacking him. “The base republicans ( the swamp) are shoveling money into liberal attach dogs to go through my facebook line by line and find something they can use to let the public know that Jim Bonner is unfit to be a member of the party that produced Guy Hunt, Mike Hubbard, Roy Moore, and Bentler the luv guv,” he wrote. Still, Lathan was not buying it. “The Alabama Republican Party Candidate Committee voted unanimously to publicly censure and strongly condemn Mr. Jim Bonner, candidate for Public Service Commission, Place 1,” Lathan said in a press release in June. “Mr. Bonner’s recent comments on his social media as well as radio shows are not condoned by the Alabama Republican Party.” “When our state party chooses to take these steps, it is a serious and rare occurrence. We strongly believe that this is one of those solemn moments. This vote was carefully considered and was not taken lightly,” Lathan said.
Politicos, Alabamians wish Robert Bentley would just ‘go away’
In April 2017, former Gov. Robert Bentley resigned amid a growing scandal — allegations he used state resources to cover up an affair he was having with one of his former aides. Now, over a year later the “Luv Gov” has resurfaced on social media leaving many politicos speculating whether or not he’s prepping to for another run at public office. Despite being one of the most red states in the nation, Alabamians alike — from politicians to residents — seem to all share one thought: they wish Bentley would just go away. “I hope that if Dr. Bentley truly cares for Alabama, as he says he does, he would consider letting us go,” said Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan told Yellowhammer News last week. when asked what she thought about a possible Bentley U.S. Senate run in 2020. She’s not the only politician hoping Bentley would go away. Outgoing Montgomery State Sen. Dick Brewbaker also tweeted his disapproval. “Oh for heavens sake, I’ll go away if you will,” Brewbaker tweeted in response to Bentley earlier this month. Oh for heavens sake, I’ll go away if you will. — Dick Brewbaker (@dick_brewbaker) August 5, 2018 In fact, Brewbaker grew so tired of Bentley, he dediced to block him altogether. “I usually only block people who feel the need to use gratuitous profanity. I confess that I blocked @GovRBentley today. While not profane the account began to strike me as somehow obscene,” he tweeted Sunday. I usually only block people who feel the need to use gratuitous profanity. I confess that I blocked @GovRBentley today. While not profane the account began to strike me as somehow obscene. — Dick Brewbaker (@dick_brewbaker) August 19, 2018 But politicians aren’t the only ones weighing in. Bentley’s Twitter feed is filled with comments on tweets from Alabamians from across the state expressing their disapproval. Michelle Garver from Alabama: You’re a disgrace. Please go away. You’re a disgrace. Please go away. — Michelle Garver ❄️™ (@mgarver10) August 20, 2018 Eric Hulsey from Hazel Green, Ala.: You inspired me! After your resignation from office I realized that the head of all three branches of state government had been removed from office. Therefore I started a modest political movement, Make Alabama not Suck Anymore. You staying out of all politics would help. #MAnSA You inspired me! After your resignation from office I realized that the head of all three branches of state government had been removed from office. Therefore I started a modest political movement, Make Alabama not Suck Anymore. You staying out of all politics would help. #MAnSA — Eric Hulsey (@hulsey_eric) August 19, 2018 Unnamed twitter user Alt Trite from Birmingham, Ala.: On a Sunday. Lord have mercy. Go away. Repent. On a Sunday. Lord have mercy. Go away. Repent. — Alt Trite (@alt_trite) August 19, 2018 Katherine from Mobile, Ala.: Let me join the chorus of “GO AWAY”. You’ve embarrassed us ENOUGH! Go get @RoyMooreSenator & ride off into the sunset together. Good riddance. Let me join the chorus of “GO AWAY”. You’ve embarrassed us ENOUGH! Go get @RoyMooreSenator & ride off into the sunset together. Good riddance. — Katherine (@beckiluk) August 19, 2018
Polling shows Alabama voters want Doug Jones to confirm Brett Kavanaugh
Polling shows that 54 percent of Alabama voters want Brett Kavanaugh confirmed as a Supreme Court Judge, according to the Susan B. Anthony (SBA) List. The SBA List and pro-life activists assembled in Mobile on Wednesday to call on U.S. Senator Doug Jones; compelling him to confirm Kavanaugh and adding themselves to the growing list of groups urging him to do so. “Polling shows that 53 percent of Alabama voters agree President Trump has chosen well qualified judges for the Supreme Court,” Jill Stanek, national campaign chairman for Susan B. Anthony list said at the rally. “And 54 percent want the senate to confirm Kavanaugh.” “We urge senator Jones to stand against Chuck Schumer and the radical abortion lobby; stand with the President…and pledge to vote to confirm judge Kavanaugh immediately,” Stanek continued. The SBA list is a national non-profit organization aimed at ending abortion by electing leaders and advocating for anti-abortion laws, according to the group’s website. Several organizations have called on Jones to support Kavanaugh. Last week, the National Rifle Association’s political arm the Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) posted a video asking voters to tell Jones they support Kavanaugh by signing a pledge on their website. This week, an Alabama bus company joined Concerned Women of America in an eight-state tour to promote the confirmation of Kavanaugh. Earlier this week, Jones held a town hall meeting in Birmingham during which the conversation was dominated by his decision on Kavanaugh. “I am doing a lot of work on the Supreme Court nominee,” Jones told the crowd. “He will be there for life twenty, thirty years, maybe more, we do not know.” Jones has previously stated that he would be keeping an “open mind” on his vote, and told the Associated Press he wanted to do his “due diligence” on Kavanaugh’s work. “Respectfully, Senator Jones, when you go to the Senate floor there is not a moderate button to push; it is a yes, or it is a no,” Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) Chairman Terry Lathan told the crowd at the rally. “Humbly, and very gratefully, we ask you Senator Jones, to hear our voices…We are here to share with you and we are here to tell you very clearly; the people of this state want this judge seated and we’re asking you to cast that vote.” According to AL.com, this is not the first stop the group has made. The SBA list has also visited Florida, Indiana, North Dakota and Missouri, “urging Democratic Senators in battleground states to back Kavanaugh’s confirmation.” Watch the full video of the rally below:
Alabama politicians, groups react to Donald Trump’s SCOTUS nominee Brett Kavanaugh
Reactions rolled in quickly to President Donald Trump‘s nomination of 53-year-old Judge Brett Kavanaugh of the D.C. Court of Appeals to replace Anthony Kennedy on the U.S. Supreme Court, calling him “a brilliant jurist,” who is devoted to public service and is eminently qualified for the job. “He deserves swift confirmation and robust bipartisan support,” said Trump. Here’s what Alabama politicians and groups had to say about his selection (in the order they were received): Robert Aderholt | U.S. Representative for Alabama’s 4th District From what I know at this point, it appears President Trump has made an excellent choice in nominating Brett Kavanaugh. Judge Kavanaugh has the qualifications that make him immensely qualified to take a seat on the highest court in the land. I believe, if confirmed by the Senate, Judge Kavanaugh will interpret the Constitution as written, and I do not think he will attempt to make law from the bench. Again, based on what I’m hearing about Judge Kavanaugh, I encourage my Congressional colleagues in the Senate to quickly confirm him. Bradley Byrne | U.S. Representative for Alabama’s 1st District As a fair legal mind, defender of the Constitution, and a judge on the D.C. Circuit, Brett Kavanaugh is prepared for a seat on the Supreme Court. I support President Trump’s nominee, and I hope the Senate will move expeditiously to confirm Judge Kavanaugh, a high quality and uniquely qualified nominee. Mo Brooks | U.S. Representative for Alabama’s 5th District President Trump made an excellent choice when he nominated Neil Gorsuch, and he has repeated his standard of excellence by nominating Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. It is a bedrock principle of the American Republic that justices should not substitute their policy beliefs for those elected by the American people to make our laws. Judicially activist justices betray the Constitution and America when they undermine our Republic by substituting their policy beliefs for those duly elected to make them. Brett Kavanaugh has an established record of upholding the Constitution and federal law without inserting his personal political views into his decisions. As such, I look forward to his quick confirmation by the Senate. Twinkle Cavanaugh | PSC President and Republican Lt. Governor candidate. President Trump has made another tremendous selection in nominating Judge Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Our next Supreme Court Justice must be a steadfast supporter of the rule of law. There is no doubt that Judge Kavanaugh will be a faithful servant to our Constitution, as his demonstrated record of bold conservatism proves. I enthusiastically look forward to supporting his nomination and urge the United States Senate to confirm him. Martha Roby | U.S. Representative for Alabama’s 2nd District This is truly a historic moment in our nation, and I applaud President Trump’s decision to nominate Judge Brett Kavanaugh to serve on the Supreme Court. Judge Kavanaugh is a conservative, experienced jurist who I believe will be a strict constitutionalist on the bench. I’m hopeful his nomination will give us an opportunity to shift the balance of the Court in favor of the pro-life movement for years to come. I’m confident that Judge Kavanaugh will serve the Court and the American people admirably, and I am eager to see the Senate quickly begin the confirmation process. Richard Shelby | U.S. Senator President Trump has made an excellent choice in nominating Judge Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. He has impressive credentials, and I look forward to meeting with him to further consider his qualifications and commitment to upholding our Constitution as it is written. This nomination is one of the most important items that we will consider this year. I am hopeful that Judge Kavanaugh’s confirmation process will be fair and timely. Kay Ivey | Governor of Alabama I applaud President Trump for his nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Judge Kavanaugh clearly understands the proper role of a judge is to interpret the law as it is written and apply the law impartially. It is imperative that judges adhere to the Constitution and resist judicial activism. As a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, Judge Kavanaugh will have the opportunity to set valuable precedents for lower court judges all over the country to follow. Another conservative justice on the U.S. Supreme Court who honors the original intent of the Constitution will have a positive impact on our country for decades. I look forward to following the U.S. Senate confirmation process. Terry Lathan | Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party The Alabama Republican Party congratulates Judge Brett Kavanaugh on his nomination to the United States Supreme Court by President Trump. A former legal counsel to President George W. Bush, clerk for Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, 1990 Yale Law School graduate, and a current judge for the D.C. Circuit U.S Court of Appeals, Brett Kavanaugh is a wise choice for Supreme Court Justice. Terri Sewell | U.S. Representative for Alabama’s 7th District Our high court plays a critical role in ensuring fairness, justice and equality under the Constitution. It was the Supreme Court that ultimately ordered an end to Jim Crow segregation in Brown v. Board and that put a stop to the use of poll taxes in our elections. As our courts consider cases today that will have a direct impact on Alabama, from challenges to the Affordable Care Act to cases on modern-day voter suppression, it is critically important that Justice Kennedy’s replacement bring a strong sense of equality, fairness, and justice for all to the job. Unfortunately, an initial review of Judge Kavanaugh’s record shows that he will likely drive the Supreme Court farther to the right, threatening further attacks on access to health care, our right to vote, affirmative action, and all the important progress that we have made as a nation. The Senate now has the responsibility of carefully considering Judge Kavanaugh’s record, his judicial leanings, and his reading of the Constitution. I urge our Senators to take great care in their review of this nomination and oppose any
Alabama politicians, groups react to Supreme Court decision on Donald Trump’s travel ban
The Supreme Court of the United States ruled in favor of the Trump Administration’s travel ban, which prohibits travel from seven countries: Libya, Syria, North Korea, Iran, Somalia, Yemen and Venezuela. In a 5-4 decision, the court reversed an injunction that had — until December 2017 — prevented the Trump administration from using the Travel Ban 3.0 as a basis for denying visas to foreign nationals from the affected countries. Here are their reactions (in order received/seen online): Terry Lathan | Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) The Constitution has clearly given a president the authority to implement executive orders. The travel ban pertaining to several countries was in that scope. This is not a policy on discrimination- it is a policy on the security of our nation. Chief Justice John Roberts was correct when he authored that the ruling was ‘squarely within the scope of presidential authority’ under our federal laws. We applaud the Supreme Court’s decision on this matter. Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: I was thrilled today to see the Supreme Court uphold President Trump’s travel ban. It is a huge win for the safety of the American people and our national security. President Trump is exactly right that we must fully vet people from these countries before even considering to allow them into the United States. Keeping Americans safe is one of the highest duties of the government and this was absolutely the right decision. Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: I applaud the Supreme Court for finding that President Trump has authority to take such actions as are necessary to protect American lives from terrorism risks. America is safer as a result. The President’s legal authority on immigration and national security in this instance is clear. The liberal, judicially activist 9th Circuit, the most error-prone and reversed circuit court of appeal, unnecessarily put American lives at risk when it undermined the President’s Constitutional authority to protect Americans. I am pleased the Supreme Court overturned the 9th Circuit’s liberal, activist, and unconstitutional overreach. I fully supported President Trump when he issued the Travel Order Proclamation and I fully support the President’s continued actions to protect American lives. Today’s decision is a win for the Rule of Law. Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: Today’s Supreme Court ruling upholding the Muslim travel ban takes our country in the wrong direction. America was built on the promise of freedom and opportunity for immigrants of all backgrounds, regardless of religion. Trump’s own statements on the purpose of his Muslim ban are evidence of the religious discrimination that his Muslim ban is founded on. While the President has authority to protect our national security, promoting blatant religious discrimination only undermines our interests abroad and our security at home. Trump’s Muslim ban does not make our country safer. Instead, it weakens our fight against terror by handing extremists a tool for recruitment and alienating Muslim partners around the globe. Additionally, the ban robs our nation of the economic input of immigrants, who are business owners, community leaders, students, and workers in our communities. Policies that discourage foreign investments in and partnerships with our country should be rejected by all who care about the long-term standing of the United States as a global leader. It is time for this Congress to hold the Trump Administration accountable for its dangerous, anti-family, anti-immigrant policies. CAIR-Alabama | Executive Director Khaula Hadeed Today’s decision deeply impacts Muslim communities and communities of color. This is not the first time the Court has been wrong on a decision. In Korematsu the Court permitted the incarceration of thousands of people based on their Japanese ancestry. In this case, Trump set out to ban Muslims from entering the country and the Court permitted him to do so. This decision empowers the president and future administrations to discriminate on the basis of religion. Randall Woodfin | Mayor of Birmingham America was founded by immigrants. It was built by immigrants. Yet the Supreme Court’s travel ban ruling undermines an entire group of people based on their religious beliefs. This is not who we are. America was built on the idea that people from all walks of life could come together and live in harmony. President Trump’s statements over the past few years demonstrate purposeful intent to deny our Muslim brothers and sisters the rights enjoyed by everyone within our borders. Birmingham taught the world the meaning of equality and tolerance. This is not it.
