Tim James endorsed by State Rep. Rich Wingo
Today, the Tim James Governor Campaign announced that Representative Rich Wingo has endorsed James for Governor of Alabama. “Tim James will stand in the gap for our Christian conservative values,” stated Wingo. “Tim is pro-life and believes in bringing back prayer in schools. Tim also sees the damage gambling has created in our families all across this country and will strongly oppose bringing it here. Tim also recognizes that our state rates last in the country in math proficiency, which he believes is totally unacceptable. He is a businessman that understands a P&L (Profit and Loss) statement, budgets, and payroll. I am encouraging all Alabamians to vote for Tim James for governor.” Wingo has served as a member of the Alabama House of Representatives for District 62, representing Tuscaloosa County since 2015. The former NFL linebacker serves on the House Transportation Committee and is the Vice-Chair of the Ethics and Campaign Finance Committee. James thanked Wingo for the endorsement. “Rich has served the state of Alabama well for the past seven years, and his conservative values and convictions will be greatly missed in the Alabama Legislature in the upcoming years. Rich’s endorsement is an honor, and I am thankful for his support,” James stated. The primary election will take place May 24, 2022.
Alabama Republican Assembly releases primary endorsements
The Alabama Republican Assembly has released its candidate endorsements for the upcoming May 24 primary. The Republican Assembly meets every two years to listen to candidates, questions candidates in private settings, and then issues endorsements in races where any candidate garners at least a two-thirds vote of delegates. The 2022 Endorsement Conference was held last Saturday at Hotel Capstone in Tuscaloosa. Local President Jennifer Montrose said she was “excited about the passion and energy in support of conservative candidates and constitutional values.” U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks was endorsed for U.S. Senator, receiving 96% of the vote. ALRA President Don Wallace stated, “Mo Brooks made a clear and convincing case for being the only consistent conservative in the race, based on a track record of experience and an un-matched voting record on issues like illegal immigration, pro-life values, support for our military and sound economic policies. The near unanimity of his support, when other races were not so clear cut, is an indication that the Brooks campaign has a new focus, new energy, and rising hopes to reclaim leadership in the Senate race.” In the matchup in the Governor’s race, businessman Tim James led the field, followed by Pastor Dean Odle. However, no candidate received enough votes to be endorsed in that race. Former BAM Executive Lew Burdette was placed fourth. Lindy Blanchard was fourth. There were also not enough votes for endorsement for the races for Attorney General, State Auditor, or the Secretary of State race where current State Auditor Jim Zeigler was just shy of the number of votes needed from the 55 delegates. Calhoun County Circuit Judge Debra Jones received the necessary votes for endorsement at Supreme Court Justice, Place 5. Robin Litaker and Brent Woodall also garnered an over 67% vote for their respective PSC campaigns. Other major endorsements included Paul Sanford and Michael Joiner for Congress, as well as Alex Balkum, Marie Manning, and Wayne Reynolds for State Board of Education. The group also is in the process of making endorsements in a slate of legislative races in the Republican primary to be released soon on social media and other outlets.
Tim James announces Faith & Family Values Advisory Committee
Today, the Tim James Governor Campaign announced they will be creating a Faith and Family Values Advisory Committee. The committee believes that the foundation for any great society and culture is faith and family. According to a press release, a Tim James Administration will be driven by the values these institutions represent, and the plan will be for committee members to have input on policy decisions important to the state of Alabama. “God, country, family, freedom—these are our bedrock principles, and they are at the center of our movement,” said James. “The members of this advisory committee are committed to God’s Word and are examples of godly leadership in their communities. Now, more than ever, we need strong men and women of faith providing input on public policy to preserve the values that have made our state and nation great.” Rev. Dr. John Killian, Chairman of the Coalition states, “We are in a war for liberty, for cultural sanity and for religious freedom. The Alabama State Motto is Audemus Jura Nostra Defendere or ‘We dare defend our rights’ and the current war on our liberties demands that we rise to defend our rights. In the 2022 election, we must send forth warriors who will rise to the occasion and defend our state, fight for our liberties, and war for our values. Tim James is battle-tested, filled with conviction, and motivated by his Christian faith. Alabama needs Tim James as our Governor ‘for such a time as this.’ (Esther 4:14)” The campaign will continue to add to this team, but initial members of the state Faith and Family Values Advisory Committee are as follows: Rev. Dr. Keith Adams, Fultondale Rev. Dr. Terry B. Batton, Barbour County Rev. Greg Beasley, Tuscumbia Rev. Tom Caradine, Birmingham Rev. Rick Cargile, Fayette Rev. Robert Cobb, Gordo Rev. Scott Dawson, Birmingham Rev. C. Dwight Everett, Scottsboro Rev. Dr. C.O. Grinstead, Oxford Rev. Ray Hallman, Tuscaloosa Rev. Fritz P. Harter, Hueytown Rev. David Haynes, Jacksonville Rev. Louis Johnson, Troy Rev. Donald Jones, Jemison Rev. Dr. John Killian, Fayette Dr. J. Chris Lamb, Birmingham Rev. Maurice McCaney, Florence Rev. Adrian Nottonson, Fayette Rev. Austin Olive, Fayette Rev. Dr. Michael Rouse, Birmingham Rev. Robert D. Smith, Moulton Rev. Tim Smith, Crossville Rev. Bill Sullivan, Fayette Dr. Tim Thompson, Auburn Rev. Randal Trimm, Berry Rev. David Webb, Jackson
Gas tax emerges as issue in Alabama governor’s race
As motorists pump gasoline priced at $4 per gallon, the advertisement by gubernatorial challenger Lindy Blanchard appears on the gas pump screen, calling for a suspension of the state fuel taxes. “We need to put money back in the pockets of hardworking Alabamians,” Blanchard says in the ad. Blanchard is calling on the state to temporarily suspend the state’s 28 cents-per-gallon gas tax — similar to what the state of Georgia has done — to give consumers a financial break and said, if elected, she will work to roll back parts of the 2019 gas tax increase, such as a provision that built in automatic increases. The state’s 2019 gas tax increase of ten cents per gallon, championed at the time by Kay Ivey as a way to fund road and bridge construction, has become an issue in the 2022 GOP primary for governor. Both Blanchard and Tim James have sharply criticized the gas tax increase, seeking to harness voter frustration over skyrocketing prices. Blanchard kicked off an advertising blitz on the subject at a press conference last month outside a Tuscaloosa gas station. “I know you need help, and I know you need help immediately,” Blanchard said at the appearance. “We have struggling families and businesses while our state sits on a surplus and spends enough money to make a drunken sailor blush,” Blanchard said. Asked for specifics of the proposal, Blanchard’s campaign said she supports a temporary suspension of the state gas tax of 28 cents per gallon through legislative or executive action. She said a temporary suspension of gas taxes would being “immediate relief to hard-working Alabamians during a time of high inflation and the highest gas prices in our state’s history.” She said, if elected, she would seek to roll back parts of the 2019 increase. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed a law suspending Georgia’s fuel tax — 29.1 cents per gallon — through May after lawmakers approved the measure without any opposition. Alabama lawmakers in 2019 approved the increase on gasoline and diesel fuel taxes to fund road and bridge construction. The increase amounts to $6 per month for a person who uses 15 gallons of gasoline per week. It was the first increase since 1992. The 2019 increase also included a provision to adjust the state tax would then be adjusted up or down with the National Highway Construction Cost Index and could increase up to a penny every two years. Asked for a response, Ivey blamed President Joe Biden for high prices. “Number one, everybody’s feeling the pinch. Let’s not lose sight of the main problem here, and that’s Joe Biden’s policies. He’s got inflation at a 40-year record high. … The bottom line is that he is a failure, and we can’t deal with that,” she said. James said he supports a repeal of the entire 10-cent-per-gallon gas increase approved in 2019. The primary election is May 24. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
NRA endorses Gov. Kay Ivey in governor’s race
The National Rifle Association on Monday endorsed Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey in her bid to win a second full term in office. Ivey, in March, signed legislation abolishing the current state requirement to get a permit to carry a concealed handgun in public. The new law takes effect on January 1. In a brief campaign event announcing the endorsement, Ivey said people in Alabama will stand up for their constitutional rights, including the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. “We demand them, and no one will ever take them away from us. I know they won’t be taking my Smith & Wesson from me either,” Ivey said. Ivey faces several challengers in next month’s primary, including Lindy Blanchard, who was former President Donald Trump’s ambassador to Slovenia, and Tim James, the son of former Gov. Fob James. The NRA has regularly endorsed sitting governors in Alabama, where there has been no serious endeavor to pursue new gun control measures. Alabama in 2020 had the nation’s fifth-highest rate of gun-related deaths – including suicides and murders — with 1,141 deaths, according to numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Steve Flowers: Fob James story, 1978 governor’s race
The crowded field for governor striving to oust incumbent Governor Kay Ivey includes Tim James. He has run before. In fact, this is his third try for the brass ring. His last race was in 2010, when he barely missed the runoff by a few votes. He was edged out by Robert Bentley, who went on to win. Tim James’ primary calling card has always been that he is the son of former Governor Fob James. The elder James was an ultra-successful businessman who was first elected governor in 1978 as a Democrat and then elected to a second term as governor as a Republican in 1994. Governor Fob James’s first election as Governor in 1978 is one for the record books. The 1978 Governor’s Race is one of the classics in Alabama political lore. That governor’s race, which began with three heavyweights – former Governor Albert Brewer, Attorney General Bill Baxley, and Lt. Governor Jere Beasley – was expected to be titanic. The Republicans were relegated to insignificance on the gubernatorial stage. Therefore, the winner of the Democratic Primary would be governor. Meanwhile, over in east Alabama, a little-known former Auburn halfback named Fob James strolled into the governor’s race. Fob’s entry evoked very little interest, only curiosity as to why he would want to enter the fray against three well-known major players. Fob was exposed as a card-carrying Republican, but even a political novice like Fob knew he could not win as a Republican, so he qualified to run as a Democrat along with the three B’s. Fob had become very wealthy by starting a successful manufacturing company in Opelika. When he signed up to run for governor, the press wrote him off as a rich gadfly who simply chose politics rather than golf as his pastime. Little did they know that the fact he was rich and had a lot of time on his hands could spell trouble for the average political opponent, who had to worry about fundraising and feeding their family while running a full-time campaign. Fob realized he was no political professional like the three B’s who had spent their entire political adulthood in public office, so Fob sought out professional advice. He had the money to think big and wanted to know who the best political consultant in the South was. It was an easy answer: Deloss Walker was a political public relations genius who lived in Memphis. His track record for electing governors of southern states was 5-0. Walker was the most renowned and expensive political guru in the country in 1977. Fob quietly sought out Walker, who at first refused to take Fob’s race. Walker’s first impression was that even he could not mold Fob into a winner against three well-financed, experienced thoroughbreds. Nobody was aware Fob had garnered the genius Walker and had already been to political school when he signed up to run for governor in the spring of 1978. Brewer, Baxley, and Beasley ignored Fob. Baxley even praised him, saying, “Fob would be a good governor. Too bad he’s not a serious candidate.” Those words would come back to haunt Baxley. Fob traveled the state in a yellow school bus and let the three B’s tear each other up. Baxley, Beasley, and Brewer spent all their time and money attacking each other with negative ads, all the while Fob ran positive ads. Folks were of the opinion that the three B’s had all probably shot their mothers in a bar fight, but they liked old Fob James, even if they thought his name was “Bob” James. It was too late for the three B’s when they saw a poll about a week before the election showing Fob ahead of all three of them. Baxley refused to believe it and kept hammering at Beasley and Brewer, ignoring Fob. When the votes were counted, Fob was in first place, Baxley second, Brewer was third, and Beasley finished fifth behind State Senator Sid McDonald. Fob easily beat Baxley in the runoff. After all, what could Baxley say? He had run all over the state for three months saying Fob would make a good governor. Fob James had pulled off one of the most amazing upset victories in the history of Alabama politics. The Fob James story of the 1978 Governor’s Race is truly one for the record books. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
Tim James campaign launches new radio ads criticizing Magic City Acceptance Academy
On Monday, the Tim James gubernatorial campaign released a new radio ad aimed at expressing his views on what James calls the ‘radical LGBTQ agenda.’ Last week, James released a television ad criticizing the Magic City Acceptance Academy and a student-attended drag queen show fundraiser. The Magic City Acceptance Academy (MCAA) is an LGBTQ-focused charter school that had its charter approved in November 2020 after three unsuccessful tries. Michael Wilson, the principal of MCAA, said that all kids are welcome at the school, not just LGTBQ youth; he also noted that “We are most likely one of the only schools in the nation to have the statement that we are LGBTQ affirming in our Mission Statement.” In a statement accompanying the TV ad release, James stated, “I wish that part of the title of this press release and the subject of our new tv ad were an April Fool’s joke. Joe Biden and the radical left have abandoned objective truth and scientific reality. They have lost the ability to make basic moral statements or choose between right and wrong. They nominated a woman for the Supreme Court who refuses to say what a woman is. They celebrate and push transgenderism on our youth without hesitation.” In the press release accompanying the radio ad, James stated that he was a strong supporter of charter schools but opposed charter schools funded by state taxes that embrace an LGBTQ agenda. “My heart is for the protection of our children, and this needs to be shut down. This isn’t education. It is exploitation, and it needs to stop,” James stated. The full script of the new radio ad is as follows: The Culture War has come to Alabama. Parents, grandparents. Are you watching? There’s a war going on between common sense and crazy. A Supreme Court nominee who can’t even tell you what a woman is. The best woman swimmer is actually a man. And recently, the first Transgender Public School in the South charted in Alabama with millions of your tax dollars. It’s called Magic City Acceptance Academy, and recently, the Faculty put on a drag show on campus for the children. It’s heartbreaking. It’s not education. It’s exploitation. It’s got to stop. What are we doing to our kids? Who let this happen? I’m Tim James. That’s enough. It’s time to Fight Back.
New polling shows Mike Durant ahead of Katie Britt in Senate race; Mo Brooks falls into third place
According to new Emerson College Polling, Mike Durant is currently leading in the Republican Primary with 33%, followed by Katie Britt with 23%, and Mo Brooks with 12%. No other candidate reached double digits. Twenty-six percent of voters are undecided. In the race to fill the Senate seat left by retiring Sen. Richard Shelby, the majority of voters (52%) indicate that they’re more likely to support a candidate if they are endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Last week, Trump rescinded his endorsement of Rep. Mo Brooks in a significant blow to the congressman’s campaign. Trump cited Brooks’ performance in the race, poor campaign staffing, and what Trump saw as a softening of Brooks’ stance on election fraud claims. Trump said he will be making another endorsement announcement in the “near future.” Spencer Kimball, Executive Director of Emerson College Polling, noted, “while Durant holds a lead over Britt and Brooks in the primary, he is shy of the necessary 50% to avoid a runoff in June.” Kimball continued, “Whether Durant or Britt clinches the nomination might depend on who former President Trump chooses to endorse. Among the 26% of Republican primary voters who are undecided, 60% are more likely to vote for a candidate if Trump endorses them.” Additionally, the poll indicated that 52% of Alabama primary voters approve of the job Kay Ivey is doing as governor, while 33% disapprove. Ivey holds 48% of support in the Republican gubernatorial primary, followed by Tim James with 11% and Lindy Blanchard with 8%. Twenty-two percent of Republican voters are undecided. The Emerson College/The Hill Alabama poll was conducted March 25-27, 2022.
Gubernatorial candidate Lindy Blanchard calls for suspension of 2019 gas tax
Gubernatorial candidate Lindy Blanchard held a press conference on Tuesday vowing to work to repeal the 2019 gas tax in order to help Alabamians with rising inflation and oil prices. The press conference was held at a gas station on Lurleen B. Wallace Blvd. S in Tuscaloosa. During her speech, Blanchard discussed the impact of high gasoline prices on residents of the state and called on incumbent Governor Kay Ivey and state legislators to suspend the gas tax immediately. “One of the biggest long-term threats to our country is our ballooning debt and deficit,” said Blanchard. “Big spending bills and inflated taxes aren’t just a national problem, they’re an Alabama problem, too. Our current taxes, along with Joe Biden’s inflation, is just too much. A recent study showed that increasing prices at the pump are impacting Alabamians more than any other state in the nation. I know you need help immediately! Today, not tomorrow, not after the election. That’s why we are here today.” Blanchard also announced Tuesday an online petition to pressure Ivey to suspend and ultimately repeal the gas tax. “It’s the job of our state leaders, like the Governor, to find solutions to help our people, and I believe that starts with putting more of your money back in your pockets,” Blanchard said. “I will be the Governor that finally steps up, rolls up her sleeves, and gets it done.” Gubernatorial challenger Tim James also called for a repeal of Alabama’s 2019 gas tax increase — as well as an end to the state’s sales tax on groceries — saying families need relief from soaring prices. Ivey has stated she did not support a temporary freeze on state gas taxes “at this time” and put the blame for rising prices on “Biden policies.”
Tim James calls to repeal 2019 gas tax increase, sales tax on food
Republican gubernatorial challenger Tim James on Wednesday called for a repeal of Alabama’s 2019 gas tax increase — as well as an end to the state’s sales tax on groceries — saying families need relief from soaring prices. James, the son of former Gov. Fob James, is one of several GOP candidates challenging Gov. Kay Ivey in the upcoming Republican primary. He is seeking to use the gas tax increase that Ivey supported as a wedge issue with primary voters. James said he supports a repeal of the 10-cent-per-gallon gas increase approved in 2019, as well as a repeal of the state’s sales tax on food and business privilege tax. “The people of Alabama are fed up,” James said during a news conference in Montgomery. “It’s affecting whether they can fill up their car with gas or make a house payment or sign up their kids for baseball. That’s how serious this is,” James said. Alabama lawmakers in 2019 approved the increase on gasoline and diesel fuel taxes to fund road and bridge construction. The increase amounts to $6 per month for a person who uses 15 gallons of gasoline per week. James said he understands some people argue that “isn’t that big of a deal,” but repealing it would reduce what families and businesses pay in fuel costs. James is one of a number of Republicans challenging Ivey in the May 24 primary. The field also includes Lindy Blanchard, who served as ambassador to Slovenia under former President Donald Trump. A spokesman for Ivey’s campaign cited her record on job creation, unemployment as well as social issues, including an attempt to outlaw abortions in the state and a ban on transgender girls playing on female sports teams. “While others talk, Governor Ivey delivers …. Governor Ivey is a fighter, and she will remain focused on getting results for Alabamians and defending conservative Alabama values,” her campaign said. Some legislative leaders have said a repeal of the 10-cent increase would not have a major impact on prices at the pump but would interrupt the road and bridge construction being funded by the 2019 Rebuild Alabama Act. Ivey, after a morning appearance at the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce, said she did not support a temporary freeze on state gas taxes “at this time.” She put the blame for rising prices on “Biden policies.” “Under President Trump, you could go buy gas and not have to hold your breath,” Ivey said. Gas prices have soared in recent months partly because of global supply concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The situation has prompted several states to pause gas taxes. James said he would also repeal the state’s 4% sales tax on food. Repealing the sales tax on groceries has often been proposed in Montgomery but has never been approved over concerns about the loss of the approximately half-billion dollars it provides for the state’s education fund. Alabama is one of only three states with no tax break on groceries, according to Alabama Arise. James also proposed a repeal of the state’s business privilege tax, a tax on entities doing business in the state, that generated $186 million last year. James said he would not replace the revenue, arguing that lawmakers could use a current budget surplus and then economic growth to maintain state services without cuts. The Legislative Services Agency has cautioned that the state is seeing an unusual growth in tax collections and that another economic downturn is likely. James previously staked out far-right positions, including criticizing legislation that allowed students to do yoga in public schools. James ran for governor in 2002 and 2010, when he narrowly missed making the GOP runoff, finishing about 200 votes behind the eventual winner, Robert Bentley, who was elected governor that year and later resigned. Serving as lieutenant governor at the time, Ivey took over as governor in 2017 upon Bentley’s resignation and was elected to a full term the following year. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Tim James campaign releases new ad critical of Kay Ivey’s mask mandate decisions
Tim James has released a new campaign advertisement for his 2022 gubernatorial campaign. The 30-second spot is called “What have we done,” and emphasizes Gov. Kay Ivey’s decisions on mask mandates. In the ad, James comments, “What have we done to our little ones? Shutdowns and masking have caused untold damage to our children. They’ve fallen behind. We’re starting to see mental health issues. Parents, you’ve been right—the whole time. Governor Ivey could have stopped this by executive order. She refused.” James goes on to say, “Masks are a parent’s choice. It’s your decision. I’m Tim James. As Governor, I’ll stop forced masking. It’s time to fight back.” “As Governor, Tim will never tolerate unconstitutional mandates and shutdowns. Freedom and liberty must be preserved at all costs,” James’ campaign stated. “Our children’s future is at stake, and Tim has the principle and strength of character to fight back.”
Jim Zeigler will not run for Governor
State Auditor Jim Zeigler said Sunday he will not run for Governor this year. Zeigler set up an exploratory campaign in August 2021, and says he received support and encouragement to run instead for a down-ballot state office to remain in state government. He must decide and qualify by January 28. “Even though I get a lot more bang for the buck,” Zeigler remarked, “the Governor’s race has attracted a massive amount of money from well-funded challengers. Three candidates alone have already raised in excess of $10M.” Zeigler has served two terms as State Auditor and is limited by the state constitution from running for a third consecutive term. While serving as State Auditor, Zeigler formed a citizen’s group in 2019 to oppose the plan by ALDOT to charge a $6 toll each way between Mobile and Baldwin counties over the I-10 Bayway. The group grew to 51,000 members and successfully blocked the toll plan. Zeigler says he has always been an advocate for the people of Alabama and will keep fighting in whatever capacity they elect him to serve. “Alabama taxpayers need a consistent voice in state government to defend our constitutional rights and fight government overreach.” Official reports on the Secretary of State’s site shows campaign cash on hand of gubernatorial candidates: Kay Ivey $2.8 million Lindy Blanchard $6.3 million Tim James $1.66 million Jim Zeigler $22,000 Other candidates for governor are former Morgan County Commissioner Stacy George; King’s Home exec Lew Burdette; Rev. Dean Odle who heads a Lee County Church and school; and Springville Mayor Dave Thomas. Zeigler is now starting his final year as auditor.
