Katie Britt declines to debate Mo Brooks before primary runoff election
The campaign for Katie Britt has declined a request to debate U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks. The debate would have been syndicated across the state and hosted by Gray TV and Alabama Daily News on June 14. Alabama Daily News’ Todd Stacy stated on Twitter, “RE our now-nixed #ALSEN debate w/ @WBRCnews, see a statement from the Katie Britt campaign why she’s not interested in a face-off w/ Mo Brooks. Again, we thought we had a solid date for a runoff debate on June 14, but that fell apart after a week of talks.” The Britt campaign argued that the debate would only be a “circus.” “Mo Brooks doesn’t want a debate: he wants a circus. That’s the only thing he’s capable of. He doesn’t want to talk about his do-nothing record, because he hasn’t accomplished anything for Alabamians throughout his 40 years living off the taxpayer dime,” the release stated. “Instead, Mo Brooks will undoubtedly resort to embarrassing our state with false, desperate personal attacks. We are seeing his lies get more blatant by the day, and there is no way that a constructive or substantive debate can occur with his continually devolving behavior. Katie won’t participate in the final circus act of Mo’s career.” Brooks released a statement describing Britt as “weak” and “shrill.” “Katie Britt’s flip-flops are too numerous to count. In the primary she said a candidate who won’t debate should not get any citizen’s vote. Now, yet again, she flip-flops as she gets more shrill, more negative and more vitriolic, Brooks stated. “While I disagree with ‘June’ Katie Britt, I agree with ‘April’ Katie Britt. If she is too weak to stand on a stage and take Mo Brooks on, how can anyone expect her to take on Chuck Schumer, Bernie Sanders, or any of the other Socialist Democrats that are destroying America. Katie Britt’s debate refusal is an admission of profound weakness at a time America needs fighters in the U.S. Senate, not pushovers. As my record reflects, I am exactly the fighter America needs at this critical juncture in history.” Stacy posted another Tweet regarding the debate. “FWIW, I definitely understand the Britt campaign’s rationale. Given the results of election night (45-29), Britt has little to gain and lots to lose in a debate. And Brooks does have every incentive to make it a circus. Just disappointed we won’t get a debate,” Stacy stated. The Republican primary runoff election is June 21, 2022.
Todd Stacy’s inaugural Capitol Journal show to air January 7
Alabama Public Television’s public affairs series CAPITOL JOURNAL will begin the new year with its new host, Todd Stacy. Stacy, a Montgomery resident and publisher of Alabama Daily News, is taking over the reins on January 7 after previous host Don Dailey retired in December after 10 years in the anchor’s chair. Stacy will join veteran reporters Karen Goldsmith and Randy Scott as the Alabama Legislature begins its 2022 regular session. “I’m grateful to the Alabama Public Television leadership for their confidence in me to host such a meaningful news space in Alabama politics,” Stacy said. “I grew up watching APT and have enjoyed working with their team professionally over the years. It’s more than a little intimidating to fill the shoes of Don Dailey, who is a mainstay at the State House and universally well respected, but I’m honored by the opportunity and eager to get started.” Stacy is a veteran of both Washington, D.C. and Montgomery politics. He previously worked for former Gov. Bob Riley and former U.S. Rep. Martha Roby. He launched Alabama Daily News in January 2018 and will continue as publisher. Phil Hutcheson, interim executive director and CFO of Alabama Public Television stated, “We are excited to welcome Todd Stacy to the team. Viewers can rely on CAPITOL JOURNAL for straight-forward and balanced coverage of news from Montgomery and around the state and the most in-depth television coverage of the Legislature available.” Guests for this Friday’s show include Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed, House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, Finance Director Bill Poole, and State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris.
Capitol Journal host Don Dailey retiring; Todd Stacy to take over with universal support and congratulations
Don Dailey, host and executive producer for Alabama Public Television’s Capitol Journal, announced he will be retiring at the end of the year. His final broadcast will be Friday, December 17. “For the last decade, it has been a high point of my career to bring Alabamians important news from the Statehouse and the Capitol,” Dailey stated. “It has also been an honor and a privilege to interview leaders from all aspects of state government. I am so very thankful for the opportunities that have been afforded to me by Alabama Public Television, and I look forward to the next chapter of my life.” Before joining APT in 2011, Dailey worked for 25 years in radio news in Birmingham and in the Wiregrass. While in high school, Dailey started his career in a small radio station in Demopolis and worked at stations in Monroeville, Troy, and Montgomery throughout his college years. “I’ve literally been on the air somewhere in Alabama for 40 years,” Dailey commented. Phil Hutcheson, interim executive director for APT, stated, “Don has been a tremendous asset to Alabama Public Television and to the people of our state. We’re grateful for his years of service, and we wish him all the best in whatever he decides to do next.” Todd Stacy will take over as host of Capitol Journal for the 2022 Legislative Session. Stacy, a Montgomery resident, has an extensive background in political communications and is currently the publisher of the Alabama Daily News. News of Stacy taking over as host has been spread on Twitter, with many prominent leaders wishing him well.
32 Powerful and Influential Alabamians to know
It’s true, the words “powerful and influential” can be vague and subjective. However, it’s fair to say among the universally accepted definitions within politics and policy is an individual’s ability to create change, start a conversation, influence the public or public officials, move an agenda forward or stop one in its tracks. There’s no doubt that a good number of people are moving Alabama forward in politics and business. Recently, Yellowhammer published its 2021 annual list of who they consider the most influential and powerful. They noted it was a “Peek behind the curtain.” That it always is – a peek into the mind of the editorial team, writers, and friends of the site. With the same people on it year after year, often in the same companies and offices and the standard members of the legislature and statewide offices. Dozens of whom certainly would belong on any list of power or influence: Jo Bonner, Katie Britt, Bob Geddie, Dax Swatek. No one can deny the influence any of them have. Others on the list begged the question “Why?” while others were glaringly missing. This list purposely does not duplicate any name already appearing on that list. Not all influencers within the public arena are lobbyists or lawmakers. Some within the media or in advocacy organizations can shape or change public opinion. In addition, some influencers have the ability to position themselves, loved ones, or friends to the front of the line for coveted appointments or jobs. There’s so much to power and influence; while it may hard to describe, you know when you see it, and you know who lacks it. It could be argued that 1-5 are no brainers and would be list repeats, but heck, I say repeat them until it changes. So with that, let Alabama Today offer 32 additional notable people who were nominated by a ragtag group of incredibly biased judges. Did I mention how incredibly biased we are? This, combined with the YH list, might give one a better view of the movers and shakers with power and influence in the state’s political world. Worth noting, some of them are the bosses, mentors, elders statesman, and wise counsel of many on the YH list, while a couple of others are up and comers. Jimmy “Yellow Fella” Rane, President/CEO at Great Southern Wood Preserving Not only is the Yellow Fella the wealthiest man in Alabama and Board of Trustee at Auburn, but there’s also no doubt he’s used his financial success to the betterment of the state, giving him great power and influence. His contributions are well documented, politically, economically, and through philanthropy. From 2013 to May 2021, his company has given 178 contributions totaling $2,079,316.40. He also has the Jimmy Rane Foundation, which has more than doubled his political donations with $4.7 million in scholarships. His influence is undeniable and unmatched, which is why he is number one on our list. Mark Crosswhite, CEO Alabama Power Crosswhite’s voice carries a lot of weight, so much so that multiple people on the YH list answer to him in one way or another. Which begs the question, how can anyone deny his place on any list of power and influence? He chaired the BCA board during a critical time when the organization’s future was in peril, saving a key organization critical to the state’s business development, growth and success, and ensuring a better economic future for the state. As the organization continues to grow and evolve, there’s no doubt he’s still helping steer the ship. 3. Fess St. John IV, Chancellor of The University of Alabama System Finis “Fess” St. John IV comes from a storied line of Alabama influencers, including his father and grandfather. He’s currently the Chancellor of The University of Alabama (UA) System. Which makes him the chief executive officer of Alabama’s largest employer with multiple school campuses and a massive healthcare system. According to the school’s website, “Total enrollment in the UA System achieved a new record this fall, with more than 70,400 students enrolled at UA, UAB, and UAH. The System’s annual economic impact surpasses $10 billion annually, and upwards of 1.7 million patients are served every year in the System’s hospitals and clinics.” 4. Chris England, House of Representatives, District 70 While many have tried over the last couple of decades, England was able to stop the further deterioration of the Democrat party (with a reputation that was nationally marred by chaos, a lack of structure, oh, and that one toilet story) and begin its rebuilding. One long-time democrat described the infrastructure as stronger now than it has been since the days of Bill Baxley. England is a graduate of Howard University and the University of Alabama School of Law. His father grew up in Circuit Court Judge John H. England Jr., who served as a justice on the Alabama Supreme Court in 1999-2000. To leave him off the Top 5 of any influential list is to deny reality. 5. Stephanie Bryan, Tribal Chair and CEO for the Poarch Creek Indians No one should question the top female on this list. It’s no coincidence that she heads one of the biggest political powerhouses in the state of Alabama. PCI has capitalized on the shift in public attitudes towards a more tolerant attitude towards gaming and lottery to push for changes in the law that would allow their tribe’s operations to grow. This session’s gaming proposal wasn’t successful, but it got further than expected and may come up again in a special session. She is a political player that many say could be the most powerful over the next couple of campaign cycles. 6. Tom Coker, The Southern Group Rare can someone survive with the longevity and respectability of Tom Coker. His strength is the state senate, but he can get things done. His firm’s website names him as President of Tom Coker & Associates since 1982. Tom Coker offers a full range of governmental
Former Alabama Senator Larry Dixon has died
Former Alabama Senator Larry Dixon passed away today at 81 years old. Dixon served the 25th District in Montgomery and Elmore counties from 1983 until 2010. He was also a member of the Alabama House of Representatives from 1978 to 1982. Dixon served as the chair of the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners from 1981 until he retired in 2016. Todd Stacy shared the announcement on Twitter, stating, “Board of Medical Examiners confirms what has been going around in the Capital City the past few hours. Former Montgomery State Sen. Larry Dixon has passed away.” Board of Medical Examiners confirms what has been going around in the Capital City the past few hours. Former Montgomery State Sen. Larry Dixon has passed away. #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/XnlZY51aW9 — Todd Stacy (@toddcstacy) December 4, 2020 Dr. Mark LeQuire, current Chairman of the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, and Williams M. Perkins, Executive Director, issued the following statement: “The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners is saddened to learn of the death of our former executive director, Larry Dixon. From 1981 until his retirement in 2016, Larry served as the Board’s executive director and his accomplishments are many. He established the continuing education department at the Medical Association of the State of Alabama. He served four terms on the U.S. Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and was the first president of the Administrators in Medicine, an organization he helped charter. In 2014, FSMB awarded him its Lifetime Achievement Award, and he was inducted into the Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame in 2016. When he retired from the Board of Medical Examiners, our building in Montgomery was renamed in his honor as the Dixon-Parker Building. “While we mourn Larry Dixon’s passing, we are forever grateful for his distinguished service to the medical profession and to the State of Alabama. He set an incredible example of service for us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Gaynell, and his family during this difficult time.”
Todd Stacy: A turning point for Alabama Republicans’ direction, identity
Don’t misinterpret Democratic Senator Doug Jones‘s recent election win as a paradigm shift in Alabama politics. The Republican Party still holds sway in the state: all statewide constitutional offices are held by Republicans; all nine Supreme Court justices are Republicans; and both chambers of the state legislature are ruled by significant Republican majorities. The GOP’s dominance in Alabama isn’t likely to abate any time soon given the state’s deep conservative beliefs. However, the failure to elect a Republican to fill Jeff Sessions’ Senate seat is exposing some internal disagreements as to the party’s direction and identity in the years ahead, and a turning point in that struggle might come as soon as next week when the ALGOP State Executive Committee meets in Montgomery. Disagreements between different factions in the Republican Party are nothing new. There has always been a struggle for influence between fiscal and social conservatives, defense hawks and libertarians, and steady-as-she-goes establishment Republicans and burn-it-to-the-ground tea party types. Tension between those of differing beliefs within the “big tent” is natural and probably healthy. But, disagreement over the Roy Moore election debacle is threatening to turn into disunion. A few in the mostly-older, activist faction are still bitter over the loss and focusing their ire on U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, who said he could not vote for Moore and would write-in a “distinguished Republican” after multiple allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct by Moore were reported by The Washington Post. A group led by former Cleburne County GOP Chairman Tim Sprayberry is floating a party resolution condemning Shelby for his stance and recently joined with a Texas investor to run robocalls critical of Alabama’s senior senator. Most believe the resolution will go nowhere given Shelby’s broad support throughout Alabama and immense influence in Washington, to say nothing of how out of touch Republicans would look doubling down on the kind of politics that help cost them the Senate seat in the first place. Many conservatives are thanking Shelby for his principled stand, understanding that the election loss, while disappointing in the short term, is probably in the best interest of the party over the long term because it can be rid of Moore’s political baggage. Still, Sprayberry isn’t giving up. He’s attempting to whip up support for the resolution ahead of the State Executive Committee meeting on February 24th. The ALGOP now faces a difficult choice. If it appeases the pro-Moore faction’s desire to criticize Shelby, it will alienate two groups it can ill afford to do without: those who invest in the Republican party and those who are its future. Big benefactors in Republican politics have not been shy about pushing back against the anti-Shelby resolution. Jimmy Rane, founder, president and CEO of Great Southern Wood called Shelby “one of Alabama’s greatest assets” and publicly asked “why is the Alabama Republican Party doing nothing to help maximize Senator Shelby’s effectiveness” as likely incoming chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “We ought to commend the courage of our senior Senator and enthusiastically support him as he prepares to pick up the gavel of the Appropriations Committee of the United State Senate,” he wrote. Rane knows what he’s talking about. Most people don’t realize that before he built one of Alabama’s most iconic and successful companies, Rane once worked as a congressional staffer on Capitol Hill. He understands how Washington works and what awesome benefits Alabama could realize with Shelby assuming the Appropriations chairmanship. Of course, now Rane is the state’s wealthiest man and a major contributor to Republican candidates and causes. For him to publicly and specifically call on the ALGOP to drop this resolution is hugely significant. The future of the party is also pushing back. Young Republicans by and large disagree with the idea of censuring Shelby for his stance on Moore – a stance many of its membership held themselves. The 40-and-under Young Republican Federation of Alabama withdrew its support for Roy Moore in November, and the Birmingham Young Republicans voted to censure the Senate candidate saying it was “committed to protecting women and children from similar acts of sexual misconduct.” Jackie Curtiss, state chair of the Young Republicans, said the ALGOP should be focused on winning future elections, not haggling over the last one. “Instead of learning lessons from the Doug Jones win, some would rather go to infighting and assigning blame,” she said. “You have a handful of people in the party who are stirring up controversy, but there are also many of us who want to defend Senator Shelby and make sure the party moves forward. Young Republicans want the party to be unified because that’s our best chance to win the seat back in 2020.” The funders and the future of the Republican Party want to move past this dust up and focus on the upcoming 2018 elections. It looks like the ALGOP State Executive Committee will decide whether that can happen when it meets next week. ••• Todd Stacy is the publisher of the Alabama Daily News, a news aggregation site. His 15-year career in Alabama politics spanned from the State House in Montgomery to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. and now informs his political news analysis at www.ALDailyNews.com.
Personnel note: Todd Stacy leaves Martha Roby’s office, start news media company
Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby‘s longtime Communications Director Todd Stacy has moved on to a new business venture. Stacy had worked in Roby’s Washington, D.C. office since Sept. 2012 where he oversaw a wide range of communications activities, including daily interaction with local, state, and national media organizations. His last day was on Friday, Dec. 22, ahead of the Christmas holiday. Rather than moving over to the private sector in D.C., Stacy is heading back home to Alabama where he’s starting a news media company called the Alabama Daily News. “I appreciate all the kind words of support upon the inception of this new venture. This is something I’ve always wanted to do and I’m excited to get started!,” Stacy posted on Facebook of his new enterprise. Before joining Roby’s office, Stacy was the Communicators Director for former Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard for nearly two years. Prior to that he served as Press Secretary to former Alabama Governor Bob Riley.
As Becky Gerritson mulls Tea Party primary challenge, Rep. Martha Roby responds to attacks
It’s no secret that Wetumpka Tea Party leader Becky Gerritson is contemplating a primary challenge to Republican Congresswoman Martha Roby, but things seem to be heating up in the GOP primary for Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District as Gerritson and Roby exchanged public barbs earlier this week. “Rep. Martha Roby is totally out of touch with her constituents,” Gerritson told AL.com on Thursday. “District 2 is a very conservative district yet her lifetime average score from Heritage Action is a measly 51 percent. That is unacceptable. She is distancing herself from her constituents more and more.” Gerritson’s name-drop of the electioneering and advocacy wing of the conservative Washington-based Heritage Foundation augers a possibly long and acrimonious primary process for Roby’s Watercress and Montgomery metro area-based district, which skews Republican by about 2-to-1. “To me, staying true to conservative principles is more important than any political party. If politicians would start thinking this way then maybe we could move this country in the right direction,” she said to Leada Gore, clearly signaling that the intra-GOP battle could become a conservative purity test, focusing on value issues like abortion and same-sex marriage as well as pro-business credentials. For Roby’s part, her office issued the following dismissal of Gerritson’s provocations: “Rep. Roby is a fierce supporter of the 20-week abortion ban, and has fought to make it stronger, not weaker,” spokesperson Todd Stacy said in response to one charge among many by Gerritson. “We’ll deal with the rest of these nonsense talking points if [Gerritson] actually decides to run. Right now, Rep. Roby is working to get results on issues that matter to her constituents: fighting dangerous military cuts, reforming the VA, and stopping President Obama’s overreach on illegal immigration,” Stacy added. The winner of this contest is all but certain to hold the House seat. A Democrat has not gained more than than 37 percent of the vote there since Blue Dog Democratic Rep. Bobby Bright was defeated by Roby, then a Montgomery City Councilwoman, during the Tea Party wave that prevailed in the 2010 midterms.
