Here’s how much statewide runoff candidates have raised, spent since the primary
The July 17 runoff elections less than a week away. Campaign finance reports have been filed weekly with the Secretary of State’s office since the June 5 primary. Looking a them now serves as a good marker of how much support candidates are receiving, and how much money they’re spending on their campaigns in hopes of cinching their party’s nomination. Recap of the month Statewide runoff races have taken a negative turn with Lt. Governor candidates Will Ainsworth and Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh firing shots back and forth at one another via television ads. Restarting their campaigns following the tragic death of Steve Marshall‘s wife Bridgette Genery Marshall, Marshall’s opponent Troy King vowed to keep on message of his political record and qualifications going forward. However, on Monday he filed a complaint against Marshall with the Alabama Ethics Commission, accusing Marshall and his staff of accepting PAC-to-PAC money despite the state’s ban. Even the race for Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries took a dark turn earlier this week after Gerald Dial released a campaign ad dredging up a 32 year old divorce document between his opponent Rick Pate and his ex-wife, Carolyn Pate. A look at the numbers Note: All numbers come from weekly campaign finance reports filed from period June 1 to July 6 Lieutenant Governor’s Race: Will Ainsworth Raised: $93,425 Spent: $568,543.94 Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh Raised: $513,300.57 Spent: $658,060.05 Attorney General’s Race: Troy King Raised: $421,610 Spent: $422,598.28 Steve Marshall Raised: $515,344.60 Spent: $263,341.06 Commission of Agriculture and Industries race: Gerald Dial Raised: $58,240 Spent: $209,533.40 Rick Pate: Raised: $97,100 [35,000 in receipts from sources other than cash] Spent: $152,766.52 Supreme Court place 1 race: Brad Mendheim: Raised: $178,050 Spent: $183,521.10 Sarah Stewart Raised: $11,000 Spent: $263,179.52 Civil Appeals Court, place 1 race: Christy Edwards Raised: $120,500 [Receipts from other sources $1,200] Spent: $129,110.69 Michelle Thomason Raised: $23,525 [$51,124.96 in receipts from other sources] Spent: $86,965.83 Criminal Appeals Court, place 2 Rich Anderson Raised: $7,600 Spent: $19,105.23 Chris McCool Raised: $87,000 [$1,448.86 in receipts from other sources] Spent: $107,820.36
2018 runoff election ad round-up: July 6 edition
The July 17 runoff election is only 11 days away and Alabama’s candidates have taken to the internet and the airwaves with campaign ads in hopes of swaying Yellowhammer State voters to their side. In the past week, Republican Lieutenant Governor candidates Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh and Will Ainsworth have been at one another’s throats while other runoff candidates, like Judge Michelle Thomason have focused their ads on their own merits. Martha Roby joined in the frenzy; going after runoff opponent Bobby Bright in her new campaign ad. Lieutenant Governor Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh: Title: Giving Back Published: June 25, 2018 Tone: Conciliatory Title: The Real Con Artist Published: June 28, 2018 Tone: Derisive Title: Governor Mike Huckabee Endorses Twinkle for Lt. Governor Published: July 2, 2018 Tone: Indignant Will Ainsworth: Title: Up There Published: June 27, 2018 Tone: Playful Civil Appeals Court: Place 1 Michelle Thomason: Title: Judge Thomason and the Veteran’s Court Published: July 5, 2018 Tone: Sympathetic Title: Judge Michelle Thomason for Our Families Published: July 5, 2018 Tone: Virtuous U.S. Congressional District 2 Martha Roby: Title: Clear Published: June 21, 2018 Tone: Aggressive
Steve Marshall’s wife Bridgette passes away
According to a release sent by Attorney General Steve Marshall’s office, Marshall’s wife Bridgette Marshall passed on Sunday morning after a long-time struggle with mental illness. “Bridgette was a devoted and much beloved daughter, wife and mother,” the release continued. “We ask that the people of Alabama keep the Marshall family in their prayers during this most difficult time.” Opponent Troy King issued a statement following the news of her passing saying, “Paige and I just learned of the tragic death of Brigette Marshall. Today is a sad and difficult day. Today we are not in different political campaigns or camps. We are husbands and wives, fathers and mothers. We cannot imagine the deep sense of loss and grief the Marshall family must face.” “We offer our deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers for Attorney General Steve Marshall and his family and pray that God’s grace and peace and hope will enfold and sustain them.” “Out of respect for the Marshall family, I have paused my campaign during this time of mourning. I have directed that all of our advertising be stopped.” “May God hold them in the palm of His hand.” Alabama Governor Kay Ivey responded to the tragic news as well; “this morning, I was incredibly saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Bridgette Marshall,” Ivey said. “Bridgette was the loving wife of Attorney General Steve Marshall and the caring mother of their daughter Faith. A mother is the backbone to a family and especially important to her daughter. I pray that Steve and Faith are comforted in this extremely difficult time.” “It is never easy to lose a loved one and certainly not as suddenly as this. I have spoken with Attorney General Marshall and offered my support. I know the people of Alabama will show the Marshall family great love and sympathy during this time.” After the news broke Sunday morning, condolences from Alabama’s legislative officials came pouring in. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt sent out a statement of his own, saying “My heart breaks for the family of Steve Marshall upon hearing of the passing of his wife Bridgette. I ask you to join me in lifting him, their daughter, family and friends in prayer at this tremendously difficult time.” Lieutenant Governor candidate Will Ainsworth express his sympathies via Facebook: My wife, Kendall, our children, and I send our prayers of comfort and solace to Attorney General Steve Marshall and his family. As fellow residents of Marshall County, Steve and his family are our neighbors, our friends, and our partners in Christ, so we share their hurt. I ask all Alabamians to join us in raising the Marshalls up in prayers of supplication as they seek the strength to move beyond this deeply personal tragedy. Alabama Public Service Commission President, Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh also expressed condolences via Facebook, saying: Jeff and I are heartbroken after hearing of Bridgette Marshall’s passing today. Please join us in praying for Attorney General Steve Marshall, their daughter Faith, and the entire Marshall family. May God hold Steve and Faith in His arms and bring them peace and comfort in the days ahead. John 14:1-4
2018: Year of the Woman in Alabama politics, primary update
If there ever was a “Year of the Woman” in Alabama, it’s 2018. Following the national trend, more Alabama women are stepping up to run for political office as a major party candidate than ever before, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. But how did the female candidates fare in the June 5 primaries? Below is a list of women who prevailed in their races. Statewide Executive Office Currently only two women serve in statewide elected executive positions — Gov. Kay Ivey and Alabama Public Service Commission President Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh. But after last night’s election results, those numbers could change in November. Governor Gov. Kay Ivey (Republican candidate) triumphed over her three male opponents, and will face Walt Maddox in November’s general election. Lt. Governor Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh (Republican candidate) will face Will Ainsworth in a runoff election, July 17. Secretary of State Heather Milam (Democratic candidate) won her primary election, and will face John Merrill in the November general election. Alabama Court of Civil Appeals Christy Olinger Edwards (Place 1, Republican candidate) won her spot over Michelle Manley Thomason, another female republican candidate. U.S. Congress Currently only two women represent the Yellowhammer State in the United States Congress — 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby and 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell. Five other women ran for office in U.S. house races. Alabama 2nd District in the U.S. House of Representatives Rep. Martha Roby (incumbent, Republican candidate) was forced into a runoff set for July 17 with former Rep. Bobby Bright. Tabitha Isner (Democratic candidate) won the democratic primary for the 2nd district and will face either Roby or Bright in November. Alabama 3rd District in the U.S. House of Representatives Mallory Hagan (Democratic candidate) won the democratic primary for the 3rd district and will face incumbent Mike Rogers in the November general election. Alabama 7th District in the U.S. House of Representatives Rep. Terri Sewell (incumbent, Democratic candidate) was the only candidate in her race. State Legislature Amy Wasyluka (Democratic candidate) won the State Senate District 2 race Deidra Willis (Democratic candidate) won the State Senate, District 7 race Vivian Davis Figures (Democratic candidate) won the State Senate, District 33 race Laura Hall (Democratic candidate) won the State House District 19 race Barbara Bigsby Boyd (Democratic candididate) won the State House District 32 race Debbie Hamby Wood (Republican candidate) won the State House District 38 race April Weaver (Republican candidate) won the State House District 49 race Louise “Lulu” Alexander (Democratic candidate) won the State House District 56 race Rolanda Hollis (Democratic candidate) won the State House District 58 race Mary Moore (Democratic cadet) won the State House District 59 race Juandalynn Givan (Democratic candidate) won the State House District 60 race Elaine Beech (Democratic candidate) won the State House District 65 race Pebblin Walker Warren (Democratic candidate) won the State House District 82 race Pat “Patsy” Jones (Democratic candidate) won the State House District 83 race Adline C. Clarke (Democratic candidate) won the State House District 97 race
More Democrats on Alabama ballot for Tuesday elections than in previous years
Alabama’s primary ballot features multiple offices and something voters in the Republican-controlled state haven’t seen in years: Democratic races for statewide and congressional positions. Alabama Democrats have 27 total candidates running for state positions or Congress this year, more than double the 13 from 2014. That means there are several Democratic primary races, compared to just one for a statewide office four years ago. Many of the eventual Republican nominees will still run unopposed in the General Election because no Democrats qualified. But with Democratic opposition to President Donald Trump running high and after Democrat Doug Jones’ victory in Alabama’s U.S. Senate in December, the once-powerful party is trying to show signs of life. Aside from the governor’s campaign, in which five Republicans and six Democrats are vying for their party’s nominations, here are some other races to watch: ___ Attorney General Republican appointee Steve Marshall is facing voters for the first time in a statewide race as he seeks election to the office of attorney general, and it might not be easy. Marshall, a former Marshall County district attorney, has served in the job since February 2017, when then-Gov. Robert Bentley tapped him after naming Luther Strange to the U.S. Senate. Marshall is being opposed in the GOP primary by Alice Martin, a former federal prosecutor who was the state’s chief deputy attorney general; Troy King, a former state attorney general and Birmingham lawyer Chess Bedsole. Birmingham attorneys Joseph Siegelman and Chris Christie are vying for the Democratic nomination. Siegelman is the son of former Gov. Don Siegelman. The attorney general is responsible for representing the state in criminal and civil matters, and the office often is a stepping-stone to other positions. Just ask U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a former Alabama attorney general. ___ Congress Rep. Martha Roby’s bid to hold on to her District 2 seat from the Wiregrass region of southeastern Alabama for a fifth term highlights the state’s congressional primaries. The House Appropriations Committee member is being opposed by candidates including Bobby Bright, who Roby defeated to claim the seat in 2010. Other opponents include Rich Hobson of Enterprise, who managed Roy Moore’s unsuccessful Senate campaign last year. Roby gained Republican critics after distancing herself from Donald Trump’s vulgar comments about women during his presidential campaign in 2016. The eventual GOP nominee will face either education researcher Tabitha Isner of Montgomery or activist and military veteran Audri Scott Williams of Cottonwood. They’re competing for the Democratic nomination in the Republican-dominated district. Reps. Mo Brooks of Huntsville and Robert Aderholt of Haleyville also have challengers in the GOP primary, and Democrats have primaries in four districts in all. There was just one Democratic congressional primary in 2014. ___ Lieutenant Governor Alabama has been without a lieutenant governor for more than a year, and the primary is a first step toward filling the office. Alabama Public Service Commission president Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh is running in the Republican primary against two state legislators: Rep. Will Ainsworth of Guntersville and Sen. Rusty Glover of Mobile. Cavanaugh has outpaced other candidates in fundraising with nearly $1.1 million in total contributions through April. The eventual Republican nominee will face Democratic minister Will Boyd, who lost the U.S. Senate primary against Doug Jones in the special election last year. The office of lieutenant governor, who is president in the state Senate, has been vacant since April 2017, when Kay Ivey succeeded Robert Bentley as governor following his resignation and guilty plea amid a sex-tinged scandal. Ethics is a top issue in the race as the Legislature looks to review Alabama’s ethics law next year and lawmakers currently face corruption charges. ___ Supreme Court The Alabama Supreme Court isn’t in the news as often as it used to be without Roy Moore as chief justice, but the primary ballot includes three contested races on the nine-member, all-Republican panel. Current court members Lyn Stuart and Tom Parker are vying for the Republican nomination for chief justice. Stuart has been serving in the position since Moore’s suspension for violating judicial ethics and later resignation to run for the Senate. Either Stuart or Parker will face Bob Vance Jr., a Jefferson County circuit judge who is unopposed for the Democratic nomination. Court appointee Brad Mendheim is opposed by circuit judges Debra Jones of Anniston and Sarah Hicks Stewart of Mobile for the GOP nomination for Place 1 on the nine-member court. And attorneys John Bahakel and Jay Mitchell of Birmingham are both seeking the Republican nomination for the Place 4 seat. The winner will face Democrat Donna Wesson Smalley in November. ___ State School Board Republicans are fighting over two seats on the Alabama State Board of Education, and the winners of both races will have Democratic opponents in the fall. Four Republicans are running for the District 2 seat held by Betty Peters, who isn’t seeking re-election. They include former Dothan school board member Melanie Hill; Coffee County resident Sybil Little; John Taylor of Dothan; and Auburn City School Board President Tracie West. The winner will face Democrat Adam Jortner in November. Business executive and former Madison school board Rich McAdams and Wayne Reynolds, a retired educator and registered nurse from Athens, are seeking the Republican nomination in District 8. The seat is now held by Mary Scott Hunter, who is running for the Alabama Senate. Jessica Fortune Barker is on the ballot as a Democrat in the General Election. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Who’s who in statewide and congressional races on the primary ballot
Alabama’s primary ballot features multiple offices and something voters in the Republican-controlled state haven’t seen in years: Democratic races for statewide and congressional positions. Alabama Democrats have 27 total candidates running for state positions or Congress this year, more than double the 13 from 2014. That means there are several Democratic primary races, compared to just one for a statewide office four years ago. Many of the eventual Republican nominees will still run unopposed in the General Election because no Democrats qualified. But with Democratic opposition to President Donald Trump running high and after Democrat Doug Jones’ victory in Alabama’s U.S. Senate in December, the once-powerful party is trying to show signs of life. Aside from the governor’s campaign, in which five Republicans and six Democrats are vying for their party’s nominations, here are some other races to watch: ___ Attorney General Republican appointee Steve Marshall is facing voters for the first time in a statewide race as he seeks election to the office of attorney general, and it might not be easy. Marshall, a former Marshall County district attorney, has served in the job since February 2017, when then-Gov. Robert Bentley tapped him after naming Luther Strange to the U.S. Senate. Marshall is being opposed in the GOP primary by Alice Martin, a former federal prosecutor who was the state’s chief deputy attorney general; Troy King, a former state attorney general and Birmingham lawyer Chess Bedsole. Birmingham attorneys Joseph Siegelman and Chris Christie are vying for the Democratic nomination. Siegelman is the son of former Gov. Don Siegelman. The attorney general is responsible for representing the state in criminal and civil matters, and the office often is a stepping-stone to other positions. Just ask U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a former Alabama attorney general. ___ Congress Rep. Martha Roby’s bid to hold on to her District 2 seat from the Wiregrass region of southeastern Alabama for a fifth term highlights the state’s congressional primaries. The House Appropriations Committee member is being opposed by candidates including Bobby Bright, who Roby defeated to claim the seat in 2010. Other opponents include Rich Hobson of Enterprise, who managed Roy Moore’s unsuccessful Senate campaign last year. Roby gained Republican critics after distancing herself from Presidential Donald Trump’s vulgar comments about women in 2016. The eventual GOP nominee will face either education researcher Tabitha Isner of Montgomery or activist and military veteran Audri Scott Williams of Cottonwood. They’re competing for the Democratic nomination in the Republican-dominated district. Reps. Mo Brooks of Huntsville and Robert Aderholt of Haleyville also have challengers in the GOP primary, and Democrats have primaries in four districts in all. There was just one Democratic congressional primary in 2014. ___ Lieutenant Governor Alabama has been without a lieutenant governor for more than a year, and the primary is a first step toward filling the office. Alabama Public Service Commission president Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh is running in the Republican primary against two state legislators: Rep. Will Ainsworth of Guntersville and Sen. Rusty Glover of Mobile. Cavanaugh has outpaced other candidates in fundraising with nearly $1.1 million in total contributions through April. The eventual Republican nominee will face Democratic minister Will Boyd, who lost the U.S. Senate primary against Doug Jones in the special election last year. The office of lieutenant governor, who is president in the state Senate, has been vacant since April 2017, when Kay Ivey succeeded Robert Bentley as governor following his resignation and guilty plea amid a sex-tinged scandal. Ethics is a top issue in the race as the Legislature looks to review Alabama’s ethics law next year and lawmakers currently face corruption charges. ___ Supreme Court The Alabama Supreme Court isn’t in the news as often as it used to be without Roy Moore as chief justice, but the primary ballot includes three contested races on the nine-member, all-Republican panel. Current court members Lyn Stuart and Tom Parker are vying for the Republican nomination for chief justice. Stuart has been serving in the position since Moore’s suspension for violating judicial ethics and later resignation to run for the Senate. Either Stuart or Parker will face Bob Vance Jr., a Jefferson County circuit judge who is unopposed for the Democratic nomination. Court appointee Brad Mendheim is opposed by circuit judges Debra Jones of Anniston and Sarah Hicks Stewart of Mobile for the GOP nomination for Place 1 on the nine-member court. And attorneys John Bahakel and Jay Mitchell of Birmingham are both seeking the Republican nomination for the Place 4 seat. The winner will face Democrat Donna Wesson Smalley in November. ___ State School Board Republicans are fighting over two seats on the Alabama State Board of Education, and the winners of both races will have Democratic opponents in the fall. Four Republicans are running for the District 2 seat held by Betty Peters, who isn’t seeking re-election. They include former Dothan school board member Melanie Hill; Coffee County resident Sybil Little; John Taylor of Dothan; and Auburn City School Board President Tracie West. The winner will face Democrat Adam Jortner in November. Business executive and former Madison school board Rich McAdams and Wayne Reynolds, a retired educator and registered nurse from Athens, are seeking the Republican nomination in District 8. The seat is now held by Mary Scott Hunter, who is running for the Alabama Senate. Jessica Fortune Barker is on the ballot as a Democrat in the General Election. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
2018 statewide election ad roundup: June 1 edition
The June 5 Republican and Democratic primaries are only 4 days away and Alabama’s candidates have taken to the internet and the airwaves with campaign ads in hopes of swaying Yellowhammer State voters to their side. Surprisingly, in the final week before the primary, none of the republican candidates for governor have rolled out any new ads. However, not surprisingly, Sue Bell Cobb released a new ad this week for the eleventh week in a row, Walt Maddox took a different approach to his new ad, using his field staffers to create the ad. Lieutenant governor candidates Will Ainsworth, and Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh both released new ads firing shots at one another, while Attorney General candidates Chess Bedsole, was the only candidate in his race to roll out a new ad. Gubernatorial ads Democrats Sue Bell Cobb: Title: On Retirement Published: May 28, 2018 Tone: Sentimental Walt Maddox: Title: Walt Maddox Field Staffers Making a Difference Published: June 1, 2018 Tone: Benevolent Lieutenant governor ads Republicans Will Ainsworth: Title: Shooting Straight Published: May 25, 2018 Tone: Direct Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh: Title: Truth Published: May 25, 2018 Tone: Agitated Attorney General ads Republicans Chess Bedsole: Title: Ready Published: May 24, 2018 Tone: Assertive
Alabama leaders react to Kay Ivey arming school administrators
In the wake of school shootings across the county, Gov. Kay Ivey took precautionary action on Wednesday by announcing a new plan that provides for an additional security measure in schools that do not have a School Resource Officer (SRO). The new Alabama Sentry Program will permit administrators in schools, without an SRO, to maintain a firearm on campus in a secured safe in order to be prepared to respond to an active shooter situation only after the administrator successfully complete training created and certified by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). Several Alabama lawmakers have voiced their opinions on the new program. Here are some of Alabama’s reaction’s to the new Alabama Sentry Program: Attorney General Steve Marshall: “I share Governor Ivey’s concerns that every effort be made to ensure that all Alabama’s schools have the ability to protect our children by quickly responding to threats to their safety,” said Marshall. “Under the voluntary Sentry Program, specially trained administrators in schools without SROs will be ready to meet armed intruders with lethal force in order to defend students, faculty, staff and visitors. “I appreciate Governor Ivey allowing my office to review her new Sentry Program and believe it represents an effective way to bolster school safety in every community. Guntersville-Republican State Rep. Will Ainsworth: This is a good news and I want to thank @GovernorKayIvey for taking steps to protect our children. https://t.co/Pz2K5ByiOC — Will Ainsworth (@willainsworthAL) May 30, 2018 Public Service Commission President, Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh: State Board of Education member, Mary Scott Hunter voiced her opinion on Dale Jackson’s show: “It’s a good first step,” said Hunter. “I think that she (Ivey) should’ve been stronger in this interview on the deterrent aspect of it and that we don’t have SRO’s in every school; and we need somebody armed in every school. I don’t like the term resource officer, I think the term should be school security officer because we’re really concerned right now about security.”
Will Barfoot and the art of the political mulligan
With the election of President Donald Trump, the true spirit of the Republican Party — small government and fiscal conservatism — is even more popular than it was during Ronald Regan’s presidency. This especially true in Alabama where Trump’s approval rating hovers around 63 percent. It’s no wonder why candidates in competitive primaries across the state are running to the right, regardless of the political ideologies, hoping to woo a segment of the electorate that loves Trump and loathes Democrats. That’s why it’s important for voters to look beyond what candidates are saying in trying to align themselves with Trump, but to also look at what they’ve said and done in the past. Flash-back to 2006 12 years ago, Montgomery-attorney Will Barfoot ran for the Republican nomination for Alabama’s Senate District 25 seat, which covers parts of Elmore, Montgomery and Crenshaw counties. Ultimately he was bested by Larry Dixon in the primary, but not before Dixon and his other GOP opponent Suzelle Josey pointed out that they didn’t believe Barfoot was Republican enough. They believed he was cozying up to Democrats for donations a bit too much for GOP-comfort and criticized his willingness to accept support from anyone. In May 2006, the Montgomery Advertiser doubled-down on the accusations against Barfoot when one of their staff writers wrote a piece titled “Candidate crossing party lines,” detailing how Barfoot said he welcomed “support from the Democrat-aligned Alabama Education Association, a group the Alabama Republican Party has come out against with a resolution not to take campaign money from the powerful teachers’ lobby.” “AEA union boss Paul Hubert has tried basically to buy the State house and run the Democratic agenda, said then Alabama Republican Party Chair, and current Lt. Governor-hopeful, Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh told the Advertiser.. “We frown upon anybody taking the money.” Taking home only 32 percent of the votes, the election was a swing and a miss for Barfoot, who’s steered clear of running for office again the past decade. 2018 election Fast-forward 12 years later and we find Barfoot is taking a mulligan. Having learned his lesson in 2006 — and hoping to cash in on a forgetful electorate — he’s now running as an über-conservative. Gone are the days of trying to woo Democratic supporters, Barfoot has yet to take a check from a Democratic organization’s (according to his campaign finance reports anyway) this election cycle. Instead, he’s touting himself as the anti-career politician with out-of-the-box ideas. Senate District 25 The seat is currently held by Pike Road-Republican Senator Dick Brewbaker who announced in November 2015 that he will not seek re-election. Barfoot faces Vice-Chairman of the Montgomery County Commission Ronda Walker in the June 5 Republican primary. The winner go to face whomever advances from the Democratic primary: David Sadler or Frank Snowden in the November 6 general election.
2018 statewide election ad roundup: May 18 edition
The June 5 Republican and Democratic primaries are only 18 days away and Alabama’s candidates have taken to the internet and the airwaves with campaign ads in hopes of swaying Yellowhammer State voters to their side. In the gubernatorial race, only former Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb, and Governor Kay Ivey released new ads this week. Ivey released a new radio ad while Cobb continued her campaign tradition; issuing two new ads for the ninth week in a row. Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh introduced just one new ad this week, while Will Ainsworth rolled out the big guns this week introducing 7 new ads in the Lieutenant Governor’s race. Steve Marshall was the only candidate introduce an ad in the Attorney General’s race, and Agriculture Commissioner candidate Gerald Dial released his first television ad this week — with a jingle that will definitely get stuck in your head. Gubernatorial Ads Republicans Kay Ivey: Title: Values Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Principled Democrats Sue Bell Cobb: Title: Fixing Alabama’s D+ Roads Published: May 15, 2018 Tone: Reformative Sue Bell Cobb: Title: #It’sTime an Alabama Governor Cared About Our Healthcare Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Wellness Lieutenant governor ads Republicans Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh: Title: A Proven Leader for Lieutenant Governor Published: May 15, 2018 Tone: Virtuous 1 Will Ainsworth: Title: Brett Stanton on Will’s Fight for Public Education Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Stable Will Ainsworth: Title: Kendall Ainsworth on Will’s Alabama Values Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Familial Will Ainsworth: Title: Chris Lane on Will’s Promise for Alabama’s Natural Resources Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Impassioned Will Ainsworth: Title: Whitney Mastin on Will’s Next Generation Initiative Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Steadfast Will Ainsworth: Title: Jason Satterfield on Will’s Pro-Business Approach Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Dedicated Will Ainsworth: Title: John Mullins on Will’s Drive to Find Meaningful Solutions Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Contributory Will Ainsworth: Title: Judy Miller on Will’s Fight for the Alabama’s Next Generation Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Hopeful Will Ainsworth: Title: Roseanne Mabrey on Will’s School Safety Initiative Published: May 17, 2018 Tone: Optimistic Attorney General ads Republicans Steve Marshall: Title: Mikayla’s Story Published: May 14, 2018 Tone: Dedicated Agriculture Commissioner Republicans Gerald Dial: Title: It’s Dial Time! Published: May 16, 2018 Tone: Joyful
2018 statewide election ad roundup: May 11 edition
The June 5 Republican and Democratic primary is only 25 days away and Alabama’s gubernatorial candidates have taken to the internet and the airwaves with campaign ads in hopes of swaying Yellowhammer State voters to their side. With the primary less than a month away, candidates upping the ante, with several candidates releasing new ads for the first time in months. In the Gubernatorial races, Kay Ivey, and evangelist Scott Dawson, both released new ads this week to combat Tommy Battle‘s massive ad rollout last week. Sue Bell Cobb continued her campaign tradition, issuing a new ad for the eighth week in a row, while Walt Maddox released his first new ad in months. Several Lieutenant governor candidates announced new ads this week, including Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, Rusty Glover, and Will Ainsworth. Attorney General candidate Troy King published his first television ad this week, with opponents Steve Marshall, Chess Bedsole releasing new ads as well. Gubernatorial Ads Republicans Kay Ivey: Title: Life Published: May 9, 2018 Tone: Principled Kay Ivey: Title: Tough as Nails Published: May 9, 2018 Tone: Resilient Scott Dawson: Title: “Learning About Faith” Published: May 11, 2018 Tone: Belief Democrats Walt Maddox: Title: Walt Maddox for Governor Published: May 11, 2018 Tone: Leadership Sue Bell Cobb: Title: SBC LotteryDad Video Published: May 8, 2018 Tone: Hopeful Lieutenant governor ads Republicans Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh: Title: “Shoes” Published: May 8, 2018 Tone: Preserving Rusty Glover: Title: “Peoples Choice” – Rusty Glover for Lieutenant Governor Published: May 3, 2018 Tone: Impactful Will Ainsworth: Title: “Leadership” | Ainsworth for Lt. Governor Published: May 7, 2018 Tone: Initiating Will Ainsworth: Title: “Hostage” | Ainsworth for Lt. Governor Published: May 8, 2018 Tone: Confronting Will Ainsworth: Title: Rickey Cornutt on Will’s Fight for Farmers Published: May 11, 2018 Tone: Folksy Attorney General ads Republicans Troy King: Title: Cause (Troy King for Attorney General) Published: May 8, 2018 Tone: Watchful Steve Marshall: Title: Steve Marshall – Fighting for Alabama Published: May 9, 2018 Tone: Protective Chess Bedsole: Title: Chess Bedsole “Rally” Published: May 1, 2018 Tone: Defensive
Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh raises over $200k in final fundraising period before June 5 primary
With just over a month to go to the June 5 primaries, Lieutenant Governor-hopeful Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, a small business owner and former Chair of the Alabama Republican Party, has grown her war chest even bigger. In April, Cavanaugh, the current president of the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC), brought in a whopping $214,085 according to her most recent fundraising report — record numbers for her campaign. Cavanaugh believes the numbers exemplify “the snowballing momentum for her campaign.” “I’ve been blown away by the response I’ve received from moms and dads in every corner of our state,” said Cavanaugh. “Our support comes from job creators and hardworking people all across Alabama- from our construction workers and coal miners to our doctors and Realtors. We need a proven, conservative Lieutenant Governor who will help move our state forward, and I’m extremely encouraged by the reception our campaign is getting. With a strong team of supporters, together, we will build a brighter Alabama for our children and grandchildren.” Cavanaugh’s April total was the most raised by any candidate for Lieutenant Governor since she got in the race; the single month total was also more than either of her opponents — Republicans Will Ainsworth and Rusty Glover, along with Democrat Will Boyd — raised cumulatively in the last six months. To-date, her total contribution list represents 658 donors representing 104 Alabama hometowns.
