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.”
Accusations and name calling heat up Lt. Gov race between Twinkle Cavanaugh and Will Ainsworth runoff
He calls her a “Swampy Star.” She calls him a tiger thief. Alabama Public Service Commission President Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh and state Rep. Will Ainsworth of Guntersville are swapping accusations — and accusing the other of distorting the truth — ahead of Tuesday’s heated GOP runoff in the race for lieutenant governor. Cavanaugh, 52, has an ad targeting Ainsworth’s theft arrest when he was a college student and was accused of stealing fiberglass tigers in downtown Auburn. Ainsworth, 37, is running ads, playing on Cavanaugh’s unusual first name, and lampooning her lengthy resume in politics. The Cavanaugh ad targets Ainsworth’s 2002 arrest on theft charges when he was 20. The charges were later dropped. “It is the most disingenuous and lying ad. … It was a college prank,” Ainsworth said, saying the ad, which displays a photograph of the balding Ainsworth, makes it look like the arrest was recent. Court records show that Ainsworth, along with several others, was charged in 2002 with stealing five fiberglass tigers worth $3,000 each, in downtown Auburn. Cavanaugh defended the ad, saying it was a “serious matter.” “Twinkle Twinkle Swampy Star” is the slogan on an Ainsworth mailer criticizing Cavanaugh’s lengthy resume in politics. He is running a similar television ad with a star-gazing couple. Cavanaugh has spent much of her life in and around politics. She worked as the first female chairwoman of the Alabama Republican Party and worked for the Republican National Committee in Washington and on Gov. Bob Riley’s staff. She was elected to the PSC in 2010 and commission president in 2012. Cavanaugh said she is proud of her record on conservative causes but notes that she also worked for a year as a teacher and started a restaurant business. The heated and expensive race comes for a position that has relatively little power with one big exception: the potential to succeed the governor. The lieutenant governor presides over the state Senate, votes in case of a tie and makes a number of board appointments. The position is most notable because the officer holder takes over as governor if the governor dies, steps down or is in impeached. The lieutenant governor position has been vacant since April 2017, when Kay Ivey succeeded Robert Bentley as governor. Bentley stepped down in the midst of an impeachment push. Cavanaugh had considered running for governor but switched to the lieutenant governor when Ivey announced she was running this year. “I believe our state needs a strong second-string quarterback,” Cavanaugh said of the position of lieutenant governor. She is touting her record on the utility board that she said includes cutting expenses and approving rate reductions. “We need a proven conservative, someone who has a proven record of turning Christian values into strong conservative government,” Cavanaugh said. Ainsworth is a rancher and the owner of a sportsman’s lodge and founder of a prominent hunting and fishing expo. A relative political newcomer, Ainsworth was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 2014. In his legislative tenure, Ainsworth is perhaps best known for sponsoring legislation in the wake of the Florida school shooting that would allow certain teachers to carry or access firearms in the classroom. Campaigning as a political outsider, Ainsworth is emphasizing the fact that he has not spent much time in politics. “I’m not a career politician. I’ve actually been involved in the private sector,” Ainsworth said. Ainsworth said as lieutenant governor — the only statewide elected official involved in the daily dealings at the Statehouse — that he wants to help “drive the conversation” at the Alabama Legislature. “The lieutenant governor has the bully pulpit,” Ainsworth said. The Republican nominee will face Democrat Will Boyd in November. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
Alice Martin endorses Will Ainsworth citing Twinkle Cavanaugh’s ‘deceptive’ ad
Former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama and a former Chief Deputy Attorney General of Alabama Alice Martin has thrown her support behind Guntersville-Republican, State Rep. Will Ainsworth in his bid to be Alabama’s next Lt. Governor. Martin made the announcement on Tuesday citing the “disappointing and deceptive” campaign ad of his opponent, Twinkle Cavanaugh, among the reasons for her decision. “I don’t make this endorsement lightly, and am compelled due to the very disappointing and deceptive ad by his opponent,” Martin said. “To say Rep. Ainsworth was criminally charged and ‘didn’t serve a day in jail’ infers he was prosecuted when in fact the charge was dropped!” “It was a college prank now used as a professional smear,” she continued. “This poor judgement doesn’t make his opponent shine to me. Please remember to vote next Tuesday!” Martin referenced a Cavanaugh campaign ad, which claims Ainsworth used insider influence to escape prosecution for felony theft charges but offers scant detail. In reality, the ad refers to a college prank that occurred roughly 20 years ago when Ainsworth and classmates “kidnapped” fiberglass tigers that the Auburn Chamber of Commerce had placed around the downtown area. Recognizing the harmless nature of the stunt, the Auburn Chamber agreed those involved would pay a small fine and work with Habitat for Humanity as punishment for the college prank. Cavanaugh’s ad also claims Ainsworth was arrested in Jackson County when he was still in college, but the claim is false. Ainsworth was actually ticketed for having an expired boat registration on a lake. Martin’s full Facebook post reads: Happy to share time with friends in Alabama Forestry Association last evening in Florence. With the runoff primary in one week I want to announce my endorsement of Will Ainsworth for Lt. Gov. Why? Because this is a critical race and Alabama needs an outside conservative who has the courage to stand up to special interest and take actions that are best for the state and her citizens. I don’t make this endorsement lightly, and am compelled due to the very disappointing and deceptive ad by his opponent. To say Rep. Ainsworth was criminally charged and “didn’t serve a day in jail” infers he was prosecuted when in fact the charge was dropped! It was a collage prank now used as a professional smear. This poor judgment doesn’t make his opponent shine to me. Please remember to vote next Tuesday! Alabama needs change!!
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
Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee endorses Twinkle Cavanaugh for Lt. Gov.
Former Arkansas governor and presidential candidate Mike Huckabee endorsed President of the Public Service Commission and Lieutenant Governor-hopeful Twinkle Cavanaugh on Monday. Cavanaugh chaired Huckabee’s 2008 Presidential Campaign in Alabama, when he carried the state over Sen. John McCain and Gov. Mitt Romney. Before becoming Arkansas’ 44th Governor, Huckabee served in the ministry. “I have known Twinkle for over a decade and consider her to be a friend and a staunch Republican ally,” Huckabee announced. “But I am not supporting Twinkle simply because we are friends. I am supporting Twinkle because of the Christian, conservative values she and I share. We need leaders who are not afraid to fight for their core values and have the courage to hold their peers accountable when they stray from their promises to the people. Twinkle has kept her promises as President of the Public Service Commission, shrinking her agency’s budget by 30%, saving the taxpayers over $60 million through cuts, and bringing transparency and honesty to the office.” Cavanaugh said she’s honored to receive Huckabee’s endorsement. “I am honored to have the endorsement of my friend, Governor Mike Huckabee,” Cavanaugh said. “Governor Huckabee has been a role model to me throughout my time in public service, and I am deeply humbled that he has chosen to support our campaign and our vision of a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.” There are 13 days until the July 17 primary runoff election.
Twinkle Cavanaugh: Putting Alabama families first
When you run for public office, you think of family first – your spouse, your children, and your parents. Both of my parents were teachers. I grew up in a modest home where education was important, and where I was rooted in the kind of traditional family values which everyone can appreciate. The lessons I learned then are the lessons that I am trying to pass on to my children and my grandchildren today. Yet, we are constantly being told by, what Ronald Reagan called a “distant elite,” that we need to change. But what exactly are these people asking us to change? In 1979, Margaret Thatcher said, “it’s passionately interesting for me that the things that I learned in a small town, in a very modest home, are just the things that I believe have won the election.” Isn’t that what we want again in our government? We as Alabamians have seen too many people who come to Montgomery and bill themselves as the one who will change the system, only to find out that it is the system that has changed them. The moment change asks you to put your values aside, is the time when danger looms on the horizon. Values which are a mile wide and one inch deep will not be able to change the course of our great state. But values rooted in the soil of belief and the principles of our nations’ founding will be able to deliver on better infrastructure and a better education for our most precious resource – our children. Hard work, honesty, faith in God, respect for life, and a rugged optimism which believes that tomorrow can always be better – have held many Alabamians through good times and dark times. Simple, yes. But it is in these same deeply-rooted, proven values, which lies the confidence we need to address the future. We are a people who look to God, while rolling up our sleeves to work harder in the jobs we do and for the families we raise. This is precisely why I am running for Lt. Governor. I want to continue bringing our timeless Alabama values to Montgomery. I want to bring about jobs – good, high-paying jobs – for our state, so that families become stronger. I want to strengthen our high school, community college and higher education offerings, so that our children today will be the best and brightest. I want to be the Lt. Governor who puts our families and our values first – rejecting self-interest and special interests. These are the values which create the real leaders in Alabama, and this can be our future. Our brighter future. ••• Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh is the President of the Alabama Public Service Commission. She is a small business owner and former Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party. Opinions expressed do not represent the position of the Public Service Commission or its other commissioners.
Five things you need to know about Will Ainsworth
Now that the runoff elections are over, voters are turning their attention to the November General Election less than 90 days away. After a jam-packed primary race, Guntersville-Republican State Rep. Will Ainsworth Public Service Commission President Twinkle Cavanaugh garnered enough support to tip the race into a runoff election. Ainsworth won the July 17 runoff with just 51 percent of the vote. Now Ainsworth moves to the November general election, where he faces Democratic candidate Dr. Will Boyd. With that in mind, Here’s five things you need to know about Will Ainsworth: 5. His first job out of college, he served as a youth pastor After graduating from Auburn University with a Bachelors degree in Marketing, Ainsworth served as a youth pastor at Grace Fellowship Presbyterian Church in Albertville. There, he led middle school and high school students into a committed relationship with Jesus Christ. 4. He loves the outdoors, and owns a Hunting lodge in Guntersville, Ala. After leaving his job as a youth pastor, Ainsworth sought a way to incorporate his passion for hunting and fishing into his daily life. He and his brother Austin founded Dream Ranch, a popular hunting lodge in Guntersville attended by over 20,000 people annually. The lodge allows guests to hunt Whitetail Bucks, Bobwhite Quail, and Ducks all on the same property. He is also a co-founder and promoter of the Tennessee Valley Hunting & Fishing Expo held annually at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville Ala. The expo allows outdoor enthusiasts of all kind to gather for a weekend of entertainment and gives hunting, fishing, and outdoor gear merchants a place to peddle their wares. 3. Kay Ivey used his security program as a backboard for the new Alabama Sentry Program Ainsworth proposed a bill in the legislative session earlier this year, and even though the bill failed, Kay Ivey’s Alabama Sentry Program is very similar to the proposed bill. The bill proposed that school administrators, principles, and teachers who met certain qualifications would be allowed to carry a firearm on school campuses. It also required that those carrying must complete a 40-hour course in basic school policing in a program approved by the Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission, and pass an annual firearm re-qualification; the same test required of law enforcement officers. The only real difference between the two plans is Ainsworth’s provision to include teachers in the program, which he believes is crucial to the program’s success. 2. He’s a member of several committees in the Alabama Legislature Although all members of the legislature serve on several committees, Ainsworth serves on a wide array of committee’s integral to the state and Alabamians. Ainsworth currently serves on the Agriculture and Forestry, Ethics and Campaign Finance, State Parks, Public Safety and Homeland Security, and the Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure committees. 1. He has twin boys Ainsworth has twin boys, Hunter and Hays, who are eight years old. He coaches them in basketball, baseball and soccer. “My priorities will always be Faith, Family, and Service in that order,” Ainsworth wrote on Facebook in 2014.
Five things you need to know about Twinkle Cavanaugh
The primary elections are over, but some highly sought spots still remain open due to the primary races resulting in runoffs. One of those races is for the Lieutenant Governor’s seat. In a highly contested and publicized race; Guntersville-Republican State Rep. Will Ainsworth came in second to Public Service Commission President Twinkle Cavanaugh. Ainsworth garnered just enough support to tip the race into a runoff election. Now the two republicans will battle it out until the runoff set for July 17 determines a winner. With that in mind, here are the five things you need to know about Twinkle Cavanaugh: 5. She was the first female Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party Elected in 2005 as the first female Chair of the Alabama Republican Party, Cavanaugh led the way to building a strong and inclusive state party, encouraging other women to pursue their goals as well. According to AL.Com in 2003, she spoke to a group of Huntsville business leaders sharing her five tidbits of success, “Build relationships, have goals, think outside the box, face adversity positively and make a difference”, Cavanaugh told a group of 40 women. But her time as chairman wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Cavanaugh devoted a large part of the party’s efforts at removing conservative Democrats in the legislature. Telling them they could consider switching parties or face tough, well-financed conservative republican opponents in the general election. 4. She was Governor Bob Riley’s Deputy Chief of Staff and a senior advisor in his office Before her election as Chairman of the Republican party, Cavanaugh served as then Governor Bob Riley‘s appointments secretary, then Deputy Chief of Staff from 2003 to 2004. After losing her first shot at a Public Service Commission seat in the 2008 general election, then Riley offered her another job, this time a special assistant for corporate affairs in the state’s finance department. 3. She’s been involved in Alabama politics for 20 years Cavanaugh has an incredibly impressive resume. After graduating from Auburn University in 1989 she went to work in Washington D.C. for the Republican National Committee, she then went to work for then Mobile-Republican U.S. Rep. Sonny Callahan. Returning to Montgomery in 1998 she worked on several Republican campaigns and served as executive director of the Alabama Republican Party from 1999 until 2001. She then took a job as state director of Citizens for a Sound Economy. From there, she worked in Riley’s office, secured her spot as chairman of the Republican party, and began to run for public office in 2008. In 2010 Cavanaugh won her seat on the Alabama Public Service Commission, and was elected President of the commission in 2012, a position she maintains today. 2. She is a co-owner of two different businesses Cavanaugh is a co-owner of her husband Jeff’s veterinarian clinic in Auburn, Ala. the Cavanaugh Bradley Animal Hospital. She is also a co-owner of Conservative Solutions, a political consulting firm run by herself. 1. She loves FOX News When Cavanaugh filled out Alabama Today’s candidate questionnaire, she was asked wether she watches 60 Minutes or House of Cards, her answer: “Neither; in our house if the TV isn’t on Fox News, it’s only because the local news is on or there’s a college football game on.” She also mentioned that Fox News is the outlet she gets almost all of her political news from.
Twinkle Cavanaugh will face Will Ainsworth in July runoff for Lieutenant Governor
The current President of the Public Service Commission and an outgoing State Rep. are headed for a runoff in July in the race to be Alabama’s next Lieutenant Governor. Guntersville-Republican State Rep. Will Ainsworth finished second to Montgomery’s Twinkle Cavanaugh in Tuesday’s Republican primary for Lieutenant Governor. Ainsworth took home 36 percent of the vote compared to Cavanaugh’s 43 percent. The third candidate, Rusty Glover, received 19 percent of the vote. The results move the top two vote-getters to a runoff as no candidate won 50 percent or more of the vote in order to outright win the nomination. Cavanaugh said she’s looking forward to traveling to all 67 counties again in the runoff. “What a night! Thank you to everyone who voted today and all of our tremendous supporters! We couldn’t have done it without you!,” Cavanaugh posted on Facebook. “Looking forward to traveling to all 67 counties again and working harder than ever in the runoff. Together, we will build a brighter Alabama!” “Over the last year, we’ve taken on the crooked career politicians in Montgomery and stood up for conservative values. Tuesday’s results show that we’re on the right track,” said Ainsworth following news of the runoff. “Alabamians’ continued dedication to conservative values inspires me, and I am grateful for the support of conservatives in every city, town and crossroads across our state. We’ve taken on the career politicians and we’ve made great strides, but the fight for Alabama’s future is not over.” The runoff is set for July 17. The office of Lieutenant Governor While some voters know much about the office of Lieutenant Governor, current Gov. Kay Ivey attributes her time in the position as what prepared her to take over the Governorship last April. As written in state law, the Lieutenant Governor is the President of the Senate and is entitled to vote in the event of a tie, much like that of the Vice President of the United States. They are also vested with certain prescribed legislative duties, powers, and responsibilities.
SBA List declares victory as pro-life women advance in Alabama primaries
The national pro-life group Susan B. Anthony List (SBA List) celebrated as its endorsed candidates in Alabama — Gov. Kay Ivey, Twinkle Cavanaugh, and 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby —advanced in their respective primaries. Ivey outright won the Republican party’s nomination and moves to the general election on Nov. 6. Meanwhile Cavanaugh, in the race for Lieutenant Governor, and Roby in the race to continue representing the 2nd District in the.S. House of Representatives, will both move to runoff election scheduled to take place on July 17. “We congratulate Governor Kay Ivey on her primary win. We also congratulate Twinkle Cavanaugh and Congresswoman Martha Roby on advancing in their races,” said former Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave, SBA List’s Vice President of Government Affairs. “These three outstanding candidates form a pro-life ‘dream team’ for Alabama, one of the most solidly pro-life states in the nation. They will stand up to the extreme abortion lobby, fight to protect unborn children and their mothers, and keep Alabama taxpayers out of the abortion business. As an organization with a special calling to promote strong pro-life, pro-woman leaders, we are proud to see them advance and encourage Alabama voters to support them.” Ivey is a founding member of SBA List’s Pro-Life Women’s Caucus who was first endorsed by SBA List Candidate Fund in 2010. Cavanaugh is president of Alabama’s Public Service Commission, an important role ensuring taxpayers’ confidence in local government. Previously, she was the first woman to serve as chair of the Alabama Republican Party. Roby was one of the first to speak out on the House floor to raise awareness of Planned Parenthood’s role in the harvest and sale of aborted babies’ body parts for profit. She has fought to redirect taxpayer funding from Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion business, to comprehensive health care alternatives. She is also a co-sponsor of the Protecting Life and Integrity in Research Act of 2017, which would ban federal funding for research using fetal tissue from abortion victims. Recently, she spoke in support of the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. She also co-sponsored the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act and managed floor debate on the bill. Susan B. Anthony List and its partner super PAC, Women Speak Out spent more than $18 million in the 2016 election cycle, visiting more than 1.1 million homes in battleground states to defeat Hillary Clinton and maintain a pro-life Senate. SBA List is dedicated to pursuing policies and electing candidates who will reduce and ultimately end abortion. To that end, SBA List emphasizes the education, promotion, mobilization, and election of pro-life women. SBA List is a network of more than 630,000 pro-life Americans nationwide.
Get to know: Twinkle Cavanaugh Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor
Republican Lt. Governor-hopeful Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh is no stranger to state politics and getting things done. She currently serves the people of Alabama as President of the Public Service Commission. Over the past six years, she has “rightsized” the PSC and reduced overall spending by 30 percent. This has saved the taxpayers over $50 million and will continue to save our state over $10 million annually. Prior to her time at the PSC, she was the first female Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party back in 2005. Now she’s one of three Republicans running for Lieutenant Governor. She hopes to lead the charge to restore the state’s image and elevate Alabama into a land of opportunity for generations to come. While some voters don’t know much about the office of Lt. Governor, current Gov. Kay Ivey attributes her time in the position as what prepared her to take over the Governorship last April. As written in state law, the Lieutenant Governor is the President of the Senate and is entitled to vote in the event of a tie, much like that of the Vice President of the United States. They are also vested with certain prescribed legislative duties, powers, and responsibilities. Here Cavanaugh is in her own words: Significant other? Kids? I’m married to Jeff Cavanaugh, a veterinarian. We have three children and two grandchildren. We are active members of First Baptist Church in Montgomery, where we teach Sunday School and Jeff serves as a Deacon. Education background? Professional background? I graduated from Jefferson Davis High School and then Auburn University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in biology and my teaching certificate. What was your first job? I got my first job working at a local Bojangles’ in high school. My first job after graduating from Auburn was teaching at Houston Hills Junior High School in downtown Montgomery. In 25 words or less, why are you running for office? I’m running for Lt. Governor to cut the size of state government, fight for our conservative way of life, and to help build a brighter Alabama for our children and grandchildren. Did you speak with anybody in your political party before deciding on running? Receive any encouragement? From whom? I spoke with my family before deciding to run, and we took a close look at everything involved. After prayer, discussion, and doing our homework, I know that I can make a significant positive impact on our state as Lt. Governor. I have been blessed to serve at the Public Service Commission and strongly believe that I have more to offer my fellow Alabamians. My family has been so encouraging throughout my time in public service, and I could truly not do it without their constant love and support. Who do you count on for advice? First and foremost, I pray for guidance. My family also serves as an important sounding board. When it comes to specific issues that pop up in state government, I like to hear from the relevant stakeholders and hear all sides. That’s the best way to find comprehensive, measured solutions to the very real challenges facing our state. Who is your political consultant? Campaign manager? Randy Hinaman is my campaign’s general consultant. Who was the first person to contribute to your campaign? Why did they donate? Several individuals sent me a check the very first day of fundraising back in June of 2017. I’ve been blessed by strong grassroots supporters for years, and I’m proud to have tried and true conservatives fighting alongside me. Who, if anyone, inspires you in state government? Ronald Reagan was the person who really first inspired me to get involved in conservative causes; Chuck Colson (founder of Prison Fellowship) has also been a motivating figure to me. As far as state government goes, I have had the privilege of working with so many tremendous state employees who go above and beyond to serve the people of our great state. State government could not function without the tireless dedication of everyday men and women across Alabama. Why do people mistrust elected officials and what are you going to do about it? We are sick and tired of being embarrassed by elected officials. Year after year, negative surprises keep popping up. These are the things that make national news and sully our state’s image. We can and we must do better. I’m running for Lt. Governor because I believe Alabama’s brightest days can be ahead of us with proven conservative leaders at the helm. We can be the envy of the South and a beacon for the rest of the nation. It all starts with restoring trust in state government. I want to lead the charge in doing a full audit of state spending and find out how we can right-size agencies across the board like we have done at the Public Service Commission. One of the best things elected officials can do to restore people’s faith in them is to prove that our tax dollars are being spent efficiently and prudently. What are 3 issues that you’re running on? (Please don’t simply say “education” or “improving the schools”) First, we must continue investing in pre-K and early elementary education while at the same time giving our children a strong finish. For some of our students, that means a college degree from one of our world-class colleges or universities, but for many, it means getting a technical certification or job training. Workforce development programs, technical schools, public-private partnerships, and dual enrollment programs with local community colleges will prepare our children for good, high-paying jobs and make Alabama an attractive place to start or grow a business. The bottom line is that each child should be equipped for and allowed to choose his or her own path to success. Second, we need to fix Alabama’s infrastructure. Infrastructure is the backbone of commerce. So many of our roads and river ways need work. And it is our duty to provide job creators with high speed connectivity, low-cost electricity, and a dependable network of roads, bridges, and waterways, so they can thrive and create new jobs. Third, we need regulatory reform. Government
Will Ainsworth calls Twinkle Cavanaugh ‘tax-loving lobbyist,’ as she calls him ‘desperate’
Guntersville-Republican State Rep. and Lt. Governor-hopeful Will Ainsworth took to the airways ahead of the holiday weekend with a new ad calling out his opponent Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh. Titled “Shooting Straight,” the 30 second spot claims Cavanaugh, the current Chair of the Public Service Commission and former Chair of the Alabama Republican Party, is a “career politician.” “Career politician. Bureaucrat. Special interest lobbyist. Twinkle even supported the largest tax increase in Alabama history. Twinkle Cavanaugh, another tax-loving lobbyist bureaucrat turned career politician,” the ad asserts. But Cavanaugh is pushing back, calling Ainsworth’s attacks in the final week before the primary “desperate.” “State legislator Will Ainsworth has done this before,” Cavanaugh said. “He attacked President Trump in the same dishonest manner when his candidate for President was failing. Just last week, Rep. Ainsworth even attacked Governor Ivey and tweeted out a disgusting photoshopped picture of the Governor covered in blood. He’s trailing in the polls by a huge margin, so now he’s desperate.” Cavanaugh is referring to the fact when Donald Trump was running for President, Ainsworth called him “a con artist,” a “liberal,” and “not a conservative,” said that Trump’s campaign for President was “a ridiculous act,” and even declared that President Trump needs to be stopped. “I’m calling on state legislator Will Ainsworth to immediately apologize to President Trump and Governor Ivey. What he’s said about both of them is just plain wrong,” concluded Cavanaugh.
