Steve Flowers: Girls State has had a profound effect on current state leaders
The Alabama Boys State and Girls State programs have been the spawning ground for Alabama political leaders for generations. It is a marvelous civic contribution that the American Legion has sponsored for almost a century in our state. The prominence that Boys State has played is immense. However, Girls State may very well be eclipsing the boys in this generation, given the amazing array of women who are currently leading our state. Governor Kay Ivey was a young high school leader growing up in Wilcox County in the early 1960s. Kay was selected for Girls State and had a week there that left an indelible impression on her. She went on to Auburn, where she was a student leader. For over 40 years, Kay Ivey has come back to Girls State every year as a counselor, advisor, and speaker. She is devoted to Girls State. Dr. Cathy Johnson Randall has been one of the state’s most respected leaders for 50 years. She was the most outstanding student at the University of Alabama when I arrived in 1970. She graduated undergraduate and got her doctorate from the Capstone. In her early career years, she was an administrator at the University of Alabama. She has been a premier businesswoman and philanthropist and Tuscaloosa Civic leader in her adult life. As a teenager, Cathy was a Girls Stater, to say the least. She was elected Governor of Girls State. She then went on to Washington and was elected President of Girls Nation. Furthermore, her daughter Kate was elected Governor of Girls State like her mother, and – get this – Kate was also President of Girls Nation. Cathy’s late husband and Kate’s father, Pettus Randall, was Governor of Alabama Boys State. It is doubtful any family in America, much less Alabama, will ever match that family lineage. Cathy Randall and Kay Ivey took a young lady from Enterprise under their wings when she arrived at Girls State. That student leader was one Katie Boyd. Katie became Governor of Girls State. She then went on to the University of Alabama and pledged Cathy Randall’s sorority, Chi Omega. Katie was elected Student Government President at Alabama, then married Crimson Tide Football star, Wesley Britt. Last year Katie Boyd Britt was elected as our United States Senator at the ripe old age of 40. The list of Girls Staters that are current state leaders does not end with Governor Ivey, Senator Britt, and Dr. Randall. Supreme Court Justice Kelli Wise was a Girls Stater, as well as past Justice Lyn Stuart. Federal District Judge Anna Manasco is a Girls State alumnus from around the same era as Kelli Wise. Mary Margaret Carroll from Ozark, who is one of the state’s top lobbyists, was a Girls Stater with Katie Britt and a Chi Omega with Katie at Alabama. She was also President of the SGA at the University of Alabama. Liz Filmore, Kay Ivey’s Chief of Staff, got her start at Girls State. Many of these women have bonded through the Girls State program. Especially Kay Ivey, Cathy Randall, and Katie Britt. They are like sisters. The fourth sister in this close-knit group is Lee Sellers of Montgomery. Lee grew up in Montgomery and has lived there all of her life. She was a prominent Girls State leader as a teenager. She became Executive Director of Alabama Girls State 21 years ago. She and her husband, Supreme Court Justice Will Sellers, are some of Kay Ivey’s closest friends. Lee is the glue that keeps this band of Girls State Alumni together. Lee will more than likely bring this group of state leaders back to welcome this year’s group of teenage Girls State leaders when they arrive next week to Troy University for the 81st meeting of Alabama Girls State. There will probably be a future senator or governor in attendance. Our current governor, Kay Ivey, is the first elected female Republican governor of Alabama. She will not be the last female to be elected governor of our state. In the future, my prediction is that there will be mostly female governors and presidents in future years. It is a fact that the majority of college enrollees and graduates are female. The reason most future governors and presidents, and probably Supreme Court justices, will be women is because currently 60% of law school graduates are females, and this is expected to grow to 70% in the next decade. See You next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at: www.steveflowers.us.
Katie Britt to serve on three Senate Committees
U.S. Senator Katie Britt announced Wednesday that she will serve on the Senate Committees on Appropriations, Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and Rules and Administration during the 118th Congress. The three committee assignments were ratified by the Senate Republican Conference Wednesday afternoon, and the full Senate is expected to approve an organizing resolution this week. As a freshman member, these are Britt’s inaugural committee assignments. “I have always said that my mission is to ensure Alabama has the best possible seat at the table, and these committee assignments will strongly position me to fight effectively for our great state’s people, interests, and values during my first two years in the United States Senate,” said Sen. Britt. “I want to be the kind of leader who works to identify and implement tangible, meaningful solutions to the pressing challenges facing Alabama and America. I look forward to championing priorities that help preserve the American Dream, build a bright future, and grow opportunities for our children and our children’s children.” The Senate Committee on Appropriations role is defined by the U.S. Constitution, which requires “appropriations made by law” prior to the expenditure of any money from the Federal treasury. The Committee writes the legislation that allocates federal funds to the numerous government agencies, departments, and organizations on an annual basis. “There is no doubt that Alabama having a seat on the Appropriations Committee is critical for our state, and I’m pleased that we’ll continue to be directly represented in this important process moving forward,” Sen. Britt said of serving on the Appropriations Committee. “One of my top priorities will be ensuring we maintain a strong national defense and that our men and women in uniform are the best equipped, resourced, and trained in the world so that American families remain safe and free. I am going to be a voice for restoring fiscal sanity in our country by spending hard-earned taxpayer money responsibly and responsively. We need to get back to regular order and end the wasteful spending that’s poured fuel on the inflationary fire that is devastating Americans in every corner of our country.” Britt’s predecessor and mentor, Sen. Richard Shelby, served as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. The Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs plays an integral role in managing legislation that affects the lives of many Americans. These areas of jurisdiction include banking, insurance, financial markets, securities, housing, urban development, and mass transit, international trade and finance, and economic policy. “I’m eager to be an outspoken advocate for commonsense consumer protections and fostering a financial environment that promotes freedom, opportunity, and prosperity for hardworking families, small businesses, and retirees across our state and nation,” Britt said of being assigned to the Banking Committee. The Committee on Rules and Administration is charged with preparing a system of rules for conducting business in the Senate. “The institution of the Senate is important to me, and I look forward to being a champion for the Constitution, the rule of law, and the Senate’s cherished tradition of robust debate and civil discourse on the Rules Committee,” Britt said of serving on the Rules Committee. Britt was elected to the Senate in 2020. She and her husband, Wesley Britt, live in Montgomery with their two children. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt is sworn in as U.S. Senator
Katie Britt was sworn into the U.S. Senate floor on Tuesday. The swearing-in ceremony took place on the Senate floor shortly after the first session of the 118th Congress convened. “It was a humbling moment to take the oath of office today on the Senate floor,” said newly sworn-in Senator Katie Britt. “I am truly grateful to the people of Alabama for their trust, confidence, and prayers. Now, it’s time to get to work to fight for our people, our liberties, and our values. It will be my mission every day in the Senate to be a leader who looks to identify and implement tangible, meaningful solutions to the serious challenges and opportunities facing both Alabama and America, so hardworking families can thrive in strong communities. Looking up to the gallery from the Senate floor today and seeing my two children smiling down at me reminded me what this is all about – preserving the American Dream for generations to come. As this new year gets underway, my family and I would like to wish everyone a healthy, safe, and prosperous 2023. I have no doubt that our brightest days are ahead. May God continue to bless our great state and nation.” In keeping with traditional protocol, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, as Alabama’s new senior senator escorted Senator Britt to Vice President Kamala Harris, who administered the oath as the Senate’s presiding officer. Members of Senator Britt’s family watched the swearing-in from the Senate gallery. Almost 500 Alabamians traveled to Washington to celebrate the landmark occasion in person. Senator Britt’s temporary office space is in the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Her new official Senate website, while a work in progress, is now online and active. Britt is in the process of adding constituent services to the page, which is still a work in progress. This is Britt’s first elected office. Britt replaces the retiring Sen. Richard Shelby, who served for 36 years in the Senate from 1987 to 2022. Twenty years ago, Britt’s life changed when during college, she served an internship with Shelby’s office. Later she served as Shelby’s former chief of staff. Katie is a native of Coffee County. She is married to lobbyist Wesley Britt – a native of Cullman County. They have two children and reside in Montgomery. Congressman Dale Strong was also sworn in on Tuesday. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt to be sworn in as Senator
Alabama will get its second new Senator in two years on Tuesday when Katie Britt is sworn in on the first day of the 118th Congress. United States Senator-elect Katie Boyd Britt will took the oath of office on the Senate floor shortly after the 118th Congress convened at 12:00 p.m. CST on Tuesday, January 3. “Taking the oath of office is incredibly humbling,” said Senator-elect Britt. “As people across America approach this time of year with a sense of renewal and optimism while undertaking New Year’s resolutions, I want Alabamians to hear this commitment directly from me: I am firmly resolved to never be outworked and to always make Alabama proud in the United States Senate. Being entrusted to serve as Alabama’s U.S. Senator is a tremendous honor and responsibility. I am ready to hit the ground running to fight for hardworking families in every corner of our great state and to preserve the American Dream for generations to come.” In keeping with traditional protocol, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, as Alabama’s new senior senator will escort Senator-elect Britt to the Vice President, who will administer the oath as the Senate’s presiding officer. Members of Senator-elect Britt’s family will witness the swearing-in from the Senate gallery. Hundreds of Alabamians notified Britt’s office that they intend to travel to Washington to celebrate the landmark occasion in-person. Britt will be the second youngest woman to ever serve in the U.S. Senate and the youngest Republican woman in Senate history. Katie Boyd Britt grew up in Enterprise in Coffee County. She attended the University of Alabama where she was the President of the Student Government Association. She interned in U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby’s (R-Alabama) office and then joined the Senator’s staff. She later received a law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law. Britt then accepted the role as Shelby’s Chief of Staff. Britt left government service to accept the position as President and CEO of the powerful Business Council of Alabama. She also practiced law in Montgomery. Britt is married to former University of Alabama and New England Patriots football player Wesley Britt, – a native of Cullman County. Wesley Britt is a former lobbyist for the Alabama Power Company. He recently accepted a position as a lobbyist for Montgomery Law Firm Fine Geddie government relations firm. The Britts reside in Montgomery with their two children. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Wesley Britt joins government affairs firm Fine & Geddie
Wesley Britt, the husband of U.S. Senator-elect Katie Britt, has joined Fine, Geddie and Associates, governmental affairs firms based out of Montgomery, Alabama Daily News reported. Before stepping down to help his wife campaign for the U.S. Senate, Britt worked in economic development and government affairs for Alabama Power. Britt will work with state-level clients and take no part in federal lobbying efforts, according to a statement from the firm. “I am thrilled and grateful for the opportunity to join a top-notch team at Fine Geddie,” Britt said in an announcement. “Joe Fine and Bob Geddie are first-ballot hall of famers, and I can’t wait to work with everyone at the firm to serve our clients and strengthen our great state.” Britt was an All-American offensive tackle for the University of Alabama and played with New England Patriots. The firm’s founding partners expressed excitement over Britt joining the firm. “Wesley shares our love of the state of Alabama, and we look forward to having him as a member of our team,” they said in a statement. “Wesley’s intricate knowledge of Alabama’s economic development landscape, extensive experience in Montgomery’s governmental affairs arena, deep roots in communities across the state, proven track record of meaningful relationship building, and his true heart for service will enhance our firm’s mission and record of success.” Wesley is originally from Cullman County. The Britts live in Montgomery with their two children, Bennett and Ridgeway.
Katie Britt tells reporters she is running to preserve American Dream for generations to come
Republican nominee for U.S. Senate Katie Britt was joined by her family when she voted Tuesday morning in Montgomery. Britt was greeted by a large crowd of children and parents showing their enthusiastic support. “Seeing so many children and parents come out to cheer us on this morning reinforced why we’re doing this — to preserve the American Dream for generations to come,” said Katie Britt. “We are blown away by the enthusiasm we’ve seen in every corner of our state. It is clear that Alabamians are ready to send a loud and clear message at the ballot box today, and we are truly grateful for the prayers, encouragement, volunteer work, and support from so many people across Alabama. I will work tirelessly every single day in the U.S. Senate to make Alabama proud. Please remind your family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues to get out the vote because our future is on the ballot. Together, we’ll save the country we know and love for our children and our children’s children.” Britt is an attorney and former President and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama (BCA). She is a former Chief of Staff for Sen. Richard Shelby – whom she is running to replace. Shelby is retiring after 36 years in the U.S. Senate and has endorsed Britt. Britt is married to Wesley Britt, a former University of Alabama and New England Patriots football player. The Britts and their two children live in Montgomery. Britt has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama and a law degree from the University of Alabama. She is a native of Enterprise in Coffee County. Britt hopes that Republicans come out and vote today both in Alabama and across the country in a red wave so that she enters a Congress controlled by Republicans. Britt has urged voters to “elect Republicans up and down the ballot.” Democratic nominee Will Boyd and Libertarian nominee John Sophocleus are hoping to upset Britt in a race that has not generated a lot of national attention since the Republican primary runoff. Alabama voters will get to vote on races from Congress to Governor to State Auditor to county commissioner today. There are also ten proposed state constitutional amendments on the ballot and a proposed recompiled State Constitution. Polls will be open until 7:00 pm Tuesday night. Voters who are in line by 7:00 pm will be allowed to vote. Remember to vote at your assigned polling place and to bring a valid photo ID to the polls with you. There is no same-day voter registration in Alabama. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Elise Stefanik endorses Katie Britt for U.S. Senate
On Thursday, GOP House Conference Chair Elise Stefanik’s E-PAC announced the endorsement of Republican nominee Katie Britt for U.S. Senate in Alabama. “I am proud to endorse Katie Britt to be Alabama’s next U.S. Senator,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-New York). “Katie is an America First warrior who will be a crucial voice for Alabama in the Senate, where she will stand up against Joe Biden and Chuck Schumer’s radical policies that have created crisis after crisis. I am proud to add Katie to the ranks of strong, E-PAC-endorsed GOP women on the ballot this November, and I encourage all Alabama families to vote for Katie Britt in the critical mission to take back the Senate and save America.” Britt released a statement thanking Congresswoman Stefanik for her endorsement. “I’m grateful to Congresswoman Stefanik for her support and endorsement,” stated Britt. “The Republican Party is the party of parents and hardworking families, who are getting crushed by the unchecked consequences of one-party Democratic rule in Joe Biden’s Washington, D.C. As November 8 quickly approaches, moms and dads across our nation are stepping up to preserve the American Dream for our children and our children’s children. Together, we will save the country we know and love.” There are 23 E-PAC endorsed GOP women in open and challenger House races in November’s election. Britt is the third E-PAC-endorsed GOP woman running for the U.S. Senate. The others are Leora Levy in Connecticut and Tiffany Smiley in the state of Washington. The majority of 2022’s E-PAC endorsed GOP women won their primaries, and three of 2022’s E-PAC endorsed GOP women have already been sworn into Congress: These are Connie Conway (CA-22), Julia Letlow (LA-05), and Mayra Flores (TX-34). Katie Boyd Britt grew up in Enterprise, where her parents were small business owners. Britt graduated from Enterprise High School. She got a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama and a law degree from the University of Alabama Law School. Britt is a practicing attorney. She is the former President and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama (BCA) and formerly was Chief of Staff for incumbent Republican Sen. Richard Shelby. Britt is married to former University of Alabama, and New England Patriots star football player Wesley Britt from Cullman County. The couple and their two children now reside in Montgomery. Britt has been endorsed by both Shelby and former President Donald Trump. Britt winning the election is essential to Republicans’ hopes of taking control of the U.S. Senate as Britt would be a Republican replacing a Republican. Shelby is retiring after 36 years representing Alabama in the Senate. Voters will decide on Tuesday, November 8, between Katie Boyd Britt, Libertarian nominee John Sophocleus, and Democratic nominee Dr. Will Boyd. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
National Federation of Independent Businesses endorses Katie Britt for U.S. Senate
Republican nominee for U.S. Senate Katie Boyd Britt announced on Monday that her campaign has been endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization. The NFIB endorsement was announced at a campaign event hosted at NFIB member small business Tang’s Alterations in Montgomery on Friday. “Katie Britt has shown a strong commitment to small business, especially during the COVID-19 lockdown,” said Rosemary Elebash, NFIB Alabama State Director. “NFIB worked closely with Katie when she represented the Business Council of Alabama. We were partners on multiple issues with the Governor’s office, including implementing Alabama Small Business Grants, replenishing the Alabama Unemployment Trust Fund to avoid a 500% tax increase, passing COVID-19 liability protection for businesses, and serving together on the Lt. Governor’s Small Business Emergency Task Force Committee to ‘Reopen Alabama Responsibly.’ During the campaign, Katie has visited with small business owners in all 67 counties and heard their concerns about government overreach with taxes, mandates, rules, and regulations. She will work closely with NFIB to promote policies to assist small businesses when she is elected to the U.S. Senate.” The endorsement was issued by NFIB FedPAC, NFIB’s political action committee. NFIB FedPAC is funded by voluntary contributions by NFIB members over and above their membership dues. Decisions made by the NFIB FedPAC are managed by a member-driven grassroots evaluation. “We are confident that Katie Britt will be a voice for small business owners in Congress,” said Sharon Sussin, NFIB Senior National Political Director. “She has proven to be a consistent small business supporter and understands the challenges small business owners face. We are pleased to endorse her today.” “I’m honored to have the endorsement of NFIB and Alabama’s incredible small businesses,” said Katie Britt. “Growing up as the daughter of two small business owners in the Wiregrass, I saw firsthand the challenges my parents faced and the sacrifices they made for our family and their team members — just as small business owners across Alabama do every day. In the U.S. Senate, I’m going to be a champion for small businesses in every corner of our great state, and I’ll fight to ensure Main Streets are able to grow and thrive.” Prior to her run for Senate, Britt was the President and CEO of the powerful Business Council of Alabama (BCA), a close ally of NFIB. Britt has already announced the respective endorsements of the Home Builders Association of Alabama, the Alabama Farmers Federation’s FarmPAC, the Alabama Retail Association, Manufacture Alabama, the Automobile Dealers Association of Alabama, the Alabama Forestry Association, the Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama, the League of Southeastern Credit Unions, the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association, University of Alabama Crimson Tide legend Siran Stacy, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, the Alabama Mining Association, U.S. Senator Tom Cotton, former White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, the Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives, former President Donald Trump, the National Association of Realtors PAC, Associated General Contractors of America PAC, U.S. Senator Tim Scott, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, National Right to Life, and SBA Pro-life America. Britt grew up working at several small businesses. She is an attorney and is a former chief of staff for U.S. Senator Richard Shelby, whose seat she is running for. Shelby is retiring at the end of the year and has endorsed Britt. Britt has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama and a law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law. She is a native of Coffee County and is a graduate of Enterprise High School. Britt is married to former University of Alabama and New England Patriots football player Wesley Britt. They reside in Montgomery with their two children. Britt faces Libertarian nominee John Sophocles and Democratic nominee Dr. Will Boyd in the November 8 general election. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Donald Trump rescinds Mo Brooks endorsement in Alabama U.S. Senate race
Former President Donald Trump on Wednesday rescinded his endorsement of Rep. Mo Brooks in Alabama’s U.S. Senate race in a major blow to the congressman’s campaign. In a statement, Trump cited Brooks’ performance in the race, poor campaign staffing, and what Trump perceived as a softening of Brooks’ stance on the former president’s false 2020 election fraud claims. Trump said he will be making another endorsement announcement in the “near future.” “Very sad but, since he decided to go in another direction, so have I, and I am hereby withdrawing my Endorsement of Mo Brooks for the Senate,” Trump said in a statement. “I don’t think the great people of Alabama will disagree with me.” Trump has been frustrated for months by Brooks’ performance as he has failed to gain traction in the race. By dropping the endorsement, the former president is trying to stave off the embarrassment of backing a losing candidate in a high-profile race. Trump, who often brags about his endorsement record, takes his tally seriously, seeing it as a reflection of his power as he mulls another presidential run. It’s not the only race in which Trump’s pick has been struggling. The candidate he originally endorsed in Pennsylvania’s Senate race, Sean Parnell, dropped out amid allegations of abuse from his ex-wife. In North Carolina, his endorsed candidate for an open Senate seat, Rep. Ted Budd, has failed to make a splash. And in Georgia, his pick for governor, David Perdue, is trailing incumbent Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, one of his top 2022 targets. Trump has since become more cautious and held back endorsements in several high-profile races, including contests in Ohio, Missouri, Arizona, and Pennsylvania. Trump had backed Brooks since last April, more than a year ahead of the upcoming May 24 primary, rewarding the conservative firebrand and ally who whipped up a crowd of Trump supporters at the January 6, 2021, rally that preceded the Capitol insurrection. Brooks has since found himself in a primary battle with two formidable opponents: Katie Britt, the former head of a state business group, and Mike Durant, a businessman best known as the helicopter pilot shot down and held prisoner in the 1993 “Black Hawk Down” incident. The Alabama Senate race will decide who replaces retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, a fellow Republican. Britt previously served as Shelby’s chief of staff. Trump, in his Wednesday statement, cited remarks Brooks had made during an August rally with Trump in Alabama that briefly resulted in jeers from the crowd. Brooks told the crowd it was time to move on from the 2020 presidential race and focus on upcoming elections. The remark resulted in some rallygoers briefly booing him. “When I heard his statement, I said, ‘Mo, you just blew the Election, and there’s nothing you can do about it,’” Trump said Wednesday. Trump told the Washington Examiner last week that he was disappointed in Brooks’ performance and suggested he was open to backing another candidate. “It’s a very tight race between the three of them right now, and I’m not particularly happy,” he said. Trump invited Britt and her husband, Wesley Britt, a former lineman for the New England Patriots, to visit with him at his Palm Beach, Florida, estate last month, according to a person who was familiar with the visit but not authorized to speak about it publicly. Brooks has leaned heavily on the Trump connection. His campaign signs refer to him as “MAGA Mo” in reference to the former president’s “Make America Great Again” slogan. He appeared with a life-size poster of Trump at one recent campaign stop. Brooks had tried to salvage the endorsement by pledging not to back Mitch McConnell as Senate Republican leader if he wins the seat. Trump has fumed at McConnell and repeatedly called for his replacement since McConnell criticized the then-president’s conduct on January 6. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Inside the Statehouse: Alabama leaders under 45 who affect the political arena
Steve Flowers lists several young rising stars in Alabama politics.
