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Republican brand still strong despite corruption, convictions and copying Democrat predecessors

According to Real Clear Politics, Democrats in Alabama have little chance of making progress in November’s general election because the Republican brand is so strong. RCP polling shows Gov. Kay Ivey is a hands-down favorite to win against Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox in November’s general election even though she has only been governor for just … Continued
August 21, 2018

Alabama Republican lawmakers have broken the law. Should all Republicans in the state lose their rights?

It’s time for Republicans in Alabama to give up some rights. Over the last few years, GOP lawmakers have violated the law on an almost daily basis, and seven of them have been indicted, convicted or pleaded guilty of misusing their offices for public gain. They have violated the public’s trust repeatedly. They have sought … Continued
August 21, 2018

Recognizing our congressional interns

A Congressional internship is an incredibly rewarding experience that helps young people gain skills and knowledge that will serve them well in whatever career path they choose. I’m pleased my office offers internships to college students and recent graduates from Alabama throughout the year. This year, it was an honor to host eleven interns in … Continued
August 20, 2018

A blue few days away, and a same-sex wedding

After another disappointing Alabama election where voters decided against their better interests, I was characteristically frustrated. One of my friends, this one living in northern Virginia, wrote to me: “Joey, you and Veronica should move to a blue state just for a little while. It’ll add 10 years to your life.” I chuckled. I can’t … Continued
August 16, 2018

Republicans playing by different rules when it comes to state ethics laws

The law is simple: Candidates running for public office in Alabama must file a statement of economic interests when they qualify, and then must file an annual SEI by the yearly deadline. That’s not hard, right? File an SEI when you qualify. File again at the next year’s deadline. Simple. But then, following ethics laws … Continued
August 14, 2018

Secretary of State’s letter addressed out-of-state PACs meddling in Alabama elections

During the runoff in the recent Republican Attorney General’s race, the question of whether an out-of-state Political Action Committee can donate to a candidate without complying with Alabama’s Fair Campaign Practice Act was raised but never fully answered. The Ethics Commission Executive Director seemed to say it was unlawful while the Secretary of State’s Office … Continued
August 13, 2018

A thank you note to Alabama’s teachers


My oldest daughter just turned sixteen. She’s driving, and as a dad, it’s a thrilling, but scary moment in life — this week, she started the tenth grade, and the reality is that during the school year, she spends nearly as much time at school as she does around her mom and me. For young … Continued
August 13, 2018

Gulf State Park named Alabama Tourism’s Attraction of the Year

Gulf State Park has been named the Alabama Tourism Department’s 2018 Attraction of the Year. The park received the honor Monday night at the Alabama Governor’s Conference on Tourism. The park includes three miles of white sandy beaches and draws visitors from around the world. Alabama Tourism praised the park’s staff and volunteers who provide … Continued
August 9, 2018

Inside the Statehouse: Primary political potpourri

Now that the dust has settled on the primaries, allow me to share with you some thoughts on the Alabama political stage. There is an old saying that says the more things change, the more they stay the same. This old adage is true in Alabama politics. First of all, “All politics is local.” In the … Continued
August 9, 2018

DC’s political pornography keeps voters distracted

While Alabama’s voters breathlessly bask in the bodice-ripper soft porn that is the daily press coverage of the President Donald J. Trump administration here at home, some elected officials are disregarding and dismantling the very laws that Republicans rode to victory in 2010. Ethics reform and the Fair Campaign Practice Act are under attack, not … Continued
August 8, 2018