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lobbyists

A real outsider

Donald Trump got a lot of votes in Alabama. Even today, after two years of implementing policies that have undeniably hurt this state, he still enjoys healthy support in Alabama. While it would be easy to tie that support to Alabama’s history of racism and Trump’s tendency to say racist things and support racist people … Continued
December 6, 2018

The 2019 gas tax, gambling fight is under way

The fight over a gas tax increase has begun. Just out of public view, lawmakers and lobbyists and business interests are working together and against each other to draw up bills that will increase Alabama’s gas tax as much as 18 cents initially, depending on the type of fuel being purchased. But there is broad … Continued
December 5, 2018

Attorney General’s campaign ends month with rivals nearly even in cash on hand

In the attorney general’s race, appointed Republican Steve Marshall out-raised his Democrat opponent, first-time candidate Joe Siegelman, two to one, but the pair ended the month essentially dead-even in cash on hand. Despite raising millions in the Republican primary, Marshall only raised $224,700.00, according to his Oct. 2 FPCA report. On the other hand, Siegelman reported … Continued
October 4, 2018

Three cheers for cheaters, conmen and crooks

Lobbyists and others representing special interests give millions to lawmakers in the form of campaign contributions, and it doesn’t even matter if they are legally or ethically right; they are a must. Not only are these contributions acceptable and expected, in many cases, it is demanded with valued treats. With millions in contributions, lobbyists and … Continued
September 14, 2018

Fundraiser or shakedown?

An email was sent to lobbyists and others with business before the state on Aug. 29, with an attached invitation to a fundraising event supporting first-time state Senate candidate Andrew Jones. The email asked that each recipient reply all, “letting Leadership know you got this.” It also requests that in their reply, all respond they indicate, … Continued
September 12, 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

My vision for a better Alabama

The State of Alabama has received international fame in recent years for all the wrong reasons. Corrupt leadership, pay to play politics, and entrenched Montgomery lobbyists earned us headlines we don’t want to repeat. I believe Alabama can do better. I believe Alabama deserves better! It’s time for new leadership in the state. Someone with … Continued
June 4, 2018

Ethics Review Committee is a long con

After last week’s initial meeting of the Ethics Review Committee, it’s now apparent that the body, as far as its leaders are concerned, is not assembled to strengthen and clarify the state’s ethics laws but weaken it through a wholesale rewrite. In other words, the Ethics Review Committee is a prop in a confidence scheme. … Continued
May 24, 2018

APR’s League of Influentials offer predictions in the upcoming Republican primary

During the first two weeks of May, the Alabama Political Reporter asked its League of Influentials to weigh in on upcoming Republican statewide elections. The Influentials are a roster of lawmakers from both parties, political analysts, members of the media, lobbyists and consultants that span the political spectrum. The survey finds Gov. Ivey with a … Continued
May 21, 2018

Ainsworth blasts Twinkle in lieutenant governor race, lays out his plan for the office

Career politician vs. successful businessman. That’s the way Will Ainsworth sees his Republican primary race for lieutenant governor. He, of course, is the successful businessman, having founded Dream Ranch and the Alabama Hunting and Fishing Expo, and his opponent, Twinkle Cavanaugh, is the “swampy” career politician. “You can’t get more swamp than my opponent in … Continued
May 17, 2018