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Sen. Richard Shelby turns 85 this week. He is a treasure.

Our Senior U.S. Senator, Richard Shelby, turns 85 this week. In March he reached another milestone – he surpassed Senator John Sparkman as the longest serving U.S. Senator in Alabama history. Shelby has been our senator for 32 plus years. Alabama has a treasure in Richard Shelby. He is not only the longest serving U.S. … Continued
May 8, 2019

On two fronts: Ethics laws face challenges before Supreme Court and in Statehouse

Alabama’s ethics laws are under attack on two fronts. A bill moving through the Legislature would significantly loosen the state’s “toughest-in-the-nation” ethics rules, which govern the behavior of state officials, lawmakers, lobbyists and those who hire them. In the courts, though, another challenge is brewing. Former Republican House Speaker Mike Hubbard — convicted on 12 … Continued
April 9, 2019

Crossroads: Immigration

Growing up, my parents taught me the basic values of fairness and following the rules. I think these values were common in households all across our state and country. In today’s society, those two basic values need to be applied to the ongoing debate about illegal immigration. In terms of fairness, we have people who … Continued
February 25, 2019

McCutcheon hopes road bill will be issue No. 1 in session

 Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives Mac McCutcheon, R-Monrovia, told reporters that he is working on an infrastructure bill. “The work that is being done is between myself, the pro-tem (Del Marsh) and the governor (Kay Ivey). Gov. Kay Ivey promised roads that would be “the envy of the nation” in her inauguration speech. … Continued
January 21, 2019

House passes controversial new rules

The Alabama House of Representatives voted for a series of rule changes in the inner workings of the house. Passing the rules for the next four years is one of the duties of the legislature during the organizational session; but since Republicans have an overwhelming 77 to 28 supermajority the Republicans essentially got to write … Continued
January 10, 2019

ALGOP House rule changes eliminate democracy

Elections have consequences. In Alabama, the consequence is the death of democracy. Or, at least, it will be if the Republicans who increased their supermajority stronghold in the state Legislature in November have their way. On Monday, APR received a copy of Republicans’ proposed rules changes for the upcoming 2019 legislative session. The changes are … Continued
January 8, 2019

Alabama Senate Republicans hold onto commanding super majority

The people of Alabama went to the polls on Tuesday and gave a resounding vote of confidence to the Alabama Senate Republican Caucus. Currently the GOP holds a commanding 26 to 8 to 1 supermajority in the Alabama Senate. According to our early calculations, it appears that Senate Pro Tem Del Marsh (R-Anniston) has grown … Continued
November 7, 2018

Some politicos learn lessons the hard way

For some untold reason or some would say ungodly reason, I have always been enthralled and involved in politics. As a boy growing up in Troy, I was tutored and trained in the rules and rituals of Alabama politics by two masters of my county’s political history. The Probate Judge and State Representative were my … Continued
October 3, 2018