Republican Rep. Jim Barton resigns from Alabama State House

Another Republican is leaving office to take another lobbying job. And guess what – it’s costing you the taxpayers more money.  State Rep. Jim Barton, R-Mobile, said Wednesday that he is resigning from his Alabama House seat effective immediately to take a lobbying job with a Montgomery-based governmental affairs firm.

Rep. Jim Barton - Mobile

This is what he had to say about leaving. “Representing the citizens of District 104 for the past 13 years has been a great honor, and I am proud of the many legislative accomplishments my Republican colleagues and I have been able to realize since taking over the majority,” Barton said. “But as a father and husband, I have to put the needs of my family ahead of my own political ambitions, and the business opportunity that has been offered to me is one that I must pursue.”

Barton said he will be joining the Kinney Capitol Group, a lobbying and consulting firm that represents the Alabama Retail Association, among other business interests.  Barton, who serves as chairman of the influential House Ways and Means General Fund Committee, has held the House District 104 seat in south Mobile County since 2000. You tell me he worked hard to cut the State General Fund budget to and then turn around and post a bill for a special election that the citizens now have to pay for.

“Drafting a state budget with too many needs and too few resources is one of the most challenging and difficult jobs I’ve ever been given, but it has also been one of the most fulfilling,” Barton said. Really!

He ran unsuccessfully earlier this year in a special election for the state Senate District 35 seat, losing to Republican Bill Hightower of Mobile.

Are Republicans the Christians they portray to be?

In today’s generation and society we are seeing the true light of representation from Republicans, and the road that is de-touring our lives back to the civil rights era of this country. Sometimes it makes us as ordinary average citizens wonder is there a way forward and if so are we moving forward?

Over the last decade there is no secret in the beliefs of certain politicians namely Republicans or the Tea Party that is seeking to take over the Republican establishment and the political system of this country. We know by now that Republicans seek to deprive the average American that have not and can’t afford to have the right to fairness and equal justice. There is no doubt that Republicans interest and heart is with those that have and can afford to have.

Today when we look at the actions of the Republican party and its politicians, even the laws and legislation that they put forth and pass in congress and states legislatures , it don’t represent biblical beliefs and I don’t believe God is happy or agree with their actions. Republicans portray to be Christians that is symbolic to Christ, but that not so and don’t you as an average American be fooled by the propaganda that they put forth and portray.  They can afford to spread that message and brain wash you with that type of message, because they have the resources to do so; and the Republicans believe they can brain wash you just as they have did many others over decades with lies and untruth.

It’s not a secret that Republicans have turned their backs on the American people. It’s no secret that Republicans belief is that if you are not one of us, not in name of the party but the color of the skin, they are not concerned about you. That evidence is proven itself daily.

When the average citizen, Democrat, or Politician began to have a discussion about race, the Republicans run and they run fast. They do not want a real conversation about race, because the issue is against them and not for them. Remember who the Republican is made of. Wealthy White Americans, White Americans that’s a Republican because they don’t believe their American resources should go to poor, black or minority citizens. A majority of white citizens of this country vote Republican because of the same idea, and their policies reflect the same.   

There is a difference between the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. You may ask how? Well if you look at the makeup of the Republican, it is made up of 90% or more of white Americans. And the small percentage of blacks that join the group is just lost souls that seek to be friends with enemy.  They say and do whatever they are told to get by and be what they want.

Don’t be fooled by the words and talking points of the Republican Party, that they represent America; because in reality they don’t. The last time I check, America is made up of all colors and lifestyles and not a select few. They want you to believe that they represent all of you when they only represent a few.

Since the verdict of George Zimmerman, Republicans have come out in support of the verdict. But I’m not surprised because they support Zimmerman all along. It shows that Republicans believe in killing innocent people, when the bible tells us not to kill. That is one of the Ten Commandments isn’t it? Oh maybe they forgot and took it out. But these are the Christians that represent you in public office. How can you be a Christian when you believe in killing people?  Protesters who set up camp in the state Capitol building earlier this week finally got to meet with Gov. Rick Scott late Thursday, and they urged him to push for the repeal of Florida's "stand-your-ground" law and to take steps to combat racial profiling. A Lord behold Republican Gov. Rick Scott reject them, and agreed with sin once again that killing innocent people is right. What happen to those Christian values Gov. Scott? Maybe you didn’t have any all along.

Joining Gov. Rick Scott agreeing that it is okay to kill is Republican Congressman Andy Harris of Maryland along with many others. Republicans are fighting hard to protect the rights of gun owners that unlawfully use them. When we need gun control to end senseless gun violence, Republicans stands in the way and says no.  Republican controlled legislatures and Governors in over 30 states has passed legislation on stand your ground, basically giving their citizens the right to kill for anything. Only a few is going to get away with it, but if you are black you will be justified in court and sentenced to life or maybe death.

There is no doubt that race is not a factor in this country. African Americans are still being judged by the color of our skin and the content of our character. African Americans are being profiled by the color of their skin and the content of their character. When will it end? Are we in the 21^st Century are still in 50’s.  Republicans have also voted to take away the key part of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, why would they want to do this if they say we are past the 50’s. Are we really Chief Justice Roberts? Republicans don’t want citizens of color to cast a vote or be heard in America.

Just another note on is Republicans really Christians. Over the past week or so, did you know that Republicans voted in congress to remove Food Stamps from the farm bill for the first time in history? Republicans want to destroy and take away food stamps from needy families in America.  Last time I recalled and I don’t think it changed in the Bible when it tells us to feed the poor. Maybe the Republicans haven’t read their bibles, and just continue to portray themselves as Christians.  Another Ten Commandment says thou shall not steal, Republicans you are stilling from the poor. Did Republicans overlook that Commandment?

I could go on and on, about the incompetence of Republicans when it comes to legislating and governing. Their wisdom and understanding is below the basic belief of themselves, and don’t deserve to represent the American people. They are continuing to destroy America, seeking to provide for the wealthy that already have and continue to be in agreement of sin. 

Now is the time for the poor, black and minorities in this country to stand up and take a stand and fight back for what’s right. This broken and un-repaired highway will never change until you repair it. It’s time to lay a new foundation that reflects America and what our fore-fathers founded it to be.

When will be unite as one America and come together in peace and provide fair and equal justice? When will real leaders come forward and take a stand for the American people? When will the Republican party come to their right mind and know that killing, stealing and lying is a sin? Don’t be fooled by these crooked politicians; stand up and fight for what’s right, because it’s your right.

Alabama GOP Chairman send a message back to Sen. Vivian Figures

Chairman Armistead says "We don't vote for our elected officials based on race."

Ala. Sen. Vivian Figures - D

The fuel between Sen. Vivian Figures of Mobile and the Alabama Republican Party has gotten a little hot between the two. State Republican Party Chairman Bill Armistead is calling on Democratic Sen. Vivian Davis Figures to apologize for remarks made Tuesday in which she said she believed racism has played a role in the rise to dominance of the

state GOP.

Sen.  Figures spoke to a crowd at Over the Mountain Democrats at a Homewood Library just outside of Birmingham. Sen. Figures stated that the election and subsequent re-election of President Barack Obama triggered a backlash by white Alabamians that allowed the state's Republican Party to capture overwhelming control of the Alabama Legislature in 2010 in addition to defeating the last Democrat to hold a statewide office that same year, Lucy Baxley, then president of the Alabama Public Service Commission.

Sen. Figures continue on with "It seems to me that once Obama was elected we started hearing the Republicans attack him on almost everything he tried to do, especially in health care," said Figures. "We started hearing Republicans in office and Republicans running for office attacking the federal government, charging the federal government had suddenly become intrusive in our lives, that it was overreaching into our places of business and into our homes. And with every charge they made they used Obama's name."

But here is what the fuel is all about "I think it's racism. At its core I just do," said Figures. The question I have is whether Sen. Figures were telling the truth. Well the answer is yes, I agree because Republicans came out like wild hogs on the loose in 2010, proclaiming their mission is to take it all back for the people; speaking to their core constituents. They used every issue on a national level to get what they wanted on a local level and to this day doing the same thing.  

AL GOP - Chairman Bill Armistead

Well Alabama Republican Party Chairman Bill Armistead believes the State Senator who is now the minority leader in the Senate owes them a apology. "Sen. Figures owes Alabama Republicans an apology for her offensive remarks accusing us of racism," said Armistead on Wednesday.  Chairman Armistead confirmed what Figures stated to the Over the Mountain Democrats.  "Alabama opposes the liberal policies being put in place by Obama's administration, especially the so-called Affordable Care Act. ” Armistead is referring to what they call OBAMACARE – yeah! Only majority of the conservatives and republican constituents opposes the legislation not the entire state.  

On Wednesday Alabama Republican Chairman Bill Armistead stated in his statement he released "We don't vote for our elected officials based on race, but based on their policies," said Armistead. Well Mr. GOP Chairman, the policies that liberals and Democrats represent are the policies that will help the average citizens, small businesses, education, healthcare for all, and reject special interest. It’s clear that Republicans don’t have the interest of the average citizens in mind, they only represent those that have and not needing and wants those that have not to continue to suffer and slave.  It’s clear that Republican don’t want to talk about race – period. They try and avoid it at all cost. 

Citizens take their harassment complaint against Mount Vernon police officer to Mobile County Personnel Board

A group name Concerned Citizens of Mount Vernon is tired of being ignored and appeared before the Mobile County Personnel Board on Tuesday for answers.

The Concerned Citizens of Mount Vernon has filed a complaint with the Mobile County Personnel Board alleging Officer Mario Mendiola of targeting and harassing African American males and females in the Mount Vernon community and jurisdiction.  In April, Tamara Davis who is heading this group has also filed complaints with the Town of Mount Vernon, its mayor James Adams, Council Members and Police Chief.

Tamara Davis - Mount Vernon Resident 

“We are just tired of the harassment by this officer” said Davis. Davis alleges that Officer Mendiola is targeting African Americans for no reason at all and finding no criminal actions. Davis and others in the community of Mount Vernon alleges that Officer Mediola a Hispanic K-9 officer of cursing them out on their own property and being very disrespectful. Mendiola, who took the stand at the Personnel Board hearing on Tuesday and disputed all the claims.

What struck me in this case was when Davis addressed Mayor James Adams and Chief  Steve Reed, who took the witness stand during the proceeding and stated they investigated the claims against Mendiola and believed he had not broken any rules or laws that would require discipline. Really Mayor Adams, the night before the hearing you appeared on the local news and stated to the reporter that when you receive all the facts you will investigate and make a decision. So my question is how have you already done an investigation if you don’t have all the facts?

Davis then asked Chief Reed if using profanity an acceptable practice by Mount Vernon officers, to which he said, “It’s unacceptable by any officer, and they know it is.” At the end, Davis asked the personnel board to consider the notarized statements and testimony of her friends, family and fellow citizens of Mount Vernon which stats the actions of Officer Mendiola.

Tamara Davis said it’s not over if they Personnel Board don’t act. They will either take it to the Circuit Court of Appeal or bring other actions. They want action.

Alabama 1st congressional candidates money race off to a good start; Maybe?

Have the big elephant belly dried up?

There are so many Republican candidates running for the 1^st congressional seat in Alabama, and it’s hard to keep up with who is really running.

Several Republican candidates have filed with the FEC to make a run for the soon to be vacant seat in South Alabama. The congressional seat is being vacated by Republican Congressman Jo Bonner, who is resigning in August to take a job in Tuscaloosa at the University of Alabama where his sister is in charge.  Many of the candidates have great ties to the Republican establishment and party. Not sure which candidate is the true Tea Party favorite, if any is? But this race is getting crowded even the more and the money is beginning to come in.

The early campaign fundraising totals is in and some may say that it’s off to a fast start and some may say it’s too early. Well I have a different view of all that, I say the Republican fundraising is off to a slow start; and I wonder why?

In early campaign finance reports, Republican Dean Young leads the Republican candidates and Bradley Byrne follows. Dean Young's brought in $141,943 for his campaign so far, which gave him the lead out of the five candidates who submitted campaign finance reports to the Federal Election Commission.  However, Young did not raise a total of $141,943, a $129,500 of that report he loaned himself and not from fundraising. Dean Young only raised a total of $12,443 for his congressional campaign.  This Orange Beach businessman maybe leading in campaign finance reports, but he is not leading in getting money from his republican supporters.

Second to Dean Young is Republican Bradley Byrne; Byrne led the field in terms of raising money from outside contributions with a total of $75,882. Following Byrne is Quin Hillyer bring in $62,779.00 and Chad Fincher with a showing of $45,890, which Fincher also loaned himself $10,000.00. Jessica James a former State School Board Candidate says he brought in $2,750.00. The other Republican candidates and independents have not filed a report to show they have reached the threshold required to report finances. Candidates are not required to register with the FEC until they receive contributions or expenditures in excess of $5,000.

It is clear that all the Republican candidates have not raised much money, and could that be because donors and friends are waiting to see who jumps in the race when qualifying ends and the real race is one. Or maybe donors and friends are not ready to give to a Republican candidate. Many are boosting the fundraising for the Republicans, but it’s not a boosting moment because it’s not all that great at the moment. With such a negative image on the Republicans and Washington, voters, donors and friends maybe looking for something different, such as a new candidate or a Democrat to run and support.

When the next campaign report comes out we should be able to get a better look on the fundraising for this race, but as of today the numbers are low and questionable on where is the support and donors for the Republicans. Have the elephant belly dried up?

A special will soon be set once the seat become vacant by Rep. Jo Bonner a Republican from Mobile. Bonner has announced that he will resign on or about August 15th. Once he resigns Gov. Robert Bentley will call a special election to fill the seat.

No Justice for Trayvon Martin; Now What?

"No Justice - No Peace"

In this society justice is hard to come by especially for those of color, and Trayvon Martin, 17 years old at the time is an example. The young African American was only carrying a can of iced tea and a bag of Skittles, while he was walking home when he was shot dead by an armed neighborhood watch volunteer who had viewed him as suspicious.

 

Trayvon Martin 

 The death of Trayvon Martin has touched those close to him, those in Sanford, Fla., and people all over the country: The question remains today after the death of Trayvon Martin, can a young black man walk the streets or his neighborhood without being profiled?

A Florida jury of six women found George Zimmerman not guilty of 2nd Degree murder and the lesser included charge of manslaughter late Saturday night. They deliberated for 15 hours to come back with a not guilty verdict. There were a lot of aspects of this case the struck me, but there is one that stands out by Zimmerman lawyer - Mark O’Mara said, “things would have been different if George Zimmerman was black for this reason: He never would have been charged with a crime.” O’Mara are you serious, -LOL! That is an insult and absolute joke on the African American community.

The fight for justice is not over, foremost in the eyes of Christ. Zimmerman must one day face the almighty God to answer to the charges of murder, which God has command us not to KILL. Does Florida believe in the 10 Commandments? Maybe they need to consult with Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore, he will give them some advice – he’s a believer in the 10 commandments. This injustice also shows the lack of Christian values and knowledge of the jurors. We must all be held accountable for our actions. But when we have a broke justice system anything goes; well let me say certain people have their way.

Protest Rally in New York City Times Square 

This no guilty verdict has sparked the outrage of public verdicts and rallies across Florida and the country. Many citizens have taken to the streets and churches in various cities across this country to protests the verdict and on behalf a decease young innocent African American child. Protesters have protested in New York Times Square, Los Angles where they confronted the police and have been threaten to be shot by LAPD with rubber bullets, to local streets in other communities across the country.

There is no doubt that our justice system is broken, and this jury of six women failed the Martin family and community. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder stated at a African American conference yesterday that his department will launch an investigation into the case for further actions against Zimmerman. The protests and rallies will continue until voices are heard across this country. For too long African Americans have been taken for granted in this country and are still treated as third class citizens.  

When will it end? 

Mobile Mayor Sam Jones & Challenger Sandy Stimpson running to the finish line in a close race

Mobile Mayor Sam Jones has announced that he will run for another term as Mobile mayor in 2013. Jones is being challenged by his strongest challenger since being in office Sandy Stimpson.

Mayor Sam Jones - Mobile

Mayor Jones made his announcement via letters to his supporters on glossy, full-color cards that depict a view of the Mobile skyline. With the election just a couple months away, not many people are talking about a Jones and Stimpson match up for my knowledge. But what may be going on behind closed doors of these campaign offices may be different.

Each candidate and their staff’s even volunteers are working the phones, churches, community organizations, businesses and entertainment professional on trying to secure support, votes, finances and endorsements. Signs are up around town and each candidate is fighting for votes in all neighborhoods across the city. It’s unclear on how many would be in the race for mayor, but it’s clear that Jones and Stimpson lead the pack.

Stimpson is expected to challenge Jones in campaign cash and campaigning this summer. Stimpson a local business owner and Jones the current mayor and longtime county commissioner for District 1 are in a fight to win big. Even though Jones may taught his recent involvement in landing the new Airbus plant, and several other big deals around town, Stimpson believes that the city is on the wrong track.

Sam Jones has been in office now for two terms and has some explaining to do to voters especially in the African American community on many issues.   Some of his own key voting block has concerns that he has not done enough for the black community as mayor more so as he has done for others. 


Mayoral Candidate Sandy Stimpson

Turning out the black voters and young voters will be the key to Jones re-election in August, early signs point to Stimpson having momentum in this race, and gaining support from black voters in Mobile. This race is expected to get ugly has the election get closer, and race may be a factor over other concerns.

Jones campaign slogan for 2013 is “We are too busy to be divided.” Stimpson is known to be a Republican and Jones a Democrat, the Mobile municipal election is non-partisan.

Political Beacon conducted a survey via phone to Mobile resident and voters, and if the election was held today Stimpson would force Jones into a run-off if a third candidate would enter the race. With a head to head matchup Jones wins re-election but not an easy one.  

We ask if the election was held today for Mayor of Mobile, who would you support?

SAM JONES – 44%
SANDY STIMPSON – 39%
OTHER – 17%

We ask in the survey do the potential voters know Sandy Stimpson?

Yes –  40%
No –  21%
Heard Of Him – 39%

1,087 potential voters were surveyed in this poll. The election will be held on August 27, 2013 from 7:00am – 7:00pm.

You all know that my last poll I done on the Prichard mayoral race last year was on point, I am not trying to make this my professional though - LOL.

Three major donors are helping Clinton efforts for 2016

THE HEAT IS ON!

Hillary Clinton

Susie Tompkins Buell, a San Francisco philanthropist and co-founder of the Esprit clothing line, and Steve and Amber Mostyn, Houston trial lawyers who helped bankroll a pro-Obama super PAC last year, are leading the fundraising efforts Ready for Hillary.

Even though Hillary Clinton has not officially announced her decision to run in 2016, it is not stopping big time donors for coming aboard early to offer their assistance if she decides to run. It is expected to be a crowded field of candidates in all party primaries in 2016 and Hillary Clinton seems to be the one to win the Democratic primary among democrats for now.

The pro-Clinton super PAC launched its National Finance Council on Tuesday and named Buell and the Mostyns founding members. Ready for Hillary, begun earlier this year by Clinton supporters, is urging the former secretary of state and first lady to run for president in 2016, and is trying to assemble a grassroots coalition on her behalf.

Possible candidates for 2016 may include for Sen. Hillary Clinton, Vice President Joe Biden, Sec. of State John Kerry and God knows who else.

New Jersey special election for Senate heats up with candidates

Newark, NJ Mayor Cory Booker

New Jersey is getting ready for a busy election season this fall, with the special election to fill the seat of the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg , six candidates has filed to run for the open seat s of today.

Four Democrats and two Republicans filed to run before Monday’s 4 p.m. deadline. The special election is set for October with party primaries in August.

On the Democratic side, Newark Mayor Cory Booker, Rep. Rush Holt, Rep. Frank Pallone, and Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver have thrown their hats into the ring.

”We can’t wait for solutions,” he said in a statement. “We need results from proven leaders now, which is why I am entering this race and why I am asking for the support of New Jerseyans to be our state’s next Senator, said Congressman Pallone.  Pallone is Booker’s biggest challenger for the Democratic nomination — he’s already got $3.7 million in the bank.

Two polls released late last week showed Booker getting over fifty percent of the vote in a primary and sporting far better name identification than any of his competitors. Booker has been rumor to run for this seat or maybe the Governor seat in the near future. However the Newark mayor has officially joined this special election to fill a New Jersey senate seat, prompting another African American to be elected to the US Senate in history.  

Alabama 1st Congressional District is wide open for new representation and Democrats have strong showing among voters

Republicans Byrne and Young lead the Republicans, but Democrats are knocking on the door!

U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner, R-Mobile, announced last month that, effective Aug. 15, he will resign from the congressional seat that he’s held since 2003, he wants to go and be with his sister at the University of Alabama in a new position she created just for him.

With his resignation from congress coming August 15, it is sure that Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley will call a special election to fill the seat being vacated by Jo Bonner.  Bonner, first elected in 2002, didn’t have a Democratic opponent in his last two elections in 2012 and 2010. Republican Mitt Romney captured 61 percent of the vote in the district against President Barack Obama in November.

This election is expected to be filled with candidates to fill this seat, and Republicans still believes that this is a conservative strong hold for South Alabama. Well I have to give my input on that, the 1^st Congressional district could be won by a Democrat if the right Democrat would run. Earlier this month Democrats agreed by saying this seat is winnable and willing to work to win it. A lot of work has to be done to win this seat and yes it can happen, voter turnout and messaging will be the key.

Major media outlets continue to drive the conversation and hype center around conservative stronghold on the 1^st Congressional District, and that it’s impossible for a Democrat to win. They send that message out every time they speak of the race or district, and they do not allow space for new opportunity or a fair voice from the Democratic views. What I am saying is if you say it over and over again, a person tends to believe just that. When polls are conducted, do pollsters conduct fair polls are do they poll a certain class of voters?  Many Democrats do not get an opportunity to participate in elections polls or surveys and especially African American or Hispanic voters, why - because that may change the dynamics in numbers and the news for the election.

With many candidates jumping into the race to succeed Rep. Jo Bonner many Republican candidates have already announced and while no Democrat has announced; Your Political Beacon has conducted a poll and survey on political candidate and matchup for the upcoming special election. Below are the results of the poll we conducted just this past weekend via phone.

We ask potential voters in the 1^st Congressional District, which party are they likely to vote for if the election was held today?

Democratic – 40%
Republican – 48%
Independent – 3%
Other – 0.05%
Not Sure – 8%

(Democrats fared well among respondents if a special election was held today, showing that this seat is vulnerable.)

We asked, what are the most important issues that you care about?

Economy – 16%
Jobs – 20%
Immigration – 12%
National Security – 18%
Taxes – 15%
Other – 19%

(There is no doubt that the voters of the 1^st Congressional district have jobs at the top of their agenda of issues that matter the most to them. 20% of the respondents said Jobs was the number one issue on their minds )

We asked about potential candidate matchup if the election was held today. We asked if the election was held today who would you support for the Republican nomination?

Former State Sen. Bradley Byrne –  20%
Businessman Dean Young – 23%
Rep. Randy Davis – 6%
Quin Hillyer – 3%
Other  - 48%  (All candidates that polled below two percent was included in other.)

We asked, if the election was held today who would you support for the Democratic nomination?

Former Mobile Mayor Mike Dow – 28%
Sen. Marc Keahey – 19%
Rep. Napoleon Bracy – 13%
U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin – 8%
Not Sure – 14%
Other – 18%

We asked, if the election was held today between to the following potential nominees who would you support?   

Former State Sen. Bradley Byrne – 49%
Former Mayor Mike Dow – 46%
Other – 5%
Former State Sen. Bradley Byrne – 49%
Sen. Marc Keahey – 45%
Other – 6%

Former State Sen.  Bradley Byrne – 56%
Rep. Napoleon Bracy – 40%
Other – 4%

We asked the same question with a different possible Republican Nominee.

Businessman Dean Young – 44%
Former Mayor Mike Dow – 40%
Not Sure – 8%
Other – 8%

Businessman Dean Young – 42%
Sen. Marc Keahey – 40%
Not Sure - 6
Other – 12%

Businessman Dean Young – 49%
Rep. Napoleon Bracy – 38%
Not Sure – 3%
Other – 10%

We asked all respondents in the survey to identify their race.

Black – 28%
Hispanic – 3%
White – 66%
Other – 3%

We asked all respondents in the survey to identify their party affiliation.

Democratic – 30%
Republican – 41%
Independent – 7%
No Answer – 17%
Other – 5%

In these surveys we polled potential registered voters in the 1^st Congressional District based on poll percentages. The possible candidates and nominees with the highest polls results were included in this report. Candidates who did not have a greater showing of 3% was not included but was listed in other. We polled a total of 1,119 potential voters via phone survey.  

Any potential listed possible Democrat that enters the race shows a favorable chance of picking up this seat come a special election.  Former Mobile Mayor Mike Dow if he runs as a Democrat has the best chances of knocking off a Republican nominee, followed by State Sen. Marc Keahey of Grove Hill, Alabama and Rep. Napoleon Bracy. Business woman Lucy Buffett announced that she is not interested in running and will not be a candidate.
Among Republicans it seems that Bradley Byrne and Dean Young will be battling it out for the Republican nomination if no other well-known candidate enters their primary race for the soon to be open seat.

Many voters are concerned about the way business is being handled in Washington, and many other concerned about how Republicans are handling the people’s business. People realize that they come first before special interest and its shows in this recent poll conducted by the Political Beacon.  

Alabama 1st is wide open; Mobile Mayor Mike Dow or Lucy Buffett could help Democrats win

Now that it’s official and everyone may or may not know that Rep. Jo Bonner is retiring from congress. Truly he is abandoning his office that the voters of South Alabama elected him to full-fill almost if not a decade ago. Jo Bonner will make it official when he resigns and leave office early on August 15, and take a new job with the U. of  Alabama.

Former Mobile Mayor Mike Dow

As I mentioned on yesterday that this is truly cowardly leadership and representation by Congressman Bonner to abandon an elective office early instead serving the out his term. Now the voters and citizens of the 1^st Congressional District of Alabama will have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars for a special election, and turn around and go back to the polls in June of 2014 for another primary. But Republicans say they are all about saying tax dollars and managing your tax dollars well. Really?

With a soon to be special election on the horizon, candidates are already building their campaigns behind closed doors, phones are ringing and donations are being sought. I am certain that there will be an estimated eight to ten candidates in this race if not more. The voters will hear from the young and old, newcomers and political old heads. A choice has to be made, but will the choice be confusing?

This special election could be wild and ugly, and a candidate with little money and big name recognition could actually win the race. How so, because after the crowded field of Republicans and so call Republicans get through cutting throats, they will be left scrambling to get cross the finish line. With Democrats all they have to do is get started early as I sure the Republicans will, and unite behind one candidate, raise money, create a good and solid public relations team and campaign and they have a chance to win during the general election.

A poorly ran campaign will not get you anywhere, and if the democrats are not rallied together in unity and one message then it will be another campaign to write off.  In this special election the Democrats will have to select a candidate that has some money already and can devote it to a campaign, the candidate also must be a candidate with name recognition, someone the people in this area has heard of before and have knowledge about; candidate that will be moderate on some issues and be able to win over both Republicans and Independents. Is it possible? – Yes!

Mike Dow is the former Mayor of Mobile,  spent many years working to unite all communities and done a great job, boosted the local economy and help brought thousands of new jobs to the area as mayor. Mayor Dow would be the perfect candidate to run as Democrat, he would win the city of Mobile and draw a large voting block from the rural areas and Baldwin County. I do believe he will draw voters from both parties and reach the independents to carry the seat for Democrats.

Lucy Buffett

My other choice would be Lucy Buffett a well known business owner in Gulf Shores and has name recognition with her brother Jimmy Buffett. There is much love on the Gulf Coast for “Buffett”.  How her candidacy would help, believe she would be a great moderate Democrat, a candidate that will draw a large white voting block and pick into the voting block of conservatives and independents in Baldwin Co. that would help her win the race. He is beautiful and would appeal to the voters.

If either decides against a run there is State Sen. Marc Keahey of Grove Hill and maybe someone else that will have the courage to run. Whoever decides to run and jump in the water, better be able to swim. The Democrats will need to mount a strong campaign and put forth a real advertising campaign like it was their last race in history early on.  

For the Republicans there are speculations that several big names may enter the race, former candidate Dean Young, Circuit Judge Ben Brooks, former Sen. Bradley Byrne, Commissioner Connie Hudson, State Rep. Chad Fincher, Sen. Bill Hightower, County Sheriff Sam Cochran and more.

This will be an interesting race to watch over the next few months. Get your notepad ready to take notes, because I’m pretty sure you don’t want to miss this one. 

Congressman Bonner announces his resignation from congress

U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner, a Republican from Mobile, announced today that he will resign from Congress later this summer and take a job at the University of Alabama.

Congressman Bonner is expected to resign his seat on our nation capitol around August 15, 2013 and begin his new career at Alabama on August 16, 2013. Bonner who is 53, is the 5^th congressman to represent Alabama's 1st Congressional District.

Rep. Jo Bonner - R - Mobile

The only known reason for Bonner to resign from congress at this point is to accept a job offered by his sister the new president of Alabama. However Jo Bonner was expecting to face another challenge next year in the Republican primary for his seat that make been a hotly contested race. Bonner has lost some support among local conservatives and that could have been building against him and put his campaign into jeopardy. 

Luckily his sister gain the big time job at the University of Alabama as President, and offered her brother an opportunity to avoid such an expensive and hotly contest congressional race in 2014.

Many names are beginning to float around as possible candidates to run for the soon to be vacant congressional seat. More than likely the phones hot tonight and I am sure that the Republican ticket will be full and a run-off will be held to determine a republican nominee. On the Democratic side with the State Democratic Party in shambles is unknown if any Democrat will enter into this race. I believe a Democrat has a chance in this seat with a special election.

While conservatives have shown their true spirit and motives over the past several years, people are truly looking for better and change. If the right Democrat enters the race there is a possibility that a Democrat can carry this seat for the first time in decades. A moderate Democrat will have to be the choice and with established name recognition and without a primary.

Jo Bonner is another Republican to resign from elected office in the middle of a term, which plainly shows real cowardly leadership and representation from an elected official.  

Charles Ramsey the man who rescued three white women deserves credit

This is another of my posts on how blacks are still mistreated by this race ole country!

Charles Ramsey - Cleveland, OH

Charles Ramsey a resident of Cleveland, OH and the African American male that called 911 to help rescue three white women that went missing nearly 10 years ago. Ramsey helped rescue those three women last week with a call to 911.

Everyone one has come to know Charles Ramsey from his story on how it all happen has he was sitting on his porch eating a sandwich from McDonalds. Ramsey told the news media and world that he help break through a door on a home next door to help rescue a white female name Amanda Berry and learned that their where two other females on the inside with Berry including Amanda Berry child.

Many news networks fed off the help of Ramsey for a couple days and then it all faded away. But it didn’t take long for the media outlets to do what they do best and tear down Charles Ramsey despite of his brave and generous rescue of Amanda Berry, her child and two other missing women that been missing for nearly a decade. 

It was the “Smoking Gun” website that posted Ramsey's rap sheet, which includes three convictions for domestic violence. That report spreaded quickly as if that was what they the (New Media) was looking for. My question is, what Ramsey past has to do with him helping to rescue three women and a child that been missing for nearly a decade. Ramsey acknowledged his past and offered this retort to the New York Daily News: "If I had so much hatred for women, I would have minded my own business this week and walked away instead of risking my life to save someone else."

This is an example of how a person good deed is overlooked due to their past. Credit is not given for the good will of an individual and especially those of color. I wonder if this was the opposite, if their past history would have been brought forward to overshadow their good will.

Did Ramsey do a good thing, YES! Ramsey made a bold move to help rescue those three missing women from a house next to his property. I believe that if Ramsey had failed to help, then they probably would have been made a laughing stock in the community and world by the media for sure.  

The importance of this story is the life and rescue of Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight. When will this country come to love more, help more and move past a person past and gauge the future of an individual and believe that a person can and is able to change regardless of their past. 

Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Mark Kennedy Resigns and forms Alabama Democratic Majority

An announcement that caught many by surprise is a view of the infighting that is happening in Montgomery with old party leaders and those that have a vision to move the party forward and regain a majority in 2014 and beyond.

Mark Kennedy & Joe Reed 

Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Mark Kennedy announced his resignation this week following disagreement with the party board, namely Joe Reed, head of the Alabama Democratic Conference. According to Kennedy “He and I have had an honest difference of opinion when it relates to what the Alabama Democratic Party must do to become relevant to working class families, school teachers and state employees," Kennedy said.   

According to an inside source that is familiar with the situation that caused Chairman Kennedy to resign, says that this comes in a dis-agreement between Kennedy and Joe Reed in regards to rehiring an individual or staffer that I would not name at this time; that was let go by the party before. My sources clearly described this situation as a power play matter.

In a time when a party is trying to regain its majority and support across a state that’s basically red, our leaders should be united in unity as one with one agenda.  Many are watching leadership and their actions whether those in leadership know that or believe that. 

For too long one person has thought they can run the show and if it’s not their show then it’s nobody show. In the picture to the left, it appears that Chairman Kennedy & Joe Reed is in a heated discussion in Montgomery over party affairs. 

Kennedy plans to make an announcement Monday that he hopes will provide opportunity to strengthen and reunite state democrats. Kennedy will make his announcement in Birmingham that he is forming the Alabama Democratic Majority. Kennedy believes it is important that voters be educated and that voter registration is important along with supporting candidates that support the idea of moving the State forward. 

Alabama Judge blocks sneaky school voucher bill from becoming law

A sneaky bill, a sneaky process! 

Montgomery Co. Circuit Judge Charles Price issued an order on yesterday halting a controversial school choice bill from becoming law by the sneaky works of the Alabama majority lead Republican legislature and being signed by Republican Governor Robert Bentley.

On today Judge Price upheld that order until a March 15 hearing. If the educators, school districts, and Alabama Education Association didn’t step in, the bill was headed for the Governor desk yesterday afternoon for his official signature regardless of what the people and taxpayers think.

The Alabama Education Association filed a lawsuit Monday night seeking to stop the legislation that would give parents zoned for "failing" schools an estimated $3,500 income tax credit to help pay for tuition at a private school or another public school. So far the AEA is on the right track and the Republican lead legislature is not.

The lawsuit filed by AEA claims that the Republican lead legislature violated the “Open Meetings Act” when the so called tax credit program was added to the original bill in conference committee and did not allow much discussion on the amendments to the original bill.   

The process and bill seems to be a sneaky process and smells funky.

Why would you take hard working taxpayers money away from public education, and pay for private tuitions? Republicans have always wanted this type of legislation and they are finally trying to have it their way, but in a sneaky way.

Republicans have come out against the lawsuit, because they know it exposes their wrong doings and non fairness. They also began to notice that a majority of the citizens, school districts, parents and educators are with the lawsuit to end this sneaky act by the sneaky lead Republicans. Governor Bentley himself who leads this state also approves of this sneaky act and its process by which it passed.

Parents of children zoned for failing schools could receive an income tax credit equal to 80 percent of the average annual state cost for attendance of a public K-12 student to offset the cost of private school or a transfer to another public school.  This is simply not accountability! According to the bill sponsor Rep. Chad Fincher, a Republican from Semmes, estimated that the tax credit would equal to about $3,500. He said it could be used by families at a failing school now and also used by families zoned for failing schools but who have their child enrolled in a private school already.

Already Rep. Fincher, really already? Is this another sneaky way to separate a certain group of kids from the others?

According to the lawsuit Republican members of the conference committee, Sens. Marsh and Gerald Dial and Fincher and Jay Love, "met amongst themselves" to discuss the bill during the recess to the conference committee meeting. How sad? The lawsuit also claims that the meeting of the four lawmakers during the recess was a violation of the state's Open Meetings Act.

The lawsuit doesn’t stop there. The lawsuit claims that the Republicans violated Rule 21, which requires that meetings be posted at least one hour before the meeting.

This is indeed a sneaky act by Republicans to push through a favoritism bill designed to help a certain group of communities or families. And use tax dollars to do so, how ridiculous can they be with this bill?

On March 15 we will see what Judge Charles Price do with this lawsuit. Hoping he will side with the taxpayers and educators.  

Clarke, Finley advance to runoff in Alabama House District 97

Adline Clarke

Mobile, Alabama – In a short race to replace the late Dr. Yvonne Kennedy, two well known candidates advance to a runoff after Tuesday special election.

Adline Clarke and Karlos Finley will both square off to become the next State Representative to represent Alabama House District 97 as a Democrat in Montgomery. No Republicans qualified to run on the Republican ticket to challenge the Democratic nominee. This is expected to be a spirited campaign in the weeks to come.

Attorney Karlos Finley

Your “Political Beacon” had it right one more time, this race came down to the three candidate race that we projected in Adline Clarke, Karlos Finley and William Carroll. These three candidates shared the most votes in this race to represent District 97. Adline Clarke received the most votes coming in with 40% of the vote, Karlos Finley tagged in with 24% and William Carroll bounced in third place.

The most important news is that Democrats are mostly excited than Republicans, with a little over 9% of voters casted ballots in Tuesday special election, compared to 7% of Republicans that cast votes in the Republican primary for the special election of Senate District 35 in South Mobile County according to al.com.

Your Political Beacon will continue to keep you informed on this race as it unfolds.