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.

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.

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.  

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. 

Republicans lights are going out in Alabama

In many reports around the state and coming from reliable sources several Alabama Republicans may be in a little trouble if you look at it in a real sense and not just politics. A money flow from former Alabama Governor Riley to Alabama House Speaker Hubbard could cause Alabama Anti-Gambling Activist to face a huge tax burden. 

We all knew that the Republican Party is full of hypocrisy and full of lies and cheating. We have learn more and more that the Republican party have self interest and the interest of the wealthy at hand and not the common Alabamians that strive to make it every day, or those who work hard to earn their money and get nothing in return. Here is a look at the big breaking and disturbing news that could one day make it’s case in the courtroom.

A. Eric Johnston
One of Alabama's most prominent anti-gambling activists could face a substantial tax burden because about $1 million in campaign contributions were routed through his non-profit organization to companies owned by House Speaker Mike Hubbard (R-Auburn), sources tell Legal Schnauzer.

A. Eric Johnston, director of Citizens for a Better Alabama (CBA), says former Governor Bob Riley funneled the money through CBA to two companies owned by Hubbard, a long-time Riley ally. This breaking revelation came in a report a couple of days ago from Bill Britt at Alabama Political Reporter. Britt hints at a rift between Johnston and his "pro family" organization on the one hand, with Riley and Hubbard on the other--even though all have been seen as prominent conservative voices against gambling.

The source of the rift is not clear from Britt's article. But sources say Johnston's group might lose its tax-exempt status because it accepted funds that wound up with Hubbard's companies. That could leave Johnston with a sizable bill from the IRS, one he did not see coming. "People in Montgomery know that Eric Johnston is sweating," one source says.

Did Riley and Hubbard combine to double cross Johnston, exposing him to major tax liability? Britt's article hints at that: How did then-Governor Bob Riley and Chairman of the ALGOP Mike Hubbard route almost a million dollars in Republican campaign contributions through a nonprofit and back to a Hubbard owned company? Um, sounds mighty fishy don’t it?

“Someone from the governor’s [Bob Riley’s] office would call and say you’re getting a check for $200,000 and you’re going to get a bill at the same time from [Mike] Hubbard’s deal and you need to pay that, that is what that money is for.” Those are the words of A. Eric Johnston a Birmingham-based attorney and anti-gambling advocate who explains the operational relationship between Bob Riley, Mike Hubbard and his 501c(4), Citizens for a Better Alabama.

Mike Hubbard was the politician who was supposed to bring honest government to Alabama? Sure doesn't sound like it from Britt's article: The picture Johnston paints appears to be a brazen orchestration of campaign funds by a sitting governor to benefit his most faithful ally, Mike Hubbard.

Citizens for Better Alabama (CBA) was a Birmingham-based, tax-exempt group that was the public face of opposition to Sweet Home Alabama, and to shut down legal casinos operated at VictoryLand and Country Crossings. According to archived versions of its website, the CBA – run by A. Eric Johnston – has “been an advocate for the family since 1991.”

How did Johnston get into a potential tax mess? It appears he made the mistake of trusting Bob Riley:

Johnston said he had been fighting gambling for years without much help. “We really never had a knight on a white horse. . . . We just had to fight it in legislature and kill the bills.” But according to Johnston in the last year of Bob Riley’s last term as governor that all change when the governor decided to fight gambling in the state.

According to Johnston, when Riley became interested in ridding the state of bingo gambling he was contacted by the Governor who said he wanted to help Johnston raise money.

“I don’t know why he [Riley] decided to do it [fight gambling] other than it was a propitious time to do it,” said Johnston. “Whatever he was doing was good. He was stopping illegal gambling.”

Riley's actions might not turn to be so good for Johnston's wallet. Here's why: At the time it seemed that Johnston had found his white knight. But there was a problem, rather than making a partnership with a crusading knight, it seems Johnston had unknowingly entered into a potential devil’s bargain.

After aligning with Riley and Hubbard in 2010, CBA raised and spent over $1 million after never taking in over $50,000 in a year ever before.

Based on 2010 campaign finance and other records, the CBA was a crucial conduit for passing campaign cash through the 501c(4) into a potentially lucrative aspect of Mike Hubbard’s financial bottom-line. . . .
Johnston said the money that his organization received was almost entirely for advertising, he said, “Mike was in that business and I thought it appropriate for him to handle it.”

Who was behind this financial shell game? Johnston points a finger squarely at Bob Riley. From Britt's report:

Money was being directed by Bob Riley, who told the head of the 501c(4) how the money was to be spent. Not just the large amounts but even the so-called small donations. “I would be informed by the governor’s office that I would be getting a check for 2 or 3 thousand dollars and we would have ad bills that cost that much,” said Johnston, “and that money would be for those bills.”

According to Johnston, “We ran a zero balance campaign. Whatever money came in was spent, a lot of it was coordinated through Mike Hubbard’s company.”

The Britt article references tax issues, but their implications are not clear:

Johnston supplied “Alabama Political Reporter” with a copy of CBA’s 990 IRS fillings. However, the document we received is different than the one that Johnston filed with the IRS, according to a comparison on Guide Star.

On the 990 fillings, Johnston does not itemize the over $700,000 he received from Hubbard’s Network PAC and Bob Riley’s Gov PAC. The rest of the money primarily originated with longtime big-money Bob Riley donors. Johnston, as the sole member of CBA, said, “I didn’t raise any money.”

I didn't raise any money? That sounds like the words of a man who is trying to say, "They should pay the IRS bill, not me."

And Britt's report raises all sorts of questions. Did the Riley/Hubbard/Johnston scheme violate tax laws, campaign-finance laws? Did donors know their campaign contributions were going to Mike Hubbard's companies? Could this constitute fraud, money laundering, or other criminal acts under state and/or federal laws? Could Eric Johnston wind up serving as a witness against Riley and Hubbard?

As a way to un-ruffle feathers, and fend off a potential investigation, will Bob Riley's big-money donors bail Johnston out of a jam? Based on what I've been told from individuals familiar with Riley's business practices, Johnston probably shouldn't count on it.

Don’t seems like there are friends in the Republican Party, after the selected few gotten what they desired and turned around a stab you in the back. After bringing this to your attention, I now wonder will federal prosecutors ever go after these low down filthy dogs. They crucified former Gov. Don Siegleman for no cause, but they try and run away with their dirty tricks and actions. Alabamians that care should burn up your phones and emails, and give the U.S. Postal Service some business by writing letters seeking an investigation into this matter.

Alabama Republicans politicians oppose “Gun Legislation” proposed by President Obama

“Republicans are a danger to the Common Interest of America!”

President Obama took a huge step toward ending gun violence on yesterday, by offering much needed legislation to curve the gun problem in America. Some of the legislation that the President signed into law as an executive order is legislation that is already on the books and needs to enforced.  

As the President and V ice President work to secure America and our citizens whether they are children or adults, Republicans and the NRA is already doing what they do best, opposing common sense legislation.

Republicans is looking to keep their A ratings with the NRA “National Rifle Association” so they can continue to get their political dollars in upcoming elections and future elections. When it comes to Republican politicians, it’s not about the citizens or your child; it’s about their political campaign account at a local bank in your neighborhood.

It’s a political shame and disgrace that Alabama Republicans has taken a stand against common sense legislation to protect American citizens and your children. There rather protect themselves politically than make sure you as a American citizens is secure in this nation. That’s no surprise though, because over there past several years, Republicans had really shown who they really are on important issues.

Here is a few comments and statements by your Republicans leaders from Alabama.

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Saks, said he opposed each of the proposals put forward by Obama.

“I will continue to strongly support the Second Amendment,” Rogers said. “Additionally, I strongly oppose any Executive Order issued by the President designed to circumvent the legislative process and limit gun rights.”

U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner, R-Mobile, said he would “strongly oppose” any attempt to diminish Americans’ rights under the Second Amendment.

Not only those that represent Alabama in Washington is opposing the legislation, Alabama owns in Montgomery is doing the same.

I disagree with the President’s assumption that guns are the issue. Guns are not the problem and gun control is not the answer. To simply point a finger at guns and call for their outlaw is lazy, patently political and constitutionally dangerous, said Alabama House Speaker Hubbard.”

Not only have Alabama Republicans come out in opposition to the President proposed legislations, but Republicans all over the country is doing just that. Republicans are continuing to hinder the good of America to protect the interest of their political party.

When will the Republicans ever come to their common senses and recognize that the American citizens comes first and not a political interest or group. If they are not willing to support the American citizens then they do not deserve to be in Washington or any other political office. They too are a danger to society.

Mobile County Judge rules in Prichard Mayor favor over terminated chief

Former Police Chief Jimmie Gardner 

On Yesterday Mobile County Presiding Circuit Court Judge Charles Graddick made it official that Jimmie Gardner is no longer employed by the City of Prichard and his termination by Mayor Troy Ephriam was valid.

In a seven page court order issued by Judge Graddick, he cleared up the matter that has been fought by former Police Chief Jimmie Gardner. Judge Graddick ruled that Jimmie Gardner contract expired on November 20, 2012 and his tenure with the City of Prichard is no longer valid.

"We are satisfied," attorney Jerome Carter, who represented the city, said.

Judge Graddick also ordered Jimmie Gardner to turn over all personal property and evidence vault code with 24 hours, something he refused to do when he was officially terminated. City Attorney Jerome Carter said all property has since been turned over.

With all this turmoil over, that should have not been created in the first place. Jerome Carter who represented the city said the mayor will now work to appoint a new police chief. 

The Pack of 7 looking to fill House District 97

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley has announced a special election for Alabama House District 97, which covers areas of Downtown Mobile.  The district has historically voted for Democrats in past elections, and been held by long time State Representative Dr. Yvonne Kennedy of Mobile.  This race is off to a partisan divide already.  

A pack of seven has qualified with the Democratic Party of Alabama to run for the now vacant seat in a special election to be held on Feb. 26, 2012. There is a wide range of candidates with many backgrounds, also with different views on issues that matter the most. Here is a list of candidates that has qualified.

William Carroll
Adline C. Clarke
Karlos Finley
Jeffery Ray Jones
Kimberly Williams Pettway
Ronnie L. Williams
Levi Wright, Jr. 

Dr. Yvonne Kennedy has carried a legacy in Mobile and Montgomery for many years fighting for the people and the disadvantaged citizens of Mobile County and the State of Alabama. The question to be answered is who will continue that legacy and carry a strong voice to Montgomery to represent the people and not the select few?

Already partisan politics is taking its place in this election, and it is believed by many over the past week, that the local Democratic Party wants a hand-picked candidate and not a candidate elected by the people.  One thing here on the Political Beacon, is that I have always and will continue to fight the status quo and bring you informed information. This election is important to Mobile and the African American community in general. However, we cannot afford to let personal and partisan politics take control.

Several candidates have already come out claiming that they have what it takes to carry on Dr. Yvonne Kennedy legacy in Montgomery, but do they really? Over the next few weeks we will take a fine look at these candidates and see what they really have to offer the voters and citizens of District 97.  There is an agenda, but is it an agenda for the people?

I received a phone call this weekend from a couple of concerned citizens about a recent posting on the popular social media site (FaceBook), in regards to the House District 97 race by the Mobile County Democratic Party Chairman also State Representative Napoleon Bracy in his view of the candidates running. The statement reads as follows: “As the chairman of the Mobile County Democratic Party... I wonder how some people think they can run for HD97 without having enough respect to speak with me and the executive board members of the party about this election?”

Well Mr. Chairman, in all due respect the seat belongs to the people and not one individual. Whomever feels that they can and should or want to run for public office, have the right to do so and should not have to consult with anyone, unless they so choose to do so.

Whoever presents themselves to the people as best qualified, and whomever the people elect is the people’s business and not that of partisan politics and personal agendas.

This will be an interesting race to watch unfold as the time counts down to Election Day. The Political Beacon will be here to keep you informed on what’s happening and what matters the most in this election.

Prichard Mayor has a choice

A standing room crowd fills the council chambers for the Prichard City Council meeting this past Thursday, and none of the visitors and citizens attending the meeting was there for any other business but info on former Police Chief Jimmie Gardner termination.

Former Chief Jimmie Gardner

Former Police Chief Jimmie Gardner was terminated because his contract had expired and an extension was not approved by the City Council in October. However many in the city like the former mayor Ron Davis, his supporters and his former defeated rival Severia Campbell Morris is spear heading an attack on the newly elected mayor Troy Ephraim about Gardner termination. But it is no surprise the former Mayor Ron Davis will be in support of Gardner whom he hired as police chief during his administration.

A statement by Mayor Troy Ephraim stands out in this matter, "The citizens asked for a new direction for the city of Prichard," Ephriam said. "That's exactly what (the mayor's office is doing)."

By now regardless how the former Police Chief tries and decided to argue his termination and drum up support in his favor, the law stands and the citizens made a choice. In this previous election, I can’t recall that Jimmie Gardner was on the ballot for mayor.

Mayor Ephraim is right, the citizens of Prichard has made a choice and ask for a new direction when they elected Troy Ephraim as mayor by overwhelming margin.

In the midst of all this is Severia Campbell Morris a former candidate for mayor, she is a big supporter of Jimmie Gardner now that she has been defeated for mayor.  Not only does she support Jimmie Gardner, but she also now a big support of the former mayor Ron Davis. I now question the motives of Severia Campbell Morris, was she really running for mayor to make a change for the people of Prichard, are was she running just to capture votes to help Ron Davis. There is something very strange about Severia Campbell Morris.

I interviewed Severia Campbell Morris for a post here on the Political Beacon last fall when she was a candidate for mayor, some of those answers I did not post but I will post today to inform you on why I question her leadership and character.

Severia Campbell Morris is now the voice of the so-called movement that is supporting the former police chief of Prichard, and organizing the same people from her non-profit citizens group and people of Ron Davis camp to attack the mayor.

Severia Campbell-Morris now a resident of Prichard whom moved back here from Illinois has really came back here to stir up flames that she can’t put out.  

I recall last fall when I interview the former mayoral candidate, I asked her did she approve of the leadership of the current Police Chief and the Police Department. Campbell -Morris stated that she did not and that if she was elected mayor she would seek to overhaul the police department and possibly hire a new police chief, because she believes the City was headed in the wrong direction same as the mayor office.

Mayor Ron Davis did everything he could to try and keep Jimmie Gardner in the position. Regardless of the decision that was made by terminating Gardner, the newly Elected Mayor has the right to choose whom he pleases to represent the city and serve in his administration.

There is a lot that goes on that these crooked politicians do that they don’t want you the citizens and voters to know about. Maybe they think you just would look over it and pay it no attention and forget about it.

The council did not vote on Ephriam's termination order. A court hearing into whether Ephriam requires the City Council's endorsement of that move will be held at 8:30 a.m. Monday at the Mobile County courthouse downtown. A judge upheld a restraining order against Jimmie Gardner.

Once again the people of Prichard has spoken and new leadership should take place.

The Late Rep. Yvonne Kennedy well remembered

A pillow of our community with great Integrity and Character

 

More than 2,000 turned out on Saturday to mourn the death and celebrate the life of Rep. Yvonne Kennedy at the Mobile Convention Center. She was well remembered by many for the labor that she has put forth during her time here on earth, as a legislator, educator, civil and community activist.

Kennedy died on Saturday, Dec. 8, after a brief illness at the age of 67 at a Birmingham Hospital, according to family members. As a Democrat, Rep. Kennedy represented Mobile County, part of the 97th District, in the Alabama House of Representatives from 1979 until her death.

Mobile Mayor Sam Jones, Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman, Sen. Bobby Singleton,
Gov. Robert Bentley, and many others spoke of the late Rep. Yvonne Kennedy.

Rep. Yvonne Kennedy will be well missed in the Mobile area and Campground community. She will also be missed in the Montgomery where she fought hard for her community and district.

Yvonne Kennedy is survived by her brother, Joe L. Kennedy of Milwaukee, and two sisters, Floretta K. Moore of Mobile, and Brenda J. Kennedy of Montgomery.

Well done servant!