The Alabama Republican Party is expected to vote this month on a resolution to close primary elections.
Campaign 2022

Steve Flowers: Big Jim’s Show in 1962 Governor’s Race
The 1962 Governor’s Race was between George Wallace, James “Big Jim” Folsom, and newcomer Ryan DeGraffenreid, a state senator from Tuscaloosa. Television had become the new medium. Therefore, Wallace, Folsom, and DeGraffenreid had all bought 30-minute, live television shows the night before the election.

Wahl: ALGOP to vote on closed primary resolution
The Alabama Republican Party is expected to vote this month on a resolution to close primary elections.

ALGOP dismisses HD2 election contest
The Alabama Republican Party has dismissed a legislative election challenge in House District 2 where a candidate argued that the misappropriation of ballots caused her to miss the runoff.

Whatley concedes in SD27 race; GOP says ‘several areas of concern’ in election process
The three-term incumbent’s decision ends a five-week election saga that began when Hovey, an Auburn City Council member beat Whatley by four votes on election night.

ALGOP to re-hear Hovey, Whatley arguments in SD27 contest
Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill confirmed to Alabama Daily News Tuesday that Kenney was not a registered voter for the May 24 primary election but became one after registering at her polling place.

Libertarian party gains statewide ballot access
According to the Libertarian Party of Alabama’s website, “The Libertarian Party of Alabama is committed to America’s heritage of freedom: Individual liberty and personal responsibility, a free market economy of abundance and prosperity, and a foreign policy of non-intervention, peace, and free trade.”

Hovey formally asks ALGOP to reconsider SD27 decision; Whatley says coin flip should proceed
Jay Hovey, the Auburn city councilman who defeated incumbent State Sen. Tom Whatley by one vote in the May 24 Republican primary election, has formally requested that the Alabama Republican Party reconsider its June 25 decision to declare the race a tie after counting a previously invalidated provisional ballot.

SD27: Party decision based on voter’s intent, not registration status
Jay Hovey, an Auburn Council member, beat State Sen. Whatley by one vote in the May 24 Republican primary election. Whatley, a three-term incumbent, challenged that result with the party. Under Alabama election law, it is the parties who ultimately decide which candidates to certify for the general election ballot.

ALEA: Senate District 27 voter was not issued license, registered to vote
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency says a voter now at the center of the Senate District 27 election saga was not issued an Alabama driver’s license or registered to vote because she did not complete required documentation after moving from another state.

More than 1 million voters switch to GOP in warning for Dems
More than 1 million voters across 43 states have switched to the Republican Party over the last year, according to voter registration data analyzed by The Associated Press. The previously unreported number reflects a phenomenon that is playing out in virtually every region of the country — Democratic and Republican states along with cities and small towns — in the period since President Joe Biden replaced former President Donald Trump.

Capitol Journal: June 24, 2022
Dr. Julia Booth of the Medical Association of Alabama discussed the prospects of Alabama expanding Medicaid. June 27 is actually the 10th anniversary of the NFIB vs. Sebelius case that upheld the Affordable Care Act, but also allowed states to opt out of Medicaid expansion if they so chose.

State Senate contest comes down to coin flip
Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill told Alabama Daily News a coin flip is allowable in this situation, if that’s how the party wants to determine the winner. He said coin flips have settled two elections in recent years. One was a 2018 general election for Clay County sheriff, the second was a 2020 Houston County board of election primary.

Katie Britt supporters: ‘She loves this state’
A packed reception hall in downtown Montgomery roared Tuesday night with chants of “Katie! Katie!” as Republican Katie Britt thanked the crowd through tears after winning her party's nomination in her journey to the U.S. Senate.

Sanders defeated in Senate bid, House GOP incumbents hold off challengers
For the first time in 40 years, there won’t be a Sanders in the Alabama Senate next year. Former Sen. Hank Sanders’ bid to reclaim the seat he held for nine terms, until his daughter won it in 2018, fell short on Tuesday.

Britt wins big over Brooks in Alabama Senate race
Britt, 40, cast herself as part of a new generation of conservative leaders while disparaging Brooks, 68, as a career politician. If victorious in November, Britt will be the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from Alabama and one of its youngest members.

GOP secretary of state, Dem gubernatorial nominations set
Voters selected the Republican nominee for Alabama's top election official in the runoff Tuesday, and the general election race for governor was set as Democratic voters picked their gubernatorial nominee. Three other statewide nominations plus a U.S. House seat also were on the ballot.

Election 2022: Long Republican Senate race ends today
While Brooks and Britt have similar views, their race represents a clash between two wings of the party and different generations. Shelby for decades epitomized the old-guard political style, using his clout and relationships to quietly steer federal projects and funding to his home state. Brooks, 68, is known for his bombastic oratory style. The six-term congressman was a founding member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus and has made his opposition to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell a pillar of his campaign, embarking on a "Fire McConnell Tour" of town halls.

Alabama runoffs: Down the ballot
The party nominations for five statewide offices including secretary of state on the Republican side and governor on the Democratic ticket are on the ballot in Tuesday's primary runoff election in Alabama. The GOP nomination for a lone congressional seat also will be decided. Here is a look at the races:

11 Legislative contests on ballot today
Three incumbent Alabama House members are trying to hold onto their seats today while another six runoff contests are for open seats in the House.For the State Senate, there are two high profile runoffs for open seats, one on the Republican side and one for Democrats.

Capitol Journal: Allen, Zeigler make final runoff pitches for Secretary of State
One key matchup on the ballot this coming Tuesday is the Republican runoff for Secretary of State between current State Auditor Jim Zeigler and State Rep. Wes Allen, R-Troy.

Poll: Britt’s lead grows after Trump endorsement
The survey, taken by McLaughlin and Associates on behalf of the Alabama Forestry Association, shows Britt as the choice of 58.4% of likely Republican voters compared to 32.6% for Brooks. Nine percent remain undecided.

Inside Alabama Politics – June 15, 2022
Has Trump tipped Katie over the top? Where does Mo go from here? What happened and what's next in Senate District 27. Election superlatives; The House GOP's interesting election night; Making an example of HanesRacing for the Speaker's gavel; Five vie for Speaker Pro Tem; A new House Clerk; Incommunicado on budgets, hearings; Where are we on a special session? Potpourri

GOP runoff to choose next State Auditor
Rep. Andrew Sorrell of Muscle Shoals and pastor Stan Cooke of Kimberly are trying to convince new voters why the State Auditor is a critical role in Alabama government and why they're the best person for the job.

Midterm takeaways: Mixed bag for Trump in SC; Nevada Senate showdown
Trump and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell don't agree on much. One rare exception is Laxalt, who won Nevada's Republican Senate primary. The mutual support, which brought together the Trump and establishment wings of the party, demonstrates the intense focus Republican have placed on flipping the seat held by first-term Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, who is considered among the most vulnerable senators.

Republicans Zeigler, Allen face off in June 21 secretary of state runoff
By MADDISON BOOTH, Alabama Daily News AUBURN, Ala. – The June 21 GOP runoff election for secretary of state presents...

After poll shows Katie Britt surging in Senate race, Trump offers endorsement
Trump called Britt "an incredible fighter for the people of Alabama." The former president had originally backed U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks in the race, but rescinded that endorsement in March after their relationship soured.

Poll shows Britt leading Brooks in Senate runoff
The survey, taken by McLaughlin and Associates on behalf of the Alabama Forestry Association, showed Britt leading with 54.6% to Brooks 36.4% among likely Republican voters. Nine percent said they remain undecided.

Once dumped by Trump, Brooks seeks his endorsement again
Brooks on Sunday released a statement on Twitter asking "MAGA Nation" to help plead his case for Trump's endorsement, calling himself the "Trump candidate" in the race. Brooks faces Katie Britt in the June 21 runoff that will decide the GOP nomination for the seat being vacating by retiring Sen. Richard Shelby.

ALGOP to hear challenges in four legislative races
Pettus said he was notified by the party Sunday that it was dismissed. Pettus held off challenger Maurice McCaney by 360 votes in the May 24 primary.

Durant won’t endorse in Alabama’s Senate runoff
Durant said he will not endorse either of the remaining candidates for the GOP nomination for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby. The June 21 runoff pits Katie Britt, Shelby's former chief of staff and former leader of a state business group, against U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks, who resurrected his campaign after losing former President Donald Trump's backing.

Senate runoff debate off after Britt says Brooks wants ‘circus’
Alabama Daily News and Gray Television (WBRC, WSFA, WAFF, WALA, WTVY) had planned a forum for candidates Katie Britt and Mo Brooks for June 14. However, that plan fell apart over the last week after discussions with the campaigns.

Recounts, appeals to GOP possible in 3 legislative races
Candidates who want a recount in three close and controversial legislative races have until noon on Thursday to formally file such a request. After possible recounts, the Alabama Republican Party will ultimately decide who moves forward as its nominees.

Senate District 27: GOP challenger Hovey wins by 1
"It just goes to show you, every vote counts," Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill told Alabama Daily News.

ALGOP’s Wahl ‘incredibly upset’ by ballot problem in Etowah County
GADSDEN, Ala. (AP) — Alabama Republican Party officials are “incredibly upset” about a mix-up in Etowah County that might have...

Officials: Redistricting error ‘negatively impacted’ 2 Alabama House races
In House District 28, former lawmaker Mack Butler had 202 more votes than incumbent Rep. Gil Isbell, according to unofficial results.
In House District 29, Mark Gidley had an 82-vote lead over Jamie Grant, according to unofficial results. The men ran for the seat vacated by Becky Nordgren, who became Etowah County Revenue Commissioner last year.

State Senate race comes down to provisional ballots
The GOP primary for State Senate District 27, where challenger Jay Hovey had a four-vote lead over incumbent Sen. Tom Whatley, R-Auburn, according to unofficial results Tuesday, will be settled next week.

Alabama elections: down the ballot
The Republican nominations for four statewide races were on the ballot Tuesday, along with a constitutional amendment to fund improvements at state parks and historical sites.

State Senate races include runoffs, 4-vote difference
In the 35-seat Senate, five incumbents didn't seek reelection, creating contested races in those districts. And nine incumbents — seven Republicans and two Democrats — had primary challengers.

House shakeup: 7 incumbents lose, 3 forced to runoffs
Nearly two dozen incumbents on both sides of the aisle had primary challengers. Meanwhile, another 21 of the chamber's 105 seats are open this election cycle. Here's an update on some of the high-profile races.

Voters approve $80M bond for state parks
Alabamians on Tuesday approved allowing the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to borrow $80 million to improve state parks.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey avoids runoff in Republican primary
Gov. Kay Ivey turned back eight primary challengers to win the Republican gubernatorial nomination without a runoff Tuesday earning about 55% of the vote.

Britt, Brooks in Alabama Senate runoff
Alabama’s Republican primary for U.S. Senate is going to a June runoff between Katie Britt and U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks after neither candidate captured a majority of the vote.

In state Legislature, 26 open seats on ballot, 31 incumbents have primaries
While most of the sound and fury is at the top of the ticket, there are plenty of interesting races...

For ADN Insiders: Polling cross tabs
By TODD STACY, Alabama Daily News MONTGOMERY, Ala. – To give you something to chew on this Election Day, we...

Tough GOP race for Shelby seat in Alabama closes with flurry
Trump scrambled the race this spring when he backed away from Brooks who had been seen as an early favorite in the race. Trump had initially endorsed Brooks — who had been a key champion of the false claims that the 2020 election was stolen — but Trump rescinded that endorsement in March, citing Brooks' languishing performance and accused the congressman of going "woke" for saying it was time to move on from the 2020 presidential outcome and focus on upcoming elections.

Ivey stresses record, opponents challenge her on it
In the closing hours of the gubernatorial campaign, Ivey stressed her record as she seeks a second full term in office. But her opponents, including former Trump ambassador Lindy Blanchard and businessman Tim James, portrayed Ivey as not adequately conservative, citing her support of a gas tax increase to fund road and bridge construction and her handling of the coronavirus pandemic, including a long-expired mask and business closure mandate.

Another business vs. trial lawyer proxy war for Supreme Court
During the tort wars of the 1990s and into the 2000s, business groups and trial lawyers would go toe-to-toe in pretty much every judicial race on the ballot.

Insight: Where might undecided voters go in Senate, Governor races?
By TODD STACY, Alabama Daily News MONTGOMERY, Ala. – It has been interesting to follow the polling in the races...

GOP primary race for Alabama Senate seat turns bitter
Both Britt and Brooks have criticized Durant for "dodging debates" after his campaign declined three separate dates offered by the Alabama Republican Party. Durant said he is willing to debate but could not make it fit his schedule.
Outside groups have pumped more than $20 million into the race to either support or oppose one of the frontrunners.

Ivey, challengers race to right in Alabama GOP primary
Alabama's Republican primary has become a race to the right, with candidates staking out extreme positions on abortion, immigration and LGBTQ issues. The race was supposed to be a cake walk for Ivey — who still remains favored to win a second full term — but right flank opponents are trying to make it a referendum on conservative credentials as they seek to push the Alabama governor into a runoff.

New ADN/Gray TV poll shows tightening Senate race, likely runoff
The survey, conducted by Cygnal this week, showed Katie Britt maintaining her lead at 30.8%, but slipping slightly since the same poll was taken ten days earlier. Mo Brooks gained another six points since the last poll and is now at 28.5%, within the margin of error of Britt. Mike Durant recovered slightly to pick up about three points at 24.3% after his dramatic slide in the last poll.

Poll shows Ivey close to avoiding runoff
By TODD STACY, Alabama Daily News MONTGOMERY, Ala. – A new Alabama Daily News / Gray Television poll shows Gov....

Katie Britt aiming to protect Alabama’s future in Senate run
Katie Britt her name on the ballot and began cultivating the list of changes she’d like to see made on Capitol Hill. One of the issues Britt is especially passionate about fighting for is seeing former President Donald Trump’s plan to build the wall along the Mexican border completed.

Durant seeks to take military, business experience to Senate
Durant said that if elected, at the very top of his to-do list would be to finish the border wall that former President Donald Trump started, to make the country energy independent and to maintain a strong military. He believes that the biggest threat to Alabama right now is inflation because of its impact on the working class, and he has many ideas for solutions to that crisis.

In run for Senate, Brooks touts conservative firebrand record
Having worked on so many national policy issues during his time in Congress, Brooks found it difficult to list just three priority issues he would like to address if chosen as Alabama’s next U.S. Senator. Instead, he said broadly that he wants to protect the principles laid out in the Constitution and fight for the triumph of moral values, like the right to life for the unborn, over what he sees as amoral ones.

Inside Alabama Politics – May 16, 2022
Abortion issue could get complicated in Alabama if Roe is overturned; Senate race: Where we are
Can we talk about the postcard? Governor race: Where we are; Campaign Finance and Spending Update;
Another business vs. trial lawyer proxy war; Reviewing major PAC spending

3 Republicans on ballot to be next state auditor
The May 24 GOP primary ballot has three candidates vying to be the state’s next auditor, a job that will likely include defending the very existence of the office to lawmakers looking to eliminate it to save money.

Durant, Lincoln Project founder spar over postcard confusion
By MARY SELL, Alabama Daily News U.S. Senate candidate Mike Durant’s campaign on Thursday tried to distance itself from the...

Polls show Republican voters remain undecided on several down-ballot races
With two weeks left until the May 24 primary elections, a recent Alabama Daily News/ Gray Television poll shows large chunks of voters are still undecided on who they’ll pick for secretary of state, supreme court and state auditor.

Poll shows Ivey with high approval, but not avoiding runoff
Gov. Kay Ivey has a high approval rating and a commanding lead her run for reelection, but she would be in a runoff with her Republican rivals if the election was held today, according to a new Cygnal poll of likely Republican voters.

Britt surges, Durant slips in latest Senate poll
Katie Britt has surged into a decisive lead with two weeks to go in the closely watched GOP primary for the U.S. Senate, according to a new Alabama Daily News / Gray Television poll.

Four Republicans vie for secretary of state
This year’s primary election on May 24 will feature four Republican candidates vying for secretary of state, one of whom will advance to run against Democrat Pamela Lafitte in November.

Trump’s bid to shape GOP faces test with voters in May races
The first test comes on Tuesday when voters in Ohio choose between the Trump-backed JD Vance for an open U.S. Senate seat and several other contenders who spent months clamoring for the former president's support. In the following weeks, elections in Nebraska, Pennsylvania and North Carolina will also serve as a referendum on Trump's ability to shape the future of the GOP.

Durant turns down proposed GOP debate dates
WHNT, one of the stations that would have televised the proposed debate, reported that organizers said Durant declined the debate invitation. An organizer, who was not authorized to discuss the conversations with the campaigns, also told The Associated Press that Durant declined all three possible dates.

Election ads hit Alabama TVs as race begins for Governor and Senate seat
Below is a roundup of TV ads for the top contenders running for the Senate seat and for Governor. Don’t see your campaign’s ad? Please email me at heather@aldailynews.com. The only rule is you have to be airing the ad on television.

Inside Alabama Politics – April 20, 2022
Session superlatives; Last minute deal on Forever Wild, counties; Special session, summer work; Distribution of judges lingering issue; PAC finance update; House District 23 race; Governor’s race update; Senate race update; Medicaid’s pandemic enrollment requirement remains; Potpourri

Britt leads Q1 contributions; Durant has most cash on hand after personal loan
There are five weeks to go and a lot of money to be spent in between now and the May 24 U.S. Senate primary election.

Trump pulls endorsement from Brooks in Senate race
Trump had hinted at an un-endorsement last week after the first poll emerged showing Brooks' slide from frontrunner to distant third.

New ADN-Gray TV poll: Durant leads Britt, Brooks falls far behind
Brooks' slide comes after several weeks of television and radio advertising attacking the Huntsville congressman on a number of issues, most notably comments he made in opposition to former President Donald Trump during the 2016 Republican presidential primary.

Inside Alabama Politics – March 8, 2022
A review of Senate race TV & radio spending; A review of Governor's race TV & radio spending;
Debbie Long resigns from Ethics Commission; When will a second ARPA special session begin?
A late move on taxes from the Legislature; What's next for Jeff Coleman? Potpourri

Inside Alabama Politics – March 1, 2022
Judicial allocation issue could come to a head; Albritton bringing gambling options to Senate; Senate puts more reporting requirements in 2023 budget; Some in House wary of possible 'death tax'; AEA's influence grows in House; Gun bill rankles House GOP Caucus; Ballot access and the Republican Party

Albritton: Gambling bills could drop soon
Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Range, spoke about the gambling issue on Alabama Public Television's Capitol Journal. He said he has three separate bills dealing with the gambling question in different ways, but he hasn't decided which one to drop.

Britt, allies begin TV ad barrage
Katie Britt and political groups supporting her U.S. Senate candidacy have launched a series of new television advertising in recent days. The February ad barrage marks a turning point in the Senate race as the "air war" phase starts with 91 days to go until the May 24 primary election.

Coleman launches run for Congress, seeks rematch with Moore
Coleman, who owns a trucking company, hit the airwaves over the weekend in what his campaign said is a “significant television buy” that included an ad during last night’s Super Bowl.

New poll shows Brooks, Britt, Durant running close as Senate campaign heats up
A new poll commissioned by FarmPAC, the political arm of the Alabama Farmers Federation, shows a tight race among the three candidates running for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.

Dueling polls show competitive Alabama Senate race
Two new polls show a competitive race for the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate, with Katie Britt or Mo Brooks leading, depending on which one you wish to believe.

Britt again dominates Senate race fundraising
Year end campaign finance reports for federal candidates are in and they reveal the state of the fundraising fight for Alabama's highly competitive U.S. Senate race.

Inside Alabama Politics – January 31, 2022
Sifting through the long list of qualified candidates up and down the ballot; Some last minute surprises on qualifying day; Implications from monster court ruling on redistricting; Dust up over Auburn trustee appointment leads to lion tweet; What will the Durant story fallout be? Potpourri

Merrill seeking clarification on qualifying deadline
It was unclear Tuesday whether that date change was only for congressional candidates or also for state- or county-level races.

Taylor drops out of U.S. Senate race, endorses Durant
Taylor is the owner of a grant-writing business and finished third in the 2020 GOP primary for the 2nd Congressional District, narrowly missing the runoff in that race.

Blanchard begins ad blitz in bid to unseat Ivey
By TODD STACY, Alabama Daily News MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Lindy Blanchard, the former U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia who announced her...

Inside Alabama Politics – December 21, 2021
Senate race heats up; Running for Governor; What’s really going on with Trump?
Gambling legislation: What could really happen? Spat between Ethics Commission & AG could get serious; Reading between the lines on prisons; RSA funds show eye-popping growth; Coleman to challenge Moore? Big push on reducing recidivism coming; Potpourri.

Poll: Competition tightening between Brooks, Britt
A new poll shows U.S. Senate candidate and current Congressman Mo Brooks with a narrow lead in the four-person GOP field. But in head-to-head competition, Katie Britt had a slight lead over Brooks.

Blanchard begins race for governor
Former U.S. Ambassador Lindy Blanchard officially launched her campaign for governor Tuesday, switching from running for the U.S. Senate to challenging incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey in the Republican primary.

Prison commissioner stepping down, leaders hope for management style change
Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner Jeff Dunn will soon resign his post, according to sources familiar with his plans. Dunn has served as commissioner for more than six years, after being appointed by then-Gov. Robert Bentley in April 2015.

Blanchard to formally announce candidacy for governor Tuesday
By TODD STACY, Alabama Daily News MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Lynda Blanchard, the former U.S. Ambassador and current candidate for the...

Tim James running for Alabama governor
James told Alabama Daily News he plans to formally kickoff his campaign next month, but he’s already visiting parts of the state with some campaign help, including former Alabama GOP Chairman Bill Armistead, and will be in the Shoals Tuesday and Wednesday.

Auburn City Council member Hovey challenging Whatley for Senate seat
According to Whatley’s most recent campaign finance report, he has $246,933 on hand and this year has raised $355,071 for his campaign.

McCarty not running for reelection to state school board
McCarty, R-Anniston, has represented District 6 since 2015, serving one year as the board's vice president and another as president pro tem.

Inside Alabama Politics – November 23, 2021
Now or later? What will happen with remaining ARPA funds? Will Blanchard pull the trigger?
Mo' monuments, mo' problems; Business versus populists. Who holds sway? AEA flexes money muscle; Legislative race update; Senate race update; Potpourri

Who’s running? 2022 Alabama House races update
There about 20 open Alabama House seats ahead of the 2022 election cycle and several incumbents have announced primary challengers. Here’s an update on who is and isn’t running.

Inside Alabama Politics – October 7, 2021
Special session review By TODD STACY, Alabama Daily News The much-anticipated special session on prisons is in the rearview mirror...

IAP Update: James, Blanchard jumping in race for governor?
In last week's edition of Inside Alabama Politics, we speculated on the likelihood of businessman Tim James and former U.S. Ambassador Lynda Blanchard running in the GOP primary against Gov. Kay Ivey.

Inside Alabama Politics – September 7, 2021
'Getting close' on a prison deal; How PACs are faring entering the cycle; Will James make a run for gov? Will Blanchard? More Pitts & Perkins drama; Counties ask for $10M reimbursement from state for county jail strains; Connie Rowe moving upstairs? Review: Dino’s or the Bar Formerly Known as Bud’s.

Analysis: What we learned from the latest Daily News poll
Since our Alabama Daily News audience is filled with politicians and politicos, we try to offer quality polling every so often to find a glimpse into the mind of the Alabama voter. The timing of this most recent survey with Cygnal was based on the GOP Senate primary finally appearing to be settled, the campaigns for state lawmakers just getting underway and a potential special session on prisons in the coming weeks or months.

Daily News poll: Brooks leads Senate race, but Britt has an opening
Brooks previously ran for Senate in the 2017 special election and came in third in the GOP primary with about 20% of the vote, short of incubment Luther Strange and eventual nominee Roy Moore. This time, he has the endorsement and support of former President Donald Trump.

Daily News poll: Ivey remains popular, leads on early reelection ballot
A new Alabama Daily News poll of Republican voters shows Gov. Kay Ivey with a high approval rating and a big lead over potential opponents in her bid for reelection in 2022.

Inside Alabama Politics – August 16, 2021
State leaders are getting close on a prison plan; General Fund, ETF revenues up, but budget leaders watching delta variant; Trump rally begets opportunities, headaches; ALDOT transfers road money to admin fund; Field for HD 20 expands, but will Sanderford run? Carnley makes it a race in SD 31; Updated chart on who's running and who's not.

Inside Alabama Politics – July 28, 2021
Could 'lost revenue' be used in prison fix? Special session update; How would COVID-19 affect a special? ‘Legislative blackout’ on campaign fundraising shrinks to 2 weeks; What Congressional Democrats' $3.5T budget package could mean for Alabama Medicaid; The List: Who's Running, Who's Not; Who will be House Education Budget Chair? This Matrix lawsuit is a doozy; Big Bud's news; Potpourri

More lawmakers decide on election for 2022
The 2022 general election may be more than a year away, but the primaries take place next May and party qualifying ends in January. That means now is decision time for many state lawmakers on whether or not to seek another term in office.

Rusty Glover enters State Auditor race
The State Auditor's race is shaping up to be one of 2022's most competitive contests. Glover is joining current state Rep. Andrew Sorrell, R-Muscle Shoals, and Kimberly pastor Stan Cooke in the Republican primary.

Sen. Priscilla Dunn won’t seek reelection, candidates line up to run
Democratic State Sen. Priscilla Dunn won't be running for reelection in 2022 and at least one current state representative plans on running for the vacant seat.

Who’s running and who’s not? Lawmakers talk reelection
By CAROLINE BECK and TODD STACY, Alabama Daily News MONTGOMERY, Ala. – With primary elections less than a year away,...

Inside Alabama Politics – June 29, 2021 Parts One & Two
What happened, why it matters and what's next with the Speaker's move; Thinking about special sessions;
Another prominent, long-serving lawmaker not seeking reelection; Dayne Cutrell to Maynard; Watson Donald to Shelby; ACCS shoring up security reporting.

Inside Alabama Politics – May 28, 2021
It's campaign szn; Dismukes update; Enter the Rileys? What's the plan with 'Rescue Plan' money? LifeTech Career Center to Reopen; Mike Ball unfiltered; What's to become of Bud's and Jubilee? Potpourri

‘Earmarks’ are back, but not all Alabama lawmakers are participating
It has a new name and many new requirements, but the process known as earmarking, or designating federal funds for distribution at the request of members of Congress, is now officially back on Capitol Hill.

‘Last-ditch’ effort to revive gambling in the House, but time running out
A series of phone calls and meetings took place this week in which members of the House and Senate from both parties discussed possible changes to the legislation pending in the House that could earn enough votes to pass. Multiple lawmakers who confirmed the discussions to Alabama Daily News described them as productive.

Lawmakers want another shot at state-owned prison plan
As the state’s plan to lease new mega-prisons hit another apparent roadblock Monday, more lawmakers appear ready for the state to instead borrow money to construct its own new facilities.

House to consider revamped gambling package
By TODD STACY, Alabama Daily News MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The House of Representatives will take up a revamped gambling package...

Inside Alabama Politics – April 27, 2021
Senate 2022 update
Census: By the skin of our teeth
When will the election be?
More on Merrill
Let’s talk about earmarks
What’s next on prisons
Legislative math: Medical Marijuana and gambling
Ed Henry is back and he has a PAC
New podcast
RIP Bud Skinner
Potpourri

ADN Inside Politics: State of play on gambling
Alabama lawmakers are ready to move forward with a bill calling for a statewide vote on a lottery - and only a lottery. According to multiple state senators, Senate Bill 320 will reach the Senate floor today when the body gavels in at 2:30 p.m. Yet, mere hours before debate begins, negotiations on a path forward on the issue of gambling are still very much in flux.

Inside Alabama Politics – March 9, 2021
Ivey threads the needle;
Senate 2022 update;
Musical chairs for undercard races;
Tuberville minds the political shop;
How goes the session: Budgets, Broadband push, Push back on trans bills, Permanent reminder of a temporary feeling;
Potpourri.

Citing Census data delay, lawmakers seek to move 2022 elections
“It's not just the redistricting, it's the candidates who need to find out where their districts are and have a chance to go visit their districts,” Sen. Jim McClendon, R-Springville, said.

Inside Alabama Politics – February 8, 2021
How goes the session; What to expect on gambling; Shelby keeps us waiting; Aderholt to the catbird seat; The latest with the Alabama State Bar; Potpourri.

Medical marijuana: first look at Melson’s bill for the 2021 session
The “Compassion Act” creates a Medical Cannabis Commission to oversee regulations and licensing for medical marijuana cultivators, processors and dispensaries and requires a statewide seed-to-sale tracking system for all cannabis in the state.

Inside Alabama Politics – Thursday, January 21
We all thought 2020 was a doozy, but the first three weeks of 2021 have given the worst year ever a run for its money. One silver lining for political junkies is that there is more going on politically than anytime in recent memory.
That's what we cover here at Inside Alabama Politics, and we're honored to have you along for the ride.

Supernumerary status keeps Brooks from interim role at state bar
The Alabama State Bar will not hire former Montgomery District Attorney Ellen Brooks as its interim leader as planned, the organization said Thursday, citing concerns about her supernumerary status.

State Bar contracting with Brooks after former leader resigns
Last October, the association announced in an email to its members that Phillip McCallum had resigned as executive director after three years on the job. The message did not include the reasons why and cordially thanked McCallum for his service.

Inside Alabama Politics – December 30, 2020
Welcome to the waning days of the Anno Domini 2020, a year many of us would like to forget but surely never will.

Inside Alabama Politics – December 3, 2020
By our count, this is fifth edition of Inside Alabama Politics to speculate on the possibility of a special session of the Alabama Legislature to take care of unfinished business from the COVID-curtailed 2020 Regular Session. There are good reasons for that.

Poll: Voters want access to lawmakers, open to alternate locations
A new polls shows Alabama voters take seriously their right access the State House during legislative sessions, but are open to alternate locations to ensure safe meetings amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Poll: Voters favor legislative action on unfinished business
A new poll shows Alabama voters strongly favor a special legislative session to take action on unfinished business but are also open to the use of technology, remote voting and other measures to conduct business safely.

New poll shows voters approve of state’s pandemic response
A new poll shows most Alabama voters approve of the state's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and see the state as being on the right path forward.

Inside Alabama Politics – November 6, 2020
Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh rocked the Alabama political world last week by telling The Anniston Star he would not be seeking a seventh term in 2022. (Kudos, by the way, to The Star for the big scoop). This week, we asked Marsh, the Senate’s top leader since 2010, what that means for Senate leadership for the next two years.

Inside Alabama Politics – October 7, 2020
Exciting news! After several months of work, Inside Alabama Politics and Alabama Daily News will soon be merging websites.

Ivey prison plan announcement expected soon
Gov. Kay Ivey is preparing for a major announcement in the coming days about her plan to lease three new...

Inside Alabama Politics – August 28, 2020
August 28, 2020 Special Session Talk Ever since the Alabama Legislature adjourned its truncated 2020 regular session, lawmakers and...

The Dismukes Debacle
By Todd Stacy This piece was originally published in the July 29 issue of Inside Alabama Politics. For much of...

Inside Alabama Politics – July 29, 2020
It has been almost two weeks since Gov. Kay Ivey issued a statewide order mandating face coverings be worn in public places with more than 10 people present. That order expires Friday, unless the governor opts to extend it.

Inside Alabama Politics – June 30, 2020
Don’t look now, but tomorrow marks the half way point of the year. That means the rough and tumble hellscape that is 2020 is half way over.

Bud’s to renovate, reopen
For decades, politicos have frequented the Fairview Avenue watering hole to blow off steam from the legislative session and suck in some smoke. Lawmakers, lobbyists, big time officials and small time upstarts have come to Bud's to hug, clink glasses and get along, while the very serious gentlemen in the Corner solve the world's problems.