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.
Campaign 2022
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
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.