August 2017 Group Watch: News & Views from the State House
Election announcements and committee moves top the list of political news right now.
- Alabama Senate Race Results: Former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore, who was twice removed from the bench for thumbing his nose at the federal courts, was the leading vote getter in a crowded field seeking the Republican nomination. Incumbent Senator Luther Strange came in a not-too-distant second. They will face each other in a September 26 runoff to determine the Republican nominee. Former U.S. attorney Doug Jones of Birmingham easily outdistanced his Democratic challengers to win his party’s nomination without a runoff. He will face the Republican nominee in the general special election in December.
- Senate Leader Marsh Will Seek Re-election: Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh announced he will seek re-election to the state Senate in 2018. Marsh had been high on lists of potential gubernatorial candidates but has said he was waiting for Governor Kay Ivey to make a decision about seeking the office. Ivey’s office said she is continuing to consider running for a full term and is close to a decision. Marsh said if he’s re-elected to the Senate, education and infrastructure would be his priorities. Marsh said he looks forward to working with Ivey, should she seek a full term.
- House Speaker Announces Committee Changes: Alabama House Speaker Mac McCutcheon recently announced several committee reassignments. McCutcheon said the changes will bring new ideas and fresh perspectives. They are: Alan Boothe (R-Troy) from Rules to Ethics and Campaign Finance; Prince Chestnut (D-Selma) from State Government to Judiciary; Danny Crawford (R-Athens) assigned to Agriculture and Forestry; Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham) from Judiciary to County and Municipal Government; Kelvin Lawrence (D-Hayneville) assigned to State Government; Tim Wadsworth (R-Arley) from State Government to Judiciary, and Jack Williams (R-Wilmer) from Agriculture and Forestry to State Government.
