June 2013 Group Watch: News & Views from the State House
Election announcements top the current political news, and the governor is asking questions about the recent collection of blood and saliva samples in several Alabama counties.
- A Long List: Two legislators are among the long list of people running for the vacant congressional seat in the first district. Both Rep. Randy Davis, R-Daphne, and Rep. Chad Fincher, R-Semmes, have thrown their hats in the ring. A broad field of candidates expressed interest in the seat in May when incumbent Jo Bonner announced he was resigning to take a job with the University of Alabama System. Bonner’s resignation is effective August 15. Keep up with who’s in and who’s out of the race thanks to al.com. Find their continually updated list here.
- Boozer to Seek Second Term: Alabama State Treasurer Young Boozer is officially seeking a second term. The Republican treasurer recently announced his plans for another term while in Tuscaloosa to address Girls State. Boozer said that since his election in 2010, he’s led the effort to reach a successful settlement of the state’s prepaid tuition plan. He said he has also streamlined the state’s unclaimed property process and worked with the legislature to pass a law that saved money by consolidating treasury budgets. Boozer said there is more work he wants to get done in a second term.
- Governor & A.G. Question Road Blocks: Governor Robert Bentley and Attorney General Luther Strange want to know more about road checkpoints set up in Bibb and St. Clair counties where drivers were asked for samples of blood and saliva. Local officials say the checkpoints were part of a study looking into how many people get behind the wheel with alcohol, prescription or illegal drugs in their system. Officials said the samples were collected voluntarily and anonymously. Governor Bentley said he is asking his secretary of Law Enforcement to investigate the issue. He said he wants to find out from the federal government exactly what is being done with the information collected. Attorney General Strange expressed shock and said he is troubled by the actions.
