July 2013 Group Watch: News & Views from the State House
The governor is raising funds in hopes of retaining office, while another elected official announces his departure.
- Bentley Begins Run for Second Term: Alabama Governor Robert Bentley filed his first campaign finance report, which shows he has over a half-million dollars already on hand. The report shows he entered the campaign fundraising season with a beginning balance of $236,000 and raised $422,500, giving him a total of $545,000. A spokesperson for the governor said he is happy with the initial report and thinks it reflects the support he has based on his job performance to date. Alabama’s primary election is June 3, 2014.
- Rep. Jay Love Resigns: State Representative Jay Love, one of the most powerful members of the House of Representatives, announced he is leaving the legislature August 1 to pursue business opportunities and to promote education reform. Love is chairman of the House Ways and Means Education Committee, which writes the budget for all education functions in the state. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2002 and during his stint in public office, ran unsuccessfully for congress and for chairman of the Alabama Republican Party. Love has owned several Montgomery area eateries and became a prominent legislative player after Republicans took control of the legislature in 2010. Love’s replacement will be selected in a special election that will be called by Governor Bentley.
