September 2014 Group Watch: News & Views from the State House
More and more election news is rolling in as we near November.
- Governor Endorses Gary Palmer: Governor Robert Bentley has endorsed fellow Republican Gary Palmer in the race for the state’s 6thCongressional seat, which is being vacated by longtime Congressman Spencer Bachus. Bentley says he has known Palmer for years, both during his time in the Legislature and as Governor. Bentley noted his appointment of Palmer to the Alabama Commission on Improving State Government, which helped to identify over $1 billion dollars in annual savings for taxpayers by reducing the cost of state government and increasing efficiency. The governor said this is the type of leadership needed in Washington and expressed pleasure endorsing Palmer for Congress. Palmer defeated State Representative Paul DeMarco in the July Republican run-off and will face Democrat Marl Lester in the November general election.
- Republican State Leadership Committee “Races to Watch” List: The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) included two African-American Alabama legislative candidates on “races to watch” lists it released as part of an effort to elect more minority and women candidates on the GOP side. Darius Foster, Republican nominee in House District 56 in Birmingham will face Democrat Louise Alexander and independent Ricky Leavins in the November general election. Tijuanna Adetunji, Republican nominee in House District 78 in Montgomery, will face longtime Representative Alvin Holmes. Holmes has served in the Legislature since 1974. The RSLC announced 14 minority candidates and 14 women candidates on “races to watch” lists for the 2014 legislative campaigns.
