By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Tuesday will see severe cold and in many parts of the state there will be snow and ice. Due to the likelihood of frigid temperatures and the possibility of winter precipitation Alabama Governor Robert Bentley (R) has declared a state of emergency and has postponed House of Representatives Special elections in Alabama House Districts 104, 53, and 31.
Gov. Bentley put the Alabama National Guard on alert and said in a written statement, “With winter weather moving into Alabama, we are taking precautions to protect Alabamians. By issuing a State of Emergency, I have directed all state agencies to take necessary actions to be prepared to respond to the anticipated winter conditions including sleet, ice and snow. We will actively monitor the storm as it begins to hit the state and are prepared to respond to any requests for assistance.”
According to the National Weather Service offices in Alabama, the state is expected to experience extended frigid temperatures beginning Tuesday and lasting until Thursday mid-morning. The Governor has activated the Alabama National Guard to be on stand-by in support of winter weather operations. The Alabama Emergency Management Agency is activating its State Emergency Operations Center in order to monitor the storm and assist county Emergency Management Agencies as needed. The Emergency Management Divisions in Mobile, Troy and Montgomery will activate at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday.
The Governor has also postponed the special elections for one week in the following districts:
•House District 104 where Margie Wilcox (R) is facing Stephen P. Carr (D) in a special general election.
•House District 31 where Mike Holmes (R) faces Jimmy Collier (R) in a Republican Primary Runoff election. The Republican runoff is winner take all since no Democrat qualified to run.
•House District 53 where Arthur Shores Lee (D) faces Anthony ‘Alann’ Johnson (D) in a Democratic Party Primary runoff. The winner will still face a Republican opponent in the Spring.
All three special elections will be held on February 4.
The Governor’s State of Emergency will be effective at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 28th.
Many of the candidates rushed to Facebook to inform their voters NOT to come to the polls on Tuesday.
Mike Holmes said, “Voters, just to be clear if you have not seen TV or heard on radio, or read the article below: HD-31 Special Primary Election Runoff has been postponed until February 4, 2014. Please make plans to vote that day, next Tuesday. And be cautious if you must be on the roads tomorrow!”
Stephen Carr said, “The election has been postponed until next week due to a declared state of emergency! This means that we still have time to campaign and you still have time to help us get over the finish line. Please support us and make a donation today so that we can continue our efforts to reach voters over the next week! Carr for 104!”
Margie Wilcox said on Facebook, “ELECTION POSTPONED BY GOVERNOR …….PLEASE SHARE.”
Anthony “Alann” Johnson said, “The special-election has been postponed until next Tuesday by the Governor due to severe weather across Alabama. The three special-elections taking place statewide will be on next Tuesday, February 4th.”
The ultimate winners of all three races will still have to face re-election this year.
