By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
On Wednesday, January 13, 2016, the Jefferson County Young Democrats (JCYD) Political Action Committee released its endorsements for the March 1, 2016 Democratic Primary Election.
Jefferson County Young Democrats President Le’Darius Hilliard said in a statement, “The Jefferson County Young Democrats are proud to endorse a slate of qualified candidates for elected office. After a through screening process, we are confident that this group of incumbent elected officials and candidates for office are committed to serving the people of Jefferson County and young people in particular. The Jefferson County Young Democrats will work diligently to register and educate voters as well as turn out Democrats to the polls on March 1, 2016.”
Some Young Democrat leaders are saying that no Young Democrats of Alabama chapter should be endorsing any candidates in the Democratic Primary.
Young Democrats of Alabama President Beth Clayton told the Alabama Political Reporter, “The AYD state committee, a unit comprised of chapter presidents and elected leaders, voted 10-1 on December 15 to uphold our Constitutional provision to not allow primary endorsements. The organization feels very strongly that we should support all Democrats, and I hope that our Jefferson County chapter comes to understand this importance, too.”
For President of the United States the group selected former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton over Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley.
For US Senate the Jefferson County Young Democrats group endorsed Charles Nana over Ron Crumpton.
For Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge: in place 4 they endorsed Charles “Chuck” Price, II; In place 11 they recommend Joe Basgier; in place 17 they favor Judge Elisabeth French; in place 22 the endorsement went to Perryn Suzanne Carroll; in place 23 both Judge Agnes Chappell and Judge Carnella Greene Norman received endorsements; in place 25 they endorsed Reginald L. Jeter; and in place 26 their selection was Everett W. Wess.
The JCYDs endorsed Raymond L. Johnson, Jr. for Jefferson County District Attorney. In the Bessemer Division District Attorney race they endorsed Lonnie A. Washington, Sr.
For Jefferson County Treasurer the group endorsed Mike Miles.
In the Jefferson County Deputy Treasurer race they endorse Sherry McLain.
For Jefferson County District Judge the Jefferson County the group endorsed: for place 4 William A. “Tony” Bell Jr.; for place 5- Judge Shera Craig Grant; and for place 10- Debra Bennett Winston (Bessemer Division).
In the Constables races the group endorsed: in District 55, Joshua J. Raby, in District 57 they selected Walter “Big Walt” Wilson; and in District 60 Carlos M. Chaverst, Jr.
Young Democrats President Clayton said, “The Alabama Young Democrats and its affiliated chapters are not authorized to make endorsements in primary elections pursuant to Article III of our Constitution. We believe in a unified Democratic Party, and will continue to work hard to elect all Democrats who step forward to run for office. The endorsements announced today by the Jefferson County Young Democrats are not official and do not speak on behalf of our membership or our organization. We remain committed to support all candidates who win the Party’s nomination in the primary elections.”
