Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

News

Lovvorn’s Consultant Linked to Hubbard’s Machine

By Bill Britt
Alabama Political Reporter

MONTGOMERY—The Republican primary to elect a replacement for disgraced lawmaker and convicted felon Rep. Mike Hubbard will be held on Tuesday.

Jay Conner, Joe Lovvorn, Sandy Toomer and Brett Smith are all in the running to represent District 79, but parts of the former Hubbard machine are pushing Lovvorn toward the winner’s circle.

Not only is Lovvorn receiving four times more money than his closest competitor, his campaign is receiving guidance from Montgomery-based Greystone Consulting.

Greystone also represented the Alabama 2014 PAC, led by former Gov. Bob Riley and Hubbard.

Lovvorn’s campaign disclosures show Greystone Consulting was paid around $50,000 for its services.

Led by former AEA commutation director Lance Hyche, the consulting group lists the lobbying firm owned by Dax Swatek, Tim Howe and John Ross, as well as charter school advocacy group, Students First, among it clients.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Swatek, Howe and Ross, along with BCA’s Billy Canary are members of Hubbard’s kitchen cabinet. These men also testified at his felony conviction trial about their involvement or knowledge in Hubbard’s schemes. Far from being outcasts like Hubbard, the foursome stroll the halls of the State House as if they were never the felon’s closest confidants.

Adding Greystone Consulting’s relationship to those close to Hubbard, and given that most of Lovvorn’s money is coming from the Montgomery-based associations and the well-heeled of Auburn, furthers speculation that Lovvorn is a Hubbard redux.

Bill Britt is editor-in-chief at the Alabama Political Reporter and host of The Voice of Alabama Politics. You can email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter.

More from APR

Legislature

HB27 would make Alabama’s ban on judicial override apply to those currently on death row. 

Legislature

Republicans have been rushing since last Thursday to prepare legislation to address the issue.

Legislature

The Legislature will return to begin its 10th legislative day (out of 30) on Tuesday.

Elections

The corridors of power are abuzz with talk that Britt, a rising star in the Republican Party, could be the ideal running mate.