By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Voters in Etowah and northern St. Clair Counties went to the polls on Tuesday to vote in the Special Election to decide who will represent them in the Alabama House of Representatives for the next two years. Etowah County School Board Member Mack Butler (R) from Rainbow City defeated Southside attorney Beth McGlaughn (D) in what was a surprisingly close and hard contested race in an area of the state that overwhelmingly supported Gov. Romney (R) over President Barack Obama (D).
Mack Butler said on Facebook, “Thank you so much Etowah and St Clair Counties! We won both counties with the help of so many friends, and supporters! I have some very large shoes to fill, but am up to the challenge, with the help of my Lord, family, and friends! I am so honored to be elected to represent the good folks of Alabama House District 30! I just got off the phone, with Governor Bentley, Speaker,Hubbard, and our good friend Blaine! Thanks District 30! Mack.”
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley (R) said on Facebook, “Just called Mack Butler (District 30) and David Standridge (District 34) to congratulate them on their election to the Alabama House of Representatives. I look forward to working with them.”
Alabama Republican Party Chairman Bill Armistead said, “I congratulate Mack Butler on being elected to represent District 30, and look forward to seeing him stand for Republican values in the Alabama House of Representatives.” “Butler’s victory is just more evidence that Alabamians are turning away from the Democrats and the Party of Barack Obama. As people look toward another four years under President Obama, they want true Republicans like Butler to prevent the Obama administration’s values from seeping into their local politics.”
Alabama Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard (R) from Auburn said on Facebook, “Congratulations to newly elected Representatives Mack Butler and David Standridge (the House District 34 winner). I look forward to working with them in the legislature as we continue the fight as the last line of defense against the ever encroaching reach of the federal government.”
Butler said on Facebook, “I’m so thankful to have such good Christian examples in my life. My good friend, lawyer, and State Senator Phil Williams just drove to our home to pray with me and my family! I ask that we now all join forces and push in the same direction and pray for our great state!”
Unofficial results show that Butler defeated McGlaughn by a margin of just 53.4% to 46.6% and won both St. Clair and Etowah Counties.
The seat was previously held by Republican Representative Blaine Galliher, who vacated the seat to accept a job as Legislative Director of the Bentley Administration.
