By Bill Britt
Alabama Political Reporter
BIRMINGHAM—Bill Armistead has been reelected Chairman of the ALGOP. What had become a fierce campaign not only among rivals but also among friends has ended with an Armistead win.
Bill Armistead’s 45 years of service and leadership was again recognized by the ALGOP in a vote to continue his leadership.
Matt Fridy, who challenged Armistead for the Chairmanship is a rising star within the party and is said to have a bright future.
However, this comes as a stunning blow to Governor Robert Bentley, Lt Gov. Kay Ivey and Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard who worked on Fridy’s behalf.
Armistead was accused as being a man who was dividing the party, but the rank and file leadership of the ALGOP stood by him, many seeing Mike Hubbard as the divisive force.
One ALGOP leader who wish not to be quoted by name said, “This shows, that Mike Hubbard, and Bob Riley no longer control the party in Alabama.
Hubbard who is under a Special Grand Jury investigation for activities during his tenure as ALGOP Chairman, is beginning to be seen as a liability. According to some this was a race for the soul of the ALGOP, by many accounts it was those who chose principle over politics who really won.
