By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Alabama Republican Party Chairman Bill Armistead issued a written statement to congratulate Mayor-elect Sandy Stimpson on his apparent election victory over incumbent Mayor Sam Jones.
Chairman Armistead said in his statement, “I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Mayor-elect Sandy Stimpson upon being elected Mayor of Mobile. While municipal elections in Alabama are non-partisan, Sandy was clearly the conservative candidate in this race who had a plan to move Mobile forward. His vision of bringing everyone together for a unified Mobile obviously resonated with the voters of Mobile.”
Chairman Armistead continued, “Mobile, like many cities, has had its share of challenges, but Mayor-elect Stimpson’s platform is exactly what Mobile needs at this time in its history. His goal of improving the quality of life in Mobile while fighting crime, improving education and creating jobs in an atmosphere of transparency will serve the citizens of Mobile well.”
In the waning days of the campaign Jones (who is Black) attacked Stimpson (who is White) for Stimpson’s campaign slogan referencing Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech to appeal to voters of both races. Apparently Jones’ rhetoric attacking “old Mobile” failed to motivate Black voters as Al.com is reporting that there was a much higher turnout in majority White boxes than in majority Black districts.
Mayor-elect Sandy Stimpson said on facebook, “It was a little crazy for the last little bit – I want you all to know that what you have done to help this campaign has touched me and my family in ways I will never be able to express! Tonight is no longer about the campaign but about bringing Mobile together to finish what we started! I promise to never let you down!”
