By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Alabama State Senator Slade Blackwell (R) will speak to the Greater Birmingham Young Republicans (GBYRs) on Thursday, November 14th at 6:00pm at the Fox and Hound near the junction of Highway 280 and Interstate 459 in the Colonnade. Blackwell will be the guest speaker of the GBYRs. State Senator Slade Blackwell is serving his first term in the Alabama State Senate and recently announced his bid for reelection.
Senator Blackwell said on his website, “Unemployment is down, exports are up to record levels, and we were recently ranked as the fourth best state to do business. Alabama is on the right track and I am excited to continue the work we’re doing to make our government smaller, more efficient, and more transparent.”
Sen. Blackwell grew up in Montevallo and attended the University of Montevallo on a basketball scholarship. He is married to Sally Salter. Blackwell recently announced that he is not a candidate for Congress, but his father, John Blackwell, has expressed some interest in pursuing the open Sixth Congressional District seat, currently held by Rep. Spencer Bachus (R) from Vestavia, who has announced his retirement. Additionally the GBYRs will be having their annual club elections at the November meeting.
Anyone who is interested in running for an office needs to contact Chairman Jimmy Entrekin as soon as possible @ jimmyentrekin@gmail.com to let him know and to get more information..
The current announced candidates are as follows:
The candidates for GBYR Chairman are: Jackie Curtiss, Chris Reid, and Marshall Yates .
Clayton Turner is running for Vice-Chairman.
Ward Henneker is running for the office of Secretary.
Marshall Hollis is the candidate for Treasurer.
Haley Lucido is running for State Committeewoman.
James Mathews is running for State Committeeman.
The candidate for Sergeant at Arms is Joel Blankenship.
Running for County Liaison is Jon Macklem.
Dues to join the GBYR are $25 for individuals and $35 for married couples.
You must be current in your dues to be able to vote in the officer elections.
Outgoing GBYR Chairman Jimmy Entrekin has recently been appointed legal counsel for the Office of the Alabama Speaker of the House by Speaker Mike Hubbard (R) from Auburn. Entrekin is an experienced lawyer with an established practice in Jefferson and Shelby Counties and is an experienced campaign consultant.
Speaker Hubbard said in a written statement, “Jim’s years of private and public practice make him a tremendous asset to our team and to the Legislature. As Republicans continue to shake up the status quo and protect Alabamians rights and values, Jim will play an integral role in ensuring we continue to accomplish these goals.”
Entrekin’s practice included Appellate Law, Business and Contract Law, and Labor and Employment Law. In 2007, Entrekin served as a law clerk for Alabama Court of Civil Appeals Judge Terri W. Thomas. He also worked in the Policy Department for Governor Bob Riley. Entrekin has also helped direct several successful Republican campaigns. Entrekin holds a law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Samford.
To learn more about Senator Slade Blackwell visit his website at: www.sladeblackwell.com
