By Bill Britt
Alabama Political Reporter
MONTGOMERY—A promise of a new day and a better tomorrow for all Alabamians, was the message Speaker Mac McCutcheon voiced after his election.
“To put it bluntly, the days of the Imperial Speakership are over,” he said to sustained applause.
Immediately setting himself in contrast to convicted felon, and former Speaker Mike Hubbard, he said, “I am not guided by desires of trying to climb the political ladder, or guided by the desire for riches.”
He also promised to reclaim the House of Representatives as the people’s house, where, “not some of the people of Alabama are represented, but all of the voices are heard.”
McCutcheon sent a clear message that he is the people’s speaker and not the agent of special interests. “I am not beholden to any special interests, but to the people of Alabama.”
After his speech, some legislators voiced doubt that things had changed, but most member’s and Statehouse staffers have hope. Several staffers expressed their confidence in McCutcheon’s honesty and integrity, something that was severely lacking under the previous Speaker.
McCutcheon’s path forward will, no doubt, be difficult, and fraught with traps unseen, as Montgomery’s power elite challenges his leadership.
In an unusual act of humility, McCutcheon asked his pastor to pray over him, something of an anomaly among those who feign piety, while feasting on the spoils of power. His pastor prayed, that he perform his duties in all honesty and Godliness, that God would give him the spirit of discernment in fairness to all, to give him the spirit of cooperation in willingness to work with all, and to give him knowledge and wisdom to do the right thing. McCutcheon closed by quoting from I Peter 4:10 reminding those present that gifts they received are to be used to help others, as good stewards of God.
Then he said, “Let’s roll up our sleeves and go to work for Alabama.”
We at the Alabama Political Reporter wish him God Speed.
And, we will be watching.
