By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Saturday, Republicans from across Alabama gathered at Troy University in Troy for the summer meeting of the Alabama Republican Executive Committee.
Rick Dearborn, who is the deputy chief of staff for the Trump White House was the featured speaker at the event. Dearborn was formerly Senator Jeff Sessions’ chief of staff. He, Sessions and former Sessions staffer, Stephen Miller, are all playing key roles in the administration of President Donald J. Trump. Dearborn praised Senator Sessions and was optimistic and upbeat about his service in the Trump administration.
The State Executive Committee voted to open candidate qualifying for the June primary on Jan. 8, 2018 and close qualifying on Feb. 9, 2018. The primary will be on June 5, 2018.
Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan said that candidates will be able to file papers and fees online.
Both Republican Senate Primary run off candidates spoke to the committee ahead of the Sept. 26, 2017, special Republican primary runoff.
Senate candidate Judge Roy Moore said, “There is a Washington crowd that is trying to pick who gets the Senate seat, and they are spending millions of dollars in this race. If any one of you were running for Senate, you would be facing the same problem.”
Senator Luther Strange said that it has been his privilege to go to Washington to help President Trump. Strange extolled his record as Alabama attorney general, saying that he assembled the best public corruption teams in the country.
Senate candidate State Sen. Trip Pittman endorsed Roy Moore and said, “Judge Moore has run a great campaign, and I firmly believe he’s the best choice for Alabama. If the people of Alabama want a Senator who will go to Washington and stand up to the establishment by working to end out-of-control government, excessive regulations and address the devastating impact Obamacare has had on our families and the economy, we need to elect Roy Moore.”
The State Executive Committee passed a resolution urging the State Legislature to pass a sanctity of life bill in the next legislative session.
The State Executive Committee also approved a resolution urging the State Legislature to buy an old hospital in Hanceville and convert it to a veterans home. The resolution also urged the Legislature to build a veterans home in the Wiregrass.
State Senate candidate Tim Sprayberry proposed three changes to the Alabama Republican Party bylaws from the floor, but they all failed to pass.
One of Sprayberry’s changes to the bylaws would have banned paid political consultants from serving in the party leadership. Talladega County Republican Party Chairman Gina Grant told the ‘Alabama Political Reporter’ that she was concerned about one couple, both of whom serve on the steering committee and make their money as consultants.
Alabama’s RNC Committeeman Paul Reynolds said that the Republican National Committee has $46 million on hand, while the DNC (Democratic National Committee) has just $6 million and is burdened with a $3 million bank debt. Reynolds said the RNC is unified and is working well together despite media reports to the contrary.
Chairman Lathan said, “I’m very proud of the successful event and for having to find a place big enough to hold us all like a basketball arena.”
