WVNN Candidate Get Together

Greetings:

I am sure most of you who will see this and live in the Huntsville area, already know about tonight's function, the WVNN 770 Candidate Get Together.  However, I wanted to just add my two cents to the importance of not only being involved and educated, but also being engaged. 

I have found that one can be "involved and educated" about who the candidates are, but still not have a good feel for what type of leader they will be.  It takes getting to know them.  When you meet someone in person, you gain a deeper understanding of who that person is, which will lead you to a better conclusion of who to vote for.

I have put out a few endorsements before, and wanted to follow up on where I stand now.  I believe it is important to take a stand, not just sit comfortably on the sideline.  Here are a few suggestions/endorsements to consider.

1. Bradley Byrne for Governor:  I have met Bradley and found him to be true to who he is.  I will also add, that I like Dr. Bentley, and believe that he HAD run the most effective campaign of the cycle, coming from way back to "in the run-off".  However, since then, there have a been a few directional changes that cause me to be solid for Byrne.  First, restructuring his campaign staff, seemingly to make room for a Huckabee plant (not long before Huckabee announced an endorsement).  {On a side note; Huckabee has done more to hurt his chances in 2012 than he has done to help them - he should "go away" for a few months if he is considering running}.  Byrne has stood up to the AEA (who will be Bentley's biggest fan) and is not scared to stand against what is wrong.  It is imperative that all go out and vote, because there will be a major push on the dems side to go out and vote for Bentley, because they rightfully believe Bentley will be a candidate that Sparks has a chance against.

2. Mo Brooks for AL Congressional District 5: I have posted about this already, but wanted to make sure everyone does their due-diligence here.  Mo will be running against "nice guy" Steve Raby.  Mr. Raby has not had to take a stand on any issues in the primary, and would not answer how he would have voted on the Health Care Bill.  He will have a TON of money to get a message out to people that will sound good, but he is dangerous, because we have no idea where he truly stands on issues.  Mo has from the beginning, been very clear where he stands on issues. 

3. Mary Scott Hunter for State School Board District 8: This has not been an easy one for me, but true to my comment that we "need to take a stand" I have decided to back Mary Scott for this position.  She has shown the passion and diligence to "get the job done."  I believe that she is uniquely gifted in communicating her ideas to others, and will be very effective in helping our state improve the quality of education. 

4. Dr. Charles Elliott for State School Board District 6: I have met Dr. Elliott and was very impressed by his passion and commitment to improving education in Alabama.  If you live in his district, make sure you get a chance to meet him.

5. Bill Holtzclaw for State Senate, District 2: The state senate desperately needs solid conservative leadership, and Bill meets this standard.  He is running against Tom Butler who has served as the senator for this district for 27 years.  Mr. Butler is a democrat, and considers himself a conservative one - but from what I have learned about how our state senate operates, how could this exist.  Considering the "great divide" between the conservatives and liberals in our state senate, I am not willing to accept someone as a conservative democrat any longer.  Having said that, it really doesn't matter to me what Mr. Butler is or isn't, Bill Holtzclaw is the right man for the job.  He will make an excellent State Senator, and has a bright future in politics!

6. Clay Scofield for State of Senate, District 9:  Honestly, this is the most difficult "call" for me.  Both Clay and Don Spurlin would make excellent Senators.  But, if I were voting here, I would choose Clay.  He has run an effective campaign, and seems to understand the district very well.  I know he is a very hard worker, and will work hard as a Senator as well.

Please take a few minutes to visit the candidates websites, and I hope to see you tonight at Mason's!