luther strange
The Long And Short Of The AG Race
03/06/10 14:22
Troy King Gets Fake Endorsement?
30/05/10 18:40
A group calling themselves "Tea Party of Alabama" sent out an email blast today endorsing Troy King for Alabama Attorney General.
Get the scoop on the group and the endorsement over at Doc's.
This is just pathetic. Does Troy King not have any real supporters? Does he really have to stoop to making up fake endorsements?
Just another reason to vote for Luther Strange on Tuesday....
Get the scoop on the group and the endorsement over at Doc's.
This is just pathetic. Does Troy King not have any real supporters? Does he really have to stoop to making up fake endorsements?
Just another reason to vote for Luther Strange on Tuesday....
Draft Of Luther Strange Email Sparks Questions For Troy King
24/05/10 15:06
This draft email from the Luther Strange campaign suggests Troy King has been using state cars while on the campaign trail.
It says, "[***J-let me know when you get the footage of PK traveling in state car with TK to Beasley mtg. Will hold on this until we get final]
This correlates with earlier information I had received regarding King's use of state resources for campaign-related activities.
It will be interesting to see if anyone is investigating this, and if not, why not? The law is very clear on the issue.
It says, "[***J-let me know when you get the footage of PK traveling in state car with TK to Beasley mtg. Will hold on this until we get final]
This correlates with earlier information I had received regarding King's use of state resources for campaign-related activities.
It will be interesting to see if anyone is investigating this, and if not, why not? The law is very clear on the issue.
More On The Race For Attorney General
24/05/10 13:43
Lots of news about the Republican primary for Attorney General today.
The Opelika-Auburn News says it's Time For A Change In The Attorney General's Office
The Gadsden Times has a pretty harsh editorial on Troy King: Our View: Crushing Defeat For King
The Opelika-Auburn News says it's Time For A Change In The Attorney General's Office
It’s time for a change in the Alabama Attorney General’s office. Troy King, appointed six years ago by Gov. Bob Riley, has been at odds with the Republican Party and, of late, has been a divisive figure in Alabama politics. His handling of the controversial electronic bingo argument has been questionable at best.He was even investigated by a grand jury.Is this what Alabama citizens want as the state’s top law enforcer? We think not.Luther Strange, a Birmingham attorney, says he wants to do the unfulfilled job King was appointed to do.“Never in the history of Alabama has the governor had to create a task force to do the attorney general’s job,” he said.“I think we’ve got and have had a law enforcement crisis in this state due entirely to his failure to take action. This wasn’t an issue until Troy King came into office. To come along at the 11th hour and take over the task force, he’s just thrown it into more chaos.”It’s time Alabama had an attorney general in office, not a politician.
The Gadsden Times has a pretty harsh editorial on Troy King: Our View: Crushing Defeat For King
The Alabama Supreme Court dealt Attorney General Troy King a severe defeat Friday while reinforcing the strength of the executive branch of state government. Legal battles over electronic bingo will likely continue for some time, but for now a definitive ruling has been issued: Governor outranks attorney general.The state’s high court was less than kind to King in its opinion Friday. He had contended that the attorney general was the state’s top law enforcement officer and that he should have control of any investigations into electronic bingo operations.While Gov. Bob Riley had used his Task Force on Illegal Gambling to shut down electronic bingo halls, King said he would seek court rulings in local jurisdictions. His play was backed by Jefferson County Circuit Judge Robert Vance, who ruled that King had authority over the task force.Riley appealed to the high court and won. In overruling Vance, justices said they relied on the “simple notion” that the governor sits at the top of the state’s constitutional hierarchy. As far as King’s contention that he should be able to commandeer leadership of the task force, the court was direct: “We reject that argument.”The justices came very close to accusing King of dereliction of duty. The justices said criminal laws regarding gambling have gone unenforced in some areas. Without action by Riley, they wrote, “the law would continue to go unenforced in those counties during Attorney General King’s tenure.”King did not comment last week, but Riley did. “This is a clear, complete and total victory for the rule of law,” he said.He added, “This ruling should put the nail in the coffin for so-called electronic bingo in this state.”Riley may be right, but we won’t bet on this being the end of the legal battles over gambling.Electronic bingo has gained a foothold in the state, however tenuous, and because big money is at stake we anticipate more legal battles, even before Riley leaves office in January.The big loser Friday, though, was King. Just more than a week away from the Republican primary election, the court’s ruling can’t help his campaign.
Birmingham News Endorses Luther Strange
24/05/10 08:33
The Birmingham News endorsed Luther Strange today. Here's what they had to say about Big Luther:
OUR VIEW: Luther Strange is by far the best Republican candidate for Alabama's attorney general, and Michel Nicrosi is our pick of the three solid Democratic choices
By Birmingham News editorial board
May 24, 2010, 5:46AM
Give Troy King credit for this: He has presented a strong case for why Alabamians need to choose carefully when they're picking their top lawyer.
As attorney general, King leaves a lot to be desired. Between seeking and accepting favors and perks, he has compromised his abilities to perform some of the most important duties of his office, such as investigating public corruption.
King sought a job for a friend from one of the chief targets in the two-year college investigation -- which, by the way, involved allegations of handing out jobs as political favors. What was he thinking?
Perhaps even worse were King's actions involving electronic bingo. He was a banner guest at a party thrown by Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley, then issued an opinion clearing the way for a dubious bingo enterprise there. King's actions, in our view, helped foster the spread of electronic bingo in the state, and they ended up being the focus of a federal investigation.
The big question is why King thinks voters should re-elect him. Fortunately, Alabama voters have alternatives in the June 1 primaries, both from King's Republican Party and on the Democratic side as well.
OUR VIEW: Luther Strange is by far the best Republican candidate for Alabama's attorney general, and Michel Nicrosi is our pick of the three solid Democratic choices
By Birmingham News editorial board
May 24, 2010, 5:46AM
Give Troy King credit for this: He has presented a strong case for why Alabamians need to choose carefully when they're picking their top lawyer.
As attorney general, King leaves a lot to be desired. Between seeking and accepting favors and perks, he has compromised his abilities to perform some of the most important duties of his office, such as investigating public corruption.
King sought a job for a friend from one of the chief targets in the two-year college investigation -- which, by the way, involved allegations of handing out jobs as political favors. What was he thinking?
Perhaps even worse were King's actions involving electronic bingo. He was a banner guest at a party thrown by Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley, then issued an opinion clearing the way for a dubious bingo enterprise there. King's actions, in our view, helped foster the spread of electronic bingo in the state, and they ended up being the focus of a federal investigation.
The big question is why King thinks voters should re-elect him. Fortunately, Alabama voters have alternatives in the June 1 primaries, both from King's Republican Party and on the Democratic side as well.
Luther Strange On The New Sons Of Liberty Ad Buy
14/05/10 13:49
Today's Press Release from the Luther Strange campaign:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2010
Contact: Jessica Garrison, Campaign Manager 205-568-4371
http://www.lutherstrange.com/clean-up-alabama
Million Dollar Mystery Ads Bring Pledge, Challenge from Luther Strange
BIRMINGHAM, Ala-- As a phantom political group makes plans to flood Alabama airwaves with more than one million dollars of television advertising, Republican candidate for attorney general, Luther Strange is calling on candidates and voters to take a public stand against this outside special interest group's influence on state elections.
"When wealthy special interests hide behind stealth groups to sway our elections, they are hurting honest Alabama voters and good candidates," Strange said. "Alabama needs transparency in state elections. The person or group actually funding these ads should make clear who they are and what their agenda really is."
"Any candidate that would benefit from one of these groups should disavow the ads and demand they be pulled from the airwaves. I pledge to do so and challenge every other statewide candidate in both parties to join me."
A new political organization founded only days ago using the name New Sons of Liberty is currently placing more than one million dollars in television advertising which will reach every corner of Alabama. The subject of their ad campaign remains a public mystery, but their commercials are slated to begin May 21 and run up to the June 1 primary. The group was only incorporated two weeks ago and no one has come forward to put an actual face or even a real location behind the organization.
"We have already seen the lies and deception spread when candidates and special interests team up," Strange said. "Troy King and his gambling buddies were first to try for cheap political points by politicizing the Gulf oil spill and airing their lies on television. Now it looks like another special interest will try to buy off another candidate."
Strange has set up a website where he's asking candidates and voters to join in his pledge not to benefit from manipulative special interests and to keep them out of Alabama elections.
"As attorney general, I'll fight to force stealth money and fake interests groups out of the closet so voters can make informed decisions about not just the message, but the messenger." Strange added. "My fight starts right now with this pledge."
To join the fight for transparent elections and to say no to outside special interest groups, visit and sign the petition at www.lutherstrange.com/clean-up-alabama, where you can learn more about Big Luther's fight for honesty and integrity in state government.
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Looks like Big Luther isn't taking any chances that the ad buy could target him in favor of Troy King. There's a lot of speculation that the group is a front for gambling interests who want to see Troy stay in office.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2010
Contact: Jessica Garrison, Campaign Manager 205-568-4371
http://www.lutherstrange.com/clean-up-alabama
Million Dollar Mystery Ads Bring Pledge, Challenge from Luther Strange
BIRMINGHAM, Ala-- As a phantom political group makes plans to flood Alabama airwaves with more than one million dollars of television advertising, Republican candidate for attorney general, Luther Strange is calling on candidates and voters to take a public stand against this outside special interest group's influence on state elections.
"When wealthy special interests hide behind stealth groups to sway our elections, they are hurting honest Alabama voters and good candidates," Strange said. "Alabama needs transparency in state elections. The person or group actually funding these ads should make clear who they are and what their agenda really is."
"Any candidate that would benefit from one of these groups should disavow the ads and demand they be pulled from the airwaves. I pledge to do so and challenge every other statewide candidate in both parties to join me."
A new political organization founded only days ago using the name New Sons of Liberty is currently placing more than one million dollars in television advertising which will reach every corner of Alabama. The subject of their ad campaign remains a public mystery, but their commercials are slated to begin May 21 and run up to the June 1 primary. The group was only incorporated two weeks ago and no one has come forward to put an actual face or even a real location behind the organization.
"We have already seen the lies and deception spread when candidates and special interests team up," Strange said. "Troy King and his gambling buddies were first to try for cheap political points by politicizing the Gulf oil spill and airing their lies on television. Now it looks like another special interest will try to buy off another candidate."
Strange has set up a website where he's asking candidates and voters to join in his pledge not to benefit from manipulative special interests and to keep them out of Alabama elections.
"As attorney general, I'll fight to force stealth money and fake interests groups out of the closet so voters can make informed decisions about not just the message, but the messenger." Strange added. "My fight starts right now with this pledge."
To join the fight for transparent elections and to say no to outside special interest groups, visit and sign the petition at www.lutherstrange.com/clean-up-alabama, where you can learn more about Big Luther's fight for honesty and integrity in state government.
###
Looks like Big Luther isn't taking any chances that the ad buy could target him in favor of Troy King. There's a lot of speculation that the group is a front for gambling interests who want to see Troy stay in office.
New Luther Strange Ad Attacks Troy King on Corruption
14/05/10 13:39
The Luther Strange campaign released a new ad today attacking Troy King on his problems with corruption, and responding to Troy's attempt to connect Big Luther to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Update on the Attorney General Race
07/05/10 13:26
I feel I should disclose my bias in this matter up front: I have openly supported Luther Strange in his campaign for Attorney General for several months now. I am not paid by the campaign or anyone connected with it. I did participate in a television ad for the Luther Strange campaign.
It looks like the Alabama Attorney General's race is about to get a lot more interesting.
Incumbent Troy King took political pandering to a new low last week with his claim that Luther Strange lobbied for the oil company whose rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico. In Friday's Press-Register, a spokesman for King said, "that Strange's ties to the oil industry and particularly to Transocean could compromise his ability to serve as the state's top lawyer."
It's ironic that King would be accusing Luther Strange of having a conflict of interest when he has had to step aside and let the Feds conduct two major investigations that the AG's office should have been involved in but couldn't because of King's ties to targets of the investigation. While investigating the junior college scandal King asked Chancellor Roy Johnson for jobs for at least two of his friends. He then had to turn the investigation over to Richard Minor, District Attorney from St. Clair County. In addition, the FBI is handling one of the largest investigations into government corruption the state has ever seen, and where is the AG's office? Not involved. Troy King's ties to the gambling interests has caused a conflict of interest for the AG's office. So you'll have to pardon me if I don't take King's accusation seriously...
It's true that Luther Strange lobbied for Sonat, Inc. which was the parent company of Transocean Offshore Drilling Co. In a statement released Friday he says, "I briefly represented Transocean Offshore Drilling Co. 12 years ago and provided only federal legislative monitoring. Furthermore, it is in no way the same company that it is today. In fact, it has been reincorporated twice through mergers in the past 10 years and my work for them 12 years ago has absolutely no bearing on my intent to pursue all those responsible for the tragedy." In my opinion King is clearly trying to take a bad situation which people are understandably upset about, and use it for his own benefit.
Furthermore, I'm hearing rumors that the AG's office has some scandals of it's own to worry about. Questions are being asked about Troy's assistant JW Godwin and his campaign activities while on the state's payroll. Last Thursday AG Troy King and JW Godwin traveled together in a state car to a campaign event in Huntsville, AL. Pictures taken by the Luther Strange campaign show the state car and the campaign materials they brought with them. When the Strange campaign questioned the AG's office about whether or not JW Godwin had taken leave time to participate in campaign activities, Chief of Staff Chris Bence confirmed that as of 3:00 pm on the day of the event Godwin had not filed a leave slip. The leave slip was filed when Godwin returned (one might infer that was because he was asked about it by the Strange campaign). A member of Luther's campaign staff was told it was consistent with the AG's policy on leave not to file the leave slip until after the leave has been taken.
I feel I should also point out that in addition to his duties in the AG's office, JW Godwin was sent to campaign school, has an iPad purchased by the campaign, and has campaign stationary with his name on it. Clearly Godwin is taking an active role in King's campaign which legally, he has every right to do. What he cannot do is campaign while on state time. The Alabama Code is pretty clear on that point:
Section 17-17-5: Improper use of state property, time, etc., for political activities
No person in the employment of the State of Alabama, a county, or a city whether classified or unclassified, shall use any state, county, or city funds, property, or time, for any political activities. Any person who is in the employment of the State of Alabama, a county, or a city shall be on approved leave to engage in political action or the person shall be on personal time before or after work and on holidays. It shall be unlawful for any officer or employee to solicit any type of political campaign contributions from other employees who work for the officer or employee in a subordinate capacity. It shall also be unlawful for any officer or employee to coerce or attempt to coerce any subordinate employee to work in any capacity in any political campaign or cause. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of the crime of trading in public office and upon conviction thereof, shall be fined or sentenced, or both, as provided by Section 13A-10-63.
It's also pretty clear on using state resources, i.e.-vehicles, for campaign activities:
Section 36-12-61: Use, etc., of state-owned property for promotion or advancement of interests of candidates for public office.
It shall be unlawful for any officer or employee of the State of Alabama to use or to permit to be used any state-owned property of any character or description, including stationery, stamps, office equipment, office supplies, automobiles or any other property used by him, in his custody or under his control for the promotion or advancement of the interest of any candidate for the nomination or election to any public office of the State of Alabama.
As I said at the top of this post, I am unarguably biased in this race. In writing this post, I'm simply putting the information out there (along with my opinion of course) and I'll leave it to readers to decide whether they think any of the items have any merit.
It looks like the Alabama Attorney General's race is about to get a lot more interesting.
Incumbent Troy King took political pandering to a new low last week with his claim that Luther Strange lobbied for the oil company whose rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico. In Friday's Press-Register, a spokesman for King said, "that Strange's ties to the oil industry and particularly to Transocean could compromise his ability to serve as the state's top lawyer."
It's ironic that King would be accusing Luther Strange of having a conflict of interest when he has had to step aside and let the Feds conduct two major investigations that the AG's office should have been involved in but couldn't because of King's ties to targets of the investigation. While investigating the junior college scandal King asked Chancellor Roy Johnson for jobs for at least two of his friends. He then had to turn the investigation over to Richard Minor, District Attorney from St. Clair County. In addition, the FBI is handling one of the largest investigations into government corruption the state has ever seen, and where is the AG's office? Not involved. Troy King's ties to the gambling interests has caused a conflict of interest for the AG's office. So you'll have to pardon me if I don't take King's accusation seriously...
It's true that Luther Strange lobbied for Sonat, Inc. which was the parent company of Transocean Offshore Drilling Co. In a statement released Friday he says, "I briefly represented Transocean Offshore Drilling Co. 12 years ago and provided only federal legislative monitoring. Furthermore, it is in no way the same company that it is today. In fact, it has been reincorporated twice through mergers in the past 10 years and my work for them 12 years ago has absolutely no bearing on my intent to pursue all those responsible for the tragedy." In my opinion King is clearly trying to take a bad situation which people are understandably upset about, and use it for his own benefit.
Furthermore, I'm hearing rumors that the AG's office has some scandals of it's own to worry about. Questions are being asked about Troy's assistant JW Godwin and his campaign activities while on the state's payroll. Last Thursday AG Troy King and JW Godwin traveled together in a state car to a campaign event in Huntsville, AL. Pictures taken by the Luther Strange campaign show the state car and the campaign materials they brought with them. When the Strange campaign questioned the AG's office about whether or not JW Godwin had taken leave time to participate in campaign activities, Chief of Staff Chris Bence confirmed that as of 3:00 pm on the day of the event Godwin had not filed a leave slip. The leave slip was filed when Godwin returned (one might infer that was because he was asked about it by the Strange campaign). A member of Luther's campaign staff was told it was consistent with the AG's policy on leave not to file the leave slip until after the leave has been taken.
I feel I should also point out that in addition to his duties in the AG's office, JW Godwin was sent to campaign school, has an iPad purchased by the campaign, and has campaign stationary with his name on it. Clearly Godwin is taking an active role in King's campaign which legally, he has every right to do. What he cannot do is campaign while on state time. The Alabama Code is pretty clear on that point:
Section 17-17-5: Improper use of state property, time, etc., for political activities
No person in the employment of the State of Alabama, a county, or a city whether classified or unclassified, shall use any state, county, or city funds, property, or time, for any political activities. Any person who is in the employment of the State of Alabama, a county, or a city shall be on approved leave to engage in political action or the person shall be on personal time before or after work and on holidays. It shall be unlawful for any officer or employee to solicit any type of political campaign contributions from other employees who work for the officer or employee in a subordinate capacity. It shall also be unlawful for any officer or employee to coerce or attempt to coerce any subordinate employee to work in any capacity in any political campaign or cause. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of the crime of trading in public office and upon conviction thereof, shall be fined or sentenced, or both, as provided by Section 13A-10-63.
It's also pretty clear on using state resources, i.e.-vehicles, for campaign activities:
Section 36-12-61: Use, etc., of state-owned property for promotion or advancement of interests of candidates for public office.
It shall be unlawful for any officer or employee of the State of Alabama to use or to permit to be used any state-owned property of any character or description, including stationery, stamps, office equipment, office supplies, automobiles or any other property used by him, in his custody or under his control for the promotion or advancement of the interest of any candidate for the nomination or election to any public office of the State of Alabama.
As I said at the top of this post, I am unarguably biased in this race. In writing this post, I'm simply putting the information out there (along with my opinion of course) and I'll leave it to readers to decide whether they think any of the items have any merit.
New Luther Strange Press Release
03/05/10 14:05
From the Luther Strange campaign:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 3, 2010
Contact: Jessica Garrison, Campaign Manager 205-568-4371 www.lutherstrange.com/troy-king-gambling-money-trail
Troy King Holds Massey Money as Grand Jury Meets
BIRMINGHAM, Ala-- As a federal grand jury starts to hear evidence this week in the bingo bill vote-buying scandal, Alabama Attorney General Troy King continues funding his reelection campaign with thousands of dollars in contributions from Country Crossing lobbyist Jarrod Massey who is at the center of the government's corruption case.
"King owes the people of Alabama an explanation about why he continues to hold onto money funneled through political action committees tied to Massey," said Republican candidate for attorney general, Luther Strange.
"Likewise, King owes us an answer about why he, as the Attorney General, is not participating in the investigation centered on Massey and the Alabama State Legislature. Is it because King is compromised and unable to participate due to his personal relationships with those involved? It would not be the first time. In fact, it has been a pattern for King to step aside from public corruption cases like the two year college investigation, because he is personally connected to the people involved. In Massey's case, King had the chance to avoid being wrapped up in the scandal."
In February, King made a public pledge to return campaign contributions from gambling interests, including PACS which accepted gambling funds. To this date, King has not returned $100 thousand that was donated to his campaign through Massey's business and PACs.
Since March, Strange has been calling on King to uphold his pledge and return gambling money. Last week, Strange delivered a letter to King's office, renewing his call and asking for an explanation about King's ties to Massey.
"The money trail is clear. It's all shown in public records," Strange said. "Even if he can't trace it dollar-for-dollar, King promised to return money from PACS that accepted any funds from gambling interests. His pledge was bold and he should honor that promise."
A copy of Strange's letter to King is attached to this email message. The letter, along with public records of King's campaign contributions and charts detailing the trail of donations from Massey to King, are all available by visiting www.lutherstrange.com/troy-king-gambling-money-trail.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 3, 2010
Contact: Jessica Garrison, Campaign Manager 205-568-4371 www.lutherstrange.com/troy-king-gambling-money-trail
Troy King Holds Massey Money as Grand Jury Meets
BIRMINGHAM, Ala-- As a federal grand jury starts to hear evidence this week in the bingo bill vote-buying scandal, Alabama Attorney General Troy King continues funding his reelection campaign with thousands of dollars in contributions from Country Crossing lobbyist Jarrod Massey who is at the center of the government's corruption case.
"King owes the people of Alabama an explanation about why he continues to hold onto money funneled through political action committees tied to Massey," said Republican candidate for attorney general, Luther Strange.
"Likewise, King owes us an answer about why he, as the Attorney General, is not participating in the investigation centered on Massey and the Alabama State Legislature. Is it because King is compromised and unable to participate due to his personal relationships with those involved? It would not be the first time. In fact, it has been a pattern for King to step aside from public corruption cases like the two year college investigation, because he is personally connected to the people involved. In Massey's case, King had the chance to avoid being wrapped up in the scandal."
In February, King made a public pledge to return campaign contributions from gambling interests, including PACS which accepted gambling funds. To this date, King has not returned $100 thousand that was donated to his campaign through Massey's business and PACs.
Since March, Strange has been calling on King to uphold his pledge and return gambling money. Last week, Strange delivered a letter to King's office, renewing his call and asking for an explanation about King's ties to Massey.
"The money trail is clear. It's all shown in public records," Strange said. "Even if he can't trace it dollar-for-dollar, King promised to return money from PACS that accepted any funds from gambling interests. His pledge was bold and he should honor that promise."
A copy of Strange's letter to King is attached to this email message. The letter, along with public records of King's campaign contributions and charts detailing the trail of donations from Massey to King, are all available by visiting www.lutherstrange.com/troy-king-gambling-money-trail.
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New Poll Numbers in Alabama Governor/Attorney General Races
30/03/10 17:51
PPP released news poll numbers on the governor and attorney general races today. The news is good for AG candidate Luther Strange, who is in a statistical dead heat with incumbent Troy King. It's bad news for Troy King who is polling under 50% and tied with a challenger that has yet to run any ads.
On the gubernational side, Bradley Byrne seems to have broken out of his rut with 27%. Roy Moore is holding pretty steady at 23%. The news was really bad for Tim James. He came in at 9%, behind Dr. Robert Bentley and Treasurer Kay Ivey who were tied at 10%.
On the gubernational side, Bradley Byrne seems to have broken out of his rut with 27%. Roy Moore is holding pretty steady at 23%. The news was really bad for Tim James. He came in at 9%, behind Dr. Robert Bentley and Treasurer Kay Ivey who were tied at 10%.
Luther Strange Reacts To Passage of Obamacare
23/03/10 16:23
I received this open letter written by Luther Strange from a friend, and I thought I would share:
Friends,
Sunday’s healthcare vote was truly historic, but for all of the wrong reasons. The close vote, that largely followed regional lines, showed once again the cultural, social and economic divide that currently runs so deep in this nation.
Generally, sweeping legislation that fundamentally alters the role of government in the life of the individual is adopted by a bipartisan majority. In the case of yesterday’s takeover of 20 percent of our economy and our personal health choices by the federal government, no such agreement was present. Instead, we witnessed the modern day version of the old smoke filled room – arm twisting, job promises, pay offs and threats to secure this narrow victory over the wishes of the American people.
Speaker Pelosi and President Obama can try all they want to liken this legislation to Social Security, Medicare or Civil Rights – but in every case, those pieces of legislation were passed by large bi-partisan majorities. Our system of government was established to prevent what happened yesterday – a narrow, regional majority forcing its will on recalcitrant states and citizens.
We all should do everything in our power to dismantle this illegal monstrosity in its cradle. As your Attorney General, I intend to join or initiate as many legal actions as possible to challenge the constitutionality of every conceivable aspect of this law. And I will work with the legislature and governor to ensure that our State passes the appropriate laws to give these cases the greatest chance of success.
But today, I think we must reflect upon what yesterday’s action in the House means for our nation as a whole. Starting with the stimulus bill, then the auto and financial bailouts and now healthcare nationalization, we have seen trillions added to our national debt with stunning speed. A debt that threatens to turn our nation into a third world country begging for handouts from the IMF. And for what purpose?
It would appear that the real purpose of these measures has been a massive transfer of wealth from the productive parts of the nation in the South, Midwest and Rocky Mountain states to the Northeast, Rust Belt and West Coast. The beneficiaries (commonly called Blue State America) all share similar traits – high taxes, gigantic deficits, bloated public sector budgets, impossible pension obligations, over regulation of business and out of control unions.
Yesterday was one more step in destroying those states like Alabama that have a balanced budget and friendly business environment to prop up economically unviable states like California, Michigan, New York and New Jersey. As businesses have left those states in droves for better operating environments, their tax revenues have declined. Instead of responsibly cutting government and spending to respond, those states have borrowed massive amounts of money and have hired even more government workers in response. Now, through the policies of this Administration and Congress, they seek to raid those states with free markets and low taxes by having the federal government redistribute our wealth and place a debt on us and our children that we did not seek, did not need nor wanted.
That is no Union. It is the act of an empire. And if we are to prevent further deepening divisions and resentments building between areas of the country, we must restore fiscal discipline to Washington, but most importantly assert our rights once again as states and be willing to vigorously defend those rights.
Our Constitution is very explicit about the specific rights and powers of the federal government. Yet we hardly seem to take large swaths of the Constitution or the Bill of Rights seriously anymore where those limitations are addressed. We ignore them at our peril because to do so undermines, in the minds of the people, the legitimacy of union. That is not a healthy state of affairs and it cannot hold.
- Luther
Friends,
Sunday’s healthcare vote was truly historic, but for all of the wrong reasons. The close vote, that largely followed regional lines, showed once again the cultural, social and economic divide that currently runs so deep in this nation.
Generally, sweeping legislation that fundamentally alters the role of government in the life of the individual is adopted by a bipartisan majority. In the case of yesterday’s takeover of 20 percent of our economy and our personal health choices by the federal government, no such agreement was present. Instead, we witnessed the modern day version of the old smoke filled room – arm twisting, job promises, pay offs and threats to secure this narrow victory over the wishes of the American people.
Speaker Pelosi and President Obama can try all they want to liken this legislation to Social Security, Medicare or Civil Rights – but in every case, those pieces of legislation were passed by large bi-partisan majorities. Our system of government was established to prevent what happened yesterday – a narrow, regional majority forcing its will on recalcitrant states and citizens.
We all should do everything in our power to dismantle this illegal monstrosity in its cradle. As your Attorney General, I intend to join or initiate as many legal actions as possible to challenge the constitutionality of every conceivable aspect of this law. And I will work with the legislature and governor to ensure that our State passes the appropriate laws to give these cases the greatest chance of success.
But today, I think we must reflect upon what yesterday’s action in the House means for our nation as a whole. Starting with the stimulus bill, then the auto and financial bailouts and now healthcare nationalization, we have seen trillions added to our national debt with stunning speed. A debt that threatens to turn our nation into a third world country begging for handouts from the IMF. And for what purpose?
It would appear that the real purpose of these measures has been a massive transfer of wealth from the productive parts of the nation in the South, Midwest and Rocky Mountain states to the Northeast, Rust Belt and West Coast. The beneficiaries (commonly called Blue State America) all share similar traits – high taxes, gigantic deficits, bloated public sector budgets, impossible pension obligations, over regulation of business and out of control unions.
Yesterday was one more step in destroying those states like Alabama that have a balanced budget and friendly business environment to prop up economically unviable states like California, Michigan, New York and New Jersey. As businesses have left those states in droves for better operating environments, their tax revenues have declined. Instead of responsibly cutting government and spending to respond, those states have borrowed massive amounts of money and have hired even more government workers in response. Now, through the policies of this Administration and Congress, they seek to raid those states with free markets and low taxes by having the federal government redistribute our wealth and place a debt on us and our children that we did not seek, did not need nor wanted.
That is no Union. It is the act of an empire. And if we are to prevent further deepening divisions and resentments building between areas of the country, we must restore fiscal discipline to Washington, but most importantly assert our rights once again as states and be willing to vigorously defend those rights.
Our Constitution is very explicit about the specific rights and powers of the federal government. Yet we hardly seem to take large swaths of the Constitution or the Bill of Rights seriously anymore where those limitations are addressed. We ignore them at our peril because to do so undermines, in the minds of the people, the legitimacy of union. That is not a healthy state of affairs and it cannot hold.
- Luther
Candidate for Attorney General Luther Strange Makes Statement on Houston County Happenings
12/01/10 18:38
FYI for all of you following the Attorney General's race:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2010
Contact: Jessica Garrison, Campaign Manager 205-568-4371
Luther Strange Commends Houston County Officials, Warns Troy King Will Try to Have it Both Ways on Gambling
BIRMINGHAM, Ala-- Requests by leaders in Houston County for attorney general Troy King to litigate the legality of electronic bingo machines at Dothan's Country Crossing development are commendable calls for King to enforce the laws of the State of Alabama, according to Republican candidate for attorney general, Luther Strange.
“I’ve been calling on the attorney general for months to enforce the laws of the State not only in Dothan but in every city in Alabama where electronic casino style gambling is taking place, something Mr. King has consistently failed to do.
“According to news reports, Troy King has a tangled web of relationships with gambling owners and investors that some suggest have impeded his ability to enforce the law. In fact, Mr. King’s attendance at lavish parties and fundraisers thrown by the very people who he would be investigating certainly raises that question. Unfortunately, I suspect that Troy King will continue his practice of trying to have it both ways on this issue by refusing to enforce our existing laws and then endorsing some sort of legislation to outlaw gambling. “
"The issue of enforcing the laws of the state is not as complicated as Mr. King would like us to think. The answer is for Mr. King to listen to the people of Houston County, the governor, district attorneys, law enforcement officials and others and do the job the people elected him to do. Enforce the law," Strange said.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2010
Contact: Jessica Garrison, Campaign Manager 205-568-4371
Luther Strange Commends Houston County Officials, Warns Troy King Will Try to Have it Both Ways on Gambling
BIRMINGHAM, Ala-- Requests by leaders in Houston County for attorney general Troy King to litigate the legality of electronic bingo machines at Dothan's Country Crossing development are commendable calls for King to enforce the laws of the State of Alabama, according to Republican candidate for attorney general, Luther Strange.
“I’ve been calling on the attorney general for months to enforce the laws of the State not only in Dothan but in every city in Alabama where electronic casino style gambling is taking place, something Mr. King has consistently failed to do.
“According to news reports, Troy King has a tangled web of relationships with gambling owners and investors that some suggest have impeded his ability to enforce the law. In fact, Mr. King’s attendance at lavish parties and fundraisers thrown by the very people who he would be investigating certainly raises that question. Unfortunately, I suspect that Troy King will continue his practice of trying to have it both ways on this issue by refusing to enforce our existing laws and then endorsing some sort of legislation to outlaw gambling. “
"The issue of enforcing the laws of the state is not as complicated as Mr. King would like us to think. The answer is for Mr. King to listen to the people of Houston County, the governor, district attorneys, law enforcement officials and others and do the job the people elected him to do. Enforce the law," Strange said.
AG Candidate Luther Strange's Statement on Health Care Monstrosity
31/12/09 15:08
As many of you know I'm a big fan of Attorney General candidate Luther Strange. He released this statement today on Congress' Health Care Monstrosity:
"As most of us were enjoying the holidays with our friends and loved ones, Harry Reid and the Senate Democrats were wheeling and dealing in backroom bribes to pass the healthcare bill - a monstrosity unlike any other and one that runs afoul of the fundamental rights afforded to us by the Constitution. We are a country founded on individual liberty and personal responsibility. The healthcare bill takes away our freedom of choice to purchase health in surance by mandating that individuals buy health insurance or else face fines and other penalties. Unfortunately, overreaching, unconstitutional mandates from Washington are far too common occurrences these days. President Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and the Democrats in Washington think that federal power and government intrusion are the solution to all of our problems. We know better. Thankfully, we have dedicated public servants like Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum, who is standing up to Washington and leading the effort to challenge the constitutionality of the Democrats’ healthcare legislation. While we should support any move to stop this illegal takeover of healthcare, we need to move beyond challenging the fairness of Medicaid payments and challenge the legality of individual mandates as well as the entire takeover of our healthcare system."
"As most of us were enjoying the holidays with our friends and loved ones, Harry Reid and the Senate Democrats were wheeling and dealing in backroom bribes to pass the healthcare bill - a monstrosity unlike any other and one that runs afoul of the fundamental rights afforded to us by the Constitution. We are a country founded on individual liberty and personal responsibility. The healthcare bill takes away our freedom of choice to purchase health in surance by mandating that individuals buy health insurance or else face fines and other penalties. Unfortunately, overreaching, unconstitutional mandates from Washington are far too common occurrences these days. President Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and the Democrats in Washington think that federal power and government intrusion are the solution to all of our problems. We know better. Thankfully, we have dedicated public servants like Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum, who is standing up to Washington and leading the effort to challenge the constitutionality of the Democrats’ healthcare legislation. While we should support any move to stop this illegal takeover of healthcare, we need to move beyond challenging the fairness of Medicaid payments and challenge the legality of individual mandates as well as the entire takeover of our healthcare system."