Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in North Alabama
AG front-runners heading to North Alabama
The Republican primary for Alabama attorney general is gaining momentum as two candidates widely viewed as front-runners prepare to campaign in North Alabama in the coming weeks. Katherine Robertson and Jay Mitchell, both drawing strong attention from party insiders and donors, will make stops across the region as they work to solidify support and boost fundraising ahead of next May’s primary. Robertson and Mitchell will face off along with a third GOP candidate, Pamela Casey, in what is expected to be one of the most closely watched statewide races of the election cycle.
Sheriff’s race showdown
Madison County will have a sheriff’s race next year. Brett Jones, a former Navy SEAL, CIA GRS officer and local police officer, has announced he will run for sheriff as a Democrat. He will face first-term Republican Kevin Turner, a 33-year veteran in Madison County law enforcement with the sheriff’s office, the district attorney’s investigation division and the local drug task force. Turner is obviously not taking the race for granted and is already raising money for the challenge with a fundraiser next week drawing 70 hosts.
Dollar signs vs. Blue lines
Guntersville’s political rumor mill is churning harder than the boats on Lake Guntersville after an election-night tie set up a September 23 showdown between Mayor Leigh Dollar and former Democratic State Rep. Jeff McLaughlin. While it was mostly tamped down during the head-to-head off-year election, word about McLaughlin’s longtime past as “a left-leaning lawmaker” in Montgomery is picking up steam. Now pegged as Alabama’s “2nd most liberal legislator,” the Marshall County Democratic Party is openly backing him, and he reportedly cut checks to Hillary Clinton and Doug Jones. While mayoral races are non-partisan in Alabama, a local politico says this issue is going to stick like glue in a town that is crimson red. Many believe that the waterfront town will stick to the currency of Dollar.
Alabama clings close to Charlie
After the brutal and political assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, Alabamians have taken the loss more personally than most. That rang especially true for Wiregrass native and a fellow political trailblazer, Cliff Sims, who was seen opposite Vice President JD Vance as Kirk’s casket was loaded onto Air Force Two in route to Phoenix, where Turning Point USA planted its flag and where Kirk’s family will receive him.
Keep calm and carry on
Don’t panic next week if you see emergency vehicles headed toward the Huntsville International Airport – it’s just a drill. The airport is set to hold a full scale disaster drill Wednesday. The drill is a federally required exercise that the airport must conduct every three years. It will simulate a major aircraft incident and involve first responders, airport and airline staff and volunteer “victims.” This practice is designed to test the coordination that would be required if there were to be a major incident at the airport.
Christkindlmarkt Ferris Wheel coming to Oktoberfest
The beloved Ferris Wheel from Cullman’s Christkindlmarkt will be back this fall, bringing its nostalgic charm to the 2025 Oktoberfest Celebration. Set for Oct. 2-4, the festival will immerse visitors in German heritage with lively music, cultural displays, authentic cuisine, and attractions for all ages. Festivities begin 4 p.m. Oct. 2 and continue through the closing of the Hofbräuhaus Biergarten at 11 p.m. Oct. 4.
