Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in Alabama
Attention turns to Ainsworth
While AJ McCarron’s abrupt exit from the lieutenant governor’s race to coach the Birmingham Stallions would normally dominate the week, it turns out there may be an even bigger subplot bubbling up behind the scenes. As OTR deals in rumors and rumblings, this one would be quite the shakeup. Word is outgoing Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth is being heavily urged to rethink a run for the U.S. Senate. You might remember, Ainsworth has been clear in the past that he would not seek the Senate or any other office in 2026. Apparently, that did little to convince many who are unsatisfied with the current crop of announced candidates who include current front-runners Attorney General Steve Marshall and Rep. Barry Moore. With the filing deadline of Jan. 23 drawing nigh, there is little time to tarry if any late entry is to become more than just Capitol chatter.
Athens abuzz with retail rumblings
There is some quiet retail buzz circulating in Athens about a sizable economic development proposal headed for City Council on Monday. The agenda item listed as “Resolution approving an economic development project relating to NRE Swan Creek, LLC” reportedly involves a new retail center with Hobby Lobby, along with a mix of other national retailers. If it advances, the project would be a big get for Athens, adding jobs, generating tens of millions in taxable sales, and giving the city another major retail destination just off I-65.
Insider’s perspective
The biggest initial investment in Alabama history can be traced back to a Decatur native, as told by a personal account from longtime physician and pandemic-era problem solver Dr. David Thrasher. Centered on Dr. Carl Garner, a Decatur native who rose through the ranks at Eli Lilly, never lost his Alabama roots and at a critical moment helped bring life-saving treatments and long-term opportunity back home. It’s a fascinating look at the chain of events that helped pave the way for Eli Lilly’s massive investment in Huntsville. From improvised Covid-era decisions and late night phone calls to relationships forged under pressure, Thrasher’s account illustrates how Garner’s role led to generational change in the state. If you appreciate an insider’s view of how big things really get done, it is well worth a read at Yellowhammer News.
Session’s showdown
Last week, we noted the ongoing battle between cities and counties and now word is this could be the fight of the legislative session. The Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT) in Alabama is anything but simple. The formula, used since 2015 to calculate online sales taxes, has stirred plenty of debate. Cities like Tuscaloosa, Madison, and Mobile have joined a lawsuit challenging its implementation, while counties, the major beneficiaries under the current structure, are pushing back hard. With rising online sales at stake, this clash is shaping up to be a State House showdown even bigger than last year’s ALFA vs. BCBS matchup over ALFA’s health plan.
