Jones to make it official? Another candidate for Lt. Gov.? Winter is coming; and more in this week’s OTR

Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in North Alabama

Will Doug Jones make it official?

Political chatter is growing louder that former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones may soon jump into the governor’s race, a move that would instantly give Alabama Democrats their most recognizable statewide name since his 2017 upset over Roy Moore. Yes, the latest Cygnal poll shows Jones facing steep odds against Tommy Tuberville, but operatives say that misses the bigger play: keeping Jones visible keeps Democrats relevant in a state where momentum has quietly shifted in pockets, most recently with District 10’s Marilyn Lands. Jones remains popular with the Democratic base, has national fundraising reach and, win or not, his presence at the top of the ticket could help energize down-ballot races starving for attention in a deep-red landscape. As one strategist told us, “If he runs, it’s not just about beating Tuberville. It’s about building the bench.” Whether Jones makes it official is the question everyone is watching.

Watching Wahl

Is state GOP Chairman John Wahl still eyeing the lieutenant governor’s race? Insiders say the Trump bestie is still considering. Wahl, who is also chair of the Alabama Public Library Service Board, would enter an already colorful field with Secretary of State Wes Allen and Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate holding the traditional lanes and AJ McCarron trying to build momentum after a much talked-about launch. While McCarron still has yet to do a media interview, he has been busy meeting with donors throughout the state, including North Alabama this past week.  

Persimmon tree spoons

With temps hitting 76 this week it might feel like spring, but OTR’s trusty persimmon tree is telling a different story. Folklore says the shape inside a persimmon seed predicts winter weather, spoons mean snow, knives mean bitter winds, forks mean a mild season. This year’s seeds are turned up spoons. That lines up with early chatter hinting at a snowy, colder-than-usual stretch even as the Old Farmer’s Almanac calls for an overall warmer winter in the Deep South. AccuWeather is already teasing December-like temps creeping in soon. Hard to believe when you’re in short sleeves, but our persimmon scout says winter is coming. Grab your mittens.

Time to reel ’em in

It’s almost time for trout fishing at Madison County Lake. Kicking off on Black Friday, Nov. 28, the 105-acre Gurley lake is open for trout fishing with thousands of pounds of rainbow trout stocked. Anglers ages 16 to 64 will need both a fishing license and a State Public Fishing Lakes permit, plus the required daily trout permit to cast for the cold-weather favorites. The daily limit is four trout per person and you can still fish for bass, bluegill, catfish and crappie while you’re out there. More details are available at Outdoor Alabama.