Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in Alabama
Money and mud in the AG race
The race for Alabama attorney general continues to heat up with the latest fundraising disclosures setting off another round of attacks from candidate Jay Mitchell. Fundraising reports show this race has become the most expensive in Alabama and, by early measures, the most negative. Mitchell, who leads the fundraising and cash on hand race, has attacked Katherine Robertson for accepting money from groups that are not required to disclose their donors. He alleges those groups are “out-of-state powerbrokers” and “anti-Trump”. Robertson may trail in fundraising but she is leading on television with large early media buys running prominently during college football games touting her law enforcement credentials and pro-Trump positions. Insiders believe it’s a sound strategy for the first-time candidate to build name ID and introduce herself to voters before Jay Mitchell’s campaign finance attacks can have an effect.
Roberts rolls toward Senate bid
John Roberts continues to stack up support in his campaign for State Senate District 2. The Republican candidate is said to have several major endorsements lined up, including backing from the Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama Forestry Association and Alabama Trucking Association, all expected to be announced soon. With no challengers stepping forward, Roberts is widely viewed as the clear front-runner. House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels had been encouraged by some to enter the race, but chatter around a possible run has cooled in recent weeks.
A fond farewell for Sen. Tom Butler
And speaking of the State Senate District 2 seat, Sen. Tom Butler, who will retire at the end of his current term, drew a heartfelt and extended round of applause at an event in Madison this week. The highly respected and long-serving legislator was thanked by Madison Mayor Renae Bartlett for his decades of dedication, earning an enthusiastic response from the crowd. In his remarks, Butler reflected on the remarkable growth and development he has witnessed firsthand throughout his career. And in true Butler fashion, ever the steady public servant, he closed by telling the audience to call him if they needed anything, a reminder of the accessibility and commitment that have defined his years in office.
Animal-style in Alabama?
With In and Out Burger set to open four locations in Tennessee in 2026, the question on everyone’s mind is whether the popular West Coast chain will finally make its way a little farther south. The privately owned company, born in California and famous for its cult following and secret menu items like “Animal Style,” has not yet announced any plans for Alabama. But in Huntsville, interest is sky high. We hear every major developer in the area is making a pitch. As one insider put it, “Every group is chasing them right now.” For now, hungry fans will have to wait and watch. The new Tennessee locations in Nashville, Antioch, Lebanon and Murfreesboro are scheduled to begin opening early next year.
