Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in North Alabama
No. Seriously. Britt for VP?
We talked about it in last week’s OTR and now we aren’t the only ones. As the Republican nomination increasingly looks like it will go to Donald Trump, talk about his pick for vice president continues to heat up. And more and more of that talk is centering around Alabama junior Sen. Katie Britt. Mark Halperin, a commentator on Newsmax, predicted this week that Britt would be Trump’s choice. Speaking on “Wake Up America,” the political analyst said he “was going all in on this” before also adding “she speaks fluent MAGA.” He’s not the only one, numerous pundits are tossing Britt’s name around to be Trump’s running mate. Meanwhile, the former president has expressed his affection for Alabama on numerous occasions, perhaps it just makes sense for him to get his running mate from the Yellowhammer State.
The Tribe steps up
Alabama’s only federally recognized Tribe is reportedly set to make another very significant contribution in North Alabama. As the Tribe’s economic impact in the state has increased, so has their philanthropy throughout Alabama. You might remember the 2.5 million to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and the 1 million to Thrive Alabama not too long ago. The latest news is set to break next week and more details will be available but we hear their support will allow for community enrichment in the City of Madison.
Republicans for Lands
We hear a campaign event for Alabama House District 10 Democratic candidate Marilyn Lands is in the works and it’s being described as a “Republicans for Lands” rally. Lands is facing Republican Teddy Powell in the election that was called by Gov. Kay Ivey after then-Rep. David Cole (R-Madison) pled guilty to felony voter fraud. Perhaps, not surprisingly, one Powell supporter expressed a bit of amusement, “How are you going to call yourself a Republican and support the Democratic candidate?” The amusement continues until March 26 when voters will head to the polls.
Out and about
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) is making sure to keep his bases covered. While Congress is off this week, he has been crisscrossing north Alabama visiting local companies, schools and chambers of commerce. He did a lunchtime Washington Update to a packed house in Decatur on Tuesday and another at a breakfast Thursday morning in Athens.
New brewery coming to town
The city of Athens continues to add to its impressive roster of eats and entertainment. In addition to the recent openings of the Salty Cod, Lil Mazzara’s and Old Black Bear, we hear there’s now a brewery coming! Details are being closely guarded but the new brewery is already impressing those in the know and they say, if all goes well, the opening will take place this summer.
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