Politics, politics and … oh, politics and more in this week’s OTR

Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in Alabama

 

 

Roberts ready to run?

We hear John Roberts is getting close to announcing a run for the State Senate District 2 seat in 2026. We first mentioned the possibility of a Roberts run in May last year when it was just whispers. Well, those whispers are much louder now and the former congressional candidate is reportedly ready to make it official soon. With years of economic development experience, many feel Roberts will be the frontrunner. District 2 State Sen. Tom Butler is not expected to seek reelection.  

Lawrence leads fundraising in Decatur

We are continuing our look at campaign finance reports for area municipal races. This week, it’s Decatur and a political newcomer has a big-time lead. According to reports filed with the Alabama Secretary of State office, business owner Kent Lawrence has raised more than $30,000 in his campaign for mayor of Decatur. Coming in second, Billy Jackson trails in fundraising, with $1,500 in monetary contributions. Also notable, first-time candidate Nick Perkins leads in fundraising for the Decatur City Council 1 seat, with $6,732.90 on hand. No other candidate in that race has met the minimum filing limit.  

Triana mayor’s race

One local race that has flown under the radar is the race for mayor in Triana. Mayor Mary Caudle is the incumbent in what is one of Alabama’s fastest growing cities and she is being challenged by Gregory Hazelwood in this August’s election. Overall election activity in the town will be low however, with only one contested Council seat on the ballot where George Ragland will face off with Kenyon Harris. The other four seats all feature unopposed candidates.

Leapfrog under fire

Remember that Leapfrog report a few weeks ago that gave the Huntsville Hospital Health System an “F” for patient safety? Huntsville Hospital quickly pushed back, saying the rating was based on incomplete data from a survey they chose not to participate in. Now, five Florida hospitals have filed a federal lawsuit accusing the Leapfrog Group of publishing misleading safety rankings. According to the suit, Leapfrog allegedly pressures hospitals to submit data voluntarily and pay membership fees to influence their scores. No word yet on whether Huntsville Hospital, or others that declined to submit data, plan to join the lawsuit or pursue similar action.