Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in Alabama
What residency issues?
Speculation about a possible run for governor by Sen. Tommy Tuberville has led to speculation about his residency status. Candidates for governor are required to be a state resident for at least seven years (notably it’s only one day for Senate candidates). Speaking at Redstone Arsenal this week, Tuberville maintained he had not made a final decision on running, “It’s still two years away,” and also waved away any residency concerns saying there’s nothing to it. “We looked at that 6-7 years ago and it’s just people that are probably, maybe wanting to run for governor,” said Tuberville. “Hey, if you want to run, go run. Go run on your abilities, not try to trick somebody else.”
Bartlett starts strong
The Ranae Bartlett for Mayor campaign is off to a strong start. Invitations for her Thursday night campaign kickoff made the rounds this week showing a host list of over 150 people from across Madison. The list includes elected and community leaders who ordinarily would avoid picking a candidate this early. The fact that she was able to assemble a list of movers and shakers signals she is considered the front-runner in this race, while also sending a message to any potential opponents that she will be tough to beat.
Decatur mayor frontrunner?
Insiders say a recent poll shows mayoral candidate Kent Lawrence with a sizable lead ahead of other possible contenders. Mayor Tab Bowling announced in October 2023 that he would not be running for reelection and ignored repeated calls to step down before the municipal election in August. Lawrence announced his candidacy last September; the poll conducted last week reportedly shows the local businessman with a 22-point lead.
Local protests
Demonstrators outside of U.S. Rep. Dale Strong’s Huntsville office and two other places in the Rocket City this week were protesting proposed cuts to federal programs and jobs while also calling for Strong to make himself more accessible to the public. The marchers, organized by the local chapter of Indivisble, held signs asking “Where is Dale” and calling on him to have a town meeting. Members of the group have called a town meeting in Athens for Saturday and invited Strong. While Strong has never held a town meeting format, his office pointed out he has tracked over 1,100 constituent meetings and appearances since taking office in 2023. Just this week, the congressman was visible across the district from Scottsboro to Huntsville and Athens.
