Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in Alabama
Wahl making moves?
Is state GOP Chairman John Wahl planning on entering the lieutenant governor’s race? Rumors are circulating that Wahl is exploring a candidacy and shoring up support. Wahl would join main contenders Secretary of State Wes Allen and Ag Commissioner Rick Pate in the race. One insider tells us there’s never a way to know if President Donald Trump would get involved in a race but, “If he does, he is likely to support Wahl, they’re close.”
Bartlett banks
Campaign finance reports filed in the race for mayor in Madison show City Council member Ranae Bartlett leading the way in fundraising amounts and contributors. So far, Bartlett has raised $48,675 from 133 donors and has $42,375 in her war chest. City Administrator Steve Smith has raised $4,850 from two contributors and loaned his campaign $14,055. He has $4,850 to spend on the race. Margi Daly, the third announced candidate, has yet to file any contribution reports with the Secretary of State.
Dr. Wadsworth, we don’t presume
In possibly one of the most stunning acts of self-sabotage in Alabama political history, a figure very familiar to many across the 256 for over a decade is a household name now. Or should we say name(s)? Nicole Wadsworth – known as Nicole Jones for most of her time in the state – invited scrutiny when she demanded to be called “Dr.” and ran for public office. An obsession with formal titles is proving to be a tricky thing for someone who has a history of using them so loosely. According to the highest volumes of reports we have ever received, people close to the situation want answers. Court documents show the surname “Jones” was imparted to her by a marriage in 2006, her date of birth is identified as 1984, and public records indicate that her first trace of Alabama residency was in 2004. Not yet bowed out of the race, the good doctor seems to be getting what she ordered.
Hopeful hotels
Efforts to move the FBI’s National Academy to Redstone Arsenal are being enthusiastically applauded by a perhaps unsurprising sector – hotels. Under the Trump administration, government travel has been curtailed and some area lodgings have felt the pinch. A relocation of the program would see a steady stream of local, federal and international law enforcement rotating through the Rocket City for the 10-week program.
