the shelby delegate - february 2016

February 2016T H E O F F I C I A L N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E S H E L B Y C O U N T Y ( A L A B A M A ) R E P U B L I C A N P A R T Y

FEATURED:

Voter GuideALSO:GBTARS & RWSC UPDATESWAVE OF REGULATION LOOMSNOW WHAT: AFTER SCALIA’S DEATH

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Chairman’s Corner

This Political season is serious

The 2016 season is now in full swing and although it’s exciting it has long term ramifications. Alabama and Shelby county are not islands unto themselves. What Oregon and Massachusetts thinks and does politically has an effect on us. Perhaps the end result of their thinking and doing is not close to being as catastrophic as that done in the District of Columbia, but it affects us none the less. Is it not scary that for refusing to bake a cake, a couple is out of business in Oregon and now faces a big fine. Is it not scary to you that a confirmed socialist is openly and proudly seeking the presidency.

It’s the season for us to stay alert on candidate rhetoric and stay informed on the news of the day. But, we must go one step further and also be fully informed on the issues that ride below the surface of the daily headlines. Prayerfully and wisely choose your candidates, listen to their promises, plans and proposed programs. Then, ask them about their positions on issues that are not the lead issues of the day. Candidate positions on the issues below the surface tell us a lot about who we are asking to lead us.

Featured Speakers

Quarterly Executive Committee Meeting

The next meeting of the Shelby County Republican Party Executive Committee will take place

Tuesday, February 16th at 7 o’clock PM

at the Shelby County Services Building 1125 County Services Drive

Pelham. Alabama

Meetings are open to the public.

JONATHAN McCONNELLJonathan McConnell is a Christian, conservative businessman and Captain in the Marines. Captain McConnell has an extensive background in the security industry, with a legal expertise centering on International Law.

CONGRESSMAN GARY PALMERIn 2014, Palmer was elected to the 114th Congress, having never served in office before. Palmer serves on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee and also serves on the Budget

Committee as well as the Space, Science and Technology Committee and is the representative for Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina on the Republican Policy Committee.

Our speaker of the evening will be U.S. Representative Gary Palmer and we will also welcome candidates seeking election for U.S. Senate, including Jonathan McConnell, Marcus Bowman, John Martin and Shadrack McGill speak briefly to the committee.

MARCUS BOWMANMarcus Bowman wants a return to the Constitution, strictly interpreted, will remain steadfast to conservative principles, be outspoken in promoting traditional values, and will not compromise and will fight to represent everyone in Alabama.

JOHN MARTINI’ve spent the past 40 years serving our nation in some capacity, either as a pilot in the Army, or an Army civilian, or a contractor overseas. My passion has always been to be an active part of a great nation built on freedom and opportunity.

SHADRACK McGILLI will fight for religious liberty, the Right to Life, traditional marriage, and work to return this country to the God who has blessed us throughout our history. I refuse to sit idly by and see the values that were foundational to this country assaulted and undermined in Washington.

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Table of Contents2 Chairman’s Corner

2 Featured Speakers: Congressman Gary Palmer Jonathan McConnell Marcus Bowman John Martin Shadrack McGill

3 Greater Birmingham Teen Age Republicans Update

4 SCGOP Voter Guide

11 RWSC Update

12 SCGOP Sample Ballot

14 Wave of Regulation Looms in 2016

16 Now What? Everything You Need To Know About The Supreme Court After Scalia’s Death

18 Gov. Bentley Launches Great State 2019 Plan

Editor-in-Chief Joan Reynolds

Executive EditorAlan Reyes-Guerra

Creative Editor Laura JosephPaid for by the

Shelby County Republican Party 1920 Valleydale Road, Suite 154

Birmingham, AL 35244 205-994-6497 • www.shelbycountygop.org

Our September meeting included a stirring memorial to the victims of 9/11 and a video about that tragic event. Then a power point presentation was given by Elections and Campaigns Chairman, Anthony Petruzella, on all 17 Republican Candidates who were to appear at the first Debate.

The October meeting featured a guest speaker, John Lyda, Hoover City Councilman - who spoke to the teens about the role of local city and municipal government.

The November meeting included another teen discussion, lead by Vice President Hope Ward, about the controversial Planned Parenthood videos and if government should be using tax dollars to fund that organization. Then, on Sunday afternoon, November 15th, the teens participated in their Fall community service project. They served a home cooked meal to 75+ homeless men, women and children in downtown Birmingham in conjunction with Urban Purpose.

The December meeting was actually the annual Christmas party held in the home of Adult Advisor, Denia Petruzella. The January meeting featured guest speaker, Paul Demarco, who discussed working in the State Legislature and the process of writing, debating and passing legislation.

On February 2nd, Hope Ward, our Vice President held a GBTARS sponsored Voter Registration drive at Hoover High school. Our February meeting will be held on Thursday, February 18th at Nino’s Italian Restaurant in Pelham. The teen lead discussion will be moderated by our Chaplain, Cameron Covington. The topic is the 4th Amendment - Privacy and Seizure concerns for High School students. We will also be making plans to volunteer at the Senator Shelby Breakfast on February 20th and the GOP Minority Winter Dinner to be held in March.

GBTARS Update

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Candidate for: Circuit Judge, 18th Judicial Circuit, Place #4Candidate: Lara AlvisProfessional Experience: Private Practice, Partner/Shareholder Alvis & Alvis: 2007 - PresentAdjunct Professor, University of Alabama School of Law: 2006 - PresentAssistant District Attorney, Shelby County: 1998 to 2000 and 2001 - 2006Law Clerk Summer of 1998 and during the school year from 1999 – 2000Associate Attorney, Allison, May, Alvis, Fuhrmeister and Kimbrough, LLC: 2006 - 2007Judicial Law Clerk, Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals: 2000 - 2001Law Clerk, Alabama Attorney General’s Office: 1998 and 2000

Education: University of Alabama, Doctor of Juris Prudence (J.D.) – 1997 to 2000University of Alabama, Bachelor of Arts Psychology and Political Science, Magna Cum Laude – 1993 - 1997

Civic Experience: President, Shelby County Bar Association: 2015 and 2008 Member, Shelby County Bar Association: 2001 - PresentAdvisory Board, Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Shelby County: 2014 - 2016Board of Director, Easter Seals: 2015 - PresentFounder, Girl Scout Troop 983: 2014 - PresentMember & Church Council Member, Lakeview Pelham’s FUMC: 2013 to Present

[email protected] • www.alvisforjudge.com

The reason I am running for Shelby County Circuit Judge is because our judicial system will only work efficiently if we elect fair, competent, and impartial judges who have courtroom experience. We cannot afford to elect someone who does not have the necessary skills to immediately take the bench and begin trying cases and managing increasing dockets.

Out of all the candidates in this race, I have been involved in more jury trials than all of them combined. I worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Shelby County and now work in the private sector. I’m solidly conservative, which means I will not legislate from the bench. You have my commitment that I will be impartial, ruling exactly how the law reads.

Due to the funding crisis of our courts, having an experienced attorney who has spent hundreds of hours in the courtroom will best serve Shelby County taxpayers. Please vote for Lara McCauley Alvis in the Republican Primary on March 1, 2016.

www.facebook.com/alvisforjudge

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Candidate for: Circuit Judge, 18th Judicial Circuit, Place #4Candidate: Patrick Kennedy

Candidate for: District Court Judge, Shelby County, Place #1Candidate: J. Timothy “Tim” SmithMy name is Tim Smith and I am running for Circuit Court Judge in Shelby County. I am originally from Opelika, Alabama and have lived in Shelby County for more than 30 years. I have true conservative and Christian values.

I have been practicing law for more than 30 years and have represented more than 7000 clients. I was the founder and first Chairman of the Board of Directors for SafeHouse of Shelby County, a shelter for abused women and their children and am a current Board member as well. I have also served on the Boards of the Third Citizen’s Conference of the Alabama Supreme Court, the Alabama Center for Law and Civic Education, the Epilepsy Foundation, the March of Dimes and was the Chairman of the Alabama State Bar Family Law Section.

I have been the recipient of the Birmingham Bar Association Young Lawyer of Year Award, the

Alabama State Bar Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year Award and the L. Burton Barnes, III Public Service Award. I have represented more than 400 Pro Bono clients during my career and remain committed to helping abused women and their children.

I have more than twice the experience of each of my opponents and have both the knowledge and correct temperament to serve our county as a Judge. I believe that since this Judgeship considers everything from custody issues to death penalty cases, it is absolutely necessary to have a Judge who is mature, experienced and thoughtful in place, and only I bring those qualities to this campaign. I would consider it an honor to serve our county in this most important position.

Professional Experience: Kennedy opened his law practice in 2001, a general practice with an emphasis on Juvenile Law, Criminal Law, Family Law and Civil Law. He has been under contract with the Administrative Office of Courts since 2004 to handle Juvenile Law matters both Delinquent and Dependency and has worked several Municipal Courts in Shelby County to include filling in as a prosecutor on occasion.

Education: B.S. Troy State University, 1993M.P.A. Auburn University in Montgomery, 1997J.D. Jones School of Law at Faulkner University, 2000

Civic Experience: Served 8 years in the Army National Guard as an Airborne InfantrymanServes as volunteer Assistant Scout Master for 5+ yearsActive member of The Branch at Mission Hills Church in Alabaster

Patrick Kennedy has extensive experience in all sides of the law. In 2014, Kennedy was one of 3 finalists selected by the Shelby County Judicial Commission to replace Judge Hub Harrington. Since 2009, Kennedy has assisted as Guardian Ad Litem in DR Circuit Court with “born out of wedlock” “custody in controversy” dockets.

Patrick Kennedy will bring a fresh, energetic and conservative philosophy to the Shelby County bench. Kennedy is a tireless worker and will take that same attitude to the Courthouse. He will also strive to be a fair judge and represent Shelby County with dignity and respect.

Candidate for: District Court Judge, Shelby County, Place #1Candidate: Lori Frasure

Candidate for: District Court Judge, Shelby County, Place #1Candidate: James R. “Jim” Kramer

I believe Shelby County deserves to have someone in Family Court that puts the safety and welfare of a child first. Over the past twenty years, I have committed my career to issues involving children and their families. I will always treat those in court with dignity and respect.

Foster Parents are a core asset to the Family Court System. Unfortunately their voices are not being heard. Children are lingering far too long in the foster care system with no resolution. It is time for someone to be proactive for the children in foster care. I believe in the Foster Parents Bill of Rights, and welcome hearing from them in all phases of the legal process.

As District Court Judge, I will be firm but fair. Everyone that has a case before the court should be allowed to be present in the courtroom. You should not have to sit out in a hall until 9p.m. only to be handed a court order and told to leave. It is time to bring families back to Family Court.

I am committed to the families and children of Shelby County. I have a heart for children and believe that every child is entitled to a safe, loving home; a quality education and all of the praise and encouragement that can be lavished upon them while maintaining appropriate and safe behaviors at home, in school and in the community.

In partnership with the Boards of Education in Shelby County, Juvenile Court Services and the District Attorney’s Office, we have developed a program designed to reward children in public schools who are recognized for their positive conduct. The Character in Action Award is an award presented each month to students who are recognized by their school for their positive conduct towards others while at school.

In addition, when I became aware of a young man in Shelby County who had achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and was about to have his Court of Honor. Recognizing the achievement and effort necessary to attain the level of Eagle Scout, I started a program where all of the sitting Judges in Shelby County would sign a Certificate of Recognition which is presented to

the Eagle Scout at his Court of Honor.

I have committed my entire legal career to the area of juvenile law and practice. Upon taking the bench in 2005, the caseload for this position increased by 425% with the addition of child support cases and small claims court responsibilities. In 2007, we experienced a record for new case filings in Shelby County Juvenile Court and, as of August 1, 2015 we have already surpassed the total number of juvenile dependency petitions filed 2014. Shelby County has one Judge handling juvenile and child support cases and a part-time referee handling only child support cases. In comparison, Tuscaloosa County has two Judges and a full-time Referee handling juvenile cases. I often work over 12 hours per day and in excess of 60 hours per week. It is not an easy job but it is a very rewarding job and I love what I am doing. I am the only proven and experienced candidate and would like to continue as your Juvenile Court Judge.

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Candidate for: Shelby County Commission, District 9Candidate: Chris Dunn

Candidate for: Shelby County Commission, District 9Candidate: Robbie Hayes

Hi. I’m Chris Dunn and I am asking for your VOTE on March 1st, to be your County Commissioner for District 9. We moved to the best county in the State of Alabama in 1997. Initially we lived in Pelham and then moved to Chelsea in 2003. My back ground is in chemical engineering with a degree from the University of Alabama. I am the Area Manager for ChemTreat. I am a lifetime Republican, coached youth sports in Chelsea and attend Double Oak Community Church. I am new to politics and feel like it is time for a good change for District 9.

Our children are the most valuable possessions we have. Like you, I want them to be prepared and successful in life. A great educational system is a must for this to happen. Chelsea has the largest number of portable classrooms in the county and school security should be a priority for our children, not a luxury. I want to work with the County and City school systems to provide a safe learning environment for every

student. We need to work as a whole to provide what is best for them. Economically, Shelby County should be a leader in the State. With our central location, infrastructure, cost of living and available workforce; we should be attracting more businesses to the county. Job growth is essential for Shelby County to be a great place to live and raise a family.

I would again, like to ask for you VOTE. I am a hard working man with limited funds. So you will not see many signs but you will see me out in our community and in our neighborhoods. I make this promise when elected: I will serve the people, do what is right and work hard for you and our children.

“IT’S TIME FOR A GOOD CHANGE” in District 9. I Thank You for the Opportunity to Represent You!

I am Dr. Robbie Hayes and I am running for re-election to District 9 of your Shelby County Commission. I have been a county resident for 42 of my 54 years. I went to Pelham HS and received my UAB B.S. in ‘84 and Doctorate of Optometry in ‘88. After several positions in student politics, I became involved in state and federal politics within optometry and served as keyperson to Governor Fob James. That gives me over 30 years of political experience with Montgomery and Washington on health care and county issues.

I came on to the Commission in late 2005, appointed by Gov. Bob Riley and was elected in 2008 and re-elected in 2012. I have served on multiple local boards and Commission positions and I am the current chair ofCommission Finance. And I have a unique financial perspective as a small businessman and a bank director. I opened Hayes Eye Center in 1992 and built the Chelsea MedPlaza in 1998, providing a

location for 5 area businesses. For the past quarter century I have been an active volunteer in community and sports organizations such as Chelsea Kiwanis and Chelsea HS athletics, Chelsea youth sports, Shelby County Arts Council, Community of Hope Clinic, the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham, a founding member of Morningstar United Methodist Church and many others.

For years of a down economy, your Commission maintained a conservative fiscal approach to protect your county assets and resources that has resulted in a model other counties come to study. Your Commission, with me as a member, has kept Shelby County conservative and solvent, yet progressive. Now I ask for your vote in the March 1st primary to continue leading our county in the right direction.

Candidate for: Shelby County Commission, District 4Candidate: Ron Griggs

Candidate for: Shelby County Commission, District 4Candidate: Gene Rowley My Shelby County roots are deep. I remember the first time I came to Shelby County, I was a Boy Scout and our troop came to camp at Oak Mountain State Park. I had no idea then that I would meet my wife here; that our three children would all be born at Shelby Baptist; I would start a business here; or that I would come to know Christ here. I had no idea that my final resting place would be the National Cemetery in Montevallo, in the same ground as my Father-in-law.

My father taught me many things. He taught me that God comes before all else; that family is the heart or our society; and that serve to our Country is of the highest calling. He instilled in me three core ideals, that I live by today: Integrity, Leadership and Service. These principles make up not only who I am, but the kind of public servant I will be when elected. They are the backbone of my Conservative beliefs for small, limited government. The importance of individual liberty and a restoration to the principles of our founding documents, which I swore to uphold and defend.

My goal to represent the people of Shelby County is a natural continuation of a life of service. I began serving others as a Boy Scout and carried that forward to the military where I spent 17 years serving our Country. My final years in the Army were spent as a member of the Alabama National Guard where I served the people of Alabama during hurricanes Katrina, Rita and multiple devastating tornados. Now I want to serve the people of Shelby County on the County Commission.

Thank you for your support. www.generowley.com www.facebook.com/ElectGeneRowley #ElectGeneRowley

I am running for Shelby County Commissioner District 4 and would like to now be a part of the Alabaster/Pelham area as an elected official. This county has provided my family a great place to live and work. I respect the job opportunities that the Alabaster/Pelham area has provided for my family. I intend to serve the community in an effort to give back to the place that has afforded me so many experiences in my life’s journey. I am knowledgeable of the history of Alabaster and Pelham after have lived and worked in both of the cities. I would now like to work with a team of commissioners to assist the Alabaster/Pelham area by blending local, state, and federal government plans. Together, we can all work to make Shelby County a great place to live.

I moved to Alabaster in 1971, graduated from Samford University in 1974, and the University of Montevallo in 1980. I worked at Thompson Middle School from 1975 – 1977 as a teacher, coach, and bus driver. Afterwards I worked at Pelham High School as a teacher, coach,

bus driver, and performed administrative duties. In 1987 I went to Shelby County High School and worked until 1993 as an administrative assistant and later as an assistant principal. In 1993 I returned to Thompson High School as an assistant principal and later became the principal. Upon my retirement in 2005, I pursued business ventures in Birmingham and I now work at The Insurance Store in Alabaster.

I attended Samford University (1970 – 1974) where I obtained my B.S. in Physical Education and attended the University of Montevallo (1980) where I obtained my Masters of Education in Drivers Education and also received certification in Administration (1987).

Website: https://www.facebook.com/rongriggs4shelbycountycommissionerdistrict4/

Email: : [email protected]

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Candidate for: Shelby County Commission, District 9Candidate: Ward Will iamsI am Ward Williams. My family and I have lived in Shelby County since 2002. I am the Founder and Executive Director of Vineyard Family Services, a faith-based nonprofit that fights to keep families together, promotes responsible fatherhood, and feeds kids through Backpack Buddies in the three area school districts. I am so excited to live and work in Shelby County. I am asking for your vote March 1 in the Republican Primary for County Commission District 4.

I believe families are the cornerstone of our culture. In order to have a strong, safe community, we have to have strong and safe families. Many factors affect the strength of a family unit including marriage, parenting issues, financial decisions, and quality schools just to name a few. As county commissioner, my goal will be to help families grow and develop by providing resources to families to help strengthen marriages, relationships and help parents be involved.

I believe in strong and safe communities; we must support our first responders. Safety and citizens feeling

safe in our community are a top concern of many residents in Shelby County. Along with safety, we must also promote personal responsibility, integrity, and help assist families to self- sufficiency. The county should have strong faith-based and nonprofit partnerships to address issues such as adoption, substance abuse, mental health, foster-care, hunger, sanctity of life, and mentoring.

I believe it is important to create a strong economic environment by improving our transportation infrastructure, common sense regulations, and limiting government. We must have strong city and county partnerships and strong marketing of Alabaster and Pelham. We must have low taxes, tax reform, and pay as you go incentives. I believe the county has to be transparent, prudent with money, and have a strong rainy day fund. I am Ward Williams. Come cast your vote for me on March 1

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Candidate for: Shelby County Board of Education, Place 1Candidate: Jane Hampton

Candidate for: Shelby County Board of Education, Place 1Candidate: Ramona Piland RiceAs founder of Decoding Dyslexia Alabama, member of Alabama Dyslexia Advisory Council, and Chairman of the Legislative Committee for Alabama Reading Association, it has been rewarding to advocate for appropriate education for all children in Alabama. It is through my experience that I have learned quality in education is attainable only through a collaboration of interested parties.

Evolution of the education system has brought unbelievable changes through the implementation of standards and technology in classrooms. However, one area that needs to evolve within the administration of education— inclusion of the voice of parents, teachers and students, or what I refer to as the “Voice That Matters”. The Voice That Matters can be compared to that of customers and employees in business operations. Successful businesses know listening to their customers’ needs and incorporating them into business plans is essential. They have also learned that incorporating the voice of the employees in business operations ensures they have a vested interest in its success.

School boards must embrace the importance of incorporating the Voice That Matters in its operations. The Voice That Matters is essential to develop a framework that allows every child to be successful using his or her innate talents and abilities. Officials should request and acknowledge feedback of the people that elected them and it is my mission to instill this. It is my mission to bring the Voice That Matters into the Shelby County Board of Education, promoting open and transparent lines of communication with parents, students and teachers. #TheVoiceThatMatters I hope you will vote for me on March 1 for Shelby County School Board of Education.

My husband and I moved to Shelby County after college in 1972. We have lived in Alabaster, Montevallo, Inverness, MeadowBrook and Highland Lakes so I am familiar with our wonderful county.

I began work with the Shelby County Board of Education and worked with the school system until I retired in 2008. I taught in Pelham at Valley Elementary, at Inverness Elementary and served as Assistant Principal there. I became principal at Oak Mountain Elementary in 1997 and was there until I retired in 2008.

My daughters both attended school in Shelby County with one graduating from Pelham High School and one graduating from Chelsea High School. I have spent many long hours working in the schools and supporting them as a parent. I feel that my background enables me to appreciate our school system and our county and be a productive member of the board.

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The Republican Women of Shelby County have been busy! The group hosted Mike Parsons at their September meeting, Parsons has in-depth knowledge of what Common Core is planning in the area of additional “data mining” from our children masquerading as “the proposed Alabama Counseling Program.”

The RWSC hosted Alabama School Board Candidate Stephanie Bell at the October meeting, Bell was first elected to the State Board of Education in 1994 and re-elected to a sixth term in November 2012. During her tenure, she has served as Vice-President.Mrs. Bell has a strong conservative record of fighting federal control of education and working to block the liberal political and social agenda in public schools.

New officers were elected at the November meeting. Congratulations to the newly-installed officers of the Republican Women of Shelby County:

President, Dawn Ray Vice President, Melody Warbington Secretary, Sharon Travis Treasurer, Mallory Jackson

Dee Shirley, immediate Past-President, serves as Public Relations Co-Chair, Committee/Community Liaison and Bylaw Team Member. Marilyn Schultz will serve as Interim 2nd Vice President, Co-Chair Public Relations, Electronic Media/Website Chair, and Membership Committee Chair. In addition to serving as Vice-President, Melody Warbington will also serve as Chair of the Programs and Resolutions Committees. Elaine Little will chair the Bylaw Committee, and Judy Whorton will Chair the Telephone Committee.

The Republican Women of Shelby County hosted a candidate forum at their January 16th meeting,

RWSC UpdateAlabama is expected to have 50 delegates at the 2016 Republican National Convention. Of this total, 21 will be district-level delegates (three for each of the state’s seven congressional districts). Alabama’s district-level delegates are allocated on a proportional basis; a candidate must win at least 20 percent of the vote in a congressional district in order to be eligible to win delegates. The highest vote-getter in a district will be allocated two of the district’s three delegates; the second highest vote-getter will receive the remaining delegate. If only one candidate meets the 20 percent threshold in a district, he or she will win all of the district’s delegates. If no candidate wins at least 20 percent of the vote, then the 20 percent threshold will be discarded. If a candidate wins more than 50 percent of the vote in a district, he or she will receive all three of that district’s delegates.[4]

Example: Assume that there are three presidential candidates on the Republican primary ballot in Alabama. In District 1, Candidate A won 66 percent of the vote, Candidate B won 32 percent and Candidate C won 2 percent. Candidate A would receive 2 of the district’s delegates and Candidate B would receive the remaining delegate. Because Candidate C won less than 20 percent of the vote, he or she would not receive any of the district’s delegates.

Of the remaining 29 delegates, 26 will serve at-large. At-large delegates are allocated on a proportional basis; a candidate must win 20% of the statewide vote in order to be eligible to win a share of the state’s at-large delegates. If a candidate wins more than 50% of the statewide vote, he or she will be allocated all of Alabama’s at-large delegates. In addition, three national party leaders (ALGOP Chairman, State Committeeman and State Committeewoman) will serve as unbound delegates to the Republican National Convention. The RNC delegates are not pledged to support the winner of the state primary.

What’s The DealWith Delegates?

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Shelby County GOP Sample Ballot

"I hereby declare my preference for candidate forthe office of President of the United States and fordelegates pledged to such candidate to be asfollows."

INSTRUCTIONS TO THE VOTER

TO VOTE YOU MUST BLACKENTHE OVAL (R) COMPLETELY! DONOT MAKE AN X OR ✓. IF YOU SPOIL YOUR BALLOT, DONOT ERASE, BUT ASK FOR A NEWBALLOT.

ABSENTEEOFFICIAL BALLOT

REPUBLICAN PRIMARY ANDCONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ELECTION

SHELBY COUNTY, ALABAMA

2-1

CONTINUE VOTING ON BACK

BALLOT STYLE R -

CANDIDATE OF THE REPUBLICANPARTY FOR PRESIDENT OF

THE UNITED STATES(Vote for One)

JEB BUSH

BEN CARSON

CHRIS CHRISTIE

TED CRUZ

CARLY FIORINA

LINDSEY GRAHAM

MIKE HUCKABEE

JOHN R. KASICH

RAND PAUL

MARCO RUBIO

RICK SANTORUM

DONALD J. TRUMP

UNCOMMITTED

INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTEFOR DELEGATE CANDIDATES

Votes for delegate candidates pledged to someoneother than the voter's choice for President ARENOT ALLOWED UNDER REPUBLICAN PARTYRULES. The names of unopposed delegates do notappear on the ballot.

FOR DELEGATES TO THE2016 REPUBLICAN

NATIONAL CONVENTION,STATE AT LARGE

BUSH Delegates, Place 10(Vote for One)

LUKE CAMARA

MATT LEMBKE

CARSON Delegates, Place 1(Vote for One)

PHYLLIS DAVIS

BILL HARRIS

DEAN PARKER


CLAY BARCLAY

PAT WILSON

BENJAMIN WINDOM


RALPH CARMICHAEL

FRED "Michael" HUGHES


JOANNE B. PARKER

RENÉE GENTLE POWERS

ANN PRATHER SPECK

BRUCE E. TUCKER


NICK ADAMS

ALEX FOX

AUTUMN KING

ERIN MATHEWS

RUSS VANDEVELDE


JACKIE CURTISS

MONIQUE R. HENLEY

MICHAEL PETRUZELLA

MORRIS A. WESELOH


THOMAS A. KENDRICK

ELBERT PETERS


RHODA S. BOONE

SHANTRELL NICKS


PATTY HOBBS

JAMES P. KENNEDY


GINGER MURPHY

BRET RIDDLE

CRUZ Delegates, Place 2(Vote for One)

CHIP BROWN

ANN EUBANK

STEVEN KING


TERESA F. BRAUN

DAVID WILSON


MO BROOKS

SUZELLE JOSEY

CHERYL MATHEWS

MELODY WARBINGTON


CARLA S. KING

WILL MOTLOW

DAWN RAY


SUE ALEXANDER

CHRISTOPHER DRENSEK


MARGARET S. CLARKE

CARSON SPRAYBERRY

HUCKABEE Delegates, Place 3(Vote for One)

JOEL L. KIMBROUGH

CLAUDIA SIMPSON

KASICH Delegates, Place 3(Vote for One)

M. BAKER ALLEN

RICK PATE

RUBIO Delegates, Place 1(Vote for One)

HANK BLACKMON

ROSS D'ENTREMONT

HAILEY LANN

MARY DEMPSEY LEMBKE

CLAY SCOFIELD


SALLIE M. BRYANT

GREG REID


MICHAEL F. "Mike" BOLIN

JOE M. DOMNANOVICH

CAM WARD


JAMES W. "Jim" BENNETT

VICTOR K. BIEBIGHAUSER

LINDA MAYNOR

DEREK WALTCHACK


PAUL DeMARCO

MARSHALL YATES


JOHN AMARI

GREG COOK

DON FISHER

KAY FOX


SUSAN DuBOSE

MATT FRIDY

STEVE SMITH

Typ:02 Seq:0002 Spl:01

REPUBLICAN PRIMARY SHELBY COUNTY, ALABAMA MARCH 1, 2016A

A

B

B

C

C

© Election Systems & Software, Inc. 1981, 2013

2-2

END OF BALLOT

BALLOT STYLE R -


CAROL HINKLE

OSCAR M. PRICE III

DAVID WISDOM


SUSAN BLANKENSHIP

MICHAEL KING


NATHANIEL LEDBETTER

JASON TUNNELL

TRUMP Delegates, Place 1(Vote for One)

JONATHAN O. BARBEE

JIM BONNER

TOM DAVIS

RANDY E. DUNCAN

STACY LEE GEORGE


JIM CARNS

KEN GAWRONSKI JR.


JAMES MATTHEWS

TIM WADSWORTH


NATIONAL CONVENTION BYCONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

CARSON Delegates, Place 2,6TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

(Vote for One)

CHUCK CLARKE

PATRICIA N. MOORE

CRUZ Delegates, Place 1,6TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

(Vote for One)

COLIN LUKE

JOAN REYNOLDS


(Vote for One)

DENIA PETRUZELLA

DAN ROBERTS

BETTY ZEITZ

RUBIO Delegates, Place 1,6TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

(Vote for One)

MIKE BROOKS

DANNY GARRETT

TRUMP Delegates, Place 3,6TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

(Vote for One)

DAVID TOTHEROW

PATSY VINES

FOR UNITED STATES SENATOR(Vote for One)

MARCUS BOWMAN

JOHN MARTIN

JONATHAN McCONNELL

SHADRACK McGILL

RICHARD C. SHELBY

FOR ASSOCIATE JUSTICE OF THESUPREME COURT, PLACE NO. 3

(Vote for One)

DONNA J. BEAULIEU

TOM PARKER

FOR PRESIDENT,PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

(Vote for One)

TWINKLE ANDRESS CAVANAUGH

TERRY DUNN

FOR MEMBER,STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION,

DISTRICT NO. 3(Vote for One)

JUSTIN BARKLEY

STEPHANIE BELL

FOR CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE,18TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,

PLACE NO. 4(Vote for One)

LAURA McCAULEY ALVIS

PATRICK KENNEDY

J. TIMOTHY "Tim" SMITH

FOR DISTRICT COURT JUDGE,SHELBY COUNTY,


LORI FRASURE

JAMES R. "Jim" KRAMER

FOR MEMBER,SHELBY COUNTY COMMISSION,


CHRIS DUNN

ROBBIE HAYES

FOR MEMBER, SHELBY COUNTYBOARD OF EDUCATION,


JANE HAMPTON

RAMONA PILAND RICE

PROPOSED STATEWIDEAMENDMENT NUMBER ONE (1)

Proposing an amendment to the Constitutionof Alabama of 1901, to authorize thelegislature to provide a retirement program fordistrict attorneys and circuit clerks of the statewho are first elected or appointed on or afterNovember 8, 2016. (Proposed by Act2015-342)

YES-Statewide Amendment No. 1

NO-Statewide Amendment No. 1

PROPOSED LOCALAMENDMENT NUMBER ONE (1)

Relating to Shelby County, proposing anamendment to the Constitution of Alabama of1901, to authorize the sale of alcoholicbeverages on Sunday after 12:00 p.m. byproperly licensed retail licensees of theAlabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.(Proposed by 2015-43)

YES-Local Amendment No. 1

NO-Local Amendment No. 1


REPUBLICAN PRIMARY SHELBY COUNTY, ALABAMA MARCH 1, 2016D

D

E

E

F

F

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CHRIS DUNN

ROBBIE HAYES



RON GRIGGS

GENE ROWLEY

WARD WILLIAMS

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"I hereby declare my preference for candidate forthe office of President of the United States and fordelegates pledged to such candidate to be asfollows."

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REPUBLICAN PRIMARY ANDCONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ELECTION

SHELBY COUNTY, ALABAMA

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CONTINUE VOTING ON BACK

BALLOT STYLE R -

CANDIDATE OF THE REPUBLICANPARTY FOR PRESIDENT OF

THE UNITED STATES(Vote for One)

JEB BUSH

BEN CARSON

CHRIS CHRISTIE

TED CRUZ

CARLY FIORINA

LINDSEY GRAHAM

MIKE HUCKABEE

JOHN R. KASICH

RAND PAUL

MARCO RUBIO

RICK SANTORUM

DONALD J. TRUMP

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Votes for delegate candidates pledged to someoneother than the voter's choice for President ARENOT ALLOWED UNDER REPUBLICAN PARTYRULES. The names of unopposed delegates do notappear on the ballot.


NATIONAL CONVENTION,STATE AT LARGE

BUSH Delegates, Place 10(Vote for One)

LUKE CAMARA

MATT LEMBKE


PHYLLIS DAVIS

BILL HARRIS

DEAN PARKER


CLAY BARCLAY

PAT WILSON

BENJAMIN WINDOM


RALPH CARMICHAEL

FRED "Michael" HUGHES


JOANNE B. PARKER

RENÉE GENTLE POWERS

ANN PRATHER SPECK

BRUCE E. TUCKER


NICK ADAMS

ALEX FOX

AUTUMN KING

ERIN MATHEWS

RUSS VANDEVELDE


JACKIE CURTISS

MONIQUE R. HENLEY

MICHAEL PETRUZELLA

MORRIS A. WESELOH


THOMAS A. KENDRICK

ELBERT PETERS


RHODA S. BOONE

SHANTRELL NICKS


PATTY HOBBS

JAMES P. KENNEDY


GINGER MURPHY

BRET RIDDLE


CHIP BROWN

ANN EUBANK

STEVEN KING


TERESA F. BRAUN

DAVID WILSON


MO BROOKS

SUZELLE JOSEY

CHERYL MATHEWS

MELODY WARBINGTON


CARLA S. KING

WILL MOTLOW

DAWN RAY


SUE ALEXANDER

CHRISTOPHER DRENSEK


MARGARET S. CLARKE

CARSON SPRAYBERRY

HUCKABEE Delegates, Place 3(Vote for One)

JOEL L. KIMBROUGH

CLAUDIA SIMPSON

KASICH Delegates, Place 3(Vote for One)

M. BAKER ALLEN

RICK PATE


HANK BLACKMON

ROSS D'ENTREMONT

HAILEY LANN

MARY DEMPSEY LEMBKE

CLAY SCOFIELD


SALLIE M. BRYANT

GREG REID


MICHAEL F. "Mike" BOLIN

JOE M. DOMNANOVICH

CAM WARD


JAMES W. "Jim" BENNETT

VICTOR K. BIEBIGHAUSER

LINDA MAYNOR

DEREK WALTCHACK


PAUL DeMARCO

MARSHALL YATES


JOHN AMARI

GREG COOK

DON FISHER

KAY FOX


SUSAN DuBOSE

MATT FRIDY

STEVE SMITH


REPUBLICAN PRIMARY SHELBY COUNTY, ALABAMA MARCH 1, 2016A

A

B

B

C

C

© Election Systems & Software, Inc. 1981, 2013

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END OF BALLOT

BALLOT STYLE R -


CAROL HINKLE

OSCAR M. PRICE III

DAVID WISDOM


SUSAN BLANKENSHIP

MICHAEL KING


NATHANIEL LEDBETTER

JASON TUNNELL


JONATHAN O. BARBEE

JIM BONNER

TOM DAVIS

RANDY E. DUNCAN

STACY LEE GEORGE


JIM CARNS

KEN GAWRONSKI JR.


JAMES MATTHEWS

TIM WADSWORTH


NATIONAL CONVENTION BYCONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

CARSON Delegates, Place 2,6TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

(Vote for One)

CHUCK CLARKE

PATRICIA N. MOORE


(Vote for One)

COLIN LUKE

JOAN REYNOLDS


(Vote for One)

DENIA PETRUZELLA

DAN ROBERTS

BETTY ZEITZ

RUBIO Delegates, Place 1,6TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

(Vote for One)

MIKE BROOKS

DANNY GARRETT

TRUMP Delegates, Place 3,6TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

(Vote for One)

DAVID TOTHEROW

PATSY VINES

FOR UNITED STATES SENATOR(Vote for One)

MARCUS BOWMAN

JOHN MARTIN

JONATHAN McCONNELL

SHADRACK McGILL

RICHARD C. SHELBY

FOR ASSOCIATE JUSTICE OF THESUPREME COURT, PLACE NO. 3

(Vote for One)

DONNA J. BEAULIEU

TOM PARKER

FOR PRESIDENT,PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

(Vote for One)

TWINKLE ANDRESS CAVANAUGH

TERRY DUNN

FOR MEMBER,STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION,


JUSTIN BARKLEY

STEPHANIE BELL

FOR CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE,18TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,


LAURA McCAULEY ALVIS

PATRICK KENNEDY

J. TIMOTHY "Tim" SMITH

FOR DISTRICT COURT JUDGE,SHELBY COUNTY,


LORI FRASURE

JAMES R. "Jim" KRAMER



CHRIS DUNN

ROBBIE HAYES

FOR MEMBER, SHELBY COUNTYBOARD OF EDUCATION,


JANE HAMPTON

RAMONA PILAND RICE

PROPOSED STATEWIDEAMENDMENT NUMBER ONE (1)

Proposing an amendment to the Constitutionof Alabama of 1901, to authorize thelegislature to provide a retirement program fordistrict attorneys and circuit clerks of the statewho are first elected or appointed on or afterNovember 8, 2016. (Proposed by Act2015-342)

YES-Statewide Amendment No. 1

NO-Statewide Amendment No. 1

PROPOSED LOCALAMENDMENT NUMBER ONE (1)

Relating to Shelby County, proposing anamendment to the Constitution of Alabama of1901, to authorize the sale of alcoholicbeverages on Sunday after 12:00 p.m. byproperly licensed retail licensees of theAlabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.(Proposed by 2015-43)

YES-Local Amendment No. 1

NO-Local Amendment No. 1


REPUBLICAN PRIMARY SHELBY COUNTY, ALABAMA MARCH 1, 2016D

D

E

E

F

F

SAMPLE

BALLOT

THIS OFFICE RUNS BY DISTRICT

This is a common ballot, however, these offi ces will

appear only in certainprecincts which will apply

to your districts



CHRIS DUNN

ROBBIE HAYES



RON GRIGGS

GENE ROWLEY

WARD WILLIAMS

14

Wave of regulation looms in 2016By Lydia Wheeler, The Hill

President Obama is preparing to unleash a wave of new regulations in 2016 as he looks to shore up his legacy on public protection issues during his final year in office.

The Securities and Exchange Commission, the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Labor are all expected to finalize major federal rules that critics say are long overdue. The regulations include a final rule from the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform law that will force companies to compare the paychecks of their top executives with company performance, final rules for cigars and electronic cigarettes proposed well over a year ago, and a final regulation to protect constructions workers from deadly silica dust.

Here’s a look at the top regulations expected to come from the administration in 2016.

PAY FOR PERFORMANCE The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expected to finalize its “pay for performance” rule that will require publicly traded corporations to disclose how much their top executives are paid and compare that to the companies’ overall financial performance.

The agency, which first proposed the rule in May, set an October 2016 deadline for the final rule last month. The SEC contends it will allow shareholders to make more informed decisions when electing directors.

ARBITRATIONRegulatory experts are expecting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to propose new rules in 2016 to protect consumers’ right to file or join a class-action lawsuit against a financial company.

More and more companies are adding arbitration clauses to contracts that prevent consumers from resolving a dispute through the court system. Instead, the language, which can often be found in credit card and cellphone contracts, typically states that disputes about a product can only be resolved by privately appointed individuals or arbitrators.

Dodd-Frank directed the CFPB to do a study of arbitration agreements and issue a report of its findings to Congress. After the agency completed the report in March, it announced plans to proceed with a rulemaking.

E-CIGARETTESIndustry and health groups may not agree on the rules, but both are exasperated by the delay in first-ever regulations from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cigars and electronic cigarettes.

Health groups were frantic in the days leading up to the release of the $1.1 trillion government spending deal earlier this month, fearing that industry had successfully lobbied for a change that would have exempted many e-cigarette and cigar products from the restrictions.

Industry groups, however, came up empty-handed and will now wait to see if attempts to lobby the White House for last-minute changes paid off. Those organizations are most concerned about a provision in the proposed rule that would require all products that hit store shelves after Feb. 15, 2007, to apply retroactively for approval, a process that companies say would put them out of business.

The FDA originally said the final rules would be out last summer but changed the deadline to November. The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which is reviewing the final rule, was still meeting with industry and health groups last week.

SILICA DUSTThe Department of Labor is in the process of finalizing a years-in-the-making rule to protect workers from silica dust.

Peg Seminario, the AFL-CIO’s safety and health director, said the labor group has been awaiting the rule since 1997. Exposure to silica dust, common at construction worksites and shipyards, can cause an irreversible lung disease known as silicosis.

The Labor Department sent the final rule to the OMB last week for final review, a process that can take up to 90 days.

“I’m sure they will give it a thorough review and it’ll be issued sometime, we hope, in the first quarter of the year,” Seminario said.

WORKPLACE INJURIESThe DOL is gearing up for a busy year, with plans to also finalize a rule that will require employers to report and keep records of workplace injuries and illnesses. Seminario said the draft of the final rule went to OMB

15

in October. Labor groups are hoping to see a final rule in the first quarter.

OVERTIME PAYPerhaps the most sweeping action to in the new year will be a final rule to extend overtime pay to nearly 5 millions white-collar workers. The Labor Department proposed the rule in June as a result of an executive order President Obama issued in May. Under the rule, any worker earning up to $50,000 annually would be eligible for overtime.

Department spokesman Jason Surbey said the agency is reviewing the more than 270,000 comments it received.

“We’re on track to issue a final rule by July 2016, with an effective date sometime after that,” he said.

PREDATORY LENDINGThe CFPB is planning a February rollout of its proposed rules to crack down on predatory payday lenders.

The agency released a framework for the rules in March that considered forcing lenders to ensure a borrower’s ability to repay a loan, limiting short-term credits to 45 days or less and establishing a 60-day “cooling-off” period for borrowers who take out three loans in a row.

Payday lenders have already balked at the rules, calling them unnecessary and damaging for consumers who have nowhere else to turn for their short-term lending needs.

FOOD SAFETYThe FDA is expected to issue final requirements in March for the sanitary transportation of animal and human food.

The rules, which were are mandated by the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011, establish requirements for shippers, carriers and receivers to use sanitary practices to ensure that that food does not become contaminated when being transported. The final rules were originally expected to be released in April 2015.

FINANCIAL ADVISERS The Labor Department is also expected to issue a final rule in 2016 that would require financial advisers to disclose more information to their clients about the compensation they receive. In October, under mounting pressure from business groups, Labor Secretary Tom Perez said the department planned to make some changes to the contentious regulations — commonly called the “fiduciary rule” — but would not detail what those changes would be.

METHANEThe Environmental Protection Agency is expected to finalize new rules to limit methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. The rule would require drillers to use new technologies to track and block both accidental and purposeful leaks when producing and transmitting oil and gas. The EPA has set a June deadline for the release of this final rule.

16

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia died at 79 Saturday after 30 years on the Supreme Court. His death removes a conservative stalwart from the bench and also throws the affairs of the country’s highest court into upheaval.

Obama has already said he’ll tap a successor, and the Republican-controlled Congress has signaled its intent to block any nomination until inauguration of the next president. In the interim, here’s the answers to several burning questions about the situation moving forward:

HOW WILL SCALIA BE REPLACED? Under the Constitution, the president has the power to nominate new Supreme Court justices, who then must be confirmed by a majority of the Senate. Traditionally, Supreme Court vacancies haven’t lasted long, with a new justice being confirmed within about three months nomination. Most recently, it took almost exactly three months to confirm Elena Kagan as a replacement for John Paul Stevens, while Sonia Sotomayor took two-and-a-half months for approval as David Souter’s replacement.

Of course, both nominations came early in Obama’s first term while the president had a strong Democratic majority in the Senate.

CAN REPUBLICANS ACTUALLY BLOCK THE NOMINATION?It’s purely a question of party unity and willpower. With 54 Republicans in the chamber’s majority, it would take at least 4 defectors to simply let an Obama nomination be confirmed in an up or down vote. Even if those votes could be found, Republicans can still employ the filibuster, which would require 60 votes to end debate on Obama’s nomination.

On the other hand, a commitment to delay would require blocking an Obama nomination for nearly a year, a degree of deliberate obstructionism that could alienate moderate voters. That could tempt Republican senators in tough reelection races, like Mark Kirk of Illinois, to support an Obama nominee.

WOULD A YEARLONG DELAY BE THE LONGEST SUPREME COURT VACANCY EVER?No. While some have already begun bemoaning the “constitutional crisis” inherent in being unable to appoint a new Supreme Court justice, a yearlong vacancy wouldn’t even come close to being the longest one ever. In the 1840s, the Senate repeatedly rejected various nominations made by President

Now What? Everything You Need To Know About The Supreme Court After Scalia’s DeathBy BLAKE NEFF, Reporter, The Daily Caller

John Tyler, resulting in the Court having a vacancy for whopping 27 months.

WHAT HAPPENS TO EXISTING SUPREME COURT CASES? ARE THEY STOPPED UNTIL THE SUPREME COURT IS BACK TO FULL STRENGTH?The Supreme Court will continue to accept, hear, and rule on cases like normal, despite its shorthanded status. Importantly, any vote Scalia made on cases that haven’t come to a decision issued are now void, meaning some 5-4 cases could potentially be turned into 4-4 ties.

WHAT HAPPENS IF A SUPREME COURT DECISION IS A TIE?In the case of a tie, the judgment of the previous court to hear the case is upheld.

WHAT ARE SOME CASES THAT COULD BE AFFECTED BY SCALIA’S DEATH?Several close cases could be affected due to Scalia’s absence from the court, by either changing the outcome or causing the decision to include a different justice:

Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association: This case deals with whether public sector unions have the right to impose agency fees on non-union members to cover the costs of collective bargaining. Prior to Scalia’s death, it seemed reasonably likely that the Court would reverse prior precedents and abolish agency fees for the public sector. But now it’s hard to imagine that result being achieved, as getting to five votes would require the defection of one of the Court’s four liberal justices. A 4-4 tie would default to the decision of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which had ruled in favor of the California Teachers Association based on existing precedent.

U.S. v. Texas: This case is the challenge by several state governments against President Obama’s 2014 executive order protecting millions of illegal immigrants from being deported. In this case, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the Obama administration. As such, if Scalia was part of the group voting against Obama (as seemed likely), his death won’t change the outcome of the case, as a 4-4 tie would default back to the Fifth Circuit’s judgment. However, a tie would mean the Court would be unable to issue a broader ruling about how much executive discretion exists on immigration.

17

Evenwel v. Abbott: This case, coming out of Texas, concerns whether state legislative districts must be drawn while taking into account only the population of eligible voters, or if those unable to vote (such as non-citizens, convicted felons, and children) should be counted as well. The previous ruling by a U.S. District Court for the western district of Texas ruled that all voters should be counted, so a tie would affirm that ruling.

Whole Women’s Health v. Cole: A third case out of Texas, this case concerns the legality of tough new abortion restrictions the state passed in 2013, which led to the closure of about half the state’s abortion clinics. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals mostly upheld the law, so a tie would would keep most of it in place. But Scalia’s death means there is no potential for a 5-4 decision substantially rolling back abortion rights.

Fisher v. Texas: Yet another Texas case, this one is a repeat of a 2013 challenge to the legality of affirmative action. Notably, this case was already down to eight justices because Elena Kagan had recused herself due to working on the case as solicitor general. Scalia’s death brings the Court down to seven justices, meaning a 4-3 decision on the legality of affirmative action is likely.

Zubik v. Burwell: This case challenges the Obama administration’s attempted accommodation of religious groups on the Obamacare birth control mandate. The Obama administration compels religious non-profits to file a form that compels their insurers to provide birth control free of charge, which said non-profits say violates their religious freedom. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals held that the administration’s accommodation did not infringe on religious freedom, and with Scalia gone that ruling will likely be affirmed.

WHO ARE SOME POTENTIAL CANDIDATES OBAMA MAY NOMINATE AS SCALIA’S REPLACEMENT?President Obama has many potential nominees to choose from, making a specific prediction difficult, but here are some judges whose names have frequently been suggested as potential nominees:

Sri Srinivason: Srinivason currently sits on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, frequently seen as a stepping stone to the Supreme Court (John Roberts, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Clarence Thomas, and Scalia himself are all alumni). He would be the first Indian on the Supreme

Court, and has been seen as a leading candidate for a nomination for years. Prior to joining the D.C. Circuit Srinivason served as Obama’s principal deputy solicitor general. Srinivason’s short time on the bench means

his own views on legal matters aren’t perfectly clear, but he’s regarded as a relatively moderate option for Obama, one the president may use to try breaking down the GOP’s willingness to hold out until the next president. Srinivason will turn 49 in two weeks, meaning that if confirmed a 20 or even 30-year stay on the Court is possible.

Paul Watford: Watford is a judge on the Ninth Circuit, appointed to that position by Obama in 2012. Like Srinivason, Watford is regarded as somewhat moderate, so he may be a likely nominee if Obama genuinely hopes to attract some Republican defectors and

get a new justice on the Court. Watford would be the third black justice on the Court, and he is currently only 48 years old.

Patricia Ann Millett: Another resident of the D.C. Circuit, Millett was previously notable as one of the judges whose nominations prompted Harry Reid to use the so-called “nuclear option,” repealing the use of the filibuster for non-Supreme Court judicial nominees.

Miller is currently 52 years old, and previously worked in the solicitor general’s office, where she argued several dozen cases before the Supreme Court.

David Barron: Barron became a judge on the First Circuit in 2014, and is one of the most controversial nominees Obama could make. While working in the Justice Department, Barron authored a secret memo that justified the drone strike which killed U.S. citizen Anwar al-Awlaki. Not only did no Republicans support his

circuit court nomination, but two Democrats opposed it as well. Barron is also a white male who gives Obama little in the way of a diversity bump. On the other hand, Barron is seen as solidly liberal, so if confirmed he would likely provide one of the biggest shifts Obama could hope for away from the judicial philosophy of Scalia. Like Watford, Barron is just 48 years old.

Loretta Lynch: Currently serving as attorney general, Lynch would be the first black woman on the Court, and could potentially be used as a political weapon by President Obama if he thinks the GOP is likely to obstruct him. That’s especially the case because 10

Republicans who voted to confirm her as attorney general would now have to justify keeping her off the Court. Like Kagan when she was nominated, Lynch would have no prior judicial experience. At 56, she’d also be older than several other candidates, meaning her stay on the Court would likely be shorter.

18

Governor Bentley held his annual State of the State address Tuesday, February 2nd, launching his 2016 legislative agenda and strategic plan through 2019.

Alabama will celebrate its 200th birthday in 2019, and Governor Bentley’s Great State 2019 Plan is aimed at fundamentally changing Alabama, opening doors of opportunity, clearing the path to prosperity and solving decades old problems by the time Alabama celebrates its bicentennial milestone. The strategic plan has a special focus on Alabama’s most rural and underserved areas.

The Governor’s Great State 2019 agenda includes:

Investing in Alabama’s Education

• Investment in High Quality Pre-Kindergarten • Alabama’s FUTURE Scholarship Program • Workforce Development

Increasing the Number of Health Professionals in Rural Areas

Addressing the Prison Problem with Long-Term Solutions

• Alabama Prison Transformation Initiative • Justice Reinvestment

Alabama’s HOPE (Helping Our People Excel) Through Broadband

Governor Bentley Launches Great State 2019 Plan

Other Issues:

• Gulf State Park Project • Supporting our Veterans • Assessing Our Water Resources • Supporting Small Business Development & Success • The Alabama Transportation Institute • Accessing Affordable Coastal Insurance Options

“The Great State 2019 Plan is aimed at prioritizing greater opportunity and access to a good strong education, quality healthcare and game-changing technology for all Alabamians,” Governor Bentley said. “There is no better way to celebrate the state’s bicentennial than by working together to make the lives of Alabamians better. Our state’s rich history is made up of a series of Alabamians who have courageously confronted problems and executed the necessary strategies to accomplish much needed solutions.”

the shelby delegate - february 2016

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