Candidate Spotlight – Week of September 15, 2014

FEDERAL CANDIDATE
Mike Rogers

Mike Rogers was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in November 2002. The race was one of the most closely watched in the nation, a target for both Democratic and Republican National parties. Mike came out ahead, beating Democrat veteran Joe Turnham. This November, Mike is asking voters of Alabama’s Third Congressional District to head to the polls again and re-elect him for a seventh term.

Mike was elected as the first Republican and youngest member of the Calhoun County Commission at the young age of 28. During his time on the commission, Mike and his wife of over 30 years Beth worked their way through night classes at the Birmingham School of Law. A true testament to his character and strong work ethic, Mike graduated with honors and started his own law firm in Anniston. He went on to serve as a member of the Alabama House of Representatives and then as the House’s Minority Leader.

Mike currently serves as Chairman of the House Armed Services Strategic Forces subcommittee and is a senior member of the Agriculture and Homeland Security Committees.

We look forward to another victory for Mike Rogers. He has served the people of his district with a strong conservative voice.

STATEWIDE CANDIDATE
Kay Ivey
Lt. Governor Kay Ivey is also seeking re-election this November. She made history in 2010 when Republicans swept the state, electing every Republican running for statewide office. Kay defeated Democratic incumbent Lt. Governor Jim Folsom, Jr., who was seeking an unprecedented fourth term.
 
Lt. Governor Ivey became the second woman and first Republican woman to be elected as Alabama’s Lieutenant Governor. A native of Wilcox County, she joins other notable Republicans from the area who have been elected to high office in Alabama. U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions and former U.S. Representative Jo Bonner are also from Wilcox County.
 
During her first term as Lt. Governor, Kay served as Chairman of the Job Creation and Military Stability Commission, Vice Chairman of the Aerospace States Association, Co-Chair of the National Lieutenant Governor’s Association (NLGA) State Strategies in Military Affairs Committee and acting as an advocate for the Real World Design Challenge in Alabama.
 
Kay is being opposed in the November General Election by former State Representative James Fields.

STATE HOUSE CANDIDATE
Will Ainsworth
When Representative Wes Long made the decision not to seek re-election for Alabama House District 27 (Marshall County), Will Ainsworth stepped forward and was elected as the Republican nominee.
 
Ainsworth is the founder and operator of the nationally-recognized Dream Ranch hunting and fishing lodge. He and his brother also founded the Tennessee Valley Hunting and Fishing Expo, which is now one of the largest trade shows in the southeast. His decision to run for office came through a desire to improve our economic state and create jobs for Alabamians.
 
“As a legislator, I will pledge to work with Gov. Robert Bentley and his team to recruit much needed jobs and industry to the Marshall County area,” Ainsworth said. “It’s no secret that our area is still suffering the effects of the economic downturn, and I believe that I have the energy, vision, and drive necessary to help bring some long overdue relief.”
 
In November, Ainsworth will face off against Democrat and former Representative Jeff McLaughlin. McLaughlin held the seat from 2001-2010 but was beat out by Republican Wes Long. The Alabama Republican Party fully supports Ainsworth in his campaign. We cannot allow this seat to return to the hands of liberal McLaughlin.

STATE SENATE CANDIDATE
Tim Melson
 
Democrat Representative Tammy Irons decided to retire this year, giving the Alabama Republican Party a great opportunity to gain a seat in the Alabama State Senate. Dr. Tim Melson of North Alabama is the Republican nominee for Alabama State Senate District 1 (Lauderdale, Limestone and Madison Counties).
 
Melson is an anesthesiologist, graduating from medical school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a crop farmer. He is also a self-proclaimed hobbyist cattleman.
 
Melson is a conservative Christian who promises to fight for our Alabama values in Montgomery. He is pro-life and a staunch supporter of 2nd Amendment rights. He believes in high standards and local control in education. With over 20 years’ experience in the health care industry, Melson knows he is the best candidate to address the challenges facing our health care system. He wants to work to fix Alabama’s Medicaid system and improve patient access to health care.
 
The Alabama Republican Party is dedicated to helping Dr. Tim Melson get elected, and we encourage you pitch in any way you can. We have an opportunity to change a Democrat seat to a Republican seat, help us make it happen!

LOCAL CANDIDATE
Tommy Oswalt
Appointed to the position by Governor Bentley a year ago, Tommy Oswalt is seeking election to remain Revenue Commissioner of Colbert County. Tommy is a long time member of the Colbert County Republicans; he currently serves on their Executive Committee and as their Treasurer.
 
Born and raised in Colbert County, Alabama. Following high school, he entered the Marine Corps and was deployed during Desert Storm. Tommy was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for “Outstanding Job Performance during Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield” before he received an honorary discharge in 1992.
 
As a Marine, Tommy was taught the Latin phrase Semper Fidelis, which means “Always Faithful.” Tommy has carried this mindset throughout his life. He was taught to be faithful to God, Country and Corps. He reminds himself of this phrase often and lives his life by it.
 
Last year, Tommy was featured as one of the Alabama Republican Party’s Rising Stars. Since his award, he has continued to stick by his morals and serve the people of Colbert County. We are confident his service will be rewarded with a victory in November over Democrat Keith Coates.

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