ALGOP had the rare treat of having former Republican Presidential candidate Senator Rick Santorum for three events this past week. Senator Santorum, who won Alabama’s Presidential Primary last year, told me then to let him know if we ever wanted him back. So, we took him up on his offer and he delivered.
Senator Santorum’s first event was at the ALGOP Headquarters where we had a luncheon honoring the donors who were instrumental in assisting us in acquiring our new headquarters. Special tribute was paid to the two leading donors who committed substantial funds to assist ALGOP in purchasing our beautiful new building. Sadly, both of these donors passed away soon after we moved into our new headquarters.
Birmingham business owner and entrepreneur, William Featheringill, led the way on the acquisition of our new offices. He passed away last December. ALGOP paid tribute to him through presenting to his widow, Carolyn Featheringill, and his daughter, Liz Pharo, a resolution celebrating the life and achievements of Mr. Featheringill.
Dr. Julian Davidson, Huntsville business owner and entrepreneur, and his wife Dorothy enthusiastically supported our effort to obtain a permanent headquarters for ALGOP. Dr. Davidson passed away this past January. I was pleased to present Dorothy with a resolution celebrating the life and achievements of Dr. Davidson. Mrs. Davidson graciously gave us an oil painting of Dr. Davidson for our headquarters office and we now have it proudly hanging in our lobby.
>>>Senator Santorum spoke to the more than 30 family members and friends of the donors expressing, on behalf of ALGOP, our thanks for their generosity. Senator Santorum encouraged those in attendance to not give up in standing for the core principles that have made our party the conservative party that it is today.
ALGOP staff and Senator Santorum traveled to northwest Alabama later in the afternoon to attend a fundraising reception in Muscle Shoals at the beautiful home of Franklin County GOP Chairman Jerry Mays and his wife Sandra. This was the first ever fundraiser that ALGOP has had in northwest Alabama and it was quite successful.
Following the reception, Senator Santorum attended an old fashioned political rally and hot dog supper in Tuscumbia where approximately 300 excited conservatives from northwest Alabama anxiously awaited the Senator’s arrival. His appearance marked the very first time a Republican Presidential Candidate has visited the Democratic stronghold.
The crowd arrived early, eager and excited for the night to begin. They were not disappointed. Senator Santorum entered to a standing ovation that repeated itself throughout the night. The crowd never tired and neither did the Senator, who stayed taking pictures with the crowd for more than an hour following his speech.
Senator Santorum immediately thanked the people of northwest Alabama for helping him to carry the state during the presidential election last November. “Thank you for helping to plant the flag for conservatism. I’m just honored to be up here. I’m amazed that there are so many people out here and this is not even an election year!” the Senator excitedly stated.
Senator Santorum’s passionate speech was filled with references to faith in God and the conservative principles that he “preaches” as he travels around the country with his organization, Patriot Voices.
The Senator’s message rang true with every person in the audience, you could see it on their faces. The audience saw the sincerity in the Senator’s words, “I’m here tonight because I believe the heart of America is right…I’m here because I know your values and I understand them. I know what you care about.”
Senator Santorum challenged the audience to get involved to save our country. “If I’m in northwest Alabama, what can I do? “ he asked. “Whatever you can do,” he explained. “Changing here sends a message that we are willing to fight. Get involved and change our communities, our states….Is this the America you want to leave? Run for local office, run for local school board.”
Those in attendance were about as “fired up” as I have seen at a political rally in a long time. This event will be remembered as the catalyst that ignited the momentum that will carry us to victory in 2014. The Republican tide in northwest Alabama began three years ago when we didn’t have a single Republican holding office in the area. Today, there are 20 Republican’s holding elected office and we are looking to add to that next year.
Special thanks to the county chairmen in northwest Alabama: David Black (Colbert); Jerry Mays (Franklin); Shannon Terry (Lawrence); and Scott Jones (Lauderdale) for the great job they are doing in transitioning the area from complete Democrat control to growing Republican representation.