Staff Report
From the Office of Senate Majority Leader Jabo Waggoner
MONTGOMERY – The longest-serving Republican in the Alabama Senate today welcomed Senator Jerry Fielding (R-Sylacauga) to the Senate Republican Caucus.
At a press conference along with fellow Senate Republicans, Senate Majority Leader Jabo Waggoner officially welcomed Fielding to the caucus, a move that boosts the Republican majority in the upper chamber to 23 members.
Fielding, who was elected in 2010, said that while he’s been contemplating the switch for several months, the liberal platform adopted by national Democrats at the Party convention in North Carolina proved that there’s no longer room for this conservative Democrat within the party.
“I don’t stand for same-sex marriage, abortion and gun control, and you definitely don’t have to ask me three times if I want God to be included in my party’s platform,” Fielding said. “I couldn’t sit by and watch the Democrat Party adopt such an extremely liberal agenda.”
“I’m proud to join the Senate Republican Caucus and look forward to joining the effort to promote private sector economic growth, make state government more efficient and accountable to taxpayers, and protect our conservative Alabama values.”
Citing his conservative values, Waggoner said Fielding is a natural fit for the Republican Party.
“I’m not surprised at all that Senator Fielding has realized that his beliefs are more closely aligned with the Republican Party. He’s a dedicated lawmaker who has consistently taken the more conservative position on issues, including voting in favor of a large majority of bills in our Handshake with Alabama platform,” Waggoner said. “Frankly, his joining the Republican Caucus is a natural fit.”
Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh said he’s confident Fielding will continue working to best serve the citizens of his district, regardless of party lines.
“As a relatively new lawmaker, Senator Fielding has jumped right in and proven himself to be fair and deliberate – always focused on doing what’s best for the people of his district,” Marsh said. “He’s a man of strong integrity, a respected public servant and I’m happy to have him join the Republican Caucus.”
