By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Voters in Blount and Northern Jefferson County go to the polls Tuesday for the House District 34 Special Election to Republican runoff to decide whether retired Blount County Probate Judge David Standridge or banker Chris Latta will represent them in the Alabama House of Representatives.
Judge Standridge said in a written statement, “Our economy is still hurting, and we can’t depend on the federal government to act. In Montgomery, I will advocate for legislation which encourages businesses to hire, supports existing small businesses and lightens the tax burden on all Alabamians.”
Chris Latta said on Facebook, “We need someone that is willing to be firm in what they believe and not run from tough decisions and situations. I pledge that I will always serve with honesty and integrity.”
Judge Standridge said, “The founders of our country envisioned a government where the people elected true statesmen to represent their values. As a member of the State House of Representatives, I will stand up for our conservative values of less government, lower taxes and personal freedom.”
Chris Latta said on Facebook, “I would like to remind and humbly ask all my friends for their vote this Tuesday in the election for State Representative. This campaign experience has been an adventure for our family that we will remember for a lifetime. My daughters will have something to tell for many years to come of the mostly fun times of campaigning for their Dad. When I decided to seek this office it was for no other reason but to serve the people of this district with all my heart. I believe it is important that your representative serve you with honesty and integrity and I pledge to you that I will do just this. So one more time I humbly ask you for your support on Tuesday.”
Judge Standridge said, “My four grandchildren are the light of my life. Unfortunately, I am afraid that the America we grew up in will not be around when they have their own children. In Montgomery, I will protect our conservative way of life by opposing debt and increased spending, while supporting pro-life and pro-family measures.”
The HD 34 seat was vacated by Thomas Elwyn (R-Oneonta) after he accepted Governor Robert Bentley’s appointment as Executive Director of the Alabama Manufactured Housing Commission.
Standridge has held several elected offices in Blount County most recently the Probate Judge. Standridge grew up on a farm in Blount County and in a veteran law enforcement officer. Latta is an officer with Peoples Bank.
In the Special Election Republican Primary Blount County Probate Judge David Standridge received 35.7 percent of the vote while Chris Latta received 22.1 percent of the vote just narrowly beating out former state Representative and insurance agent Jim Murphree to make the Republican runoff.
The runoff election is on Tuesday, December 11th. Polls will be open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Since no Democrat qualified for this race, the winner of the December 11th special primary runoff election will be the new representative for House District 34.
