By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
MONTGOMERY—On Thursday, current Alabama Secretary of State and former State Auditor Beth Chapman (R) has formally endorsed Adam Thompson (R) for the office of State Auditor. Thompson is Chapman’s former Chief of Staff and worked for her in both the Secretary of State’s Office and in the State Auditor’s office.
In Thursday’s release, Chapman said that Thompson is not only the most qualified, but also the most experienced person to serve in the position. “I fully support Adam Thompson for State Auditor. He worked as my right hand in the office and is the only candidate that has any experience in that office.
He will hold state agencies accountable for the $2 billion of our state assets,” Chapman said. Chapman continued, “In an office like this, experience matters. Adam has been there and knows what it takes to bring accountability and efficiency to state government. If you liked my work in the State Auditor’s Office, you’re going to love Adam’s work there. He has the experience and dedication required to effectively run this office.” Adam Thompson said in a written statement, “As a previous State Auditor who knows the challenges and importance of the office, I am honored to receive her endorsement and thank her for her support of my campaign.”
‘The Alabama Political Reporter’ had previously reported on Facebook comments made by Chapman indicating that she was supporting her former chief of staff, Adam Thompson.
Secretary of State Chapman was Alabama’s State Auditor from 2003–2007.
Chapman recently announced that she was resigning her position as Alabama’s Secretary of State to accept a job in the private sector working for ALFA.
Miranda Joseph is running for the office as a Democrat in the 2014 election. Joseph is a Shelby County resident who has run for the office before. Joseph will be on the Alabama Democratic Party ballot next June if anybody else qualifies as a Democrat for the office. Joseph earlier has lost a previous bid for the office to incumbent Samantha Shaw (R).
Cleburne County Attorney Ray Bryan (R) is also running for the office of state auditor; but on the unique platform of abolishing the office of State Auditor. The longtime Republican Party insider is campaigning on the platform that new technology has eliminated the need for the position of State Auditor and if elected Bryan vows to support a constitutional amendment to abolish his office.
Thompson believes that the office still serves an essential role in Alabama government.
The current state auditor, Samantha Shaw, is term limited from running again.
