By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
On Wednesday, West Alabama Republican Matt Jenkins officially announced that he was running as a candidate for The United States House of Representatives in the 7th District of Alabama. Jenkins said in a written statement, “It is time to elect people to Washington who represent New Ideas for a New Generation. This election is for the good people of the 7th District of Alabama, they deserve better representation in Washington. I want to lend my ear to poor people, college students, rich people, all ethnic backgrounds, single parents, families, business owners, employed and unemployed.”
Jenkins is challenging incumbent Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D) from Selma. Rep. Sewell is the only Democrat and the only minority in the Alabama Congressional delegation. Jenkins said that he is pro-life and is a firm believer in traditional marriage. Jenkins said that he is running because the Seventh District has the highest unemployment rates in the State. Jenkins said,
“It’s time to get all Alabamians back to work. Our elected officials have done an outstanding job attracting the World to Alabama, but we can do better. Once we begin to improve the infrastructure in Birmingham and throughout the Black Belt Region, we will be able to attract more businesses to provide real jobs for hard working Alabamians.”
Jenkins said that he wants to help young people out who are transitioning out of college into the work force. Jenkins said that he opposes increasing student loan interest rates and opposes the controversial common core standards which he called a disaster. Jenkins said, “When I get to Washington, I will propose legislation that States that chose not to use Common Core are not punished by having some of their federal funding stripped..”
Jenkins also proposed new regulations preventing existing businesses and residences affected by natural disasters from being compelled to rebuild conforming to new zoning codes and building codes.
Many political pundits believe that District Seven was drawn to be majority minority and that given the tendency of Black Americans overs the last 49 years to vote Democratic no Republican can win in the Seventh District.
Jenkins said in response to this attitude, “We as Republicans cannot be afraid to campaign in the intercity. We as Republicans cannot be afraid to campaign in Democratic Strongholds. We as Republicans should NOT be satisfied until all 7 Districts are onboard with the Republican Party, its values and its principles. We are the Party for jobs and opportunity and we are the Party that has the true ticket to the middle class.”
Congresswoman Terri Sewell is serving her second term in the United States Congress. In both elections she easily defeated her Republican opponent, Don Chamberlain.
To learn more about the Matt Jenkins campaign visit his website:www.mattjenkins2014.com
