By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Congressman Spencer Bachus (R) from Vestavia is the longest serving member of the Alabama delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives. The conservative Alabama Republican was elected over 21 years ago during the elder Bush’s presidency. On Monday, the Sixth Congressional District Representative announced that this term which ends in December 2014 will be the last term that he will serve. Republicans throughout Alabama were quick to congratulate Congressman Bachus on his years of service to the state.
Alabama Republican Party Chairman Bill Armistead said in a written statement: “Spencer Bachus served Alabama and the Sixth Congressional District well for many years. His leadership on the House Financial Services Committee showed his strength and dedication to his position. I know that Congressman Bachus will finish his term proudly and will work hard until his final day in office. My prayers go out to Spencer and Linda and I wish them the very best.”
Congresswoman Martha Roby (R) from Montgomery said in a written statement, “As the Dean of the Alabama delegation, Spencer has always helped provide leadership for our state and assistance to the members of our delegation. Spencer has served our country honorably, and I have personally benefited from his years of experience in the House of Representatives. It’s been a privilege to serve with him, and I look forward to continuing to work with him for the remainder of the 113th Congress.”
U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R) said in a written statement, “Spencer Bachus has been a powerful force for Alabama and America, standing for solid American values for over two decades in Congress. We have been friends since law school at Alabama. He is a man of faith and integrity who gives his best every day for the country he loves. As Chairman of the important House Financial Services Committee, as well as other important roles he has filled in the House of Representatives, he has compiled a notable record as one of the most important Congressmen in Alabama’s history. He and Linda have been a great team. I wish them every blessing in their future endeavors.”
Congressman Robert Aderholt (R) from Haleyville said, “I have known Spencer to be a fine, gracious person who cares deeply about Alabama and has served his district well. Spencer chaired the Financial Services Committee during a time of shaky markets with a steady hand. He and his wife Linda will be missed by the entire delegation.”
Congressman Mike Rogers (R) from Saks said in a statement, “Spencer has been not only a good friend to me, but a mentor since my very first congressional campaign. He has represented our great state well and I will miss him and his leadership of our delegation.”
Not everybody in the Republican Party were fans of the longtime Republican stalwart, whom some felt was too willing too compromise.
The Rainy Day Patriots sent out a press release announcing that they and, “The Alabama Legislative Watchdogs along with other Conservative groups like Heritage Action and Alabama grass-roots patriots continued pressure on our elected officials is bearing fruit in the retirement of Congressman Spencer Bachus. Our diligence in holding Congress accountable helped to facilitate his retirement. This sends a message far and wide that ‘We The People’ are the rightful owners of our Constitutional Republic and we look forward to working closely with a Constitutional Conservative.”
Bachus unseated Representative Ben Erdreich (D) after redistricting divided Jefferson County into a majority White suburban/rural Sixth district and a majority Black urban/rural Seventh District. Since that victory Rep. Bachus has easily defeated long shot Democratic Party and Republican Primary challengers alike.
The Sixth District currently consists of parts of Jefferson, Blount, Chilton, Shelby, Coosa, and Bibb Counties.
