By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
First District Congressional candidate Bradley Byrne (R) from Montrose has been garnering support from many individuals and groups in his quest for the First Congressional seat vacated by the retirement of Representative Jo Bonner (R). Since his first place finish in the Special Republican Primary, Byrne has received endorsements from former opponents: Quinn Hillyer and Chad Fincher and from the National Rifleman’s Association (NRA).
The latest organization to endorse Byrne is the PAC of the National Association of ByRealtors.
RPAC, the political arm of the National Association of ByREALTORS®announced its endorsement of Bradley Byrne after he received a unanimous recommendation from the Alabama Association of REALTORS® Political Action Committee.
Alabama REALTORS® President, Richard VanValkenburgh said.”Bradley Byrne has been a strong leader for REALTORS® and Homeowners during his many roles as a public servant in Alabama. In Congress, I have every confidence Mr. Byrne will ensure that the voice of Alabama Homeowners and REALTORS® will be heard. Mr. Byrne’s experience as a successful businessman and state senator is just what Alabama needs from our leaders in Washington.”
Also this week, Byrne received the much coveted endorsement from the National Rifleman’s Assocation (NRA). The influential NRA stated in a letter to Byrne, “The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund is proud to endorse your candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in your Republican primary run-off in Alabama’s 1st Congressional District. Based on your solid and consistent pro-gun voting record in the Alabama State Senate and responses to our 2013 federal candidate questionnaire, you have earned an “A” rating from the NRA-PVF.”
Senator Byrne said, “Throughout my life, I’ve always been committed to defending our 2nd Amendment rights and the way of life we hold dear. In Congress, I’ll stand up for our values and oppose any attempts to take away our freedoms.”
More South Alabama conservatives are coalescing behind Byrne. Primary Opponent state Rep. Chad Fincher (R) from Semmes endorsed Byrne on Tuesday. Rep. Fincher said,“I trust that Bradley will go to Congress to stand up for our South Alabama values, and I trust that he will always be honest with the citizens of our district. We need to elect conservatives who are willing to work with other conservatives to win – not attack fellow conservatives for personal gain.”
Byrne said, “Chad Fincher ran an excellent campaign talking about the issues important to the First Congressional District. Chad is a conservative leader in the State House and a strong voice for South Alabama. Rebecca and I are proud to consider him and his wife Caresse friends, and look forward to continuing to work together to improve our region. I would ask all my supporters to please vote for Bradley Byrne on November 5th.”
Pam Segars-Morris, the AAR Governmental and Political Affairs Chair, said, “As Chancellor of the Alabama Department of Post-Secondary Education, Bradley Byrne fiercely battled corruption and mediocrity. He is a proven reformer who is unwilling to accept the status quo.”
Bradley Byrne faces Dean Young, a realtor and developer from Orange Beach, in the November 5th Republican Primary runoff. The winner of the runoff will still have to face a Democratic opponent to replace Congressman Jo Bonner (R) from Mobile.
