By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Alabama state Representative Paul DeMarco (R) from Homewood announced in a written statement that he is running in Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District.
Representative DeMarco said, “Since 2005, I’ve worked hard in the Alabama Legislature to represent the people with conservative, reform minded principles that are now needed in Congress. I have supported common sense and practical ways to make local and state government work best for the people of Alabama.”
Rep. DeMarco said, “The Sixth District is a special place for Jacqueline and me. It is our home. I share the values of the many small businesses and hardworking families who also call this home. Those values and the dedication to strengthening the communities of the Sixth District are why I can make a difference in Congress. For now, I will remain busy talking with the people of the Sixth District, sharing my vision and asking for your support. Together, let’s work hard to continue building a strong future for our state and our nation.”
Rep. DeMarco serves as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee in the Alabama House of Representatives. He is also on the Joint Oversight Committee for Alabama Homeland Security and is the Co-Chair of the Jefferson County House Delegation. In his statement, DeMarco’s campaign describes him as a fiscal conservative who has championed public safety legislation and successfully sponsored bills to strengthen Alabama’s ethics laws and promote government transparency.
DeMarco is a partner in the law firm of Parsons, Lee and Juliano, P.C. DeMarco is a 1990 Auburn University graduate has a 1993 law degree. DeMarco lives in Homewood with his wife, Jacqueline.
On Thursday the co-founder of the Birmingham based Alabama Policy Institute (API), Gary Palmer, announced his candidacy for the rare open congressional seat.
Palmer told Al.com‘s Mike Cason,
“I’ve been doing this for 24 years. I have a real good idea of what our needs are here in Alabama. I’ve got some ideas that I think will resonate with people in Washington.” Palmer has been the long time President and CEO of API.
Palmer and Rep. DeMarco will face stiff competition from Indian Springs orthopedist, Dr. Chad Mathis.
Dr. Mathis said, “I’m running because I love God, my family, Alabama, and the Constitution. When I look at my children, Abby and Ben, I want to be able to tell them I did everything I could to stop out of control government spending and Obamacare.”
Dr. Mathis said, “I’m not a career politician, I just believe we need a strong Constitutional conservative voice In Washington, D.C. – and I plan to deliver just that.” “It’s time for a new type of conservative leader to go to D.C. and hold the line on spending, cut taxes, kill Obamacare, stop running deficits, balance a budget, and make government smaller. I will tackle these issues so Alabama’s 6th District families have more opportunities and freedom.”
Prominent businessman and recent member of the Auburn Board of Trustees John Blackwell is still contemplating entering this race.
Blackwell’s son, state Senator Slade Blackwell, was an early favorite for this race but chose not to run. Persons who have formally announced that they will not run for this office include GOP Chairman Bill Armistead, AG Luther Strange, state Senator Cam Ward, state Representative Jack Williams, State Senator Jabo Wagoner, retired Air Force Colonel Penny Huggins Bailey (D), Al Mickle, and blogger Cliff Sims.
The Sixth District Congressional seat is currently held by Rep. Spencer Bachus (R) from Vestavia. After serving in the seat for 21 years, Rep. Bachus announced that he would not seek re-election when his current term expires.
The Republican Primary will be in June 2014.
