By Bill Britt
Alabama Political Reporter
MONTGOMERY—According to his recent statements to the press, Republican Rep. Chad Fincher of Semmes may not seek reelection to the Alabama House of Representatives.
Fincher said that he has accepted a new position as Executive Director of the Mobile Area Association of Realtors, and that this may severely restrict his time to serve in the legislature. He will make a decision by January 2014.
“This is a shock,” said a House Republican who served with Fincher. “If every there was a raising star, it was Fincher.”
Elected to the House in 2006, Fincher was chosen by Speaker Mike Hubbard to sponsor the Accountability Act, which at the time was considered an honor for the young legislator. But, the Act has proven to be less than popular outside of the closed doors where it was conceived.
Fincher’s announcement fits a pattern that has recently emerged among members of the Republican Super Majority.
In the last month, Sen. Bryan Taylor, R-Prattville and Rep. Wes Long, R-Guttersville, have announced their intentions not to seek reelection.
Just two months ago, Fincher was a contender for the U.S. Congressional District AL01 vacated by Jo Bonner. However, he failed to make the runoff against Bradley Byrne, the eventual winner. Until his announcement on Friday, there were no indications that Fincher was not enjoying his rising-star status in the ALGOP, despite his defeat.
“2010 was the first time most of these guys ever ran for elected office. I don’t think they realized how tough it would be a second go round,” said a Fincher House colleague.
For Fincher, the sponsorship of the Accountability Act was used against him as well as his close ties to the embattled Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard. Hubbard is believed to be the subject of a special grand jury investigation into public corruption.
There is speculation that Fincher, Long and Taylor may be leaving office ahead of major criminal indictments.
