By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
In 2010, Woodville’s Shadrack McGill (R), probably had one of the most shocking victories in Alabama political history when he unseated the powerful incumbent, Alabama State Senator Lowell Baron (D) from Fyffe. Baron was one of the richest men in the Alabama Senate and one of the most powerful in the then still Democratic controlled State Senate. After three years in the Senate however, McGill announced on Friday that he would not seek re-election.
Senator McGill said on Facebook, “Tis the season to be thankful. With that being said, I am very thankful to have been your Senator for the last three years. However, after much prayer and council, I have decided to step out of the race for Senate District 8. It has truly been an honor to serve you and I count this experience as one of the greatest in my life. I have learned so much and I will take it with me throughout my life.”
Sen. McGill said, “To serve diligently in the Legislature, or any public servant position for that matter, puts a strain on families that many folks may not realize. I do not feel that I am done with politics by no means, but I do feel that a much needed break is in order for my family. I am very thankful to have been a part of making some much needed corrections in state and local government.”
Sen. McGill continued, “For many years the citizens of Alabama have seen the corruption in our State government and asked for ethics laws. I am honored to have been included in the leadership that has fundamentally changed the landscape of state government, passed some of the toughest ethics laws nationwide, created jobs and boosted the private sector economy. We also implemented cost-cutting reforms that will save taxpayers $750 million a year, Cut spending in the Legislature by $12 million since taking over in 2010, Added more than 40,000 new jobs since 2010 and Unemployment is at its lowest point since 2008 – Alabama has among the lowest unemployment rate of Southeastern states. Alabama is now ranked as a Top State for Doing Business according to Area Development magazine.”
The conservative North Alabama State Senator concluded, “We have dethroned special interest groups that sought to control the state and locally speaking: through hard work by many and new legislation, I believe that our offices are much more transparent. However, What I am most proud of is the fact that we have miraculously passed several pieces of pro-life legislation. We simply cannot continue to kill unborn babies and then expect God to bless us as a state or nation. I plan on finishing my term strong and I look forward to having a productive 2014 Session. I wish you all a very blessed holiday season!”
There has been much speculation prior to Friday’s annoncement that McGill would not run for re-election.
State Representative Todd Greeson from Ider and businessman Steve Livington from Scottsboro were already running for the office in the June 3, 2014 Republican Primary. Former Madison County commissioner, Horace Clemmons (D) from Skyline has also announced his candidacy for the position. Former Senator Lowell Baron had announced his intention to regain the office, but he was hurt in a tractor accident and has since been indicted for alleged improper use of campaign funds and is expected not to run.
The McGills drew National attention when Mrs. McGill accused another women of approaching Senator McGill romantically and warned her to stay away.
