By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
The Alabama Republican Party controls every statewide constitutional office, has won six of the last seven Alabama governor’s races, has supermajorities in both Houses of the Legislature, holds six of Alabama’s seven congressional districts, both U.S. Senators, and that dominance is increasingly filtering down to the county court house level. It was not always this way. In fact there are still Alabamians who can remember a day when the Alabama Democratic Party had complete and total domination. Two Alabamians who do remember those days and who were instrumental in the changes that have taken place in the political landscape of this state were honored at the Alabama Winter Meeting in Montgomery on Saturday.
Floyd Lawson was commended for his service to the state of Alabama and to the Alabama Republican Party. The 95 year old received a card with well wishes from Chief Justice Roy Moore and the other eight Justices of the Alabama Supreme Court……..all Republican Justices.
Floyd Lawson said, “I have never been so honored as I have been honored today.” “I want to thank the people I have met here who have supported me not only in the political arena but in what I have done to help young people.”
“When I went to Cullman in 1952 you could not find a Republican and they wouldn’t give you a job interview if people found out that you were a Republican.” Democrats held every statewide office back then. “Republicans hold every office in the State now and thank God for that.” “There is not one Democrat in office in Cullman County and thank God for that.”
Alabama Young Republicans Federation Chairman Clayton Mark Turner said on Facebook, “Great ceremony to honor Floyd Lawson at today’s ALGOP Winter Meeting. The YRs are so grateful for people like Mr. Lawson who have paved the way for so many of us.”
Ginger Austin was also honored for her role as a Republican Trailblazer.
Alabama Republican Party Chairman Bill Armistead said that he remembered working with Austin in the 1964 Barry Goldwater presidential campaign.
Mrs. Austin said, “I am proud to be here today.” She started working for the party in the early 1960s. Austin said she ran for office in the county in which she ran she lost by a large margin. Austin said that she was elected by the Republican Party as a delegate to the Republican convention and had a great time each time.
Chairman Armistead said, “Thank you so much.”
Young Republicans’ Chairman Clayton Mark Turners said on Facebook, “Thankful for people like Ginger Austin who have paved the way for so many of us in the Party.” “Thank you for all you have done for all of us in Alabama.”
ALGOP Chairman Armistead said now that the Republican Party is the dominant party in Alabama, “Our job is not to sit back relax and think we have it made.” Armistead stressed to the members of the Republican Executive Committee that, “We must pave the way for these folks (Republican candidates),” in November elections.
Ginger Austin’s daughter, Claire Austin, is a regular contributor to the Alabama Political Reporter’s television affiliate, The Voice of Alabama, seen every Sunday morning @ 11:30 am on ABC 33/40.
