By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Former State Representative Jim Murphree announced on Thursday, March 27 that he is running for Alabama Senate District 17. Jim was a member of the Alabama House of Representatives from 1994-1998 as a Democrat. Murphree has since changed political parties.
Murphree said, “I am running because I want to help and serve people. I will passionately defend and work hard to preserve the Constitution and the rule of law. I understand the process and have the experience and proven achievement to make an immediate impact in the Senate. As your Senator, I will daily seek God’s guidance and wisdom to carry out my responsibilities. I truly love the people. I humbly ask for your prayers, support and vote.”
Murphree states that as a member of the Alabama House of Representatives, Murphree helped pass welfare reform (saving the state millions of dollars) and was instrumental in passing ethics and tort reform legislation.
Murphree is a member and two-time former chairman of the Blount County-Oneonta Chamber of Commerce. He is also a three-time past president of the Oneonta Rotary Club. Jim also currently serves as the current president of the Alabama Independent Insurance Agents Association.
Jim Murphree is a 1981 graduate from Oneonta High School and attended the University of Alabama from 1981-1985. He is the president and owner of Jim Murphree Insurance Agency and has almost three decades of experience in the insurance industry. He has two children, Hannah 19 and Andrew 17.
Jim Murphree ran unsuccessfully against incumbent Sen. Scott Beason in the Republican Primary in 2010.
The popular Senator Beason is leaving his conservative senate district to run for Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District where Rep. Spencer Bachus (R) from Vestavia is retiring after 11 terms in the U.S. Congress.
Seven candidates are competing for the open seat.
The crowded District 17 Republican field includes: Joe Cochran, a member of the Pinson City Council; Jim Roberts, a Gardendale attorney; Jim Murphree; Shay Shelnutt, a Trussville businessman; Brett King, an attorney from Locust Fork; Gayle H. Gear, an attorney from Gardendale; and Adam Ritch, a consultant and businessman.
