By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Senator Gerald Dial’s (R) from Lineville campaign announced in a statement that the Alabama RetailPAC had endorsed Sen. Dial for re-election. Alabama RetailPAC is the political arm of the Alabama Retail Association. The group was founded in 1943 and has over 4,000 members.
Sen. Dial said, “Having the support and backing of over 4,000 independent merchants and national retailers means a lot. Retail is one of the largest provider of jobs in our state, and I look forward to working further with the Alabama Retail Association to improve our economy and create jobs.”
Alabama Retail President Rick Brown said, “Senator Gerald Dial has been a champion for business, retail, and employees of both for years. It was a no-brainer to endorse Sen. Dial’s re-election effort, because he has proven to be an effective leader who delivers for his state and district.”
Sen. Gerald Dial represents District 13 in the Alabama State Senate, which includes all or parts of Chambers, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Lee, and Randolph Counties. In 2011, Senator Dial was appointed Majority Whip by the Senate Majority Leader Jabo Waggoner (R).
Dial is one of the longest serving members of the Alabama legislature and according to his campaign is recognized for his parliamentary knowledge and command of the Senate rules of procedure. The campaign states that his abilities have resulted in more roads projects, new businesses and opportunities for East Alabama than comparable freshmen legislators. Dial is the Chairman of the Senate Local Legislation #1 Committee.
Senator Dial lives with his wife, Faye, in Lineville.
The Alabama Retail Association represents Alabama retailers. Its 4,000 independent merchant and national company members sell food, clothing, furniture and other general merchandise at more than 6,000 locations across the state.
Dial is being challenged in the June 3rd Republican Primary by Tim Sprayberry.
The winner of the Republican Primary will face Democratic challenger Darrell Turner in the November General Election. Alabama Democrats are hoping to hold most of their seats in the Alabama Senate and pick up enough Republican seats to be able to block cloture in the Alabama Senate. According to Alabama Senate rules, it takes a 3/5s super majority to end a filibuster in the Senate.
Darrell Turner stated recently, “The Republican Supermajority has worked to silence the voice of the people in Montgomery. They have repeatedly voted to cut off debate on legislation and keep the opposition from making their views heard.”
