By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
The Alabama Political Reporter stayed up past 3:30 am on election night to find out if we had a winner in District 30 or not. On Wednesday, June 4, we still did not know if Clyde Chambliss had won the primary out right or not. On Thursday, June 5, the official recount began at 10:00 am.
The Chambliss campaign is now reporting:
“The votes have been counted and it looks as though we are heading for a runoff. I am proud of our campaign and what we offer the citizens of District 30. 50 percent of the voters identified with our message. That is a tremendous vote of confidence in a 4 person race! I look forward to continuing to share my vision of fiscal responsibility, economic development, and improvement in education. Keep talking to your friends, neighbors, and co-workers. With your help, we will make this happen on July 15!”
Clyde Chambliss almost defeated three opponents in the Republican Primary to represent Alabama Senate District 30. It was very close, but apparently not quite close enough.
Chambliss will face Harris Garner again in the Republican Runoff election on July 15.
On April 26 both Clyde Chambliss and Harris Garner joined popular Alabama Governor Robert Bentley (R) and Alabama Republican Party Chairman Bill Armistead at the Republican Pumpkin Patch rally in Clanton Alabama.
Clyde Chambliss was the first to speak. Chambliss said that he was running for State Senate district 30 which includes all or parts of Chilton, Elmore, Coosa, Autauga, and Tallapoosa Counties. Chambliss said that the state and the district face plenty of problems.
Chambliss said that he is a former member of the Autauga County Commission where they build next year’s budget based on last year’s revenue. He hopes that the state legislature will adopt similar policies in order to build that strong fiscal foundation to solve problems budgeting for things like Medicaid and prisons.
Chambliss is an engineer and a current member of the Prattville City Council.
Harris Garner said, “I am not a politician, I am a small business owner.” Garner said that he built his business through hard work and determination. Garner introduced his wife, Kathy to the crowd. Garner owns Garner Electric Company.
Garner said that we do have a problem in Montgomery and that is lifetime politicians who are worrying about their back pocket instead of the business of the people of the State.
Garner said that the Pumpkin Patch Rally should have been attended by 2000 or 3000 people, but the people of Alabama are losing interest because they are losing faith in our government.
The recount was necessary because 70 voters at one polling place in Elmore County were given improper ballots that the computer could not read. When the error was corrected those 70 ballots were locked up and everybody got the correct ballot after that point. On Thursday those 70 ballots had to be counted by hand. According to Associated Press results, before those 70 voters were included, Clyde Chambliss Jr. led with 9,115 votes, or about 50 percent, followed by Harris Garner with 5,824 votes, or about 32 percent. Suzelle Josey had 2,092 votes, or about 11 percent, and Bill Harris received 1,221 votes or about 7 percent.
It is our understanding (at this moment) that a Republican runoff will be necessary in District 30 on July 15.
Senate District 30 is currently represented by Senator Bryan Taylor. Taylor is not seeking re-election.
