By Bill Britt
Alabama Political Reporter
MONTGOMERY— Chair of the Alabama Republican Party, Terry Lathan, is not happy about the taping of the recent private meeting between Gov. Robert Bentley and members of ALGOP’s steering committee. In fact, she is furious and promises to reveal the name of the person to the committee, if and when she can find that individual.
“I don’t know who did this, but it was absolutely despicable,” said Lathan in a conversation with alreporter.com. “It is disrespectful and shameful.”
Most of the committee members believe someone in Bentley’s inner circle recorded the meeting, and then leaked the tape to al.com’s Chuck Dean, who has been the go-to-reporter for an administration in need of a positive spin.
Bentley requested the
October 7 meeting, which was to be held at the Governor’s office. But, in a last minute move, the meeting was relocated to the Alabama Realtors Association.
The meeting was called ostensibly to find a way for the Governor, and the steering committee, to work together after the spilt over Bentley’s push to increase taxes; a move, that to some, was a major betrayal of conservative principles.
Lathan refused to discuss the details of the meeting, but was not hesitant to voice her displeasure with the secret recording, and the subsequent report in the media. “I hate to think that I have to start every conversation by saying ‘Are you recording this conversation?,’” said a clearly frustrated Lathan.
While she feels it would be inconsistent with her personal standards to the discuss the subject matter covered in the meeting, she, however, believes that others have a legitimate reason to offer their side of the story.
Three committee members present at the meeting did discuss their recollections, which differ in tone and content from the published report. Others who did not want to go on the record agreed with the assessment that Gov. Bentley was arrogant, whiney, condescending, and cold. Not the usual optics which accompany the “Country Doctor” demeanor publicly cultivated by Bentley.
Committee members point out that in over five years of meetings, since Bentley took office, not a single committee meeting has been recorded, and/or leaked to the press. Others find it incredulous that a member of the ALGOP steering committee would reach out to a liberal member of the press to disclose a private meeting.
Lathan says she has a serious problem with the person who recorded, and leaked the tape, and hopes she can uncover his/her identity.
In a meeting called with hopes of finding common ground, the recording, and subsequent leak, has resulted in further distrust, and division between the steering committee and the administration.
