By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
On Friday, November 16, 2016, multiple news sources announced that US Sen. Jeff Session (R-AL) will be President-elect Donald J. Trump’s pick to be the next US Attorney General. Trump confirmed it on his website later in the day.
Reaction on social media was swift to the news.
US Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-Montrose) said that Sen. Sessions, “Is a real leader who has great respect for the rule of law. He would be an excellent choice!”
Byrne said in a statement, “I have known Jeff Sessions for almost 40 years, and he has always been a person of the highest level of integrity. As a US Attorney in Mobile, Senator Sessions led the charge to clean up corruption in our local government. He earned respect from everyone in our community by always conducting himself in a professional and fair way.
Byrne continued, “In the Senate, Senator Sessions has a clear track record of defending the law and advocating for a smaller, less invasive federal government. Just as important, he has always been willing to partner with other members of our Congressional delegation to support Alabama projects and priorities.”
State Sen. Bill Hightower (R-Mobile) said, “Congratulations to Senator Jeff Sessions, one of the most admired US Senators. Mobile is proud to claim his as our own. He is a great choice for Attorney General and a true patriot.”
State Rep. Jack Williams (R-Vestavia) wrote, “I have known @jeffsessions for over twenty years. He is a man of impeccable character. You may not agree with him but he’s a good man.”
Former State Senator Hank Erwin (R) said, “Sen. Jeff Sessions as US Attorney General would be outstanding!”
State Rep. Mack Butler (R-Rainbow City) said, “I’m extremely proud to have received an endorsement from the man who is about to be our next US Attorney General. Congrats Senator.”
The Greater Birmingham Young Republicans wrote, “Congrats to Senator Jeff Sessions! This is such exciting news for Alabama!”
State Rep. Will Ainsworth (R-Guntersville) said, “Sen. Sessions would do a great job as the nation’s top prosecutor. The idea of Attorney General Sessions is exciting.”
Deanna K. Frankowski, who founded the Alabama Constitutional Conservatives and was an early backer of Donald Trump for President said, “AWESOME!! I hate to lose him as my #Alabama US Senator but he’ll be an AG that will uphold the Rule of Law and make us proud!”
Former Shelby County Republican Party Chairman Freddie Ard said, “Proud to hear this morning that a friend of many years, and one of the finest people to ever hold office at any level of government, Senator Jeff Sessions could be named US Attorney General. President-Elect Trump makes an absolutely outstanding selection for his administration in Jeff Sessions, no matter the position.”
Rep. Byrne said, “The people of Alabama will miss the service and leadership of Jeff Sessions, but I have no doubt he will be an excellent Attorney General for the United States.”
As Attorney General, Jeff Sessions would head the US Justice Department, which along with the State and Defense Departments, is considered to be one of the premier roles in the US Government.
Sessions would replace Attorney General Loretta Lynch, who President Barack H. Obama (D) appointed.
Sen. Sessions was US Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama for 12 years. He was later elected Alabama Attorney General, before being elected US Senator for the first time in 1996. The popular Senator Sessions was elected to his fourth term without any opponent, Democrat or Republican.
