By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Friday, November 18, 2016, President-Elect Donald J Trump (R) appointed US Senator Jefferson “Jeff” Beauregard Sessions, III, as the next Attorney General of the United States. Alabama’s congressional delegation released statements praising the nomination.
Congressman Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) wrote in a statement, “Today President-elect Trump made an excellent choice for United States Attorney General by nominating Senator Jeff Sessions to serve our nation in his Administration,” said Palmer. “As a former US Attorney in Mobile and Alabama’s Attorney General, as well as a United States Senator, Senator Sessions defended the Constitution and held firm to our founding principles. Over the past 20 years, Senator Sessions has proven himself to be an intelligent, trustworthy conservative in the Senate becoming a voice for millions of Americans who felt ignored by Washington. His track record of success and sound decisions make him the best possible candidate for the job. I truly believe that Senator Sessions is the right man to restore the public’s confidence in our justice system.”
US Representative Martha Roby (R-Montgomery) said, “There is no one more capable and qualified to serve our country as Attorney General than Senator Jeff Sessions. President-Elect Trump has selected a leader with remarkable depth of knowledge and experience who cares about Americans and will fight for what’s right.”
Congresswoman Roby continued, “I am very proud for Senator Sessions on this achievement. He has been a kind mentor to me, and I have valued his guidance and leadership over the last six years. Although I hate to see him leave the Legislative Branch, I am confident this new role will enhance Senator Sessions’ ability to change our nation’s course for the better.”
US Representative Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) wrote, “Congratulations to my friend, Senator Jeff Sessions, on being chosen by the President-elect to serve as our nation’s Attorney General. It is a well earned and deserved honor. He knows the law and will follow it and uphold it to the letter.”
US Representative Mike Rogers (R-Saks) said, “Jeff Sessions is a man of the greatest integrity and character. He will do an outstanding job as the Attorney General of the United States. He has served Alabama with the utmost distinction, boundless vigor and endless determination. He will bring those same qualities and more to the Department of Justice to enforce the law. Alabama has every right to be extremely proud. I also want to congratulate President-Elect Trump on this exceptional choice.”
US Representative Mo Brooks said, “While Senator Sessions will be sorely missed in the United States Senate, he is an outstanding choice to be America’s next Attorney General. With decades of distinguished service on the Senate Judiciary Committee, as Alabama Attorney General, and US Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, President-Elect Trump could hardly have made a better choice to lead the Justice Department. Senator Sessions’ commitment to the rule of law and to the Constitution will mean progress for American jurisprudence, and I congratulate him on this historic appointment.”
US Representative Bradley Byrne (R-Montrose) wrote 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. 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. 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.”
US Senator Richard Shelby (R) said, “President-elect Trump has made an outstanding decision in selecting my friend and colleague Senator Jeff Sessions to serve as our next US Attorney General. Jeff is a man of integrity who has been a trusted and valued partner of mine in the Senate as well as an unwavering voice for Alabamians in Congress. With decades of experience in the legal field and an impressive tenure on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Jeff will bring expertise to President-Elect Trump’s cabinet and the Department of Justice.”
Senator Shelby continued, “I am confident that Jeff will continue to stand up for the American people, our Constitution, and the rule of law in this new role. My wife Annette and I wish him, his wife Mary, and his family the very best during this exciting time.”
Senator Sessions still has to be confirmed as AG by the Senate. Sessions was the first Senator to endorse Donald J. Trump for President.
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley (R) will appoint the next Senator from Alabama. Representatives Robert Aderholt and Mo Brooks have expressed interest in the position. Representative Martha Roby has also been mentioned as a possible appointee. Rep. Bradley Byrne has said that he has no interest in being appointed as the Senator. Whoever is appointed by Gov. Bentley will have to face a special election by Alabama voters within two years.
Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange (R) and Ron Crumpton (D) have both announced plans to run for the office in that election, whether they are appointed to the position or not.
