By Josh Moon
Alabama Political Reporter
Elliot Lipinsky, an assistant district attorney in Wilcox County, is running for Alabama’s State Auditor.
Lipinsky announced his candidacy on Thursday, saying he wants to refocus the office as State Auditor and avoid grandstanding.
“I am running out of a sense of service, and to inject some new blood into Alabama politics,” Lipinsky said. “So many career politicians and perennial candidates are only concerned with what their next move on the chessboard of offices is. We need younger people to be involved and to serve our State. I’m going to put my money and my fate where my conviction is.”
The position of state auditor has become a bit more recognized during current Auditor Jim Zeigler’s tenure.
Zeigler, an admitted and proud camera-chaser, has made more headlines in one term than all previous state auditors combined. That was achieved mostly through sensational lawsuits that helped bring down former Gov. Robert Bentley and draw attention to possible ethics issues with former Alabama Attorney General and current U.S. Sen. Luther Strange.
It’s unclear what Zeigler plans for the future. He has established a campaign account and an exploratory committee for a run for Governor, but that was prior to current Gov. Kay Ivey’s recent filing and apparent intent to run for the office. Zeigler said he will make his final decision sometime after the U.S. Senate Special Election in early December.
Regardless, Lipinsky believes he has the public service background and experience required to beat out any candidate for the job.
In addition to serving as the Assistant District Attorney for Wilcox County, Lipinsky is the Secretary of The Montgomery County Republican Executive Committee, Secretary and Treasurer of The Montgomery County Bar Young Lawyers Section, and Secretary and Treasurer of the Oil, Gas and Mineral Section of the Alabama Bar.
Previously, Lipinsky has served the State as a Deputy District Attorney in Tuscaloosa and an Assistant District Attorney in Dallas County. In addition, Elliott Lipinsky was the prosecutor for the City of Selma.
“I am running for State Auditor because The State of Alabama demands good governance,” Lipinsky said. “As a political outsider and District Attorney, I have the requisite skills to restore the confidence in our government. An effective auditor can reduce spending and save the State millions of dollars.”
