Dozens of Republican candidates were on hand Monday for the Wetumpka Tea Party Meet & Greet the Candidates event at the Wetumpka Civic Center. The Wetumpka Tea Party is generally accepted as the largest and most influential Tea Party in the state of Alabama.
Gov. Kay Ivey was on hand to personally appeal to likely GOP primary voters in Elmore County.
The Ivey campaign is aggressively pursuing conservative voters. On Twitter Kay wrote, “I will always fight to preserve the principles that have guided our nation since its founding. I believe we need to look to God for answers,” with a picture of the Ten Commandments. Ivey is also emphasizing her stalwart defense of historical monuments, including Confederate memorials. “We can’t change or erase our history – and we shouldn’t tear it down either. That’s why I signed a law to protect our historical monuments. I believe Alabamians agree with my decision, and support protecting our historical monuments.”
State Senator Bill Hightower, R-Mobile, was also present. “We spent a great evening with some true conservatives from The Wetumpka TEA Party. Thank you for a wonderful event!,” Hightower said on social media.
Evangelist and gubernatorial candidate Scott Dawson also was there meeting with voters at the event and won the straw poll for governor.
“Our winning track record in grassroots straw polls reflects the support I see every single day on the campaign trail,” Dawson said. “We’re bringing a vision for the future, hope for Alabama politics, conservative solutions, and an outsider option with the moxie to top the special interests and make Montgomery a place that serves the people again.”
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle sent his representatives.
In the highly competitive Lieutenant Governor’s race, Public Service Commission President Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh was in attendance. “Excited to visit with voters at the Wetumpka Tea Party candidate fair this evening!”
“Enjoyed meeting so many voters at the Wetumpka TEA Party Candidate fair tonight.” said State Senator and Lt. Gov. candidate Rusty Glover
State Representative Will Ainsworth is also running for Lt. Gov. Ainsworth said on social media, “Had a great time at the @wetumpkatea candidate meet and greet last night. Great turnout and special thanks to @TeaPartyBecky for the invite.”
Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries John McMillan is running for state Treasurer. McMillan told the Alabama Political Reporter that the people in the state were tired of campaigning after the Senate special election and are just now starting to pay attention to political campaigns again.
State Auditor Jim Zeigler, who is running for re-election told APR that his campaign is doing well both in popular support and in fundraising.
Judge Sarah Stewart, who is running for Associate Supreme Court Justice said on social media, “I’m glad to be with friends tonight at the @wetumpkatea Wetumpka Tea Party event.”
There were too many candidates present to even attempt to name them all.
There was tremendous turnout of both statewide as well as Elmore County candidates. State Senator Gerald Dial, R-Lineville, told APR, “There is almost more candidates here than people. The good part of that is that they all vote.”
The major party political primaries are on June 5, 2018.
