Barry Matson, the Executive Director of the Office of Prosecution Services (OPS) and the Alabama District Attorneys Association (ADAA) took to Facebook to urge Republican voters to come out and vote for Attorney General Steve Marshall.
Marshall was appointed Attorney General by then Governor Robert Bentley (R) and is seeking his own term as AG.
“I’ve never used this platform for anything political,” Matson said. “I’ve never pressed my political thoughts or concerns on any of you. But my concerns for our state, the rule of law and the fair and honest use of the justice system in Alabama is greater than the attacks I will receive from some. I support STEVE MARSHALL for Attorney General and I ask for your vote for Steve.”
“Steve Marshall is a good man, one of the best I’ve ever known,” Matson added. “Steve was a great District Attorney for many years and has been an exceptional Attorney General. I’ve tried cases as Steve’s co-council and witnessed his care for victims and his passion for justice. Many of the men and women in the current Attorney General’s office have served past AGs, including Steve’s opponent. They overwhelmingly support Steve as a genuine leader that is actually qualified with abilities to be a real prosecutor. Steve has zealously sought justice for victims and our state, while tempering that zeal with fairness and honesty for all concerned.”
“Steve has devoted his professional career to the fair administration of justice,” Matson continued. “His passion to help victims of crime is unmatched and his judgment and work ethic has been recognized by his peers. As DA, the District Attorneys in Alabama asked Steve to represent them before the National District Attorneys Association and as their president. I’ve worked in the Justice System since 1985 and I’ve been a prosecutor for almost 27 years. Steve is the most qualified candidate for Attorney General in my lifetime.”
Matson was critical of former Attorney General Troy King (R).
“IN CONTRAST, when his opponent was previously the Attorney General, 41 out of the 42 elected Alabama District Attorneys** stood together and declared “No Confidence” in his ability as Attorney General,” Matson added. “This action was unprecedented and should be a warning to every voter.”
Troy King was Attorney General from 2004 to 2011. He was defeated in the Republican party primary by Washington D.C. lobbyist Luther Strange (R). The position became vacant in 2017 when Bentley appointed Strange to the U.S. Senate.
Marshall was appointed district attorney of Marshall County by then Governor Don Siegelman (D).
Marshall switched to the Republican Party some time around 2010. King says that he is the only Republican running for attorney general.
The polls open at 7:00 am and close at 7:00 pm.
The winner of the Republican primary will face Joseph Siegelman (D) in the November 6 general election.
