Opinion | Mo Brooks wants another bite at leadership apple

Failed U.S. Senate candidate and former Congressman Mo Brooks wants another chance at elected office as Alabama Republican Party District 5 chairman.

One of the primary responsibilities of a district chair is to strengthen and defend the nominees selected by the party. Brooks has a history of turning on candidates rather than supporting them. Ask former President Donald Trump or U.S. Sen. Katie Britt about Brooks’ support for the party candidate. 

Brooks’ past performance shows Mo is for Mo and not the Republican Party. And now it seems he is looking for another platform for self-promotion. 

After his Republican primary loss to Britt, Brooks ran for the ALGOP Executive Committee and lost — again. There were eight total candidates for six available seats on the committee. Brooks came in dead last with a total of 2 votes. Now, he’s setting his sights higher on the District 5 chairmanship, earning him a seat on the ALGOP Steering Committee. 

Text messages obtained by APR suggest Brooks knows he’s a weak candidate and seeks assurances that he has solid support before publicly announcing his bid. 

Brooks sent the following text to voting members of the Executive Committee:

“A couple of months ago, Senator Sam Givhan, Judge Linda Coats, Morgan Co. GOP Chair Julie Clausen, Tom Fredricks, & others encouraged me to seek the ALGOP District Five Chair position. 

I told them I would do so only if I was persuaded a majority want me to serve in that capacity. 

They then surveyed ALGOP 5D voters and told me a majority committed to vote Mo Brooks if I am on the ballot.

I have called all 58 5th District Chair voters. I have yet to hook up with 5. 

My willingness to be nominated is CONTINGENT on voters not changing their minds about their vote. 

Per our conversation, I have you down as “undecided” (not yet 100% CERTAIN of how you will vote).

 If my understanding errs, please let me know ASAP. 

 In any event, and from where I sit, people have the right to change their minds.

 I ask that, should you become percent certain of who you prefer for ALGOP 5D Chair, PLEASE let me know ASAP!

 I will ask people to NOT nominate me if, for some reason, the commitment level falls to 30 or less.

 Thank you for what you do for our party, State, and country. 

 Sincerely, Mo Brooks”

Recent history proves that Brooks continues to struggle to earn his own party’s support. 

ALGOP members are questioning whether Brooks’ consecutive losses aren’t a sign that his time has passed. Brooks has said publicly that his career in public life is over, yet he keeps privately seeking another opportunity to promote himself. 

Why does Brooks say one thing in public and another in private? Here again, ask Trump and Britt. 

The vote for chairman by the District 5 ALGOP Executive Committee members will take place on Feb. 25, 2023.