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State Rep. Cam Ward (R – Alabaster) is announcing his candidacy for the state Senate today tomorrow. I am tickled that besides his announcements in Clanton, Centreville, and Helena, Rep. Ward also stopped by the Parlor to announce his candidacy. Ward is one of the Parlor’s resident legislative bloggers for this session (along with Democratic House Majority Leader Ken Guin. Their blog posts can be found here.)
Rep. Ward is running for the Senate District 14 seat currently held by Hank Erwin (R – Montevallo). Erwin is announcing his candidacy for Lt. Governor today.
The conversation here touched on his tenure in the House, issues he brings to his Senate candidacy, his blogging here at the Parlor, and the outlook for Republicans in the state, among other things.
I will type up Ward’s comments and share them with you as soon as possible. In the meantime, here is the text of his release (which is dated tomorrow):
For Immediate Release
April 20, 2009
Rep. Cam Ward to Seek Senate District 14 Seat
(ALABASTER, ALABAMA)—Republican State Representative Cam Ward announced today he will run for the Alabama Senate in District 14. The seat is currently held by Senator Henry “Hank” Erwin who announced yesterday he will be a candidate for Lieutenant Governor next year.
Representative Ward, an attorney working in economic development, has represented District 49 in the Alabama House of Representatives since being elected in November 2002. He is currently Vice Chairman of the House Republican Caucus and has been active in the Republican Party on the state and national levels for nearly two decades.
“The Republican Party and the State of Alabama are at a pivotal point where tremendous decisions must be made about our future. Running for the Senate is an opportunity to continue listening to the concerns of the citizens and be an even stronger advocate for them in Montgomery. I am excited to throw my hat into the ring with a goal of providing conservative, proactive leadership for the citizens of Senate District 14,” Rep. Ward said Monday. Ward made his announcement during visits throughout the district in Clanton, Centreville, Helena and also an online interview at the popular Alabama Political Blog, Doc’s Political Parlor.
Ward’s current legislative district includes parts of Shelby and Bibb Counties. Senate District 14 encompasses all of Chilton County and parts of Bibb, Jefferson and Shelby Counties.
Ward has been recognized by multiple organizations for his work in the Alabama Legislature. He was recently named State Elected Official of the Year in 2008 by Easter Seals of the United States, a Legislator of the Year for the Rural Conservation and Development Council, and ARC of Alabama’s Public Advocate Award for 2008.
Rep. Ward is married to the former Julie Cain, and they have a daughter, Riley. They are members of Westwood Baptist Church in Alabaster.
More Information about Representative Ward can be found at his web site: www.camward.com.
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I have mixed feelings about this. Cam is one of my best friends. I wonder if he’ll still associate with me if he becomes a big-shot senator.
Cam, you are a great public servant for Shelby County and I look forward to working to get you elected as my state senator!!
Danny- I think the announcements are tomorrow. Hope you didn’t spoil the surprise. :)
Good to luck to you Cam. I know you will make us all proud. You are certainly much better than what we have had in that senate seat.
The voters of this district will get an upgrade from “Hurricane” Hank.
Just saw that 100 family members turned out for Hank’s announcement at the Pelham Civic Center.
The best was some cousin said “He’s a true American patriot”.
Wonder if the folks of the gulf coast feel the same way.
Hmmm…. re comment 3…
Rep. Ward was explicitly clear with me that I could post the interview today or tomorrow. I do confess that I initially thought his other stops (Clanton, Centreville, and Helena) were today but I understand now that they are tomorrow.
There is no unrevealed secret here though as the Birmingham News posted all this on Thursday.
In fact, the B’ham News post gave me some urgency to post earlier rather than later because they reported that Ward would be “live blogging” here – implying that he would be interacting with readers, maybe taking questions. A fun idea, but not the plan, and so I wanted to post something earlier rather than later to clarify for anyone who saw the B’ham News post.
What an upgrade!!! You go for it Cam. We have needed a good senator for a long time in Helena. Thanks again also for taking the time you have in pushing the autism issue in Alabama. I know a lot of parents who appreciate you for it.
Cam Ward is a genuine star. He will be the GOP nominee for Lt. Gov. in ‘14, and may be the guy for Shelby’s seat in ‘16.
I agree with everyone who has stated that “Cam Ward is a class act”. He is a man that stands for the everyday man and woman, and he has worked so hard for those that do not have the resources to hire the high dollar lobbyist. God Bless you Cam. I will be praying for you and your family. I know your heart my friend and is it a good one.
Let us not forget that Ward in a part of the Montgomery crowd now. We tend to love our legislators, think they do a good job, and dislike the body as a whole. Remember, everyone else thinks the same thing. Could it be, they’re all in the same boat? Look good for the folks at home, and join in the crowd, when in Montgomery! Barron, Bedford, Hammett, Lindsey, Rogers, and Holmes are all well liked in their districts! Get the point?
I get yoru point #10 but I have to tell you I have never had the kind of representation I have right now in Rep. Ward. He has always been so responsive when I needed his assistance. Also, I have kept up with his voting record over the years and I have to say even when I called to disagree with him he exaplained his position and did not dodge me like I expect from most of my officials. He has been a real first class state rep. and I hope he does move up to the Senate because he will be a good one.
Ward is certainly a huge improvement over Erwin. The sky here in Helena, and the rest of SD14, just got a little more blue.
The Senate will become a better body with Cam Ward as a member. I feel sure he will work there in support of Representative Ball’s Initiative and Referendum constitutional amendment just as he supported it in the lower chamber.
No doubt Cam will be better than the current senator.
Rep. Ward,
All the best to you. You seem like a dedicated public servant who truly has the public interest at heart. We need more like you.
Any ideas on who may be running against him?
For all of you wishing to show Cam your support, there has been a facebook group created called “We Support Cam Ward”. You can find it here: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=69163218049. Page will be kept up to date with recent happenings related to his campaign. There are also discussion boards where you can discuss issues you think are important for Alabama. We Support Cam Ward!
Luther Strange was partner in one of the leading firms in the state and has founded his own firm.
Most of legal practice is business rather than litigation. But he has had a strong career.
He has praticed law for 29 years! longer than King has been an adult.
#16, JDT,
I don’t know who would be foolish enough to run against him and waste their money. Most folks know that he’s done a great job representing his House district and those folks in that Senate district will get the same treatment from him. I will sure miss him in the House (if I survive 2010).
I agree, Mike. So are you saying that he’ll likely run unopposed?
I’m sure you’ll survive in 2010 – best of luck to you.