Byrne Announces Campaign for Governor
 Posted by Danny, on May 27th, 2009, at 9:27 am No surprises in Bradley Byrne’s announcement today: he’s running for Governor.
Here is the release from his campaign.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 27, 2009
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BRADLEY BYRNE ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR GOVERNOR OF ALABAMA
Conservative Republican Reformer will focus on Ethics Reform, Education and Economic Development
(Mobile, AL) - Bradley Byrne, Chancellor of the Alabama Two-Year College System, announced his candidacy for the office of Governor of Alabama this morning at a rally in Spanish Fort, the first stop in a four-city opening day campaign tour of the state. Byrne, 54, had previously served on the State Board of Education and represented Baldwin County in the State Senate prior to his appointment as Chancellor by Governor Bob Riley in 2007.
"Alabama needs a proven conservative reformer to lead our state in the coming term that begins the second decade of the 21st century. I have been tested, I am proven and I am ready. With my wife and children standing with me, just eight miles from where my great-great-great grandfather settled in the 1780’s, it is with great humility that I offer my candidacy to be the next Governor of the state of Alabama," said Byrne.
Byrne announced his candidacy at the Five Rivers Delta Resource Center. He is taking his announcement tour to the Capitol in Montgomery, a Birmingham airport press conference, and will complete the tour at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville.
After announcing his intention to resign as Chancellor of the Two-Year College System last week, Byrne said "it is time for me to take the reform fight to a new arena."
"We have made great strides in cleaning out the corruption of the Two-Year College System. I was honored to work for the people of Alabama and return the system to its proper core mission – the training and education of Alabamians. And now, I will take our fight for reform to the next level," continued Byrne.
"The Byrne for Alabama campaign will place a command focus on the Three E’s: Ethics Reform, Education and Economic Development. The people cannot place their faith in a government that refuses to pass real ethics reforms. Our children deserve and will receive the best education we can provide them, regardless of the special-interests’ demands for themselves. Alabama is well-equipped to come out of these hard economic times as a national leader among the states due to our people and our promise," said Byrne.
"We will not tax our way out of economic challenges, we will not spend our way out of the recession, and Alabama will not depend on the federal government to provide our way out. We must find our own way, with our own resources and ingenuities, and today I offer my candidacy to lead Alabama into this next decade," concluded Byrne.
"I pledge to the people of Alabama I will fight for them every single day. I won’t back down."
Bradley Byrne and his wife Rebecca have been married for 28 years. They are the parents of four children. Byrne’s campaign website at www.ByrneForAlabama.com provides biographical information, a high resolution profile picture as well as social network opportunities for the media and public to consider in following the campaign.
Following are locations and times for the Bradley Byrne Announcement Events today:
Mobile – 8:45 am remarks
Five Rivers – Alabama’s Delta Resource Center
30945 Five Rivers Blvd.
Spanish Fort, AL 36527
Montgomery – 11:45 am remarks
Alabama State Capitol
Steps on Dexter Avenue side
Montgomery, AL 36130
2:30 pm Press Conference
Atlantic Aviation East Conference Room
3:00 pm Greet supporters onsite
4725 65th Place North
Birmingham, AL 35206
Huntsville – 5:00 pm remarks
US Space and Rocket Center
Space Shuttle Exhibit
One Tranquility Base
Huntsville, AL 35805
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Paid for by Byrne for Alabama, 22489 Sea Cliff Drive, Fairhope AL 36532
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Will Mr Bryne sign a “no-new-taxes” pledge?
The Moderate from Mobile makes his move!
#1 – No. He has favored proerty tax increases to 30 mills in school districts not doing that locally – about 75-80 of the 127 school districts would see a significant tax hike. He’s been committed to that in the past. So he will probably push for that particular tax increase.
Its about time!
Danny,
when one types Bradley Byrne into google the first page is one of your articles about the conflict between him and AEA. I have a feeling this is a theme that will get repeated more and more throughout the campaign season. Maybe google is even smarter than we think
I think pledges (no-new taxes, i love guns, wave the flag, whatever, etc) are a gimmic. I don’t want to pay higher taxes on anything, but you should never close the door on anything or box yourself in.
how nice that the james folks are already jumping on byrne (see posts above). i am for byrne based on his ability to improve education and continue Riley’s economic development success. Go Byrne!
(I did find it interesting that in the headline, the release refers to Byrne specifically as a conservative….his campaign must know he will be attacked by some for not being conservative enough…)
It there something wrong with making local school districts (and local tax payers) more responsible for local issues?
Well number 7, he ’s a Clinton contributor who backs a constitutional convention, sponsored a plan to uniformly raise property taxes to 30 mills, backed the Amendment 1 plan, and is wishy-washy on gambling . . .of course his opponents will say he isn’t conservative enough. That’s just plan simple reasoning. Bradley can counter by saying he’s in the mainstream.
Look Bradley will be a frontrunner – no doubt. But you aren’t going to beat a moderate (and he’s the most moderate candidate – by record – in the field) by trying to out “middle-of-the-road” him.
It’ll be a similar showdown to GOP races all over the country: moderate vs. conservative (and that looks like James at this date) for the future direction of the GOP.
#8 – no. Not at all. But a statewide vote to raise local taxes (with people who will not see any increase voting taxes on people who will) is a problem with most Republicans. There is a problem also with school districts in places like Mountain Brook and Hoover having funds diverted to poorer schools, but I don’t think the solution to that is a tax hike – especially a local tax that can be imposed by out-of-district voters.
Who is ben foster?
Foster’s a recent collge grad who was head of Students for McCain at Alabama. McCain and Bradley are pretty similar in political phiosophy.
Not sure who Foster is, but try to google this guy that James hired, Brett Hall. Seems like he was involved in some shady dealings in Kentucky.
#12, a recent college grad for a multi-million dollar statewide campaign for Governor? Who is really running the operation?
Ben Foster did an outstanding job on the McCain campaign here in Alabama. He was also a delegate representing the 7th Congressional District to the 2008 GOP Convention.
Hey I think that it is fantastic that he did a good job for McCain, and that he was a delegate. That was not my point. If we are going to have a chance against professional teams come next November we need proffesionals. We need people with real expirience, that was my only point. This is not Mickey Mouse here, its the big leagues. Communications Director is a very important position, sorry but a degree is not good enough.
What I’m trying to figure out is how Byrne has already seem to have gotten the “moderate” label in some media. Is it because of his past support for Democrats and his not being identified with social conservative issues like Roy Moore is? Or are his positions actually moderate–for instance, is he pro- life or pro-choice? Is he anti-school choice? Is he open to raising any taxes?
I am a Tim James supporter and agree that Foster probably needs to be replaced by a professional team in the future. But I know him personally from the College Republicans at UA and he is a great individual, hard worker, and is dedicated to advancing the GOP. He was the youngest delegate at the 2008 cmapaign and did his state proud. I am not disagreeing with the previous posts, just wanted to set the record straight on Ben Foster.
I hope he’s a moderate Republican and not some right-wing, ultra-conservative.
If I had to vote today, he’d probably get my vote.
He’s not a right winger, in my opinion he is not a moderate, look at his career, he’s an opportunist.
Foster is a joke – a complete joke. Anything good about him on this blog was written by himself.
so how is he wishy-washy on gambling #9 ?? i may like this guy…
The kid is a press secretary, he’s not running the campaign. He regurgitates the speaking points those in charge handed him that morning
#22, who handed it to him this morning?
I am a Tim James supporter, and I know Ben Foster from my volunteer work I gave to Senator John McCain. Foster was a dedicated worker and reliable at events and meetings. I also know College Republicans that was impressed with his work on campus. You can rest assured that Ben Foster is an asset to any campaign that has his involvement.
post 20 – thanks for showing us what an idiot you are…
Byrne is a joke for hiring a wet behind the ears Communication Director. The problem with Republican campaigns is that they don’t pay well, so they have to accept newbies to do the jobs for little pay. They want to save their money for ads, and have no problem paying media consultants hundreds of thousands of dollars, but those who work in the trenches day to day that actually do the real work can forget a decent wage.
He’s not a right winger, in my opinion he is not a moderate… (Comment by SaltAire)
++++++++++++++
if “1″ is ultra-conservative and “10″ is ultra-liberal, where do you place Byrne?
3, there is a reason most of the business groups support him and the AEA hates him.
Ben Foster was a joke at Alabama, people constantly laughed at him. He tried to sue the SGA in SGA court because he couldn’t get himself or any of his friends elected. I will have a hard time voting for Bradley Byrne simply because Foster would transition to a role in the Gov. Office under Byrne. Guilty by association.
How did a discussion about Bradley Byrne turn into a mud-slinging site about Ben Foster?
Ben’s reputation from UA probably let Byrne to believe that what he lacks in experience, he makes up for in zeal. He is a hard worker who spent most of his colligate career running or supporting on various campaigns around campus. With these campaigns, he clearly made his share of enemies, no doubt who are discussing his reputation above.
As far as I know he isn’t communications director, just simply the point-of-contact for the campaign’s first press release (have any staff been formally named yet?). This is Ben’s first post-college political race but I certainly don’t think it will be his last – from what I hear he is committed to being on Alabama’s political scene for years-to-come.
On the real issue for this thread – Byrne is a solid candidate and I, for one, am looking forward to Artur finally getting some real competition from the GOP side.
So, the discussion of Bryne’s announcement has devolved into character assassination of a 23-year old staffer. Stay classy, internet denizens!
I agree post 31, it is ridiculous.
I’m going to guess the newbies on the site have a vested interest in the Governor’s race. Assuming so, let me just say this: campaigns are not won or lost by posting on Doc’s Political Parlor. No one is going to read your post bashing this candidate or supporting the other and suddenly change their vote.
And I agree, lay off of the kid. He’s probably the first of many staffers and he should be coongratulated for landing a great gig even though he’s young.
I repeat myself from earlier. Tim James is the only organized candidate with opposition research and bloggers who troll the internet to make comments. Negative remarks about Byrne today and Moore earlier in the week are all products of the James smear machine.
I guess things look very good for Bryne if the only thing negative people can attack him on is a Communications staff member’s age.
He has his E’s out of order. Economic Development is the only thing anyone cares about.
Don’t be stupid. The reason BB hired such a young guy is because he got him CHEAP!
Does anyone have any insight as to why Byrne has been given the “moderate” label already by many? Is it because he has only talked about education and economy in the recent past and not the social issues? Is it simply because anyone might look like a “moderate” when compared to Roy Moore? Or are his positions actually moderate ones by Republican standards–for instance, is he 100% pro-life or not? Is he against vouchers? Is he open to raising any taxes?
I don’t know Ben Foster and I am not planning to support Bradley Byrne, but I care not who a candidate has for Press Secretary. Frankly, I know lots of capable recent graduates. Ben Foster sounds like one of them.
#37 BB will be the candidate with the least problem raising funds. your comment makes no sense
“Negative remarks about Byrne today and Moore earlier in the week are all products of the James smear machine.”
So negative remarks about Kay Ivey are also the product of Tim James?
It rained today, was that the product of James as well?
Jeff at #35 – have you overlooked Bradley Byrne’s support for a constitutional convention, for a statewide 30 mill property tax minimum, the failure to oppose the “Bingo for Books” gambling expansion, the contributions to liberal Democrat presidential candidates, etc.??
Bradley will be a frontrunner in this race but come on Jeff . . .there are a lot of reasons for any conservative to be skeptical about a guy who backed Bill Clinton AND Amendment One. There are more than enough reasons for conservatives to be cautious about Bradley Byrne, Jeff.
Don’t marginalize our concerns. You sound like an MSNBC “commentator” talking about the Tea Parties.
Lyn Johnson, since when is the truth a “smear?” That is a William Jefferson Clinton definition – sort of like “that depends on what ‘is’ is”. And not coincedentally, Bradley Byrne gave Bill Clinton $500 ion 1992 to unseat a Republican president of the United States.
That is the truth. You are welcome to tell me how a true statement is a “smear.”
BTW Bradley R. Byrne wrote that $500 check to “Bill Clinton for President” on April 30, 1992. It is recorded in Federal Eelction Commssion records where anyone can look them up. I don ‘t consider that a “smear.”
Someday a candidate will run for GOP office who was an enthusiastic supporter of Barack Obama and Nancy pelosi. You gonna say that should not be an issue?
It IS a legitimate issue. No question. And it also, without question, the truth.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA at anyone who brags about being a CR. Any experienced Republican politico will tell you that.
Lyn Johnson, I can safely say that not all of the negative comments about Roy Moore were made by James staffers. Most people in this state and the vast majority of politicos hate Roy Moore’s guts because he is a buffoon and an embarassment to this state. It is not a James campaign conspiracy, I assure you.
That said, the fact that so many commenters on this particular thread are going after a recent college graduate whose primary title at the moment seems to be “Contact” is disturbing. I know nothing about Ben Foster but I give him major props for finding gainful employment so quickly out of college.
you probably should be careful on how much you bash former democrats here in the south. a lot of them are more conservative than a lot of these so called life long gopers. if you bash too hard theyll either leave and go home or go back to the democrat party. if that happens we’ll be back to the days of fitting republicans into phone booths.
post 41 – your same comments are made over and over by you – give it a rest.
I think the reason Byrne is labeled a moderate has a lot to do with his not being ID’d with the Religious Right wing and his two potential opponents (James and Moore) having cred with them.
As for whether his positions on the issues are moderate positions, I don’t know enough about him. I suppose if he supported Amendment One in 2003 that he could be attacked as not conservative by Tim James. I don’t know what his position is on abortion…I assume pro life, and one could probably go back and look at his record in the legislature.
Hey 2010 I am sure Bradley would love everyone to “give a rest” to his actual record. But elections aren’t about that. They are a lurching, often ugly search for truth. As Bismark said, people who enjoy sausages and politics should not see either of them made.
Bradley’s actual record – just like James’, Bentley’s, Moore’s etc. – will be dissected and discussed. That’s how voters make informed decisions.
Every voter in this state should know – quite frankly – when they step into the voter’s booth next June that Bradley voted for the Amendment One tax hike and James opposed it. Hey that will win Bradley Byrne votes in some places and lose James votes. It’s the truth.
They should know that Bradley Byrne took over the two year college system after the corruption of Roy Johnson and brought positive change. They should also know that Bradley Byne was a board member of the PACT program that collapsed on his (and many others) watch.
They should know that Tim James is Fob James’ son, for the bad and good that entails. That is the truth. There is no need for spin or revisionism.
The GOP should stop trying to filter the truth. We need all of it. False presentations of the actual records of candidates serve no one. The more facts the better.