The Alabama Mining Association (AMA) on Wednesday announced that it had endorsed former Business Council of Alabama head Katie Britt in her Republican candidacy for the U.S. Senate.
Britt, a first-time candidate for public office, addressed AMA membership at the association’s annual meeting Tuesday at the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Resort.
AMA president Patrick Cagle stated that Britt, who formerly served as chief of staff for U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa), would “hit the ground running” as a freshman senator.
“Katie Britt has a proven track record of fighting for Alabama, and Alabama Mining Association members are confident that she’ll hit the ground running on day one as Alabama’s Senator to be an effective advocate for the people of our state,” asserted Cagle. “Katie is a champion of growing 21st century opportunity and high-paying jobs in every corner of Alabama, and that certainly includes jobs in Alabama’s modern mining industry, which prioritizes safety, innovation, and sustainability.”
He concluded, “We know that Katie will fight tirelessly for hardworking Alabamians, their families, and their communities, and AMA is proud to endorse her in this important election.”
According to AMA, the Yellowhammer State’s coal mining industry has a total employment impact of 15,000 full-time equivalent jobs. In a release, the association noted that the industry average payroll exceeds $100,000 per year.
In touting the endorsement her candidacy received from AMA, Britt stated her intentions to support “America First energy independence” and combat the “radical Green New Deal.”
She continued, “I am excited to have the endorsement of the Alabama Mining Association. In the Senate, I will fight to ensure every Alabamian has the opportunity to thrive, no matter their zip code. I’ll always stand up for our state’s mining communities and make sure that no one is ever forgotten in Alabama. We must reopen America’s energy industry, defeat the radical Green New Deal, and never be afraid to say that Coal Counts.
“As we continue to work hard to spread our grassroots message before the May 24 primary, the momentum on the ground continues to build every day,” she continued. “Alabamians can see that I will defend our Christian conservative values, support America First energy independence, and preserve the American Dream for our children and our children’s children.”
The primary election will take place May 24, 2022. Should no candidate earn a majority of all votes cast, a runoff election will occur June 21, 2022.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
