This past weekend, the Business Council of Alabama (BCA) announced its endorsement of eight candidates seeking election to represent the Yellowhammer State on Capitol Hill.
For Alabama’s open U.S. Senate seat currently occupied by retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa), BCA endorsed GOP nominee Katie Britt, who formerly served the state’s chief business advocacy organization as president and CEO.
In announcing the organization’s endorsement of Britt, BCA board chairman Mike Kemp recognized Shelby for his service and heaped praise upon the first-time candidate for her record of supporting Alabama industry.
“Senator Shelby is leaving a distinguished history of service to the people of Alabama and the nation, and it will be challenging to match his many contributions to our state,” stated Kemp, founder of Birmingham-based Kemp Management Solutions.
“In her role at BCA, Katie Britt’s energy and commitment to growing jobs and supporting the state’s economy has been experienced firsthand by Alabama’s job creators,” he advised. “We are confident that she will continue to be an ally in our efforts to create jobs and economic opportunities for Alabamians.”
Britt will face progressive Democratic Party nominee Will Boyd and Libertarian Party nominee John Sophocleus in the November 8 general election.
For Alabama’s open fifth congressional district seat presently held by outgoing U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville), BCA endorsed Republican nominee and Madison County Commission chairman Dale Strong, who Kemp asserted had served to support regional growth efforts.
“BCA is confident that Alabama’s Fifth Congressional District will have a strong advocate in Chairman Strong that proactively supports the area’s economy and strengthens the pro-business image of our entire state,” proclaimed Kemp.
Strong will take on Democratic Party nominee Kathy Warner-Stanton and Libertarian Party nominee P.J. Greer in November’s general election contest for the North Alabama congressional seat.
Congressional incumbents endorsed by BCA as follows:
- U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile)
- U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise)
- U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks)
- U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville)
- U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover)
- U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham)
Kemp conveyed the organization’s excitement over the prospects of Britt and Strong becoming the newest members of Alabama’s congressional delegation.
“Alabama is fortunate to have an experienced and talented congressional delegation that is responsive to the needs of job creators in every corner of our state,” added the BCA board chairman. “BCA is eager to have Katie Britt and Dale Strong join the ranks of this strong delegation after November’s election. Working collaboratively in partnership with our federal, state, and local officials, Alabama’s business community is committed to building a more prosperous state with ample opportunities for all Alabamians.”
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
