Rumors & Rumblings

“Rumors and Rumblings” is a weekly feature that runs each Wednesday. It includes short nuggets of information that we glean from conversations throughout the week. Have a tip? Send it here. All sources remain confidential.

1. Fielding to run Medicaid?

There have been whispers the last several weeks that Senator Jerry Fielding may be a possible candidate to fill the Medicaid Commissioner post in Governor Bentley’s cabinet.

Medicaid Commissioner Bob Mullins resigned last year citing the need for someone with a budgeting background to fill the role. “I came to this position with a clinical background which is important,” Mullins told AL.com. “However, the current budget environment requires a different set of skills, and I want to give Governor Bentley the opportunity to bring in a person to meet that need.”

State Health Officer Dr. Don Williamson chaired Governor Bentley’s Medicaid Advisory Commission and Stephanie Azar has been acting Medicaid Commissioner since Dr. Mullins’ departure.

2. D.C. Roundup
Internet Sales Tax
The U.S. Senate advanced an Internet Sales Tax bill in a 74-20 prodedural vote Monday morning. 26 Republicans joined the Democrats on the vote. Debate has now begun on amendments, and the vote for final passage is expected later this week. The bill is expected the pass out of the Senate and head down to the House, where many would assume a bill to implement a new tax would be dead.

They’d be wrong.

Capitol Hill insiders told Yellowhammer Tuesday that they are expecting to see a strange mix of Republicans and Democrats voting in favor of the measure in the House, just as they have done so far in the Senate.

“The lobbying effort in favor of the tax has been far more effective than the lobbying effort opposed to it,” one insider said. “They’ve been quiet and steady without the outside groups whipping up either side.”

Immigration
The Gang of Eight’s comprehensive immigration reform bill may be bogged down after the Boston Marathon bombing due to increased concerns over border security, but even if it passes the Senate, insiders say a “comprehensive” bill has no chance in the House. “‘Comprehensive’ is a deal killer,” one Senior GOP Congressional staffer told Yellowhammer. If it makes it to the House, it’s expected to be broken into pieces.

Tax Reform
Montana Senator Max Baucus (D) announced yesterday that he will not seek re-election in 2014. Baucus is the longtime Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. While his decision likely came as a result of his dwindling re-election chances in a deep red state, the announcement is stoking rumors that a deal on tax reform may now be possible.

In the House, Congressman Dave Camp is in his last term as Chairman of the powerful Ways & Means Committee.

With political ramifications no longer a worry for Baucus and Camp, could a tax reform deal finally get done? Baucus worked closely with Republicans to co-write the Bush-era tax cuts. He may be ready to team up again.

3. AEA Polling in the Field

The teachers’ union went into the field with push polls earlier this week, but it’s unclear at this time exactly how many districts they hit. The calls featured a live questioner and lasted approximately 5 minutes each. The questions were primarily focused on education issues, but they also asked ballot questions featuring the incumbent and a possible challenger.

We expect to hear more about these polls in the coming days as they will likely be used as part of the AEA’s lobbying efforts.

4. Bentley gets a win on State Park bill

A bill that would pave the way for a beachside hotel and conference center at Gulf State Park cleared the Senate last night. “[the] governor worked this one hard,” one Senator texted Yellowhammer Tuesday evening. The bill’s passage was a victory for Bentley who recently took his pitch to a closed door meeting of the Senate GOP caucus. The Governor came on the Senate floor after the vote and thanked Senators for their support.

5. A legend at work

Senator Tom Whatley tweeted the below picture of an almost empty Senate gallery at about midnight last night as the Senate’s work bled into another day. The Senate gallery is mostly empty in the photo with the exception of a few security guards and a couple of observers. But if you look in the top right corner of the picture you’ll see legendary Alabama political figure Joe Fine sitting in his usual spot next to Mary Margaret Carroll of Fine Geddie & Associates. When the Senate finally adjourned at 3 a.m., a Senator texted me that Mr. Fine was still there. Clearly there’s a reason he has maintained his perch at the top of the game for this long.