“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.
1. Speculation is starting to make the rounds about Secretary of State Beth Chapman’s next move. She has spoken openly in the past about wanting to run for congress in the 6th District. However, Congressman Bachus’ retirement does not appear imminent and she has no desire to challenge him. With no other statewide offices opening up in 2014, what will she do?
2. Greg Pappas, who has been clerk of the Alabama House of Representatives since 1991, is retiring at the end of the 2012 session. Several folks inside the State House are jockeying for the job and the almost $200,000/yr. paycheck that comes along with it.
3. Is Jeff Sessions considering retirement ahead of his next reelection bid in 2014? The whispers have been simmering below the surface for the last several months but have started to bubble up with a little more regularity as of late. We would hate to lose one of the Senate’s most respected conservative voices and his retirement could potentially spark a wildly unpredictable game of political musical chairs. We expect the GOP’s progress in the Senate in 2012 to play a major role in his decision.
UPDATE: I’ve received numerous emails regarding Sen. Sessions’ 2014 intentions. One D.C. insider said of Sessions’ possibly retiring, “I find that HIGHLY unlikely for a number of reasons, but interesting nonetheless.”
Another emailer sent along the below fundraiser invitation from a Sen. Sessions event in Montgomery two weeks ago and stated firmly, “Session is running again in 2014. He has other events planning throughout Alabama.”
4. With Twinkle Cavanaugh winning the GOP nomination for President of the PSC in last night’s runoff, she’s now setting her sites on Alabama’s last remaining statewide elected Democrat — Lucy Baxley. Meanwhile, insiders are eyeing the potential for Gov. Bentley to appoint Cavanaugh’s replacement to her current PSC seat should she win in November. Numerous potential appointees — including state legislators — have already started positioning themselves for a chance at the appointment.
Adam Thompson for State Auditor? I’ve met him a time or two at ALGOP state executive committee meetings and he seems to be a great guy. I know him more by reputation as being very sharp and well-liked by those that know him. Did he work for Chapman in the Auditor’s office? If so, i would think he has a leg up on the competition due to actual experience in the office as opposed to any of the legislative blowhards that will run with vague promises of being Conservative.
Here’s hoping Sam Shaw runs for Secretary of State. She has served well as Auditor and she is a nice and caring individual–the kind of attitude we need in public servants
not sure about Beth, but i’ve heard her assistant Adam Thompson is running for State Auditor in 2014. i wonder who will run for SOS?
Beth may have to run against an Incumbent Republican in 2014 to stay in elected office or run for her old job…state auditor which would be open.
Who all have you heard for PSC appointment? Chip Beeker, Jeremy Oden, Elwyn Thomas, ???
Why should Beth Chapman ride off into the sunset? She has great experience and toughness that it takes to survive in politics..she is a proven Republican and patriot
I agree with Jackie. Keep going Beth! Find an office where you can continue to serve!
Senator Sessions would not be the first elected official to continue fundraising while deciding whether to run or not. It’s too early for him to make that decision but it’s never too early to fundraise.
As you said, Sessions retirement rumors have been making the rounds for a couple of months. I personally think he doesn’t retire yet. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t considering it. If I had to deal with U.S. Senate Democrats every day I’d want to retire too. Alabama Senate Democrats are bad enough.
THE HOUSE CLERK MAKES 200K? Apparently I’m in the wrong line of work.
Beth Chapman needs to ride off into the sunset. She’s served our state honorably, I just think it’s time to allow some new leadership to rise up through the ranks. Plus there just isn’t anywhere for her to go unless she challenges a sitting Republican in the state legislature. Unless I’m wrong? (Please don’t do that, Secretary Chapman)
Who would have thought that Shelby would outlast Sessions? I agree with Cliff, we need to keep Sen. Sessions around. I don’t have much use for Shelby…Yet another instance to point at where term limits would have been a good idea.