Ivey, Parker among those to qualify on opening day

Published 6:00 am Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Republican Gov. Kay Ivey was among those who qualified Monday for the 2018 election cycle on the first day candidates were able to do so.

Jointed by supporters, Ivey filled out her paperwork at the Alabama Republican Party headquarters in Montgomery. Others who qualified in Montgomery included Alabama Supreme Court Justice Tom Parker, who is seeking election to the chief justice seat, and State Reps. Matthew Fridy, R-Alabaster, and Arnold Mooney, R-Birmingham.

Parker, who has been on the Alabama Supreme Court since 2004, spoke at the Athens-Limestone Public Library in February. He said the state Supreme Court needs “strong, conservative leadership” to combat the “unconstitutional infringement of citizens’ rights.”

In a press release, Parker said he anticipates left-leaning groups will spend “millions of dollars” to defeat him in the chief justice race. He pointed out the Southern Poverty Law Center attempted to have him removed because he opposes same-sex marriage.

He said he also anticipates facing the same scrutiny that confronted U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore, who was elected — and also removed — twice to the chief justice position Parker is seeking.

“Last month, we saw the effect that millions and millions of their anonymous outside dollars can have on Alabama,” Parker said. “They’ll lie and twist the truth any way they can to win and I’m expecting the same kind of assault against my record. The difference is this time we’re on to their clandestine scheme, and we’re going to fight back even harder.”

It is anticipated that current Chief Justice Lyn Stuart, who was appointed by Gov. Kay Ivey in April, will seek re-election to the position. Parker referred to Stuart as “politically correct” and a “moderate Republican” who “stands time and again with those who will destroy our freedoms.”

Ivey, 73, will face at least two challengers in the June 5 Republican primary — Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and State. Sen. Bill Hightower, R-Mobile. On Democratic side, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox and former chief justice Sue Bell Cobb have announced runs for governor.

The office of governor, attorney general, other constitutional offices and legislative seats are up for election in 2018.

People seeking to run in the June primaries have until Feb. 9 to file paperwork with the parties.

The News Courier will publish the names of Limestone County candidates who have qualified as they are made available by the local parties.