Republicans sweep House races

Published 10:05 pm Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Republican candidates swept the Alabama House races in Limestone County, taking wins in the District 2, District 3 and District 5 contests.

In District 5, Athens native Danny Crawford retained his seat by defeating Democratic challenger Brian Williams 72.38 percent to 27.51 percent in Limestone County. Statewide, with 100 percent of precincts reporting, Crawford had 72 percent of the vote while Williams had 28 percent.

Crawford will begin his first full term, having been elected three years ago in a special election to replace the late Dan Williams, who died of leukemia in 2015. Crawford said he sponsored numerous bills during his first term, including the incentive package that made the Mazda-Toyota plant a reality and a measure strengthening punishment against child predators. He also said he has been a vocal supporter of bills aimed at protecting teacher retirements and benefits.

Crawford said those bills were the right thing to do for Limestone County and North Alabama.

“I was very aggressive with getting bills out and working them and getting them on the floor, which may have been my work ethic,” Crawford said. “I don’t mind getting involved and getting it done. I think Alabama is going in the right direction and I think a lot of the voters see that. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it. We’ll continue that same work ethic and getting things done in my next term.”

Crawford said he has already started making plans for his next term.

“We need to make sure we put a real priority on infrastructure, roads and bridges,” Crawford said. “We also need to grow the education budget, community career tech center and get students prepared for all these high-paying jobs that are not college-related. I’m anxious to get back to work.”

Crawford is a member of the House Agriculture and Forestry committees and he chairs the Limestone County Legislative Delegation. He also serves on the County and Municipal Government, Health and Urban and Rural Development committees.

Crawford said his seat on those committees are important for Limestone County.

• District 4: Parker Moore defeated Democratic challenger Jo Ann Cummings and independent Polan “Pete” Willis Jr. Moore had 57.85 percent of the vote compared to Cummings’ percent and Willis’ 5.29 percent in Limestone County.

Statewide, with 96 percent of precincts reporting, Moore had 65 percent of the vote while Cummings had 25 percent and Willis had 10 percent.

Moore will take over the seat that was vacated when Mickey Hammon was indicted on ethics violations and fraud charges. Moore, a Decatur native, campaigned on bringing jobs to the area, improving roads, reforming prisons and allocating more money to mental health, and ethics reform.

He said he has worked hard during his campaign and believes his message resonated with voters.

“When I first started exploring the option to run, I traveled every corner of our district and found out what was important, and crafted a platform on my issues,” Moore said. “They are not my issues, they are the people’s issues. I’ve been campaigning over a year now, and with me constantly being out there, hearing the issues and understanding what needs to happen, it’s a big advantage to take down to Montgomery and make their voices heard.”

Moore said he will focus on getting on the energy, health and transportation committees because those issues are important to the area.

“There will be some key issues coming up in those areas,” Moore said. “I want to be on top of those so I can get with the residents in District 4 and use what would best benefit them.”

• District 2: Lynn Greer retained the seat he first won in 2010, defeating Democratic challenger Lora Kay Morrow 79.98 percent to 19.75 percent in Limestone County.

Statewide, with 75 percent of precincts reporting, Greer had 72 percent of the vote while Morrow had 28 percent.

Greer, from Rogersville, has a long history of public service. This is his third stint serving in the Alabama House. He first served from 1974-1981 and again from 2003-2006. He also served in the Alabama Public Service Commission from 1981-1990.

Greer said his long-time service of Alabama helped his re-election campaign.

“I think that has something to do with it,” Greer said. “I think the longer you’re there, the more you learn. I’m glad the voters put their trust in me.”

Despite the many years he has served in the House, Greer said it is always humbling to be elected by the people of Alabama.

“It definitely is an honor,” Greer said. “I certainly appreciate the people supporting me and voting for me. Looking forward to another four years in Lauderdale and Limestone counties, and see what we can do.”

Greer said there are a lot of exciting things about to happen in Limestone County, and he is looking forward to another four years of serving the citizens of his district.

“It’s so exciting to see what’s getting ready to happen in Limestone County, it’s unbelievable,” he said. “I’m ready to work with the governor and make things happen.”