GOP candidates stump votes in Brewton

Three of the four Republicans who will be on the July 14 runoff ballot in Escambia County (Ala.) gathered at Hour Glass in Brewton Monday night, with Tommy Tuberville absent, as they presented their thoughts and ideas on the upcoming election.

U.S. Senate candidate Jeff Sessions and U.S. House of Representatives candidates Jerry Carl and Bill Hightower attended the event sponsored by the Escambia County Alabama Republican Party.

Sessions, who stepped down from the Senate to become President Trump's attorney general, called out Tuberville for not wanting to debate him and acknowledged the president's criticism of him.

"I know the president is mad at me and I understand," Sessions said. "When you serve in the cabinet you work for him."

But he said as U.S. Attorney General he supported the president's agenda to bring jobs back to America. He added that he supports the president's current agenda to continue to create jobs in the United States.

"I just didn't endorse the president, I traveled the country with him," Sessions said. "I felt he was addressing an agenda we all believe in."

He noted that Tuberville was invited to Brewton Monday but didn't show and said the same thing happened in Shelby County.

"He's hiding out," Sessions said. "Tommy won't debate."

Sessions touted his years of service in the U.S. Senate and understanding the complex issues facing the United States.

"If you go to Washington without heavy conservative convictions they will lead you astray," he said.

"The U.S. Senate is a big deal. It means billions of dollars for this state."

He said in 20 years the average wages in the country haven't gone up because of the collapse of manufacturing jobs in the country and the influx of illegal employees. He said he agreed with President Trump that the country needs to protect American manufacturing jobs against unfair trade practices.

He added that China has the long-term goal by 2049 to be the number one power on the planet.

He also said he was a strong supporter of the armed forces, noting he served 20 years on the Armed Services Committee.

He pointed to his work to get the Austil Ship Yard to the Mobile that created 4,000 jobs.

"Your Senator has a lot of responsibility," he said.

Sessions said he had a great staff in place as senator and said Alabama has the best national guard in the nation and said the government needs to protect law enforcement.

Carl

Carl told the crowd that the first meeting he held after announcing he was running for the House of Representatives was held in Atmore.

"My first support came from your sheriff," Carl said.

He touted his years as a member of the Mobile County Commission addressing infrastructure needs and helping to create drive-thru medical clinics.

He also said the port of Mobile provides 20 percent of the jobs in the district and he has been a strong supporter of the port.

He said when people go to Washington, the people he represents need a telephone number to call. He said he'll give out that number.

Carl also pointed to the support he's received from the district, noting that 85 percent of his campaign contributions have come from the district while Hightower has only received 20 percent of his contributions from the First Congressional District.

He said he supports building the wall and supports the president.

"I'm just Jerry," he said. "We have an election on July 14."

Carl also touted his recent endorsement from U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne, who lost his primary bid for the U.S. Senate.

"Bradley understands my work ethic," Carl said. "He's coached me about what I'm about to step into."

Carl said.

When asked what he felt the biggest need was for Escambia County, Carl said infrastructure.

"I understand economic development, infrastructure and jobs," he said.

Hightower

Hightower told the crowd he was voted the most conservative state senator in Alabama and wants to take that conservative view to Washington.

He said for the past 40 years he's supported the right to life and has supported President Trump the entire time.

"When COVID-19 hit we supported local businesses," he said.

He also said in the wake of George Floyd's death, the country needs to support its police force.

"I'm glad we have our second amendment rights," he said. "Christians are under attack."

Hightower also said knowing the legislative process, which he has been involved in at the Alabama Senate is crucial.

He also said he agrees with the president on the threat of China stealing jobs away from the country, noting he wants to bring the pharmaceuticals back.

"The Chinese are making pills for us and the FDA can't even look," he said.

Hightower also said when he gets to Washington he will support term limits, saying House members should be limited to three or four terms.