Via Eric Dixon at LP.org. I will try to provide live coverage of the event tomorrow with Laura Whitfield of the LP of Alabama. -paulie
Alabama voters have more candidates to choose from than controversial GOP nominee Roy Moore and Democratic candidate Doug Jones. Seven other candidates have declared as write-in candidates, including Libertarian Party candidate Ron Bishop. All nine have been invited to participate in a candidate debate on Tuesday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. in the Perry County Courthouse. The debate is sponsored by WVFG Radio of Uniontown. Five of the candidates, including Libertarian Ron Bishop, have agreed to participate in the debate. The Ron Bishop campaign website plans to offer a live feed of the event.
Ballot access laws in Alabama are practically insurmountable for third-party candidates, requiring 20 percent of the vote in the last election in order to stay on the ballot. Petitioning to get on the ballot requires 3 percent of the vote total in a statewide race, the highest in the nation. A special election, like the vote for Alabama Senate on Dec. 12, adds time constraints to the campaigning process and makes the petitioning requirement even more difficult to meet.
The Libertarian Party thanks WVFG Radio for providing this opportunity for Alabamians to hear about their other choices on Election Day, especially Libertarian candidate Ron Bishop, who supports balancing the federal budget, free trade as the cornerstone of American prosperity, a non-interventionist foreign policy, and unwavering support for the Second Amendment.
“In Alabama, as elsewhere, Libertarians offer the common-sense alternative to being forced to choose between increasingly partisan Democrats and Republicans,” said Libertarian National Committee Chair Nicholas Sarwark. “To that end, the Libertarian Party plans to field 2000 candidates, on the ballot, in 2018.”
Learn more about Libertarian Ron Bishop for Alabama Senate at his campaign website.
I’m happy to have been wrong on that last one. Not so happy about the Iron Bowl, but part of me saw it coming. The impact on the playoffs was erased within a week when Auburn lost its rematch with Georgia in the SEC championship and Alabama made the playoffs after all, edging out Ohio State in a controversial decision by the committee.
Actually, my investment picks are doing very well so far this year; betting $69.14 on Moore to win didn’t really hurt financially. I “made” the money back within a very few minutes.
Yep, youbetcha.
I’ve heard they are looking for female candidates, maybe Gillibrand or Warren. That may depend on whether the sexual harassment and assault charges against Trump start getting new attention, and I am seeing some indication that this is where things are going after what just happened here in Alabama. Maybe they’ll run Doug Jones for VP, although they may be looking for someone who could at least help deliver their own home state or some voting group or demographic of some sort.
Hung out with Ron last night. Good people, and he was in a good mood as we watched returns come in.
That is completely unfair to the horse.
Thank goodness Jones won. The world will continue to spin. LOL
I really thought Moore would win. Can’t help but feel a little bit good about this outcome.
If I was a Democratic Party strategist I would start thinking about Doug Jones for President. He will not survive in the Senate past his abbreviated term, he is known for prosecuting the KKK (whereas Trump is known for retweeting their propaganda and saying many of them are good people), and what better way to rub it in Trump’s nasty orange face? Meanwhile Ron Bishop will actually have his votes counted which is more than what could have been expected. Shitty night to be Trumpublican but otherwise a good night indeed. As the yankee paper says of Moore “screw you and the horse you rode in on.”
For evrerybody that believes, really BELIEVES that Roy Moore is going to be elected shares of Moore will win are now available at a bargain price of 3 cents per share. Returns would be $33 for every dollar invested should Moore be elected.
https://www.predictit.org/Contract/6640/Will-Roy-Moore-win-the-2017-US-Senate-special-election-in-Alabama#data
Yep…New South, baby! And so much for Paulie’s picks…he’s 0-3 between the Egg Bowl, the Iron Bowl and now Moore v Jones. Next time just watch the way Paulie bets anytime on anything and bet exactly the opposite way… and before too long you will have more money than you ever dreamed of. Stay tuned for lots of whining about alleged voter fraud, the deep state, blah blah blah.
It appears that Jones won.
For those that want to listen TONIGHT to some Alabama US Senate special election commentary with more spice than average:
“Listen to My Live YouTube Stream on the Alabama Senate Special Election Tonight at 8PM EST”
https://mattforney.com/live-youtube-stream-alabama-senate/
paulie> Is Al Franken going back to SNL now that he is out of the Senate?
Ask again when Franken is out of the Senate. He ain’t out till he is out and he ain’t out yet.
https://simple.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Franken
“Senator Franken announced his resignation from the US Senate on December 7, 2017. He stated that he will formally vacate his seat in the coming weeks.” aka when he gets around to it – don’t rush the guy he has important stuff he has to do – Senate stuff – it could be 2 weeks, it could be 8 weeks – weeks is weeks
https://votesmart.org/candidate/campaign-finance/108924/al-franken#.Wi9y23plAj1
And if Moore is defeated or expelled will he go back to the Gadsden Mall? Stay tuned….
Is Al Franken going back to SNL now that he is out of the Senate?
Woot for paulie’s weather report. Never underestimate the ability of the weather or college football fever their influence on world events.
Also blessed be the http 503 errors the IPR web site occaisionally throws for reminding me that there are still plenty of impfect nooks and crannies here on planet Earth.
Need a last minute chuckle? Catch 3 minutes of SNL Weekend Update with a shot of Al Franken with a Roy Moore chaser.
https://youtu.be/3QzKcdpy9LU
Weather forecast in Bham for tomorrow is the 40s most of the day and 30s in the evening with winds in the teens during the day and calmer in the evening, 0-5% chance of rain every hour, partly cloudy thru 1 pm and sunny/clear from 2 pm on. I haven’t checked other parts of the state.
Moore is afraid to even debate Jones, much less any write-in candidates. For that matter he won’t take questions at his own public events. Jones if I understood right is not opposed in principle to debating anyone but had other things scheduled. Of course that could just be an excuse, I’ll believe he is willing to debate write-in candidates when I see him do so.
Awesome and thank you for your work on the campaign! Sorry we could not connect for me to get down there with you.
Awesome, thank you again! This is why certain people in the party, or at least on the Alabama LP facebook group, don’t understand, getting ballot access brings in new members and new candidates and new donations…it doesn’t just “drain our budget” and we are not just trying to get the existing 200 or so dues paying members to find 100 candidates among them. People who say that kind of stuff don’t know the first thing about political organizing.
For once I completely agree with Thane. There’s nothing fair about the “fair” tax.
I agree with that last part, but why is tax reform (in general) a fraud in your view? The level and complexity of taxation are two whole separate problems on top of the immorality of taxation to begin with. Why is it fraudulent to mitigate the problem, short of a radical step that the vast majority of the public isn’t remotely ready for?
@ThaneEichenauer, two can play at this game. A simple DuckDuckGo search produces this gem: https://mises.org/library/flat-tax-not-flat-and-fairtax-not-fair
“Two specific tax reform plans that some libertarians have fallen for are the Flat Tax and the FairTax. Both plans promise to invigorate the economy, increase employment, and raise everyone’s standard of living. Neither one is true to its name; neither one is an incremental step toward overall lower taxes. Both are fraught with problems and contradictions; both are revenue-neutral plans that would fund the federal government at the same obscene level that it is now.”
In my view, until the IRS is defunded and ended, we have to live with the system we got. The Flat Tax is also, a fraud, as is tax reform itself. Taxes are a bad idea, in general, overall.
I continue to be amazed how many people in the liberty movement get suckered into endorsing the Fair Tax. It’s supporters tell you it doesn’t reduce taxes. It adds another government run individual welfare system. Isn’t that enough to leave another bad idea to those folks that don’t really care about limiting government?
https://www.google.com/search?q=Fair+Tax+fraud
Thank you Paulie and Mike C for this coverage! I apologize for the video. We thought we could piggyback off Kirtdoll’s stream but when I shared it it wouldn’t let our people comment so we had to improvise! We let the other candidates know about probable LPA ballot access next year and Cutcher and Coggin are both very interested. Coggin for Lt. Governor. Great job and we really, really appreciate this!!
Thanks for posting this and the link to the debate! Looks like Moore and Jones were too scared to debate! Sad!
I don’t run that but good idea. I think they already linked to this article. Thanks for helping me cover it Mike C. and Laura for the video. If anyone else is reading thank you for reading and for everyone who attended, asked and answered questions for taking part.
I would love for this thread to show up on Ron Bishop’s Facebook feed. Make it happen @paulie.
Sorry I missed a bit at the end.
Mentions Moore is not even willing to debate Jones or take questions.
Candidate Chandra, can I convince you to run on a Libertarian ticket? lol
Kirtdoll thanks Alabama Public TV for showing up.
Crutcher: should have state referendum but not national. Need to control lobbyists. Coggin is for state I & R.
Kirtdall wants national voter initiative.
I was impressed with the young lady, candidate Chandra. Candidate Mcbride I disagreed with the most, the other two I was half-agreeing / half-disagreeing. I’m Ron Bishop all the way.
Bishop is in favor but not sure if Senator can do much about it.
Question about initiative and referendum.
McBride; the fight between Ds and Rs is a cancer eating our country
Way better than what we have heard from the balloted candidates, certainly not all ideas I agree with but glad to hear the range. You?
Missed a bit. Crutcher expressed appreciation that transgender bathroom issue was not brought up. Coggin talks about voter intimidation and courage.
What do you think of the debate so far, @paulie?
Kirtdoll gives glory to God. Says he has been waling about 10 miles a day last 3 days from Marion to Montgomery. Was in Selma today, talks about the events there in 1965.
McBride; timber companies need to pay their fair share.
Crutcher: with D tax plan will not pass, with R it will pass, with independent the right questions will be asked.
McBride: need to consult the experts.
Questions and comments from the FB live feed for posterity:
Laura B Whitfield Havent talked taxes yet
Shannon Davis Don’t know if this has already been talked about, but curious if Ron bishop has researched the fair tax plan and his thoughts on it.
Conway Todhunter I think we consume too much also but are you prepared to control people’s consumption by force?
Frank Dillman Sr. Laura, time for a ?. Each candidate “upon being elected to US Senate, will you use your office to “encourage” the legislature and governor to give the citizens of Alabama a Legislative Referendum on Initiative and Referendum.”
Sean Grehalva I would love to hear their stances on term limits for Congress and Senate.
Conway Todhunter Healthcare is not a right. It’s a service. You don’t have the right to someone else’s services unless you are prepared to take it by force.
Says it was rushed thru just so Trump could have a win. Says we don’t know what we are getting. Says rich will benefit.
Crutcher: need better evaluation of government employees.
Kirtdoll: debt is way too high. Does not like Trump/GOP tax cut.
Coggin: A lot of money is wasted in military, government. We need more control of exactly how it is spent. Says we need strategic planning.
We need an open debate between the candidates and only between the candidates about each other’s positions.
Crutcher; taxes too complex, need to be simplified.
Coggin:
Tax question.
Bishop is for national flat tax or “fair” tax. Believes some taxes are needed but too high now. Wants balanced budget amendment with spending cuts.
McBride: we have the right to not vote. You can not vote and still complain. There is only one race, the human race.
McBride: need global perspective; says Alabama has great schools but need to get Montgomery out of the way of schools and paying too much for legal fees.
Can questions be given to them aside form Facebook / Twitter?
Crutcher gets 2nd go at closing? Talks about all the people who didn’t vote and says they need to know they have other options.
Bishop: honored to be there with all the other candidates. Hopes this election will get people engaged and seek better alternatives. Says we need better ballot access laws.
Coggin says leadership is looking left and right and realizing you are the person.
Crutcher says she will take heart of Alabama to DC.
Closing remarks then Q & A.
Wants to stress agriculture jobs and education and healthy food.
McBride says he grew up on a plantation picking cotton and driving tractors. Says help the person with the greatest need.
Says we need people to learn to do things with their hands…
Kirtdoll somehow gets on immigration. Believes more enforcement is needed but not a wall. Says healthcare needs to be uncoupled from job.
Coggin: we have jobs without people and people without jobs; need better education where kids really learn and retain; teachers need reacquainted with industry periodically.
Coggin wants to push “made in America” and beat China. 4 year college is not for everyone, need tech/vocational education.
Coverage seems OK. Ron Bishop says we need to cut the red tape.
Update on the seating arrangements:
Laura B Whitfield Left to right…
Coggin, bishop, chandra, kirtdoll, mcbride
Have technical difficulties. Wifi or coverage may not be good with a lot of people seeing the live feed in Marion.
Last topic is economy and jobs. Crutcher jumps on it out of order and says sustainable and equitable economy needs to be a priority.
McBride talking about blowback and costs of war.
Says we need to restore trust, US leaders have lied to people around the world and need to restore trust.
Crutcher says we need more diplomacy. Bishop also says diplomacy is key and we can’t be world police. Mentions his son is in the Air Force. Coggin says he is retired military and says military people do not want war, economic and diplomatic tools should be used first.
Kirtdoll says Trump’s tweets are scary and could lead to nuclear war.
Had a bit of tech issues. Foreign policy. McBride said we need more diplomacy. Kirtdoll talks about need for borders and being heavily impacted by 9/11, believes in strong military and says we do have enemies. However the US has done “some bad things” around the world.
Says we have to be concerned with global, not just US environment. McBride says he “concurs with everything that has been said.”
Also that US uses disproportionate amount of resources and even the poor in the US live better than most people in other countries.
Kirtdoll says consumerism is out of control.
Crutcher says US and Alabama environmental quality needs to be improved.
Coggin starts this one, says he grew up rural and is passionate about the environment. Says he is an advocate of sustainable energy and green jobs, holistic well being and outdoors activities. Bishop says he also grew up in a small town and loves outdoors, but mentions private funds to preserve nature. Says we need to be careful about government coming in in the name of environmental protection. Does support some state forest setasides.
Coggin is left most on the dais. Gives a waffling answer. Environmental issue is next.
Last candidate previously mentioned clarifies his pro life stance is not absolute.
Chanda Crutcher is similarly pro life but would make exceptions under extreme circumstances.
Ron Bishop – government should not be involved at any level, personally against abortion, against govt funding
Same guy says he is a states rights candidate and is proud of the flag.
Mike thanks again for seating chart and the correct link, that was the one I meant to paste instead of wapo again.
Abortion is next topic 1st from right (Kirtdoll) is pro choice and says he will follow the law. 2nd from right (McBride or Coggin?) is pro life…
@paulie, here is the official Ron Bishop livestream: https://www.facebook.com/laura.b.whitfield/videos/vb.682288166/10155417067953167/?type=3&theater
Ronald Bishop Jr., Libertarian Party (Write-In Candidate) – Second
Jeff Coggin, Independent (Write-In Candidate) – First/Fourth (?)
Chanda Crutcher, Independent (Write-In Candidate) – Third
Eulas Kirtdoll Sr., Independent (Write-In Candidate) – Fifth
Arlester McBride, Independent (Write-In Candidate) – First/Fourth (?)
@paulie, the webstream probably started late andRon Bishop may have to use another candidates’ computer to stream this live. The stream started with the last candidate, I believe.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/write-in-candidates-watch-alabama-race-settle-back-into-red-blue-split/2017/12/05/586ea266-d9c2-11e7-a841-2066faf731ef_story.html?utm_term=.ef5d36af2940 This feed is much better
Trying to keep up with who is speaking but not having a lot of luck, I think Ron Bishop is talking now?
Thanks Mike. As I tuned in an African-American gentleman running as an independent whose name I did not catch is speaking. Says he has been a Democrat most of his life but became an “independent Democrat” since Wallace. That was the last of the intros and moving on to health care.
https://www.facebook.com/1490067014/videos/vb.1490067014/10210589307277458/?type=3&theater
If there is a livestream on the fb page I am not seeing it yet. I will check back from time to time. If anyone sees it before I do please let me know.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/write-in-candidates-watch-alabama-race-settle-back-into-red-blue-split/2017/12/05/586ea266-d9c2-11e7-a841-2066faf731ef_story.html?utm_term=.ef5d36af2940
There’s supposed to be a livestream at https://www.facebook.com/RonBishopforUSSenate/ at 7 central (less than half hour). I was not able to get a ride down there but I’ll cover it if it works over here.
Ron Bishop for U.S. Senate added an event.
21 hrs ·
Libertarian Ron Bishop will be joining fellow write-in candidates for U.S. Senate for a debate at the Perry County Courthouse. A LIVE STREAM of the event will be established on the Ron Bishop for U.S. Senate Facebook page, @RonBishopforUSSenate.
Candidates Attending:
Ronald Bishop Jr., Libertarian Party (Write-In Candidate)
Jeff Coggin, Independent (Write-In Candidate)
Chanda Crutcher, Independent (Write-In Candidate)
Eulas Kirtdoll Sr., Independent (Write-In Candidate)
Arlester McBride, Independent (Write-In Candidate)
Candidates not participating as of this release:
Doug Jones, Democratic Party
Roy Moore, Republican Party
Mac Watson, Independent (Write-In Candidate)
Attempts to contact Write-In Candidate Lee Busby were unsuccessful
The forum is sponsored by
WVFG Radio
3995 Freetown Road
Uniontown, Alabama 36786
http://www.oanow.com/news/local/senate-campaign-surrogates-speak-to-lee-county-voters-league/article_ca854f7a-5c21-5779-b660-e16e554bb45b.html