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September 4, 2007

Willingham to run for state house

By Carolyn Arrington

The local Republican breakfast and social was held Saturday morning at Jack’s Restaurant.

Cullman County Commissioner Wayne Willingham announced plans to run for replacement of Neal Morrison, D-Cullman, as state representative. Morrison recently resigned from the legislative position, and a special election will be held to fill his vacant seat in the House of Representatives, District 12.

Willingham said, “This will be a short, quick campaign and we’ll have to work fast and hard to win.”

Vicki Drummond of Jasper announced she has plans to run as National Republican Committeewoman, representing Alabama, and will send out a letter of intent next week. Drummond said, “I will make the democrat candidate my opponent, not republican candidates.”

Republican breakfast chair Joyce West recognized several members of the military who were present, including Garry Marchman and Jeanna Blicker.

Also mentioned in recognition of attendance were Jeremy Oden, R-Cullman, State Representative; Judge Terri Willingham Thomas; Republican District Vice Chairman Harold Sachs; Cullman County Commissoner Chairman Wiley Kitchens; and West Point Mayor, Kenneth Kilgo.

Guest Speaker was Luther Strange, 2006 Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Alabama. He spoke about the importance of organizing and maintaining grass-roots support of the Republican Party on the local level.

He said that even though there have been recent issues regarding some Republican elected officials, such as Idaho Republican Senator Larry Craig’s scandal, and controversy about the war in Iraq, he’s been speaking to local groups and encouraging people to stay involved at the community level and be optimistic.

Strange said, “In general, where does our party stand? Well, Bob Riley is the best governor we’ve ever had. It’ll be hard to replace him in three years, and we need to find someone like Riley to be the turning point for our next election.”

In the last few years Strange said he’s been involved in economic development for the state of Alabama. “I grew up with wonderful, hardworking parents, but we were not given anything. My parents worked hard, and I have too, all my life. I believe that giving people the opportunity to work and support their family is one of the most important necessities in life. Bringing more economic development into a region, as you have done here in Cullman County, is a way to offer more folks good jobs.”

Speaking about educational issues, he said, “The junior college problems we’ve had lately, it’s a watershed issue which just highlights legislature problems.”

Afterward, Jeanna Blicker with the Army National Guard, spoke briefly.

“I just returned from Iraq and the morale is still high among our military over there, especially the Marines,” she said. “But it makes me mad, sick when I hear politicians in Washington say they could do a better job over there. If they can do that, then take themselves there right now and do it!”

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