Talladega business owner Ray Robbins was selected to replace Jim Preuitt as the GOP candidate for the 11th District in the state Senate.
“I am excited and honored to be the republican nominee for Senate District 11,” Robbins said in a prepared statement issued just after the announcement. “Our state and our communities need someone that will fight for their best interests and to make Alabama a better place for our children and grandchildren. As many of you are experiencing, the current economy has certainly put a strain on all of our families, and there are too many hardworking men and women who are out of work. As a business owner, I know what it takes to create jobs, and I will work every day to incentive businesses and promote new job creation.”
In the statement, he continued “I believe that our government is broken and that it is out of touch with the core values of our communities. I am not a career politician, but a citizen who wants to end the culture of corruption that has held back Alabama for too long. If you want to change the way businesses is done in the legislature, and fight back against the liberal agenda being forced on us by the Washington career politicians, then I ask for your vote Nov. 2 and let’s put the government back where it belongs—with the people.”
Talladega County GOP chairman Ed Lackey added “We will work tirelessly so that our district is represented by a true conservative, not the status quo. Ray knows what it takes to create jobs for the hardworking folks in our community, and we need that kind of experience during these tough economic times.”
Robbins nomination is only the latest twist in what has been, to say the least, an unusual race. Preuitt had previously served five terms in the Senate as a Democrat, but announced that he was switching parties just before qualifying closed. Then last week, he announced that “his heart was no longer” in the contest, and that he was dropping out altogether.
Noon Tuesday was the absolute latest that the November ballots could be sent off to be printed.
Robbins worked as an attorney before acquiring the foundry. When Preuitt bowed out, Robbins said “I spent a good deal of time in prayer. I realized, as a business owner, I was limited. I could grow my business and keep jobs here. I’ve made payroll, and I think the fact that I’m not a career politician is important.”
Taxes will be the major theme of his campaign. “First and foremost will be (fighting) taxes that are repressive to individuals and businesses. When businesses can’t buy equipment, they can’t create jobs. Groceries and prescription medications for seniors shouldn’t be taxed, either. When I’m elected, I will vote to cut these repressive taxes and will never, ever, vote for a tax increase. When I bought the foundry, I kept jobs and brought in investment. I employee people not only in Talladega but in Calhoun County and as far away as Goodwater. You have to make an environment that’s conducive to business, and I think Montgomery could do more in that area.”
As for his late start, Robbins said he was mostly unconcerned. “If I get the message out about who I am and what I stand for, I’m not concerned. I found out that I was going to be on the ballot at about 11:30 this morning, and as I said before, I’ve been really praying about it. I believe I know what God’s plan is for me, and now I’m going to try to implement it.”
Also present at Tuesday’s announcement were Danny Hubbard, Vicki Ward of Elmore County and Bobby Ray Holmes of south Talladega County. Gene Howard, GOP Chair for Calhoun County, was unable to attend.
Also expressing their support were republican candidates Ron Struzic and Steve Dean (seeking house seats), Dallas Davenport (sheriff) and Jeanne Rasco (district court judge for the north end of the county).
County Commission candidate John Luker was also absent.
Robbins will face retired Talladega County Circuit Judge Jerry Fielding in the general election Nov. 2.
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