A SON OF ALABAMA
I’m proud to be an example of what strong values, opportunity and hard work can achieve. My parents worked to instill in me the conservative values I’ve lived by my entire life. From age thirteen, as an Eagle Scout, to college sporting success, to embracing work in the Merchant Marine and later working to put myself through graduate school – I have lived a life that is proof that hard work and values will lead to success. My interest in giving back through political service is based solely on my commitment to preserve a system encouraging young people to succeed by virtue, hard work and initiative.
A PERSON OF FAITH
Since accepting Christ as my personal savior in high school, my faith has truly been my foundation. My faith is the basis for my belief in the sanctity of life. Life must be protected, including the most vulnerable among us, the unborn. I participated in Young Life and for years have been in a bible study with my friend and conservative commentator Fred Barnes of Fox News. With the help of my friend Gary Palmer, we brought Fred and Brit Hume to Birmingham to give their live story and testimony to over 350 men. In May, I shared my testimony and introduced Brit to a group of 500 at the West Alabama Annual Prayer Breakfast in Tuscaloosa. In our years together, my wife Melissa and I have worked to bring people to Christ though hands-on evangelism. A few years ago we saw a need and together, built a small wooden chapel in the woods near our house. It offers a quiet place for prayer and reflection. Shortly after the 2006 election, we spent two-weeks on a pilgrimage to Israel. Just this year, Melissa spent a week in the remote mountains of Haiti on a church medical service trip and this summer our 19-year-old son spent two weeks as a counselor at a church camp for underprivileged kids in Hale County.
A RESPECTED ATTORNEY
It has been an honor to be recognized by my peers as an accomplished attorney. While I’ve been fortunate enough to handle virtually every type of legal matter, I’m proud my career has been spent helping individuals and businesses in Alabama succeed. The private sector is where jobs are created. I am proud of my record and hard-earned reputation for integrity in the legal and business community. The private sector operating within our capitalist system enabled this country to become the greatest in the world. More government has never been the answer to improving the lives of all Alabamians and it is still not today.
A TRUE CONSERVATIVE
With regard to building the modern conservative Republican Party in Alabama, I will put my record up against anyone. For over 20 years, I have worked in the trenches recruiting and supporting conservative candidates on the local, state and national level. I was honored to be a leader in the effort to secure a conservative majority in the state’s supreme court. I have served on countless local executive committees, spoken to a number of Republican groups and was Republican nominee for lieutenant governor in ’06 where I campaigned on a strong conservative platform. I was honored and grateful to have my friend, former United States Attorney General John Ashcroft, and other conservative leaders visit Alabama to campaign by my side. I have also encouraged young people to become involved in the political process. Melissa and I are very proud of our oldest son who is working for Rep. Jo Bonner in Washington. I do not simply talk about conservative values, I live them.
ANTI-TAX AND PRO-GROWTH
I have never supported a tax increase in my life. In fact, I’ve objected and ultimately resigned from any firm or organization that supported such an approach. My parents died leaving very little and I have worked hard for my success. If anyone understands the impact of taxes working families, and the loss of freedom it promotes- it is me. I’ve always believed in maximum individual freedom and limited government – I always will.
A MAN OF PRINCIPLE
My campaign for Attorney General is based on my respect for the office and my belief that the rule of law is the foundation of our legal system. I’m proud to stand against the tide of illegal gambling in the state and to offer a conservative agenda that promises to work with our district attorneys and law enforcement officers.
A MAN OF COMMITMENT
My only uncle was a graduate of West Point who gave his life for his country as a captain in the U.S. Army. His birthday was the 4th of July. It just took one look in my mother’s eyes every Independence Day to remind me of the sacrifice required to keep our country free. I will never forget it.