Alabama: Rumors Appear True

Reports that Gov. Kay Ivey (R) will soon announce that she will seek a full term in office next year are apparently accurate.  The first political domino to fall based upon the Governor’s plan coming forth directly relates to state Public Service Commission chair Twinkle Cavanaugh. Yesterday, Ms. Cavanaugh announced that her gubernatorial exploratory committee will close, and she will instead seek the Republican nomination for Lt. Governor.
 
The Lt. Governor position is open because Gov. Ivey, who then held the position, ascended to her current office upon Gov. Robert Bentley (R) resigning as part of a plea bargain agreement.  Ms. Cavanaugh indicated that she “would rather work with Gov. Ivey than oppose her”, thus her change in electoral plans.  It remains to be seen whether any of the other Republican gubernatorial hopefuls will change their plans once the Governor announces her campaign.  Currently, there are eight Republicans who have declared for Governor, including two statewide officials and the Mayor of Huntsville.

--Jim Ellis