“Now, more than ever, it is important to have principled, conservative leadership here in Alabama to ward off a very liberal political agenda coming out of Washington,” Garrett said in a statement.
Garrett cited his extensive business background and experience in economic development as two of his biggest assets. He has spent the bulk of his 30-year business career in the steel, rail and bus manufacturing industries. He has served as chief financial officer for two public corporations as well as a family-owned business. He has also served as a senior executive with a company owned by a major U.S. private equity firm.
“Nowhere else in Alabama can you find a district like ours,” Garrett said of District 44, which includes. “We are three uniquely historic, strong and vibrant communities, all of which value faith and family. We are honest, hard-working people who want to improve the quality of our lives and the lives of our children and future generations. As a state representative, my focus will be working to maximize opportunities for jobs, education and economic development in our district, while maintaining a commitment to protecting our conservative values and way of life.”
Garrett is the first candidate to officially announce his intention to run for the seat, although several other candidates have been actively testing the waters behind-the-scenes. Investment banker Joe Freeman, who doesn’t currently live in the district, and attorney John Amari are two other names popping up frequently in discussions about the race.
A lot of early support seems to be gravitating toward Garrett, making him the early favorite to succeed Payne.
“With Danny’s standing in the community and the support of influential members of the business and conservative communities, he’s going to be tough to beat,” one Republican political consultant told Yellowhammer.
Related:
1. McClendon will primary Fielding in Senate District 11
2. Matt Fridy running for Alabama House of Representatives
3. Six Questions for the 2014 Election Cycle
4. AEA Plans to Hire Obama Political Operation for 2014
What else is going on?
1. Mo Brooks rails against White House for undermining national security
2. Roy Moore picks his candidate in AL01 race
3. Leftwing advocacy group behind roadblocks collecting blood & saliva samples
4. Bush-led PAC names Roby up-and-coming leader in Republican movement
5. Shelby questions Hagel, Dempsey on Obama defense budget proposal
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