What qualifies AL01 candidates to represent the District in Congress?

A five-question “Yellowhammer Questionnaire” was sent out to U.S. House candidates in Alabama’s First Congressional District last week. We gathered all of their answers and will be presenting them to you throughout this week — one question per day. The candidates’ answers are presented unedited and side-by-side for easy comparison. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

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TODAY’S QUESTION: What uniquely qualifies you to represent Alabama’s First District in Congress?

ANSWERS:

Bradley Byrne (Republican)

From Benghazi to IRS to DOJ, Washington is severely broken. Our next Congressman must understand these issues and have experience in fixing broken parts of government. That’s exactly what I did during my time in the State Senate and as Chancellor of the two-year college system. The 1st District has historically been represented by someone with a background in economic development – the focus my entire career. Southwest Alabama has been home to the Byrne family for over 200 years. This place is special to me and I believe now is the time to seize our moment.

Randy Davis (Republican)

I have lived and worked in Baldwin and Mobile counties my entire life. Also, private work experiences took me to the surrounding counties on a regular basis for many years. As a member of the Alabama House of Representatives, I serve Baldwin and Mobile counties which includes more the ninety percent of the population of the First Congressional District. Knowing the region and its people has afforded me many opportunities to work on economic and educational projects as well as environmental and cultural projects

Chad Fincher (Republican)

I am one of the only candidates in this race who has owned a small business, never supported a tax increase, and demonstrated a willingness to stand firm and hold my ground when the liberals in Alabama were launching outlandish attacks against me. It is easy to say that you know what it takes to create jobs or that you will stick to the promises of your campaign once you are actually elected, but I have a proven record of doing both. Having been one of the leading voices for conservative legislation such as the Alabama Accountability Act and Student First Act, I have been a favorite target of liberal interest groups such as the AEA, but I have stood my ground and won. I will do the same in Washington.

As a lifelong Republican and committed conservative, the people of the First District know what I believe, and they will always be able to count on me to stand by my principles in Congress. I fully understand that we are at a crossroads in our nation’s history, and that the time for compromise and kicking the can down the road is long gone. We need proven, conservative leadership, and my track record of standing strong on conservative principles and creating jobs as a small businessman right here in South Alabama, has made me uniquely qualified to represent First Congressional District during this pivotal time in our nation’s history.

James Hall (Independent)

Just like you, I am a regular guy. I work a 50 + hour a week job, I pay taxes, I pay my bills, and try to raise a family. I am not a politician. I am not a Washington insider. I am not a lawyer. I am a regular guy, just like you. As an Independent, I will not be accountable to ANYONE, but the People. I won’t be worried about moving up in my party or my political career. I won’t be working for any special interest. All I will be worried about is representing our People to the best of my ability. No one will work harder to take care of us than I will. No one will take the time to listen to you like I will. No one will care more about the People of Alabama’s First Congressional District than I will.

Quin Hillyer (Republican)

I have a public track record of more than 30 years speaking out for the conservative positions and philosophy on just about every issue this nation has faced. I have called out liberals as well as wayward Republicans when their public policy positions run counter to our shared conservative beliefs. I also have experience navigating Capitol Hill and Congress when I was a senior staffer during the Gingrich Revolution and top aid to the Appropriations Committee when we actually cut $50 billion in spending, back when $50 billion was a much larger part of the budget. I have the conservative, public track record and I know how things work in D.C. because I have been there, in the fight against the Clinton Machine in the 90’s and the Obama thugocracy in recent years, and I will bring all those experiences to bear for the people of Alabama’s First Congressional District.

Jessica James (Republican)

I have had a wealth of experience in many fields—from public relations to economic and workforce development and governmental affairs—that I feel qualifies me to represent the people of Alabama’s First District. Having been in public service-type work for the past 7 years, I live daily to serve the needs of the people and truly enjoy it. As a small business owner, I also understand the struggles many in our District face from government regulations. I also feel I have a servant’s heart and will work tirelessly to put the people of our District first.

Dean Young

My life experience. I understand the people of different walks of life. I was raised in poverty by a single mother. I have worked the midnight shift (11:00 pm to 7:00am) while going to high school to ease the financial burden on my mom. I started with nothing and worked in the pharmaceutical industry until I became a National Sales Trainer. I now own 4 successful companies. I have not and will not forget how hard it is for people.