Rick Burgess and Bill “Bubba” Bussey have spent two decades growing their unlikely media empire by sticking to their down-home brand of humor and not compromising their values. The Rick & Bubba show, which is produced in a Birmingham, Ala. studio, is now available on 60+ radio affiliates and 50+ television affiliates around the country.
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Burgess has extended his reach and influence in recent years by becoming one of the most sought-after Christian speakers in the southeast. Burgess and Bussey have also written numerous books, including Rick and Bubba for President: The Two Sexiest Fat Men Alive Take on Washington. But although both hosts are very open about their conservative political views, they have only rarely engaged in specific races, especially on the local and state level.
But in recent weeks, Burgess has weighed in on two of the hottest races in Alabama, both of which are both taking place in districts where Burgess’s family resides.
He endorsed Gary Palmer, Republican candidate for Alabama’s 6th Congressional District, at Palmer’s campaign kickoff rally Feb. 25.
“I get tired of always having to compromise something when I support a candidate and choose the lesser of two evils,” Burgess said at the rally. “I am tired of holding my nose and voting. I know Gary Palmer and he won’t compromise his values. He can help us get this country back on the right track. I am very strong on how I filter candidates. I am here to endorse Gary Palmer unapologetically.”
Then last week Burgess endorsed Republican Arnold Mooney, who is running in a crowded State House race in District 43.
“I live in district 43 and am endorsing Arnold Mooney to represent my family and me for the Republican nomination for State House district 43,” Burgess said in a statement. “Now more than ever we desperately need representation that understands the proper role of state government, the vital importance of the free market, and the understanding of how capitalism has produced the highest standard of living in the world. Arnold is not only a fiscal and free market conservative but he is a full spectrum conservative. Too often today I am asked to support candidates for fiscal reasons only. By supporting Arnold, I am not compromising my faith because I know Arnold embraces my Christian beliefs and will fight for Christian values.”
But Burgess is not limiting his political activity to his home area. He also recently spoke at a fundraiser for Republican State House candidate Will Ainsworth from Guntersville, who owns a camp where the Burgess family has hunted in the past.
Burgess has built up an enormous level of trust with his audience over the years. They flock to his events. They purchase the products and services he touts on the his show. And because the Rick & Bubba Show’s primary focus is not politics — unlike most talk radio programs in the state — when he does weigh in on a race, it probably carries more weight. Candidates are realizing that an endorsement from Burgess can be a powerful way to reach a vast swath of Alabama voters who are politically interested, but not necessarily living and breathing politics all day.
Even some of Alabama’s highest ranking current elected officials value the rare opportunity to make an in-studio appearance on the show.
Sen. Jeff Sessions made sure to post a photo with the guys after visiting with them in their Birmingham studio.
House Speaker Mike Hubbard made the Rick & Bubba Show one of his first stops while promoting his book in 2012.
Burgess has used his massive platform as an effective conduit for the spread of his Christian faith. If his political activity continues to increase, he could have an opportunity to be just as effective at helping candidates get elected and influencing the debate on various issues.
What do you think? Does and endorsement from Burgess carry a lot of weight with you? Let us know what you think in the comments, or tweet us your thoughts @YHPolitics.
Follow Cliff on Twitter @Cliff_Sims
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