In 2018, U.S. Sen. Doug Jones (D-Mountain Brook) played an outspoken role in attempting to oust the leadership of the Alabama Democratic Party, which was headed up by then-party chairwoman Nancy Worley.
Earlier this year, the Democratic National Committee intervened. Through a series of legal challenges, Worley was removed, and State Rep. Chris England (D-Tuscaloosa) took her place at the helm. While many considered this a positive development for Alabama Democrats, some were not pleased with the changes.
Wednesday, during an appearance on FM Talk 106.5’s “The Jeff Poor Show” in Mobile, Mobile County Commissioner Jerry Carl, the Republican nominee for Alabama’s First Congressional District, spoke about his encounters with those Democrats, who he said in part blame Jones. He went on to say some of those Democrats may stay home on Election Day, or they could pull a lever for the Republicans on the ticket.
“I tell you, and I’ve heard this from more than one Democrat — the Democratic Party is mad at Doug Jones,” he said. “Doug Jones got involved in state party business. He’s being blamed for splitting them up and suing one another. Both sides potentially lost, and they blame Doug Jones for it. I’ve certainly been taking advantage of that. I’ve spoken to several groups that are Democrat-based. I honestly think you’re going to see some very odd numbers come out of the state of Alabama when it comes to Democrats doing some swing votes because Doug Jones — Doug’s action with the state party. So, I’m excited to see how those numbers actually pay off. They may not show up at all, which is fine. But if they do vote, and they vote Republican — as the old saying goes, that’s two votes where I come from.”
“Tommy [Tuberville] and I spoke to 30 Democrat leaders in Mobile — one group,” Carl added. “And their response to us was … the only time they hear from the Democrat Party is election time, and they’re tired of it. They’re looking for someone who will step into their communities, understand what their needs are, and represent them, whether it is in state or federal. They’re getting much wiser in understanding their value of their vote. So again, I think we’re going to see a swing in Alabama. I hope we see it nationwide. I don’t know, but I can speak for Alabama. Thirty ministers that I spoke to one time all agree they were going back to their constituents and talk to them about voting November 3. Again, I’m excited to see how those numbers are. Those voters may translate into ‘no votes,’ which is what [Mobile Mayor Sam] Jones saw. His folks just didn’t get out to vote at all. And if they do come out and vote for myself, Tommy and the President — where I am from again, that’s two votes. It takes another vote just to make it even. We’ve got some surprises coming in this election. I really believe it.”
@Jeff_Poor is a graduate of Auburn University and the University of South Alabama, the editor of Breitbart TV, a columnist for Mobile’s Lagniappe Weekly, and host of Mobile’s “The Jeff Poor Show” from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on FM Talk 106.5.
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