It’s been an unconventional election year, so perhaps it’s only fitting that Governor Robert Bentley tap into an equally unusual method for considering his next Senate appointment: Survey Monkey.
The Governor reportedly sent a free survey link to the state’s 400-plus Republican executive committee members, asking for their input on who should replace Senator Jeff Sessions.
Will Edwards, the Governor’s Appointments Director, told the GOP recipients that Bentley is “taking the process seriously.”
“The person who replaces Senator Sessions must uphold the Constitution, value the rights of the Second Amendment, the rights of the states, support pro-life issues, implement a strong national security policy, support domestic job creation and, most importantly, always put Alabama first,” he wrote.
The questionnaire asks recipients to weigh in on what questions should be used to vet potential appointees for the job. Participants also have the opportunity to name their pick for the coveted position.
“The person I choose to serve as U.S. Senator will be making decisions that not only impact Alabama, but the entire country as well,” the governor said in a statement.
“I am seeking the input of the Republican Party because it is important that I begin this selection process with a qualified pool of conservative candidates who can carry out the agenda of President-elect Trump,” he added.
Governor Bentley will take feedback via the online platform until December 1.
Whoever he chooses to appoint will fill the U.S. Senate spot only in an interim capacity. Currently, the Governor’s office says they are researching to determine whether or not a special election must be called quickly or if it can wait until the 2018 regular election cycle.
Several prominent Republican leaders have so far expressed interest in the seat. They include Representatives Robert Aderholt and Mo Brooks, Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, State Rep. Bill Poole and others.
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