MONTGOMERY — With an enthusiastic group of supporters on hand, Governor Kay Ivey kicked off the last day of campaigning before Tuesday’s general election at Montgomery Aviation on Monday morning.
Alabama’s 54th governor was introduced by state Sen. Clyde Chambliss (R-Prattville), who used the stormy weather of the day as a metaphor for the state of the state when Ivey took office, explaining that she had turned those dark times into sunshine step by step.
Now, from Chambliss’ perspective, “the future is bright.”
This was a perfect segue into Ivey’s speech, as she discussed the historic successes that have occurred during her brief time in office, while emphasizing that the best is yet to come for the state under her leadership.
“Promises made, promises kept. We steadied the ship of state, then brought progress and prosperity,” Ivey outlined. “Alabama is working again – you see the results all around us.”
She continued, “Since I’ve been governor, world-class companies have invested over $8 billion in our state and created some 16,000 new jobs. … I signed into law the largest middle-class tax cut in a decade.”
Ivey then discussed her emphasis on improving education in Alabama, through her “Strong Start, Strong Finish” initiative and the largest education budget in state history.
“We’ve accomplished all of this and more because of your support and your willingness to fight along with us and stand with us,” Ivey told the crowd.
“So, I’m here today to say I’m not done yet. I look forward with eager anticipation to what is yet to come: more good-paying jobs, improved education, an infrastructure plan that works for 21st century Alabama, preserving our conservative values and maintaining the trust of the people of Alabama,” Ivey said. “I am proud to be your governor.”
Speaking to reporters after her speech, Ivey added that the biggest difference between her and her Democratic opponent, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, is experience actually doing the job. She noted that she was proud all of her television ads have been positive, as well.
“I have the experience and the passion and the commitment. People have seen the work that I do, as state treasurer, as lieutenant governor and now 19 months as governor. They have proof in the pudding, and so they can count on what they know about Kay Ivey to be effective for the people of Alabama,” the governor advised.
While addressing the crowd near the end of her remarks, Ivey called on Alabamians to get out the vote on Tuesday. She said that while polling has looked good for her and Republicans around the state, the only poll that matters is on Election Day.
Ivey said, “Today, I’m here to ask for your help to keep Alabama working. Now the polls look strong, they look good, but polls are just polls. All that really matters is tomorrow – who shows up at the ballot box? So, if you want to keep Alabama working, please continue to plan to go out – you, your family and your friends – and vote. That is so important. What we do tomorrow will make a big difference in our future.”
“I am proud to be your governor, I want to serve and I look forward to being your next governor. So, y’all turn out the vote, please keep pounding the pavement, knocking on doors, making telephone calls and, together, we will win this election and bring an even brighter future to our great state,” Ivey concluded.
At @kayiveyforgov’s first campaign stop of the morning. After this, she travels to Huntsville, Mobile, Dothan, Auburn and Birmingham.#alpolitics pic.twitter.com/9Hf2tLX6Bi
— Sean Ross (@sean_yhn) November 5, 2018
Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
