The debate over the proposed toll for the new Interstate 10 Mobile Bay bridge has enough political fodder to go around, which could play an integral role in the 2020 election cycle. That is especially true in southwestern Alabama, where Republican primary voters are not only considering a candidate for the U.S. Senate general election but a candidate for Alabama’s first congressional district GOP nomination as well.
The seat is currently occupied by U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-Fairhope), who is not running for reelection because he is seeking the GOP U.S. Senatorial nomination. Among the announced candidates are Mobile County Commissioner Jerry Carl, former State Sen. Bill Hightower (R-Mobile), State Rep. Chris Pringle (R-Mobile) and businessman Wes Lambert.
However, there is another candidate who hails from Alabama’s first congressional district that is presently considering a run for U.S. Senate in 2020 and has made the proposed toll for the new Mobile Bay bridge his central focus: State Auditor Jim Zeigler.
Zeigler’s effort includes a Facebook page he assembled, “Block the Mobile Bayway Toll,” which now has over 17,000 members. Some have taken notice and have suggested that given Zeigler’s ability to organize around the toll bridge debate, he could be a viable candidate for the 2020 AL-1 U.S. House election.
Yellowhammer News reached out to Zeigler about a congressional run, to which Zeigler said it was not something he has considered.
“I have not had time to look at any other political options because of a vital issue that I am trying to lead — blocking the toll charges proposed on I-10 over Mobile Bay. In one month, I have gotten almost 17,000 members, many of whom are passionate about blocking the toll,” Zeigler said. “Not one person has mentioned my potential campaign for US Senate or for anything else except a few — ‘We need you as Governor.'”
The second-term state auditor maintains his political plans are still for the U.S. Senate, which he claims to have an exploratory committee as he considers his final decision.
“My present plan is to make a decision about my 2020 political plans on Nov. 7 — one day before the deadline,” he said. “Right now, I am concentrating on my day job as State Auditor and the campaign to block the I-10 toll.”
@Jeff_Poor is a graduate of Auburn University, the editor of Breitbart TV and host of “The Jeff Poor Show” from 2-5 p.m. on WVNN in Huntsville.
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