Rumors & Rumblings

“Rumors and Rumblings” is a new weekly feature that runs each Wednesday. It includes short nuggets of information that we glean from conversations throughout the week. Enjoy.

1. Yesterday in the Senate during debate over repeal of the 2007 legislative pay raise, the Senators tied 17-17 on a vote to table an amendment by Sen. Roger Bedford (D). This gave GOP Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey the opportunity to execute her constitutional responsibility to cast the tie-breaking vote. However, in a surprising twist, she declined to, which seemed to open the floodgates for Bedford & co. to inflict pain on Republicans. Her decision has left many on the 7th floor scratching their heads.

2. Angi Smith, a long time Bentley aide and advisor, has been assigned to the Alabama Republican Party to ensure that the ALGOP is supporting GOP efforts in Montgomery. Smith is rumored to be advising on all aspects of the ALGOP including shoring up lackluster fundraising, strategy and messaging. In addition to her close ties to the Governor’s office, she also has good relationships with GOP legislative leaders. It is not known if she intends to seek a higher profile roll at the ALGOP next year or begin gearing up for the 2014 Governor’s race.

3. Yellowhammer has learned that, in an effort to further strengthen their influence on major media outlets, the Alabama Democrat Party has actively recruited numerous members of the Capitol Press Corp. This small group of journalists plays a major role in shaping public perception. We’ll be closely watching the relationship between these members of the press and the ALDEMS.

4. Discussions among legislators are frequently turning to redistricting as members are starting to get a peak at what their districts may look like. Very few issues capture the attention of all the members the way redistricting does because of its long-term political ramifications. The redistricting special session is on track for the second week of May.