North Alabama, a Democrat stronghold up until recent years, is fast becoming one of the most reliably Republican areas of the state.
Sen. Tammy Irons, D-Florence, was one of the last remaining North Alabama Senators after the Republican surge in 2010. However, redistricting left her in a much more conservative district, leading her to announce Wednesday that she will not seek re-election in 2014.
“It is with a heavy heart, but after much thought and prayer, I have decided not to seek reelection to the Alabama State Senate,” Irons said in a statement. “I have been honored and humbled by the people of The Shoals who have shown great faith and confidence in me, having elected me twice to the Alabama House of Representatives, and then to the Alabama Senate.”
Irons cited her newly drawn senate district as the primary reason for her decision.
“The new Senate District 1, which takes effect in November 2014, stretches all the way from West Lauderdale County to Memorial Parkway in Huntsville and is geographically more like a Congressional District,” Irons said. “I am concerned that covering such a large territory would take even more time away from my law practice at a time when I have many commitments this year. I am also looking forward to spending more quality time with my family.”
Irons said she was most proud of the legislative work she did to prevent elder abuse, reform the juvenile justice system, protect the Tennessee River and preserve jobs in The Shoals area.
Although former Democrat legislator Mike Curtis, who was defeated in 2010 by Republican Lynn Greer, is rumored to be considering running as a Democrat, the Senate District 1 seat looks like another prime pickup opportunity for the GOP.
Three Republicans have already qualified for the seat, including small businessman Jonathan Berryhill, Dr. Tim Melson, and early favorite Chris Seibert, an Athens City Councilman and former Univ. of Alabama football player.
A broader look at North Alabama’s political landscape reveals an area that is quickly becoming a real power center for the state GOP.
Reps. Marcell Black (Tuscumbia), Greg Burdine (Florence), Johnny Mack Marrow (Red Bay), Laura Hall (Huntsville) and John Robertson (Scottsboro) are just about the only remaining North Alabama Democrats in the Alabama House. Longtime Sen. Roger Bedford, D-Russellville, is the the last North Alabama Democrat holding on to his seat in the Senate. Redistricting appears to have been much kinder to him than it was to Irons.
But on the Republican side of the aisle, North Alabama is home to some of the top power players in state government, as well as numerous up-and-comers.
Sen. Arthur Orr of Decatur holds one of the most powerful positions in state government as Chairman of the Senate General Fund Budget Committee. House Majority Leader Micky Hammon is also from Decatur. Mac McCutcheon of Huntsville is the House Rules Chairman. Rep. Mike Ball of Madison Chairs the House Ethics and Campaign Finance Committee. Reps. Terri Collins of Decatur and Ed Henry of Hartselle, along with Sen. Clay Scofield of Guntersville, are all considered to be among the next generation of legislative leaders.
In short, it’s a good time to be a Republican in North Alabama.
Follow Cliff on Twitter @Cliff_Sims
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