Shelby County GOP

********** THE CANDIDATE QUALIFYING DEADLINE **********

********** FOR THE MARCH 13 PRIMARY IS **********

********** THIS FRIDAY, JANUARY 13 AT 5PM **********

 Thus far, 10 candidates are vying for 9 County Commission seats, Probate Judge, and two Shelby County School Board positions. Click HERE to see who's already qualified.

For last-minute qualifiers, GOP officials will be in the Probate Office in the Shelby County Courthouse in Columbiana from 3pm until 5pm. 

 The SCGOP Headquarters will be CLOSED and NOT RECEIVING OR ACCEPTING QUALIFYING DOCUMENTS FROM 3PM-5PM ON FRIDAY.

To make appointment to qualify, call 205-821-5916 or 205-994-6497 sufficiently in advance of the deadline.

THE FILING DEADLINE, ESTABLISHED BY STATUTE, WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.

By Freddy Ard

I was deeply saddened this morning to learn of the death of Julie Laughridge, a precious young lady with whom I served on the Executive Committee of the Alabama Republican Party.  Her earthly life was ended, at least as far as our natural eyes can see, far too soon as the result of an automobile crash in Florida at the age of 41.

Quite apparent to anyone that had the privilege of knowing Julie, were her strong convictions, resolute dedication, and impassioned service to the party and individuals that shared her values.  Even at her relatively young age, Julie has long been considered a stalwart for conservative principles, ideals, and candidates.  More importantly, Julie always met everyone with a warm, engaging smile, and left them with that same radiating countenance.

Having served the Republican Party in numerous capacities, including as former chairman of the neighboring Talladega Republican Party, Julie Laughridge’s most endearing legacy was one as a true emissary of the gospel.  While Julie will be missed by the many friends she left behind, Heaven certainly rejoices at her arrival where she is in the presence of her Savior.  Thank you, Julie, for helping to bring the light and life of Christ, even to the political world.

Freddy Ard is Chairman of the Shelby County Republican Party, a member of the Alabama Republican Party Executive Committee, and has served as Shelby County Commissioner and Helena City Councilman.

We extend our heartiest congratulations to Dickie Drake, who will continue to represent House District 45 until 2014. Republican Dickie Drake, a Leeds businessman, won the special election over Democrat Paige Parnell, according to Chris Brown, Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. 

Unofficial results from Jefferson County (with 21 of 22 boxes reporting) and St. Clair County (with 3 of 4 boxes reporting) show Drake with 1,692 votes to Parnell's 1,316. 

For County Commission:

District 1
Corley Ellis

District 2
Tommy Edwards
Earl Cunningham

District 3
Jon Parker

District 4
Daniel M. Acker  

District 5
Joel E. Bearden

District 6
Larry S. Dillard
Mike Vest

District 7
Lindsey Allison

District 8
Rick Shepherd

District 9
Robbie Hayes

Probate Judge
Jim Fuhrmeister
Tim Mitchell

For Board of Education:
Place 1
Lee Doebler
Jimmy W. Bice

Place 2
Kevin W. Morris
Steve Martin

The Candidate Qualifying Packet is now available from the Shelby County Republican Party. All information, forms, etc. should be included in this document; if you have any questions, please contact Chairman Freddy Ard

FCPA Candidate Annual Report Forms

FCPA Weekly & Monthly Report Forms

FCPA Candidate Daily Report Forms

ALL FCPA FORMS

I sent a text message to a friend of mine this morning, thanking him for his service. As I clicked “send”, I remembered the going away party we threw for him not long ago, before he deployed to Iraq. I remembered the jumble of emotions we felt that night, and the rush of pride we shared as we watched him march in their homecoming celebration. It was an utterly humbling experience, knowing that so many young men and women would readily give themselves to preserve our freedom. I have never felt so overwhelmed with pride and reverence for their sacrifices as I did that day. Military homecomings are something that I firmly believe every American should attend. They are a life-altering experience, one that most eloquently communicates the love of our country.

My grandfather knew about that. He fought in WWII, stationed aboard the U.S.S. Yorktown, and survived the Midway attack. He was one of the few surviving crew members aboard that ship.  He used to tell me stories about serving our country, and taught me the values of service, compassion, bravery and altruism from a very early age. Even now, when “Salute to the Services” is played, I tear up as veterans from each of our military’s branches stand as their branch’s service song is played. In later years, my grandfather struggled to stand when the first strains of “Anchors Away” were played, but never failed to beam with pride and share a knowing smile and handshake with his fellow seamen, young and old.

On this Veteran’s Day, cherish your freedom. Cling to it with both hands, and honor our brave servicemen and women for their service by acknowledging that their sacrifices were not in vain. Take a moment to thank a veteran, and say a prayer for the families of the thousands who were never reunited with their loved ones. Most of all, continue to fight for our liberty by opposing those who would take our freedoms away from us. 

By Laura Joseph, SCGOP Communications Director

We are 21 days away from the special election in House District 45, and there has never been a more important time to get involved with the Republican Party. We need your time! Please commit at least one hour to call or walk for Dickie.

Our candidate, Dickie Drake, spent 42 years serving his country in the United State Air Force, and now he wants to serve our state as a principled legislator. He is an honest conservative that believes lower taxes and less spending are the best ways to get our economy back on track. His opponent is a liberal Democrat that wants to continue the policies of Barack Obama: more wasteful government spending and higher taxes. The difference has never been more clear.

But in order to get Dickie Drake elected, we are going to need your help. The Democrats have promised to do whatever it takes to win this race, and our efforts have to be just as strong. In fact, Democrats all over the state are utilizing Obama's Organizing for America platform to make tens of thousands of call into the district for Paige. They have the head-start, and now we need to ratchet up our efforts!

Your commitment to make phone calls and go door-to-door will make the difference. Voters will respond to the message that we have had enough of the liberal democrats
and their policies that are making our economy worse.

Will you commit today to volunteer a few hours to help? We will be making phone calls during the week and knocking on doors during the weekend. Below are the times and places we will be working. We only have 21 days to make a difference. Will you join in?

Phone Banks at the Jefferson County GOP HQ
1900 20th Avenue South #215, Birmingham AL 35209

Wednesday, November 9th -  5:30 – 7:30
Thursday, November 10th - 5:30 – 7:30
Monday, November 14th - 5:30 – 7:30
Tuesday, November 15th - 5:30 – 7:30
Wednesday, November 16th - 5:30 – 7:30
Thursday, November 17th - 5:30 – 7:30
Monday, November 21st - 5:30 – 7:30
Tuesday, November 22nd - 5:30 – 7:30
Monday, November 28th - 5:30 – 7:30
Tuesday, November 29th - All Day

Door-to-Door

Saturday, November 12th – 10:00 – 1:00 – Black Jack Restaurant, Leeds
Saturday November 19th – 10:00 – 2:00 – Black Jack Restaurant, Leeds
Saturday, November 26th – 10:00 – 2:00 – Location TBD
Sunday, November 27th – 2:00 – 4:00 – Location TBD

You can also come to the Alabama Republican Party HQ during the day between 10:00 AM and 5:30 PM any day of the week to make calls in support of Dickie Drake!
Alabama Republican Party HQ
3415 Independence Drive, Suite 219
Homewood, AL 35209

Please RSVP your volunteer time by calling Ryan Cantrell at 334-201-4949 or replying to this email.

For the Party!
T.J. Maloney
Executive Director
Alabama Republican Party