As politics heats up in coming weeks and months, I’ll start sharing some of the emails and press releases being sent over to the Opelika Daily News.  Today from the Republican Camps!

A poll conducted last week commissioned by a Montgomery political consulting and public relations company indicates the races for Governor and Attorney General in the Republican primary are very open, with many voters still undecided.

At a news conference today, Public Strategy Associates announced the results of the poll conducted February 3-4 by Baselice & Associates, Inc., an Austin, Texas polling company. PSA brought Mike Baselice, CEO of the polling company, to Montgomery to explain the details of the survey of 1,007 likely Republican primary voters.  (more…)

From Congressman Mike Rogers, On Wednesday, January 6th from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., I hope you’ll join me in Opelika at Jimmy’s for a “Congress on Your Corner” event. Feel free to stop for a visit. The location is 104 South 8th Street in Opelika.  Bring your concerns, your ideas and any issue you may need assistance with. I hope to see you there. For more information, please call my Anniston office at (256) 236-5655.  (Source: Rogers Newsletter)

Alabama Assistant Attorney General James Thrash has announced his candidacy for Lee County Circuit Court Judge, Place 2, a position being vacated by retiring Circuit Court Judge, John Denson. Thrash has been serving as an Assistant Attorney General for the last four years representing the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. He had previously been in the private practice of law in Lee County for nineteen years.

“I am uniquely qualified to serve the citizens of Lee County as its next Circuit Court Judge because of my diverse business background, broad range of legal experience and a commitment to public service.” Thrash graduated from Opelika High School in 1979 and then earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Alabama in 1983. In 1986 he graduated from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama. Thrash was in the private practice of law in Lee County where his practice consisted of business, corporate, banking, creditor, real estate, workman’s compensation, domestic relations, criminal defense, bankruptcy, social security disability and probate matters. He has practiced in all the trial courts of Alabama and has tried hundreds of cases during his career.

Among his cases were several jury trials including trials for capital murder, medical malpractice, automobile collision cases, condemnation cases, and wrongful termination. He served as Judge Richard Lane’s referee in the Family Court of Lee County where he presided over child support and juvenile trials and would make recommendations to Judge Lane for disposition of the cases. He currently serves as an Assistant Attorney General representing the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and the Alabama Scrap Tire Commission. He has tried enforcement cases throughout the State and has tried cases before the Environmental Management Commission. He is a member of the Alabama State Bar and serves on the Environmental Sections Executive Committee, and as its Treasurer. James and his wife, Cindy Henderson Thrash, reside in Opelika with their teenage son, James Ray Thrash.

As a family, they worship in the fellowship of First Baptist Church of Opelika. The primary for Lee County Circuit Judge, Place 2, is scheduled for June 1, 2010, with the general election following in November.

Lee County attorney Melissa B. “Missy” Thomas has announced her candidacy for Lee County Circuit Court Judge, Place 3 – a position being vacated by retiring Family Court Judge Richard Lane in 2010. Thomas has practiced family law in Lee County for the last 16 years, specializing in cases related to domestic law. “I feel I am uniquely qualified to serve the citizens of Lee County in this capacity – as a working mom, I understand what it is like to balance work and family,” says Thomas. “And as a family law attorney I have seen firsthand the impact family court decisions have, not only on the families involved, but also on the community as a whole. My years of practice have given me not only the opportunity to represent husbands, wives, mothers, and fathers in divorce actions and child support cases, but also parents, children, grandparents, and other relatives in juvenile cases. Additionally, I have practiced in other areas including civil litigation and criminal defense which, combined with my family court experience, give me the necessary background to be an effective judge. ”

“Family Court cases are particularly gratifying to me because it allows me to help people when they are in the very worst of personal circumstances. If elected Family Court Judge, I will focus on running the Family Court docket as effectively and efficiently as possible, and bringing proven and effective programs and ideas to Lee County in order to continue helping people in their times of need,” says Thomas. “Of particular interest to me are the children who pass through the doors of Family Court in the juvenile system, and I am a firm believer in the Court playing an active role in the guidance of juvenile offenders so that they may become responsible citizens of this county.”

Thomas, an Opelika native, graduated from Opelika High School in 1986 and then earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Accounting) in 1989. In 1992, she graduated from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. She worked as a legal assistant/secretary in various law offices in the Auburn and Opelika area while a student at Opelika High School and Auburn University from 1985 until 1992. Thomas began her law practice in Phenix City, Alabama approximately 17 years ago. She previously was an instructor in Business Law at Southern Union State Community College. She currently has law offices located in Opelika and in Phenix City. She resides in Opelika with her husband of almost ten years, Thomas McEntire, and their three-year-old son, Bryan. Her parents, Fred and June Thomas, and sister, Cyndi Thomas, have been residents of Lee County for more than 40 years. Thomas is a member of the American Bar Association, Alabama Bar Association, Family Law Section of the Alabama Bar Association, Certified Mediator by Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution, Alabama Certified Guardian Ad Litem, Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association, Lee County Republican Executive Committee, Lee County Republican Club, Republican Women of East Alabama, Auburn University Campus Club, Opelika Chamber of Commerce, and Auburn Chamber of Commerce. She and her family are members of First Baptist Church of Opelika.

More information about Thomas and the campaign is available at www.electmelissathomas.com. The campaign office can also be contacted at electmthomas@aol.com, or by phone at 334-749-1099. The primary for Lee County family court judge is scheduled for June 1, 2010, with the general election following in November 2010.

Lee County Assistant District Attorney Margaret Mayfield announced her Republican candidacy for family court judge during an early evening family barbeque on Sunday, Sept. 20.  Hundreds of friends and supporters gathered at the home of Drs. Allen and Shirley Lazenby in Opelika to support Mayfield’s candidacy, including Don Roberts, Bill Samford, Pep Melton, Bill Kelly, and Shirley Lazenby – all who offered personal words of endorsement. Auburn’s ultimate ska band Blame Sydney entertained the crowd between endorsements. “I am ready to apply my education, work experience, and attention to efficiency for the families of Lee County,” Mayfield told friends.  “I look forward to the support from, but more importantly, the privilege to serve, the citizens of Lee County.”

An Opelika native, Mayfield’s education in the Opelika public school system included her selection as senior class president in 1977.  She went on to academic distinction through earning a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University, an MBA from Samford University, and a juris doctorate degree from Cumberland School of Law.  Her academic and professional training also includes coursework at The National College of Juvenile Justice and The National Institute on Child Sexual Abuse Victims. (more…)

Congressman Artur Davis will address the Lee County Democratic Club on Wednesday, August 19th. Time is 7-8PM at the Auburn University Club, 1499 North Donahue Drive in Auburn

Well over a hundred supporters converged on an Opelika Restaurant Friday night as Lee County Family Court Referee Mike Fellows announced that he will be a candidate for Lee County Family Court Judge. The position is currently held by Judge Richard Lane who is expected to retire at the end of this term.  The event was dubbed a kick off for the “Fellows for Family” campaign.  Fellows is a graduate of Auburn High School, Auburn University and The University of Alabama School of Law.  He has been a practicing attorney in Lee County for 12 years.  He is a partner at the law firm of Gullage, Tickal & Fellows in Opelika.
In 2003 Judge Lane appointed Mike Fellows to serve as a Family and Juvenile Court Referee- a part time judicial post.  For the last two years he has served as the primary Referee.  In the six years he has served as a referee, Fellows has heard and made findings of fact on thousands of cases affecting children and families throughout Lee County. With this move he is taking his part time passion and seeking to make it a full time service.  “As a Family and Juvenile Court Referee, I preside over cases involving boys and girls and moms and dads that haven’t reached their potential because they’ve been distracted from the right path or because they’ve just never been shown the right path,” said Fellows.  “I am seeking the position of Family Court Judge to continue in what I’ve come to see as a ministry of service to those who find themselves in the worst of circumstances, which I believe affects the whole of Lee County.” (more…)

Former Alabama Lieutenant Governor Jere Beasley announced today that he will serve as Chairman of the Artur Davis for Governor Campaign.  “Throughout my involvement in Alabama politics over the years, I have witnessed Governors of all stripes; Republican and Democrats, liberal and conservative, but the best Governors had a definitive leadership quality.  I see that in Artur Davis and that’s why I’m proud to Chair his campaign for Governor,” Beasley said.  “I believe in Artur Davis’ ability to lead and bring people together to attract jobs and transform our state to unlock its full potential. He is the right man for the job, and I know that he can and will be Alabama’s next Governor.”  A veteran of Alabama politics, Beasley previously endorsed and supported Governors Bob Riley and Fob James, both Republicans.  In addition, Beasley served as Lieutenant Governor from 1971 – 1979, under Governor George Wallace.   (more…)

Congressman Artur Davis (D-Bham) officially entered the 2010 Alabama Governor’s race at a kick-off event in Birmingham’s Linn Park on Saturday.  Approximately 500 supporters gathered to hear Rep. Davis’ remarks, as well as a special performance by Alabama native, Ruben Studdard.  “While it has been an honor to serve in the United States Congress, today I officially start a new journey to become the next Governor of Alabama,” Davis said.  “I’m running for one simple reason: to transform Alabama’s economy to attract the jobs of the 21st Century, improve public schools and reform ethics laws to unlock the state’s full potential.”

Watch for more news on all the candidates for Alabama’s next Governor here on Opelika Daily News!

Robert Bentley and wife Dianne on the steps of the Lee County Courthouse to announce plans to run for Governor to a small group of friends and family that had gathered Thursday morning.  This was the second day of a whirlwind trip thru Alabama to announce plans and meet voters.  It was off to Dothan and Mobile after this meeting.  Read more about his plans on his campaign website!   Who else is in the race? Read This!