Ahead of state elections, the Alabama Republican Party steering committee voted to dismiss residency-related complaints filed against U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) and former Alabama Republican Party chairman John Wahl.
The two officials, who were accused of failing to meet Alabama's seven-year residency requirement to run for governor and lieutenant governor, expressed vindication after the votes, while Democratic gubernatorial candidate Doug Jones accused Tuberville and Wahl of violating the Alabama Constitution.
"This is about what those in power in Montgomery want to maintain their power," Jones said in a statement. "It is clear that the people of Alabama want a governor and lieutenant governor who follow the law and the Alabama Constitution and who have been residents of Alabama for the seven years leading up to the election."
He added, “Simply because one party has dominated the political landscape in Alabama does not mean that they get to make up their own rules."
The Democrat argued that the "fix was in," following the dismissal of the complaint against Wahl.
“There are serious questions about the residency of both Senator Tuberville and former GOP Chairman John Wahl, but it appears pretty obvious that the fix was in before Chairman Wahl resigned and that these challenges, all filed by Republicans, were never even going to be heard," concluded Jones.
On Monday, John Wahl called the residency challenges a "political hit job" and said he believes voters will "see through" the political stunt.
"This challenge was plainly filed as a political hit job to discredit and disqualify my campaign," he asserted. "It mirrors the same tactics recently used against Senator Tommy Tuberville and reflects the broader pattern of political warfare we've seen directed at President Donald Trump."
"Voters saw through those attacks, and they will see through this one, too," Wahl added.
Republican candidate for governor Ken McFeeters filed the challenge against Tuberville last week, while former State Rep. Gil Isbell (R-Gadsden) submitted the complaint against Wahl days later.
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