FAIRHOPE — The Eastern Shore Republican Women (ESRW) hosted three candidates at its June luncheon, just days before the primary runoff election.
Alabama attorney general candidate Katherine Robertson, Department of Agriculture and Industries commissioner candidate Christina Woerner McInnis and Baldwin County Commission District 4 candidate John "Tater" Harris addressed the crowd of around 80.
McInnis said she has what it takes to be the next agriculture commissioner. Running on "proven leadership to grow Alabama," she has a five-point plan she developed as a fifth-generation farmer from Baldwin County: strengthen the farm bill, protect farmland from China, secure the next generation, grow the Sweet Grown Alabama brand and streamline the grant portal.
McInnis said she recently added a sixth point, which is to audit data centers, AI and solar farms.
"I have lived the American dream with agriculture from here, from Elberta, Alabama, graduated and now today, I work in every state nationwide with agriculture," McInnis said. "And I have to say, this county built me. Agriculture built me and I'm going to do that for Alabama."
McInnis challenged everyone in the room to take 10 others with them to the polls.
Harris focused on hard work and said he wants to work hard for Baldwin County. He said while the county is a great place to live, he wants to protect the waters, protect the economy and improve transportation infrastructure.
"We've got to do some more work to take care of the people who live here," Harris said. "We've got to work on the roads going north and south. We have got to take care of the people that live, work and go to school here. So, that will be my job as your county commissioner."
Robertson, running on a platform of "tough, tested and conservative," highlighted her experience in the AG's office as chief of staff for the past 10 years. Across the state, 29 sheriffs and law enforcement leaders have endorsed Robertson. She said that it is an honor because the AG's office has been working with law enforcement in Montgomery.
"In Montgomery, a lot of issues are getting debated in the legislature, and law enforcement people don't have a lot of time to go engage in Montgomery," said Robertson. "So, we fill a vacuum there."
Robertson highlighted some of the AG's office's victories with her serving as Steve Marshall's chief of staff, including the Speedy Trial Act, parole board reform and stricter sentencing guidelines.
The Dallas County native said she hopes to see Alabama move to a 7-0 Republican district map one day and said the state should strive to get as many wins as possible while Donald Trump is still in office.
The primary runoff election is June 16.
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