As the controversy surrounding Alabama's newly drawn congressional maps continues to linger, U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) is ready to move on and prepare for the 2024 election cycle.
During an appearance on Mobile radio FM Talk 106.5's "The Jeff Poor Show," Carl reacted to the legislature's newly formed first congressional district, which moved Washington and Monroe Counties out of his district and added most of Covington County.
"Define the lines and let me get started," he said. "I've already reached out to folks in Covington County. I'm trying to reach out to the Republican leadership there over and also the mayor and elected officials. I'm ready to go and get over there and see what we need to do in the next round, which will be the 119th Congress. So, I'm ready. Just tell me where the lines are, and let's run."
Also, the first congressional district maintained keeping Mobile and Baldwin Counties intact, which had been a concern heading into the special session earlier this month. The two counties had been in the same district since 1993.
"It's very important because we have the same needs, same concerns," Carl explained. "Somewhere, there was a study done. They tracked phones when I was a county commissioner. The same number of people that worked in Baldwin County worked in Mobile. So, they would watch those phones going across the Bay every day. You know, the people who work in Baldwin County work in Mobile, and so many people who work in Mobile work in Baldwin County. The port, the airports — everything that we have that we are joined together makes us very close communities. It's important we kept those two together. I was afraid they were going to cut the north portion of Mobile County, which would have been the majority of the City of Mobile out. It's not over with yet. "
Carl said he anticipated knowing something by August 14 on the federal court's approval or disapproval of the map. Should it not approve the map, Carl said he expected a new map to be provided by August 21.
"Going into September, we should have a clear definition of where our district is at," he said. "Again, I'm just waiting for the district lines to be determined so I can get a campaign kicked off."
Jeff Poor is the editor in chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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