TUSCALOOSA — On Wednesday evening, nearly the entire slate of Republican candidates for Alabama lieutenant governor debated their visions for Alabama.
Rick Pate, Pat Bishop, Stewart Tankersley, Nicole Wadsworth and John Wahl were in attendance at the forum event hosted by the College Republican chapter at the University of Alabama's Student Center, moderated by 1819 News editor-in-chief Jeff Poor.
Candidates led with opening statements about why attendees should vote for them.
Pate discussed his time as state agricultural commissioner, including his department's introduction of Sweet Grown Alabama, a program he said helped identify the sources of fruits and other foods in Alabama.
Pate also talked about how the COVID-19 pandemic allowed his department to "feed Alabama schoolchildren Alabama-grown products."
Bishop opened by stating he is "big on three things: my faith, my family, and my flag. Our flag." She went on to discuss his time in the military as a veteran.
Bishop reiterated throughout the event that he was not a politician and that his campaign was based on common sense. "We have too much regulation and too many politicians in Montgomery," he said.
Tankersley tied Alabama's economic future to citizen empowerment and healthcare reform. Tankersley criticized entrenched economic powers in the state capital and supported Alabama's COVID policies.
"Leadership in Montgomery must challenge the dozen big mules controlling our state," said Tankersley.
Wadsworth emphasized her background in business, contracts, and economic development, and how she brought it "statewide."
Wadsworth also discussed her visit to all 67 counties of Alabama over 25 times, "learning the needs of our state." She stated that the five key issues she identified could be addressed by her plan, "Build a Better Alabama," which focuses on industry recruitment and retention, workforce development, statewide infrastructure improvements, and rural health care and public safety.
Wahl talked about reducing government interference, cutting taxes, and empowering businesses and individuals. Wahl also encouraged everyone attending to take part in the "spiritual battle" in the country.
"We the people should be in charge, not the government." Wahl said, calling for "every one of you to not be a spectator" but to participate in the country.
Candidates were first asked about economic growth and the economy.
Wadsworth advocated for "putting Alabamians on a pathway to employment" and discussed generational poverty, welfare programs, and crime. She discussed her plan to ensure every Alabamian "has a clear path to a good job."
Tankersley said that Alabama needs to "give power back to the citizens" and criticized the "doubling" of the Alabama budget over the last 11 years.
Wahl promoted his idea of eliminating the state income tax to spur prosperity, comparing Alabama to nearby states such as Florida and Tennessee, which had abolished their income taxes. "We have to do it responsibly, but it is absolutely possible.
Bishop also promoted less government regulation and the elimination of the 2% grocery tax. "It starts at home, it starts with you and me," he said, advocating for more industry in Alabama.
Pate also spoke against the grocery tax and the state income tax. "We need to unleash business," he said.
Pate also discussed investing in infrastructure and lowering regulation to help businesses grow.
Next, candidates were asked about state spending and fiscal responsibility.
Pate discussed returning rainy-day funds to the people and cutting taxes. "The state has plenty of money," he said while advocating for investing in some major infrastructure investments.
Bishop talked about creating a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)-like program for Alabama and spending money "where it needs to be spent," with "common sense."
Wahl said he wants to see responsible spending across the board, agreeing with an Alabama DOGE. "Less spending, smaller, constitutionally limited government," will leave more money for infrastructure and the spending needs of the State, said Wahl.
Tankersley brought up education being "awful" in Alabama, blaming the "big mules" for taking advantage of it. He also discussed "holding people accountable for the industries they're over."
Wadsworth discussed corruption in Alabama: "The State of Alabama has a problem, and the problem is with corruption."
She criticized constitutional officers running for election for "writing press releases about the day-to-day duties of their job only during an election year," and criticized "pay-to-play" news sites that double as campaign websites.
The next question was about the challenges facing state education.
Wadsworth again emphasized bridging the gap between the business and education industries and planning career paths for Alabama students earlier rather than later.
Tankersley discussed an "essential need" for interests and motivations to contribute to one's community and called for the education system to be "restructured."
Trenton Buffenbarger is a senior at the University of Alabama and is the Chairman of the UA Young Americans for Freedom.
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