Mary Scott Hunter for Senate 7

I support Mary Scott Hunter in the Republican Primary for State Senate District 7.

This has been a tough decision to make, because each one of the GOP candidates is capable and well-qualified.  However, I narrowed it down to Hunter, Roger Richardson, and Paul Sanford. On any given day I could eagerly support any of these candidates.  I have been stuck since then, until now, when I must make a decision.

I agree with all of the candidates on many issues (and so do they, Roger Richardson’s comment in a forum that “I agree with all of us” was not only witty but very true).  Once I became comfortable with the candidate’s stand on the big issues, it was time for some subjective decisions.

I looked at fundraising, campaign organization, campaigning, little issues, endorsements, electability, and cooking. Here’s a summary of what I considered:

Fundraising – this seat may cost over $200,000 to win.  Sam Givhan wins hands down on fundraising, even discounting the PAC money he received, he gained many contributions from individuals. Mary Scott Hunter raised the next biggest GOP amount, with only one PAC contribution.  Allan Rhodes and Paul Sanford seem to be self-financing their campaigns.

Note that Hunter and Givhan held back about $12,000 each in their campaign funds.  IMO this shows prudence in that they are both planning for the next round.

Campaign Organization – Mary Scott Hunter showed that she can pick good people in her hiring of her campaign staff. When Hunter was asked about her contribution to Democrat Deborah Paseur, her campaign responded quickly with a satisfactory explanation.  After getting questioned for taking a PAC contribution, I noticed that she didn’t accept others.  I don’t know if other PACs offered and I don’t think all PAC money is bad – but I prefer transparency.

Roger Richardson also has a great organization. He hit the ground running and Kal Barber is doing a fantastic job.

Sam Givhan has Stan McDonald, who is a real pro and very well-respected in the GOP community.

Campaigning – I’ve received mail from each candidate except Peter Wright, and from some candidates I’ve received several pieces of mail.

I really like how Allan Rhodes uses technology, putting an infomercial on Comcast and using Ustream.  Paul Sanford has knocked on 3,000 doors.

I’ve seen each of the candidates at events, most often Hunter, Richardson, and Sanford.

Little Issues – mine are Free the Hops (sorry Allan) and conserving Alabama’s natural and cultural resources.  I was looking for a pro-business solution and Allan Rhodes, Mary Scott Hunter, Sam Givhan, and Roger Richardson answered ‘correctly’.

Endorsements – Mary Scott Hunter gained contributions from the legendary GOP Congressman Sonny Callahan of Mobile and Al Wiggins.  The Wiggins contribution meant more to me, because I campaigned for him when he ran for State Representative.

I am almost embarrased to admit that I had never heard of Scott Hunter before this campaign.

Electability – the only ‘poll’ I’ve seen is the MCGOP straw poll, which Roger Richardson won big. Sanford was second and Hunter was third. 

Cooking - yes, this is kind of important to me.  Sheriff Dorning has spoiled me with his chicken and I’m a big fan of former Sheriff Whisante’s catfish.   Paul Sanford is a graduate of the most prestigious chef school in the USA, the Culinary Institute of America, and a scion of the award-winningest BBQ family in the world.

In summary, it was a close call between Paul Sanford, Roger Richardson, and Mary Scott Hunter.  A tough decision, but…

There can be only one.