The Alabama Republican Party

For Immediate Release 

April 5, 2010

Contact: Philip Bryan

205.212.5900

pbryan@algop.org

ALGOP Statement on 2010 Ballot Access Challenges and Decisions

Montgomery, AL – A scheduled meeting of the Alabama Republican Party’s Candidate Committee took place on Saturday, April 3^rd in Montgomery to hear issues and challenges pertaining to candidates who qualified as Republicans for the 2010 election cycle. Among the issues for review included the use of nicknames and titles on the GOP Primary ballot as well as challenges to the Republican candidacy of specific qualifiers.

On Monday, the Alabama Republican Party issued the following statement:

 “We are excited that the 2010 election cycle has officially begun and look forward to working with each and every one of our Republican candidates. As is the case with every election, the Party receives requests to consider various questions involving a range of issues, including challenges to ballot access. The Party’s Steering and/or Candidate Committee are required to consider these issues and challenges and make a decision in accordance with our bylaws and principles. While some candidate challenges are issued without merit and do not warrant action, the Party’s Candidate Committee did hear more complex and compelling cases this year.

After completely hearing the facts of several candidate challenges, the Candidate Committee of the Alabama Republican Party found that the choices, decisions and contributions of two prospective candidates were in direct conflict to the core principles and bylaws of the Party. Because of activities deemed to be in direct conflict with the Republican Party banner under which they sought to run, the Alabama Republican Party determined that Chip McCallum and Senator Harri Anne Smith will not be qualified to run as Republicans in 2010.

If our Party is to remain true to its principles and rules, there are times where tough decisions must be made. It is imperative that both the voters and the media understand that these decisions were not based on any vote or position on public policy, but rather on violations of the rules and principles that govern our Party.”

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