The Story:
A US Senate seat for Alabama will be hotly contested between the Republican and Democratic parties in the fall’s election. Before that contest can take place, though, the Republican Party will have to fix on its candidate. One of those in contention for this spot on the fall ballot is Tommy Tuberville, a long-time college football coach.
Background:
Tuberville’s most recent coaching job was with the University of Cincinnati Bearcats. He left that post after a terrible season in 2016, when he finished with a 4-8 record. Tuberville explored the possibility for a US Senate run in 2018, but decided against it. In April 2019, though, he confirmed that he is in it for the 2020 round.
Although President Trump has not chosen sides among the Republican factions in Alabama, there is a connection between the Tuberville campaign and the Trump administration. Sean Spicer, former White House press secretary, is working with Tuberville now.
The Thing to Know:
More consequentially, Tuberville has the support of the Alabama Farmers Federation. On agricultural policy, Tuberville has broken with the administration saying that it has “putting a noose around” the necks of farmers in its hostility to international trade. He has also declared himself “pissed off” that this administration hasn’t done enough to address the issue of health care for veterans.
