It is easy to like Robert Bentley. He is smart, candid and self-assured but avoids the pitfall of arrogance. His manner is courtly and respectful, but he’s no pushover. Bentley has been an effective representative for this district in the state House of Representatives.
In the primary election in June, however, we endorsed Bradley Byrne, now Bentley’s opponent in Tuesday’s runoff for the Republican nomination for governor. At the time, we recognized Bentley’s strong character and heart for public service, but we argued that Byrne was the better choice because of his experience and vision. Since then, however, Byrne has done nothing to build our confidence in that judgment. Bentley, however, has demonstrated that not only can he win, but he also can do it with grace and a focus on the future that argues he is the better candidate for governor.
Like so many others across Alabama, we are won over. We urge Republican voters to turn out for Bentley next week. He has our endorsement for governor of Alabama.
We are disappointed that Byrne has allowed the Alabama Education Association to dictate the field of play for his campaign. His nasty fight with the AEA should not be the central focus of this election season. Byrne has had no choice but to call foul after AEA leaders tried to hide their links to the scurrilous attacks. But Byrne has failed to move the debate beyond AEA’s agenda.
Meanwhile, Bentley has offered a stronger, more substantive vision for Alabama at a time of big challenges for the state. He has focused on jobs, an issue for which he already has accomplished something — the Reemployment Act of 2010. It provides tax incentives to businesses to hire people receiving unemployment benefits or whose benefits have expired. Bentley introduced the bill that passed in the Legislature this spring and was signed by Gov. Bob Riley.
Bentley is a true political maverick. That may be a popular label in this election cycle, but Bentley was independent from the political establishment before the tea party movement got its name. He has sometimes voted with positions favored by AEA and Democrats in the Legislature, but he also has a record as a conservative on social and fiscal matters. He is more of a pragmatist — favoring getting things done — than an ideologue.
In fact, we continue to differ from his position
in blocking efforts over several years to allow citizens in Tuscaloosa to vote on Sunday alcohol sales. But this year, Bentley was conveniently away from Montgomery when a bill by Rep. Chris England came up for a crucial committee vote. Bentley never voted to allow a local referendum on Sunday sales, but he didn’t block it.
It would be good for West Alabama to have a governor from Tuscaloosa. This part of the state has not gotten its share of state funding and attention. Bentley could change that.
More importantly, we believe Bentley would be good for Alabama. We need a pragmatic, fiscally responsible, poised and positive leader for this state.