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Tuberville May Run for Governor of Alabama

Matt OHern
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Tuberville May Run for Governor of Alabama

Senator Tommy Tuberville (R) is considering a run for governor of Alabama in 2026, believing he has a solid chance to win. He mentioned to Alabama Daily News that he hasn’t made a final decision yet and knows it would be tough to leave Congress, but he’s interested in the governor’s role.

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“As the CEO of a state, you can do more in less time,” he said. “I’m not planning to be up here forever.”

Tuberville, who gained national recognition prior to the Senate as the head football coach at Auburn University, has been the subject of political pundits speculating the potential candidates for Alabama’s gubernatorial race.  

This week, Punchbowl News’ Andrew Desiderio reignited those rumors after posting his brief conversation with Tuberville.

Tuberville has discussed the potential switch with Senate leadership and other senators who were previously governors. He also said he’s been encouraged by the response from people in Alabama who are interested in seeing him run.

“I’ll have people here today, ask me, ‘What are you going to do, coach? We need you to come back,’” Tuberville told Alabama DailyNews. “We have all the county commissioners coming from the state of Alabama this week, and it’s encouraging that I’d have a good opportunity to win, but also can win this one, this seat.”

Tuberville conceded that the decision to leave a U.S. Senate would be a difficult one, especially with his party enjoying the majority.

Other potential candidates for the seat that will be vacated by current Gov. Kay Ivey include Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate and Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, who plans to announce his decision after the Alabama State Legislature completes its 2025 session.

Governor Kehoe Announces Two Judicial Appointments

Press Release
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Governor Kehoe Announces Two Judicial Appointments

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe announced judicial appointments to the 21st and 9th Judicial Circuits.

Ellen W. Dunne, of Des Peres, was appointed as the Circuit Judge in the 21st Judicial Circuit.

Judge Dunne currently serves as Associate Circuit Judge for the 21st Judicial Circuit, a position in which she has held since 2017. She earned her Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Missouri. Prior to her judicial service, she practiced law for over two decades, representing clients in all types of civil matters. In addition to her judicial duties, Judge Dunne is an active member of the Missouri Bar Association, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, Lawyers Association of St. Louis, Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater St. Louis, and St. Louis County Bar Association. Judge Dunne will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Nancy M. Watkins McLaughlin from the circuit bench.

Adam Warren, of Chillicothe, was appointed as the Associate Circuit Judge for Sullivan County in the 9th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Warren currently serves as the Livingston County prosecuting attorney, a position he has held since 2011. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and restaurant administration from Missouri State University. Mr. Warren built a successful private practice as the owner of Warren Law Office, LLC. He also served in the Missouri Army National Guard from 2004 to 2011 before receiving a honorable discharge. Mr. Warren will fill the vacancy left by the recent passing of Judge Tracey Mason-White.

Kentucky Secures Another Top 5 Ranking in Economic Projects Per Capita 

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Kentucky Secures Another Top 5 Ranking in Economic Projects Per Capita 

Kentucky ranks 2nd in South Central Region; 14 Kentucky communities recognized in Top Metropolitan, Micropolitan rankings

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 4, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Kentucky has once again placed in the top five for economic development projects per capita as Site Selection magazine posted its 2024 Governor’s Cup rankings, a placement the state has held during all five years of this administration.

In the South Central region, Kentucky placed second for regional projects per capita, as well as third for total projects, with 187 announcements in 2024.

“These Governor’s Cup rankings showcase what we already know: Kentucky is witnessing unprecedented economic growth and setting a strong foundation for long-term success,” said Gov. Beshear. “Hundreds of new and expanding companies are selecting our New Kentucky Home for their projects and creating jobs throughout the commonwealth. I am proud to see not only recognition for what we have accomplished as a state, but also significant growth in so many of our communities.”

In addition to the commonwealth’s strong placement in the South Central region, several Kentucky communities were recognized for their economic success in 2024, with categories based on population size.

Bowling Green, for the second year in a row, placed first among top metro areas by total projects with populations between 50,000 and 200,000. The community also moved to the top spot in the per capita category. Announcements in Warren County includes a new headquarters location from Clark Beverage Group.

Paducah and Owensboro also placed in the top 10 in the category for both total projects and per capita, and includes expansions from Blockware Mining, Swedish Match and Mizkan America.

Louisville/Jefferson County and the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati region both took spots in the top 10 for metros per capita for populations over one million, in addition to Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati placing seventh in total projects, with 126. Projects contributing to the placement include a new laboratory from HealthTrackRx; a relocation and expansion from Dan-O’s Seasoning; new facilities from ISCO Industries, Chick-fil-A Supply and L2 Aviation; and an expansion from Nexigen Communications.

Lexington/Fayette County placed fifth per capita and tied for ninth overall in top metros with populations between 200,000 and one million, with 25 projects. Expansion projects from SRC of Lexington and Piramal Pharma Solutions contributed to Lexington’s strong placement.

Paducah was recognized with top 10 spots in the 2024 Top Mississippi River Corridor Metro rankings, in both total projects (eighth) and projects per capita (second).

Additionally, eight Kentucky communities placed in the Top Micropolitans rankings by number of projects – the sixth most nationally – including Richmond-Berea, Corbin, Frankfort, Somerset, Campbellsville, Danville, Franklin and Madisonville.

Since 1988, Atlanta-based Site Selection has awarded the Governor’s Cup annually to the U.S. state with the newest and expanded corporate facilities as tracked by the Conway Projects Database. The rankings are regarded by corporate real estate analysts as an industry scoreboard. The magazine’s circulation reaches 42,000 executives in corporate site selection decision-making roles.

Last year, Site Selection magazine ranked Kentucky third nationally and first in the South Central region for economic development projects per capita in its 2023 Governor’s Cup rankings. Site Selection also placed Kentucky second in the South Central region and in the top 10 nationally in its 2024 Prosperity Cup ranking, which recognizes state-level economic development agencies for their success in landing capital investment projects.

Kentucky’s recognition in the 2024 Governor’s Cup builds on the best five-year period for economic growth in state history.

Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,100 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $35 billion in announced investments, creating more than 60,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history and $14 billion more than the next highest total.

The robust job creation has been accompanied by rising wages across the commonwealth. Since 2022, the average incentivized hourly wage has topped $26 in three consecutive years for the first time.

Gov. Beshear has announced some of the largest economic development projects in state history, which have solidified Kentucky as the electric vehicle battery production capital of the United States: Ford Motor Co. and SK On’s transformative $5.8 billion, 5,000-job BlueOval SK Battery Park in Hardin County; AESC’s $2 billion, 2,000-job gigafactory project in Warren County; Toyota’s $1.3 billion investment in Scott County; and Shelbyville Battery Manufacturing’s $712 million investment, creating 1,572 jobs in Shelby County.

The Governor’s administration also secured the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund. In 2023, Kentucky recorded over 2 million jobs filled for the first time ever and has stayed above that number ever since.

Kentucky also secured rating increases from major credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service.

Gov. Beshear announced a Supply Kentucky initiative with the goal of boosting job growth, reducing costs and providing more security in the supply chains of our Kentucky companies. The Governor also announced a new initiative, called New Kentucky Home, to increase economic investment, attain and attract talent, and increase tourism across the state.

Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at CED.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.

Read about other key updates, actions and information from Gov. Beshear and his administration at governor.ky.gov and the Governor’s official social media accounts Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Tennessee Governor Announces Judicial Appointments

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Tennessee Governor Announces Judicial Appointments

NASHVILLE, Tenn. –Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced two key judicial appointments.

“I am proud to announce the appointment of these highly qualified individuals and value the significant experience they will bring to their respective roles,” said Gov. Lee. “I appreciate their leadership and am confident they will serve Tennesseans with integrity.”

The following Tennesseans have been appointed:

·       Steven W. Sword – Court of Criminal Appeals, Eastern Division

·       Valerie L. Smith – Court of Appeals, Western Division

Steven Sword currently serves as a Criminal Court Judge for the 6th Judicial District. Sword earned his bachelor’s degree at King College and juris doctor at University of Tennessee School of Law. Sword has been appointed to fill the vacancy created by the untimely passing of Judge James C. Witt, Junior. This appointment is effective upon confirmation by the Tennessee General Assembly.

Valerie Smith currently serves as a Circuit Court Judge for the 30th Judicial District. Smith earned her bachelor’s degree at The University of Memphis and juris doctor at The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Smith has been appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Arnold B. Goldin. This appointment is effective upon confirmation by the Tennessee General Assembly.

New Bill Would Prevent North Carolina AG from Challenging Trump’s Executive Orders

Matt OHern
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New Bill Would Prevent North Carolina AG from Challenging Trump’s Executive Orders

The North Carolina Senate gave initial approval to legislation that would block Attorney General Jeff Jackson from challenging President Donald Trump’s executive orders in court.

Republicans in the upper chamber of the General Assembly quickly advanced Senate Bill 58 last week, saying that Jackson, a Democrat who was elected the state’s top law enforcement official in November, should be focused on the state, and shouldn’t be joining lawsuits brought by other Democratic attorneys general that have sought to block Trump’s executive actions. Democrats slammed the move by Senate Republicans on Wednesday, arguing in speeches on the Senate floor that GOP lawmakers were abandoning the notion of “states’ rights” by taking away the attorney general’s power to challenge the president’s executive orders.

Sen. Terence Everitt, a Wake Forest Democrat, said the concise, half-page bill Republicans were advancing to block the attorney general from participating in any legal action that seeks to invalidate a presidential executive order “reeks of weakness and appeasement.” Another Democrat, Sen. Mujtaba Mohammed of Charlotte, said that while the move to strip this power from Jackson may seem “politically convenient” now, Republicans could regret the change in the future. The bill cleared an initial vote Wednesday in a 28-17 vote. Democrats objected to a second required vote taking place immediately, so the bill will be taken up next week for the final vote to send it to the House.

Warnock, Ossoff Vote Against Bill That Would Have Blocked Biological Males from Female Sports Teams

Matt OHern
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Warnock, Ossoff Vote Against Bill That Would Have Blocked Biological Males from Female Sports Teams

Georgia US Senators Raphael Warnock and John Ossoff, both Democrats, voted against a bill titled the “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act“, which would prohibit biological males from playing on schools’ female sports teams. An accompanying version of the bill in the US House passed by a 219-206 vote split largely by party, but Senate Democrats kept the Senate bill from advancing from a procedural hurdle on a 51-45 vote. It needed 60 votes to advance, which would have required at least seven Democrats to vote with all Republicans.

Georgia Congressman Early ‘Buddy’ Carter (R) was among the loudest critics of Warnock and Ossoff’s votes. On X, the social network formerly known as Twitter, Carter posted the statement: “Tonight Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock chose they/them not you by voting to allow men to compete in women’s sports. We need Senators who stand with Georgians and not bow to Washington liberals.”

RELATED CONTENT: Georgia Counties that Vote Republican Most Consistently

Cassidy, Barrasso, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Repeal Biden Tax on American Energy, Manufacturing

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Cassidy, Barrasso, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Repeal Biden Tax on American Energy, Manufacturing

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), John Barrasso (R-WY), and colleagues introduced legislation to repeal the largest tax hike from the Democrats’ 2022 reckless tax and spending bill that makes it harder to invest, produce, and manufacture in the United States.

“The American dream is becoming out of reach for many Americans. We should be investing in American energy, manufacturing, and jobs,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This bill is pro-American worker and pro-Louisiana.”

“Reckless and complicated taxes like the book minimum tax undermine our nation’s supply chain, threaten our energy security, and send jobs and investments overseas,” said Senator Barrasso. “Companies that want to invest in our country, create more American jobs, and unleash American energy don’t need more punishing taxes. They especially don’t need unelected bureaucrats gaining more control of U.S. tax policy. We need to repeal this reckless and failed tax once and for all.”

The book minimum tax is an arcane tax on U.S. job creators investing in America. The tax removes longstanding provisions to help promote economic growth and investments while creating loopholes for special interest groups. The Book Minimum Tax Repeal Act will end this harmful provision and stop unelected bureaucrats from manipulating tax policy to benefit their favorite industries.

The legislation is supported by the National Association of Manufacturers, American Petroleum Institute, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, National Mining Association, Independent Petroleum Association of America, Energy Infrastructure Council, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, and the Western Energy Alliance.

Cassidy and Barrasso were joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), James Lankford (R-OK), Jim Risch (R-ID), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Steve Daines (R-MT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) in cosponsoring the legislation. 

What Did FERC Do Last Week? Only Change the Course of Energy Policy

Guest Columnist
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What Did FERC Do Last Week? Only Change the Course of Energy Policy

The new chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission used the Trump Administration’s order to have agency employees report their activities as a chance to show off. Late last week the chairman issued a four-page letter of accomplishments on behalf of his staff, a list that might be a good month, not a good week, at some […]

The post What Did FERC Do Last Week? Only Change the Course of Energy Policy appeared first on Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy.

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