U.S. Senator Richard Shelby attracts "conservative" challenger in Republican Primary - for
By Howard Koplowitz | hkoplowitz@al.com AL.com /storypackage /#article_inset Article
Scottsboro, AL
Surrounded by about 40 supporters Tuesday in front of the Jackson County Courthouse in Scottsboro, ex-Alabama state Sen. Shadrack McGill publicly announced his candidacy in the Republican U.S. Senate primary, where he'll face off against longtime U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., and four other challengers.
McGill, who served in the state senate from 2010 to 2014, pledged "to run a campaign on the issues of what kind of senator I will be and not simply bash my opponent," referring to Shelby. As one of the most conservative members of the state senate during his tenure, McGill said he would be more visible than Shelby on conservative social issues like defunding Planned Parenthood, defending religious liberty and advocating for "traditional marriage."
"As a member of the Alabama state Senate, I was relentless in fighting to preserve our Christian values and protect freedoms," McGill said, as he stood alongside his wife and children, who held signs reading "Vote 4 My Dad," "Vote 4 Dad-Rac" and "Shadrack is Back 2016."
"I was not focused on making friends or pleasing the political class. Instead, I rolled up my sleeves and I did the job that I was elected to do. I stood strong, I fought hard and often I stood alone. This is the kind of leadership we need in Washington," he went on to say.
While those in McGill's former northern Alabama senate district may be familiar with his record, other Alabamians who he wants to represent may know him best from when he gained national media attention in 2013, when he claimed strippers harassed him and his family by knocking on his door in the middle of the night. Meanwhile, his wife, posted a lengthy Facebook mention shortly after he took office that said her husband was being targeted by women on social media looking to ensnare him in a scandal.
The former state senator likened his underdog general election campaign in 2010, when he defeated incumbent Democrat Lowell Baron, to his run now against Shelby.
"No one thought that we could beat my previous opponent. He was too powerful, he was too connected, he had too much money, he had been in Montgomery for too long to be beaten by an outsider like myself," McGill said. "What we did though ... is sent shock waves throughout the state of Alabama with a victory in 2010 for state senate. We brought about change and that is why I announce my candidacy today is to make change in the U.S. for U.S. senate 2016."
McGill, who had been working in the private sector, said his decision to run was not a light one, but said lots of prayer and counsel pushed him to run. He acknowledged that his campaign is a huge underdog, but said his prior election history gives him confidence he can beat Shelby and the other challengers.
"I'm confident in the Lord that we can do this again. [Shelby] is also a powerful man. He's connected, he's been in Washington, D.C. for over 36 years, and oh, by the way, he has close to $20 million in his campaign account and he's ready to spend it against anyone who dares to threaten his seat that he has held for over three decades," McGill said. "The odds are clearly against us. Montgomery insiders will count us out. What they feel to realize though is the energy and enthusiasm that conservatives have across the state to elect a proven conservative leader who can provide the fresh prospective and strong leadership."
McGill portrayed himself as someone who would not be tempted by power in Washington.
Some of our politicians have become too focused on enriching themselves and building up their war chests with millions and millions of dollars," he said. "I'm ready to stand up to be counted and to be the leader the people deserve: A senator who will fight for the Christian, oppose the Islamic State and radical jihadists, confront the liberal agenda, yet speak up for our small towns and business. Halt the growth of government and support out troops and veterans and restore our values and liberties that made this nation great."