Everett endorses Jay Love for congressional seat

DALEVILLE —  In the midst of endorsing State Rep. Jay Love for Congress, the current representative from the Second Congressional District made some other news.

Retiring U.S. Congressman Terry Everett, R-Rehobeth, said he has not shut the door on seeking another elected office, adding later that some of his supporters are urging him to run for governor.

The surprise came during Everett’s official endorsement of Love at Daleville City Hall on Monday morning after being asked if he planned to give some of his campaign war chest to Love.

“I intend to max out with Jay in his race. As far as a campaign account is concerned, I am not ready to release that to anybody because I may or may not indeed be involved in another race,” Everett said.

Responding to inquiries later, Everett’s press secretary, Mike Lewis, said Everett is simply keeping his options open.

“If he chooses to run for future office, he wants to keep his funds for that purpose,” Lewis said. “He has been encouraged by some of his supporters to run for governor, but he has not made any commitment to run for that or any other political office.”

Everett, 71, announced his impending retirement from Congress last September. He will conclude his eighth term in January.

During his endorsement speech, Everett said he believed Love’s business sense qualified him for the seat, and that Democrat nominee Bobby Bright would not represent the majority of 2nd district voters.

“ … Democrats are taught to campaign at home the fact that they are free to do whatever they want to do, but if you look to the voting record once they get to Washington, it doesn’t hold out that way,” Everett said. “They were a part of this entire term beginning with the first three or four months of locking all Republican districts from having a voice in Congress.”
Love said Everett’s endorsement got the general election “off to a good foot.”

He also said it was appropriate the endorsement took place near Fort Rucker. During the Republican primary race against State Sen. Harri Anne Smith of Slocomb, his commitment to protecting the post from closure or realignment was questioned.

“…There are certain issues that should rise above politics, and the needs of our military and our farmers are first among them. … If I get elected to Congress, I pledge to continue … critical support to Fort Rucker,” he said.

Love said he expected financial support from the national Republican Party. The race is believed to be on the radar of both parties’ national leadership.

“I think the people of this district are owed to know who you’re sending to Washington, the values they represent.” Love said.

“Change is coming, but we need to bring change to Washington that reflects the traditional values of the people of the Second Congressional District,” he said.