Montgomery resident expected to enter Congressional race

By: Lance Griffin | Dothan Eagle
Published: December 04, 2009

A Montgomery small businessman has announced the formation of an exploratory commission for the purpose of seeking Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District seat currently held by Bobby Bright.

Rick Barber has yet to qualify officially, but said early support from friends and business contacts has been encouraging.

“I feel like people want more small businessmen in Washington and fewer politicians,” Barber said Thursday in a phone interview with the Dothan Eagle.

Barber said he formed Applied Computers and Consulting in 2001 before the business merged with another. He currently serves as the business’s vice president of corporate sales. He also owns Deja Vu Billiards. He served in the Marine Corps and Marine Reserves from 1995-2003.

Barber has been involved in the recent TEA party movement, and traveled to Washington for the 9/12 rally. He also hosts local meetings to support the ‘Fair Tax’, a tax proposal that would eliminate the income tax in favor of a consumption tax. He also said he supports gun rights and the right to life.

“One of my basic beliefs is that the general moral conservative compass needs to be brought back to the Republican party,” Barber said.

Martha Roby, who serves on the Montgomery City Council, has qualified to run as a Republican for the seat.