What are your duties as the Minority Leader for the Alabama House of Representatives?

As the Minority Leader, I work to make certain citizens represented by Republicans in the Alabama House are not shut out of the legislative process. Democrats have controlled the Alabama Legislature for well over 100 years and many of the problems we face today are the result of their unchallenged power.

As Minority Leader, I best serve the people of Alabama by helping our Caucus work together to give us strength in the legislative process and by holding the majority party accountable to all the people, not just the special interests and power brokers.

Why is Lee County represented by so many legislators?

There are currently nine (9) legislators in the Lee County delegation, six (6) in the House and three (3) in the Senate. When redistricting lines were drawn in 2001, the Democrat- controlled legislature, in a bid to retain their control of both the House and Senate, over- populated Republican districts and under-populated Democratic districts so that Democratic voters would be spread throughout more districts. Splitting Lee County into six House Districts and three Senate Districts assures that the representation of majority Republican counties, like Lee County, is diluted in the Alabama Legislature.

For example, in the last four election cycles, no Democrat has carried Lee County in a county-wide race, yet seven (7) of the nine (9) members of the Lee County Legislative Delegation are Democrats.

I am the only member of the Lee County Legislative Delegation whose entire district falls within Lee County. It is my responsibility to represent the values and needs of Lee County voters in the House of Representatives and I take this responsibility very seriously.

In what ways have you helped to strengthen our local and state schools?

As your legislator, my goals are to make certain we offer the finest educational opportunities for the children in the Auburn, Opelika and Lee County School systems. That means putting our education dollars directly into the classroom, making certain we have the best teachers and the necessary learning space. My oldest son, Clayte, attends public school in Auburn (Auburn Junior High) and my youngest (Riley) attends Dean Road Elementary School, so I am committed to doing everything I can to make ensure our children receive a world class education.

I am proud to have supported Governor Riley’s last two budgets that fully funded K-12 education in the State of Alabama, including reasonable and sustainable pay raises for our teachers. I’ve also worked to expand the Alabama Reading Initiative and the Alabama Math and Science Initiative to every school in the state.

Locally, I’ve been instrumental in securing hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant money that has gone directly to our schools. Below are just a few of the local projects funded by these grants:

Video cameras for all Auburn City School busses (Auburn)
Risers for choral performances for all Opelika Elementary students (Opelika)
Science lab for Ogletree Elementary School (Auburn)
Media lab for Wrights Mill Elementary School (Auburn)
Security cameras and equipment for Auburn Early Education Center (Auburn)
New electronic sign for Auburn High School (Auburn)
New electronic sign and new track for Dean Road Elementary School (Auburn)
$15,000 for intercom and fire protection equipment for Opelika Middle School (Opelika)
Media lab for Ogletree Elementary School (Auburn)
$2000 for all Opelika school principals to use for instrcutional supplies (Opelika)
Abstinence education grant for Lee County Schools (Lee County)
Arts in Education program for all elementary school students at Jan Dempsey Art Center (Auburn)

I have also sponsored legislation to provide liability insurance to protect our teachers from frivolous lawsuits and was recognized by the State Department of Education for successfully passing a bill that reduced the amount of unnecessary standardized testing required at the high school level.

In what ways have you worked to support Auburn University in the legislature?

Supporting Auburn University is always one of my top priorities. First of all, Auburn University is the largest employer in Lee County and the growth of our local economy is directly tied to the growth of Auburn University. Secondly, Alabama’s colleges and universities, especially research institutions like Auburn University, directly contribute to improving the quality of life for our citizens and to expanding our economy. My wife, Susan, is a Professor at Auburn, so I understand the importance of attracting and keeping top tier teaching and research faculty.

I was proud to have led the charge to secure a $10 million grant from the state towards the construction Auburn University’s new Research Park, and over $900,000 in state funds for improvements to the university-owned airport. I then worked with my good friend, Congressman Mike Rogers, to utilize these state funds to secure millions of dollars in matching federal funds for improvements to our airport.

In addition to Auburn’s overall appropriations, which have set records the past two years as the largest in the history of the University, I have also successfully added hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional support for the Transition Program in the AU College of Education, the Encylopedia of Alabama Project in the College of Liberal Arts, and the Autism Research Center in the College of Education, among others.

Last year Governor Riley proposed a budget that would, for the first time in our history, fully fund requests made by Alabama’s institutions of higher education—including Auburn. I was proud to support this budget as well as Governor Riley’s current budget providing full support and much needed capital improvements for the Auburn campus.

Three times (1999, 2000, 2001) I’ve been named Auburn’s Legislative Tiger of the Year for my work on behalf of Auburn University in the legislature.

Why is it important for Auburn University Students to have a voice in our State Legislature?

Auburn's State Representative has a big impact on the day-to-day lives of Auburn students.

The Alabama Legislature is the body that determines how much money the State of Alabama appropriates to Auburn University each year. This appropriation impacts the cost of tuition, faculty salaries, the ability to place appropriate technology in classrooms, as well the ability to build new buildings and maintain existing ones.

I understand the pressures on students to achieve a quality and affordable education and am committed to making sure that Auburn University is adequately funded.

Why are you a Republican?

I am a Republican because as a conservative, I believe in limiting the powers of government, holding government accountable to the people, fostering opportunity through education and economic development, fiscal responsibility, and keeping our families safe and secure. I’m also a Republican because our Party’s commitment to the enduring principles of faith, life and freedom.

What are your duties as Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party?

In February, 2007 I was honored to have been elected as Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party and re-elected for another two-year term earlier this year. My primary roles are to be the public spokesperson and fundrasier for the party and to help elect Republicans to office throughout the state.

Does it really matter whether HD 79 is represented by a Republican or a Democrat?

Absolutely. The person serving in the Legislature needs to be a faithful representative of the voters back home. As your legislator, I strive to represent every citizen in my district to the best of my ability, but the vast majority of voters in HD 79 are conservative Republicans who deserve to be represented by a fellow conservative Republican.

Every candidate who qualifies to run on the Democrat tickets promises to support every Democrat on the ballot—whether that be John Kerry, Hillary Clinton, Don Siegelman, or Roger Bedford. I don't believe these individuals represent the values of the vast majority of Lee County’s citizens.

Have you really worked on two successful Heisman Trophy campaigns?

Yes. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work directly on two successful Heisman Trophy campaigns during my career in college athletics - Herschel Walker at Georgia and Bo Jackson at Auburn.

I was a student at the University of Georgia in the early 1980s and worked in the athletic department's sports information office. I am the same age as Herschel and we actually lived next door to each other in the athletic dormitory on the UGA campus.

David Housel hired me in 1984, two weeks after my graduation from Georgia, to work in Auburn's media relations office. David was gracious and gave me a great deal of responsibility in working with Bo on the Heisman push. When he won the trophy on December 7, 1985, David and I were sitting right behind Bo when it was announced. On the video of the event, you can see Bo turn around and shake my hand. (The video also reveals that I had much more hair in 1985, too!).

Note: While at Georgia, I also spearheaded the Heisman Campaign for my college roommate, Terry Hoage, who was an All-America defensive back. He finished fifth in the 1983 balloting - the highest Heisman finish ever for a defensive back and the highest Heisman finish for a defensive player in SEC history. Even though this wasn't a Heisman victory, it was historic.

You wear a lot of hats and have a reputation for working hard, but what do you like to do for fun?

When I’m not working, I mostly enjoy spending time with my family. I also enjoy traveling, when we have the time.

I don’t have many hobbies, but I did become a private pilot a little over two years ago, so I thoroughly enjoy flying for fun. I’ve also enjoy riding my Harley-Davidson motorcycle, although it seems I have less and less time to ride these days.

Did you really name your youngest son after Bob Riley?

I met and got to know Bob Riley and his family when he was running for Congress in 1995. I immediately liked him and knew he was getting involved in public service for all the right reasons. He inspired me to get involved in public service as well (Susan will never forgive him for that, either!).

He is, without a doubt, my political mentor. But, after over 14 years of friendship, I have also come to know him as a man of character and integrity and I respect him as a Christian, a husband, a father, a businessman and a political leader.

With all that in mind, Susan and I were proud to name our youngest son, Riley, after him.

Is that your voice I hear on Auburn Network TV shows, radio broadcasts and DVDs?

Yes, it is. People may not always recognize my face, but most Auburn fans recognize my voice when I speak. In fact, many people tell me I sound a lot taller than I am in person!!

You can hear my voice on Auburn Network TV shows,including the Auburn Football Review ,commercials on Auburn Network radio broadcasts, and on most Auburn football highlight DVDs.

Since I started out as a DJ when I was 13 years old (and never really got over it) I also enjoy my role as the Saturday morning DJ on Wings 100.3 FM from 6 a.m. - noon. WingsFM.com

For more information on my company and all the things we do, visit the Auburn Network, Inc., website.

For information on the the Auburn broadcast network, visit AuburnTigers.com

How does your experience as the owner of several local businesses help you to serve the people of HD 79 in the legislature?

As a small businessman, I’ve created jobs and understand the importance of meeting a payroll. I understand that government doesn’t create jobs, but that it can create an environment favorable to growth.

I also understand that the best way to produce additional revenues for our state is not by raising taxes, but by expanding our economy. The strong growth in state revenues over the past two years is a direct result of the new jobs and industries we have recruited to Alabama.

How did you get started in broadcasting?

I started working as a DJ at my hometown radio station when I was 13 years old, and have always loved it.I majored in radio & televison in college and have been fortunate to have had a career combining many things I enjoy - broadcasting, sports and entrepreneaurship - and, of course, politics..

How does your faith play a role in your life?

My faith is my bedrock. It shapes who I am and who I hope to be. My family and I are active members of Auburn United Methodist Church.

Everyone complains that Alabama is ranked last, or close to last on so many of the things we need to do to improve the lives of our citizens. Why haven’t we been able to change the way that we do things?

The Alabama Legislature has been controlled by the Democratic Party for more than 100 years. In all that time the leadership has become entrenched with the special interests and is more concerned with being accountable to the leaders of those special interests than to the people of Alabama.

Are Auburn students eligible to register to vote in Lee County?

Yes! I encourage Auburn University students to register to vote in Lee County. You may register by clicking here and downloading a voter registration form.

So many people distrust the Alabama Legislature’s ability to spend our money wisely. What would you like to see happen to restore the people’s trust in state government?

The first thing we need is increased accountability to the people. We need to end pass-through-pork once and for all.

We also need to break the stranglehold the special interests have on the State Legislature. Education spending should be guided by one principle and one principle only—what’s best for the student in the classroom—and not what’s best for and the education union.

Why was the Alabama Education Association opposed to your re-election?

As a legislator, my priority for education has been what is best for the student in the classroom and that has often put me at odds with the AEA and its focus. Don't forget, I have two sons in our local public schools so I'm passionate about providing the best education for our children!

What‘s the difference? Focusing on the child in the classroom balances the need for quality teachers with the need for appropriate textbooks, adequate supplies, safe buildings, learning technology and all the other ingredients that help to make the classroom a positive learning environment. I have many close friends who are teachers and they will tell you that they can’t do their best work without the proper tools - books, supplies, equipment and classrooms.

I have supported many of the AEA’s initiatives over the years and have actually carried legislation they support, but I have refused to blindly do everything they want. When I don’t support them lock step, they accuse me of being “anti-education” or “anti-teacher”, which is absolutely absurd. They intimidate legislators by threatening them with their millions of dollars of campaign funds collected through their monthly union dues, and many are too scared to stand up to them.

By placing their focus on what is best for the teacher’s union, the AEA assumes the first priority for our education dollars is to increase salary and benefits for education employees with classroom needs - and the responsibility to be fiscally responsible and keep our school budget out of financial trouble - playing a secondary role. That’s wrong and that’s why the AEA opposed my re-election.

The AEA has also historically fought funding for higher education, so that also often puts me at odds with them.

Finally, the AEA's Executive Secretary, Paul Hubbert, also serves as the Vice Chairman of the Alabama Democrat Party. His goal is to elect Democrats and defeat Republicans, especially Republicans in leadership positions.

So, naturally, he used his organization to oppose my re-election. But I will continue to support strengthening classroom education and rewarding excellent teachers on the basis of whether it is good for our children and not on the basis of whether it is good for Pual Hubbert and the AEA.