St. Clair News Aegis (Pell City, AL)

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  • “The thing I’ve enjoyed most is shaking hands and meeting people,” Dr. Robert Bentley said of his gubernatorial campaign. Here, he greets Lt. Freddie Turrentine, St. Clair’s GOP Vice-Chairman, during his Moody visit. Buddy Roberts

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September 7, 2010

Bentley talks new jobs in Moody

Outlines differences between himself, Sparks

By Buddy Roberts News-Aegis

Moody — Calling for an attitude change in Montgomery, Dr. Robert Bentley cited his prediction a Republican takeover of the Alabama legislature as an indication that he party has reunited after this summer’s primary elections.  

“A primary is like a family fight,” he said during an appearance at a GOP fundraiser in Moody last week  “You have brothers and sisters that you bicker and fight with, but then Christmas comes, you open the presents, and everybody’s happy.”

Bentley emerged as the Republican nominee for governor after defeating Bradley Byrne in the sometimes-bitter primary run-off in July.  The state legislator faces opposition from Democrat Ron Sparks in the general election in November.

“We differ on social issues in four major ways,” Bentley said.  “First, I’m pro-life, and he’s pro-choice.  Second, I view the number of illegal immigrants in our state as a pressing problem.  He’s not as strong on that as I am.  Third, I’m opposed to the federal takeover of the health care system, and he’s in favor of it.   Because of what’s about to happen, the state needs someone knowledgeable about health care as its next governor, like a doctor.”  He has been a practicing physician for 34 years.

His opposition to plans that would expand legalized gambling in Alabama is the fourth difference between him and Sparks, he added.  Although he supports a public vote on the issue, Bentley said he isn’t a proponent of legalized gambling and doesn’t consider it good for the economy.

“We need real jobs, not jobs brought about by gambling.  We need jobs that create something or teach something.  Bringing money in from gambling is not the best way to fund this state.”

Bentley said putting people back to work would be his first order of business upon winning the general election and has pledged to refuse the governor’s salary until the state’s unemployment situation improves.

“During the primary, people would ask me, ‘Are you the one who said you wouldn’t accept any pay?’  At least 75 percent of people ask me about that, so that has really resonated with people.”

 

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