Blankenship, Grantham elected

The political races for Dale County Commission chairman and District 2 Dale County commissioner were decided when 30.9 percent of registered Dale County voters went to the polls on March 3.

Mark Blankenship was re-elected Dale County Commission chairman after a narrow victory over challenger Jeff Jordan. Blankenship received 3,677 votes or 50.39 percent to Jordan’s 3,620 votes or 49.6 percent.

Donald Grantham was elected District 2 Dale County commissioner over incumbent Steve McKinnon. Grantham received 768 votes or 54.1 percent while McKinnon received 651 votes or 45.87.

In the Republican race for U.S. Representative for Alabama’s 2^nd Congressional District, Jeff Coleman and Coffee County native Barry Moore led the pack. Coleman received 3,774 votes or 47.3 percent while Moore received 1,826 votes or 22.9 percent.

Jessica Taylor placed third in the county vote with 1,291 votes or 16.1 percent.

Jeff Sessions and Tommy Tuberville came out on top in the county in United States senator race.

Sessions received 2,750 votes or 34.7 percent and Tuberville received 1,937 votes or 24.4 percent.

Bradley Byrne had the next highest placement with 1,698 votes or 21.4 percent.

The runoff election for these seats will be held on March 31.

On the Democratic side of the U.S. Representative for Alabama’s 2^nd Congressional District, Phyllis Harvey-Hall received 1,125 votes or 54.4 percent and Nathan Mathis received 941 votes or 45.5 percent.

In regards to Amendment One, which would make the Alabama State Board of Education members appointed members instead of elected members, the county overwhelming opposed the measure.

Residents cast 7,694 votes or 77.36 percent opposing the amendment and 2,251 or 22.63 percent approving the measure.

“Amendment One was a bold and ambitious effort to transform our state’s public schools,” Gov. Kay Ivey’s office said in a released statement. “Governor Ivey was willing to step out and support this idea because she firmly believed leadership – and change – started with the Board itself. Tonight, however, it appears the fear of losing the right to elect our State School Board members was greater than the confidence we had that fundamental change could be made. While disappointed, the governor’s resolve to improve our public education system remains intact. Amendment One is not where her plans for education stop, and you’ll see her continue to be more innovative and creative with her approach to improving Alabama.”