On February 8, 2022, Alabama Political Reporter (APR) filed an article regarding a ballot challenge against Wendy Ghee Draper who is running for Alabama State Senate, District 12. APR Reporter, Charlie Walker, reported that an official challenge was filed with the state regarding questions about her political party affiliation. Mrs. Draper is running as a Republican, but the challenge questions her political affiliation and alleges that she is a Democrat. The article includes the following statement “The challenge focuses primarily on Draper’s past donations to Democrats, all of which date back to 2006 or earlier. They include donations to Jim Folsom Jr., Don Siegelman, Lucy Baxley and Craig Ford”.
We spoke with the Calhoun County Republican Party Leader, James W Bennet, regarding the status of the challenge. Mr. Bennet advised that because Mrs. Draper is running for a state office position the Calhoun County Republican office would not be involved with this issue and that questions should be forwarded to the Alabama GOP office based in Birmingham. We contacted Alabama GOP Office Communications Director, Jeannie Negrón Burniston, did verify that they have received the “Ballot Access Challenge” regarding Mrs. Draper but stated they do not comment on any challenges that are actively being reviewed by ALGOP.
The deadline to file ballot challenges with ALGOP was February 4, 2022, and all submissions must include a letter of challenge written by the challenger and a completed ballot challenge form. Once the documents are filed the ALGOP Candidate Committee will review the challenges received and decided which cases they will hear, and which ones they will dismiss. If they choose to move forward and hear a case the Candidate Committee will meet to hear those chosen cases. During the hearing the challenger(s) and the candidate(s) will have the opportunity to appear before the committee. At the end the hearings the Committee will then go into executive session to vote on each case. When a final vote has been made, each candidate is notified by ALGOP as to the decision and their status with the party.
We contacted Wendy Draper directly regarding the allegations filed against her. Mrs. Draper issued the following statement:
“Let there be no doubt, I am a Republican and have been for many years. My personal philosophy aligns with the Republican Party and I am a strong Republican wife and mother with conservative values and morals. I have invested my time and personal finances in support of Republican candidates and the Alabama Republican Party.
The people of Alabama voting in the Republican primary have the right to choose their candidate without a small group of people in secret trying to control who is on the ballot. I am the most qualified candidate running for Senate District 12. There is obviously a small clique of people trying to pull strings behind the scenes to taint the election process and deny voters their constitutional right to vote for the candidate of their choice. It is a shame that my opponents have stooped this low. But then again when you are in the lead your opponents become desperate and do things like this.
I am confident the Republican Party will dismiss the complaint that has been filed against me.
I look forward to continuing to engage our community and earn the votes of the people of Senate District 12″.
The Calhoun County Journal also spoke with all of the other candidates running for the Alabama State Senate District 12 race regarding the challenge.
The only Democrat candidate, Danny McCullars, stated:
“The Republican Party continues to try and purify those who enter their tent. My candidacy is seeking moderation and it stands in stark contrast to GOP extremes.”
The other two Republican candidates are Keith Kelley and Wayne Willis.
Keith Kelly stated:
“I have been a long time member of the Republican Party and am focusing on my campaign in the district”.
Wayne Willis stated:
“Respect the process, and trust in the state office to sort it out. I believe I’m ahead in the polls and only want to continue to focus on my own campaign. I don’t want to win by default”
The Alabama GOP could not give a time frame as to how long the process will take but each challenge is addressed as quickly as possible to allow campaigns to focus on the elections.
The Calhoun County Journal does not endorse any political candidate or party.
