West Alabama GOP Lawmakers Sign Letter Criticizing Lt. Gov. Candidate's Campaign Promises

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Four Republican West Alabama lawmakers have signed onto an open letter to Alabama voters criticizing campaign advertisements from Republican lieutenant governor candidate John Wahl.

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The letter argues that the office lacks the authority to deliver on promises related to taxes.

State Reps. Ron Bolton, R-Tuscaloosa; Bryan Brinyark, R-Samantha; Norman Crow, R-Tuscaloosa; and Bill Lamb, R-Tuscaloosa, were among legislators who endorsed the letter ahead of the June 16 Republican runoff election.

The letter, titled "An Open Letter to the People of Alabama," states that voters are being "bombarded with campaign ads" and says legislators have a responsibility to ensure voters understand the legislative process.

The lawmakers specifically took issue with political advertisements in which Wahl has promised to eliminate, decrease or freeze taxes if elected lieutenant governor.

The letter makes the following points:

• The lieutenant governor has no ability to keep taxation promises.
• The office of the lieutenant governorcannot have any impact on state taxes.
• The lieutenant governor cannot freeze taxes.
• The lieutenant governorcannot decrease taxes.
• The lieutenant governor cannot raise taxes.

The signatories argue that decisions regarding taxes are made through the legislative process rather than by the lieutenant governor's office.

"It is important to know the truth when you cast your ballot and to be aware when a candidate is making promises to you that are impossible to keep as there is no authority to do so in the position for which he is running," the letter states.

Under Alabama's Constitution, tax legislation must be approved by the Legislature, while the lieutenant governor serves primarily as president of the Alabama Senate and may cast tie-breaking votes.

The letter does not endorse a candidate in the runoff but focuses on what its signers describe as the limits of the lieutenant governor's authority regarding taxation.

Wahl, who received a crucial endorsement from President Donald Trump, is set to face off with current Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen in the GOP runoff on June 16, with the winner advancing to the general election in November.

In the Republican Primary in May, Wahl received 40.56% of the vote, while Allen received 38%.

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