Mike Hubbard: Rogers the clear choice for district

In November, voters will have a critical choice to make. They can choose to vote for a conservative reformer who splits with his Party on issues important to the citizens he represents, or they can cast a ballot for an inexperienced newcomer with opinions and positions on the far liberal left, well outside those of mainstream Alabamians.

You may assume I am talking about the upcoming presidential ballot between John McCain and Barack Obama, but, in actuality, I am referring to the race for the Third Congressional District – an election in which the differences between the two candidates could not be starker.

Incumbent Mike Rogers (R-Saks) has served his district admirably since taking over the seat from Gov. Bob Riley in 2002, and, like his predecessor, has distinguished himself as a strong supporter of our nation’s military and a prominent member of the House Armed Services Committee.

Though he staunchly represents the core conservative values held by his district, Rogers has proven time and again that he is not afraid to put people before partisanship when issues might negatively affect his neighbors.

As a close personal friend and longtime ally who served with him in the Alabama House of Representatives, I know the Third Congressional District needs a congressman with Rogers’ experience, influence and depth of understanding for the critical issues of the day, especially in the current economic environment.

Contrast Rogers’ record of accomplishment with that of his opponent, Josh Segall, and the decision becomes even easier. What little experience Segall brings to this race is on the far left of the political spectrum, where he held minor positions with liberal icons Paul Wellstone and Russ Feingold. He even worked as an organizer for the presidential campaign of Al Gore, the environmental liberal whose rantings about global warming and greenhouse gases earned him an Academy Award.

That might explain why Segall’s campaign is being funded with contributions from Hollywood television writers and hip-hop record moguls in New York City, as his campaign finance records clearly show.

Putting aside the source of his funding, on issue after issue, Segall strays from the views of average Alabamians. His staunch support of abortion on demand, his opposition to school vouchers and his willingness to cede the Middle East to those who would do use harm are just a few examples of issues upon which he departs far from the mainstream.

Since Democrats regained control of Congress, our nation now faces unprecedented crises in our economy, our access to energy and our housing markets. Solving these problems is going to take experience, tenacity and a conservative approach that ensures taxes remain low and families are not forced to turn more of their income over to government bureaucrats.

For these reasons and countless more, I strongly recommend the re-election of Congressman Rogers to represent Alabama’s Third District.

Rep. Mike Hubbard (R-Auburn) represents District 79 in the Alabama House of Representatives and is the House Minority Leader. He also serves as Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party.