By TODD STACY, Alabama Daily News
Paul Sanford, a businessman and former state lawmaker from Huntsville, is throwing his hat in the ring for a position in Congress.
Sanford on Monday announced he will seek the Republican nomination to Congress Alabama’s 5th District, which now includes all of Alabama’s northernmost counties. Known for his “Little Paul’s Barbecue” restaurant, Sanford won an unlikely race for State Senate in 2010 and served two terms.
With that political experience in his pocket along with decades of business ownership, Sanford said he’s ready to go to Washington.
The actions of our Government speak loud and clear at our ports, our borders, and at every retail store, cash register & gas pump,” Sanford said in a campaign announcement. “District 5 needs a strong conservative who will fight for you everyday without shying away from tough issues. I pledge to stand strong while fighting for our freedoms, rights, and conservative values in Washington DC.”
During his time in the Senate, Sanford was known as a staunch conservative, caucusing with a group of stubborn if not intransigent Republicans who often ruffled the feathers of legislative leadership. Sanford said the people want someone to shake things up on their behalf and not go along to get along.
“It is time that we send hard working individuals like you and me to Washington DC in order to make the right decisions and get our country back on track,” Sanford told a group of supporters at announcement in Huntsville.
Sanford joins an already crowded field to replace Congressman Mo Brooks, including Madison County Commission President Dale Strong, former Huntsville School Superintendent Casey Wardynski, educator Andy Blalock and former Chamber of Commerce official John Roberts.
The Republican Primary takes place May 24.