By CAROLINE BECK, Alabama Daily News
MONTGOMERY, Ala.-
The Chancellor of Troy University, Jack Hawkins, officially announced his endorsement of Gerald Dial for the nomination of Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries for the GOP on Thursday.
Hawkins highlighted Dial’s background as an educator as as an example of what sets him apart as a public servant.
“Over the years I have learned that Alabama public education – at all levels from kindergarten through Ph.D. – has no better friend than Gerald Dial. Sen. Dial began his career as a teacher and a coach, so he understands the hard work and sacrifice that educators make daily. This understanding led Sen. Dial to advocate for a special bonus, approved this year, for retired educators and other state employees.”
“On a personal note, experience has taught me that Gerald Dial is a man of strong integrity whose word is his bond. His work ethic is unmatched, as is his loyalty to friends and family. I can think of no better person to serve us as Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries.”
Dial, a State Senator from Clay County, has served on Troy Unversity Board of Trustees since 2015. He faces Rick Pate in the July 17 primary runoff.
The race for agriculture and industries commissioner has turned into a heated one, just as many other Alabama primaries have turned out to be. Dial recently released an ad attacking Pate over his 1986 divorce in which they accuse Pate of being a domestic abuser.
Pate’s ex-wife, Carolyn Pate, has come out saying that Dial’s accusations are lies and supports her ex-husband in a new campaign ad. You can watch both ads here.