AUBURN, Ala (EETV) - This week will be another busy one in politics, especially on the local and national levels, here’s The Week Ahead In Politics: National, State and Local.
National:
President Trump this weekend began what is going to be one of the longest trips to Asia made by a sitting U.S. president. Trump will be meeting with leaders from China and Japan, with the escalating tensions with North Korea expected to be a major topic of discussion. Trump is also expected to discuss possible new trade rules as well.
Congress will continue to work on gaining the support to pass the much anticipated tax reform package that was unveiled last week. Most House Republicans are supportive of the measure which could be the first major reform to the U.S. tax code in roughly thirty years. Expect to see negotiations between Senate and House leaders continue over the specifics of the legislation, including possible changes to the adoption tax credit and the state and local tax deduction rules.
Finally, continue to hear about revelations regarding how the Democratic National Committee allegedly colluded with the Clinton campaign prior to her winning the 2016 primary election. Former DNC Chair and longtime Democratic activist Donna Brazile revealed the allegations in her new book. Multiple Democrat leaders have spoken out about the revelations including Sen. Elizabeth Warren who agreed on Thursday that the 2016 Democratic primary was rigged in favor of Hillary Clinton.
State:
The race to fill Attorney General Jeff Session’s former U.S. Senate seat continues to be the big discussion in Alabama politics. Recent polls have shown Republican nominee and former Chief Justice Roy Moore commanding a large lead over Democratic nominee Doug Jones.
Jones and Moore have spared over the past week over various issues including economic projects in Mobile and abortion. At one point this week Moore even blocked Jones from his Twitter account.
On the governor’s race, Gov. Kay Ivey continues to work on her reelection campaign, raising more money than any of her other challengers. Ivey’s closest challenger in the Republican nomination continues to be Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle.
Local:
The Auburn City Council will be meeting again this week to approve several agenda items. The City is expected to honor multiple long-serving city employees, approve some zoning requests, and approve expenditures related to a new public parking facility.
The Opelika City Council will also be meeting this week. Some agenda items for them include some demolition orders and an ordinance calling for a special city election to occur on Feb. 13.
