Robert Bentley in 2014 Alabama Governor's race
On Principles & Values:
Refuses to debate, after promising to debate post-primaries
Bentley formally closed off the idea of a debate with Democratic opponent Parker Griffith, saying Griffith was only interested "in negative campaign ads, name calling and political grandstanding."Late last month, Griffith made stops around the state
with a 20-foot high duck--symbolic, he said, of the governor "ducking" a forensic contest with him.
Bentley had expressed a willingness to debate Griffith after his primary victory on June 3. In his statement Monday, the governor said he once had hopes
for a "civil conversation" on the issues. "My opponent's actions prove he has no interest in such civil political discourse, making any debate with him meaningless in helping people make up their mind in this election."
A spokesperson said the only
reason for the governor getting away from the debate was Griffith's actions. Asked how Griffith's comments were different [from other campaigning], she replied, "What's different about this is our opponent is carrying an inflatable duck around the state.
Source: Montgomery Advertiser on 2014 Alabama gubernatorial debate
Sep 8, 2014
On Education:
First Class Pre-K good, but only enrolls 12% of kids
Griffith and Bentley both support expanding the availability of pre-kindergarten. Alabama's voluntary pre-K initiative, First Class, started in 2000 and is well-regarded nationally. The Legislature, at Bentley's request, has doubled funding for
pre-kindergarten over the last two years, to $38 million. The program has grown accordingly but still serves only about 7,400 children, about 12% of the state's 4-year-olds.Bentley said he will ask the Legislature for another $10 million increase
next year. He said the state should gradually expand it be available to all 4-year-olds statewide. "Every child would have a foundation upon which they could build," Bentley said.
The governor said statistics show the value of First Class.
All of its children, for example, have gone on to become grade-level readers in third grade. Moreover, pre-K narrows the achievement gap: Low-income children who experience pre-k are less likely to struggle later.
Source: AL.com coverage of 2014 Alabama gubernatorial debate
Sep 7, 2014
On Abortion:
Do everything to protect those who cannot protect themselves
I will always firmly uphold these Truths which are self-evident, that all men are created equal. That all are given, by their Creator, the Right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. The most vulnerable, the most helpless, the most abused & the
most oppressed. The elderly, the ill--and especially the unborn--everyone has been endowed with the Right to a Life. I will do everything as Governor to protect those who cannot protect themselves, and protect our Freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.
Source: 2014 Alabama Gubernatorial website, BentleyForGovernor.com
Sep 1, 2014
On Education:
First Class program: voluntary Pre-K education
We must give children a chance at success even before they reach Kindergarten. We must close the achievement gap. Children and schools must be given every chance to succeed. I truly believe by allowing greater access to a voluntary Pre-K education, we
will change the lives of children in Alabama.Alabama's First Class program is nationally-recognized for its quality. Alabama is currently 1 of only 4 states in the country to meet all 10 quality benchmarks established by the National Institute for
Early Education Research. The benchmarks include teacher training, staff-child ratios, support services and more. However, only 6% of Alabama's 4-year-olds are currently enrolled in the First Class program. The state also ranks a disappointing 33rd in
access among the 40 states that offer pre-K programs. In order to expand access, Governor Bentley proposed additional funding for voluntary pre-kindergarten in the fiscal year 2014 Education Trust Fund.
Source: 2014 Alabama Gubernatorial website, BentleyForGovernor.com
Sep 1, 2014
On Gun Control:
Freedoms are guaranteed in the Second Amendment
When I took the Oath of Office, I swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Alabama. I am, and have always been, a strong supporter of the Constitution on which our nation and our states were founded.
I believe we are endowed with certain Freedoms by our Creator, and that the Constitution serves to Protect those Freedoms. Freedoms such as those guaranteed in the Second Amendment, which protects the right of the people to keep and bear Arms.
The 10th Amendment, which guarantees those powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States, or to the people. It is the people who give power to the States.
And let us be reminded that as our country was being established, the States created the Federal Government, not the other way around."
Source: 2014 Alabama Gubernatorial website, BentleyForGovernor.com
Sep 1, 2014
On Principles & Values:
We are endowed with certain Freedoms by our Creator
I believe we are endowed with certain Freedoms by our Creator, and that the Constitution serves to Protect those Freedoms. Freedoms such as those guaranteed in the Second Amendment, which protects the right of the people to keep and bear Arms.
The 10th Amendment, which guarantees those powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States, or to the people.
Source: 2014 Alabama Gubernatorial website, BentleyForGovernor.com
Sep 1, 2014
Page last updated: Dec 05, 2018