Two Different Senate Campaigns Two Different Politicians
Paul Sanford 2010 & Brad Sanford 2016


 

Websites' domain registration expire and a new owner will purchase the website often utilizing it for a purpose quite different from the original. SanfordforSenate.com is an interesting example where the name of the site quite simply defines it.

In 2010 Paul Sanford, Republican nominee for the Alabama Senate in District 7 created this site. He represented District 7 from 2009 to 2018, winning each of his races. In 2010 Sanford ran for re-election to the 7th District seat. He defeated Jeff Enfinger in the November 2 general election.

However somewhere between 2010 - 2016 this site's domain registration must have expired because in 2016 Brad Sanford used this website for his race for State Senate Office from District 37 representing the neighborhoods in Blaine, Spring Lake Park and Coon Rapids, Minnesota. Brad Sanford lost to the Democratic incumbant, Jerry Newton, 48.5% to 51.5%.

The content below is from the site's archived content showing both politicians' campaigns.

 




 

The 2010 Campaign of Paul Sandford for Senate District 37

Paul Sanford Gets Endorsement of Alabama Associated General Contractors
09/16/2010

Paul Sanford, Republican nominee for the Alabama Senate in District 7, today received the endorsement of Alabama Associated General Contractors. Chris Williams, Director of Governmental Affairs for AGC, made the endorsement official from the Association’s office.

"I am pleased to announce AGC's endorsement of Paul Sanford. In just one year in the Alabama Senate, Paul has demonstrated that he is committed to getting Alabama's economy back on track. Paul owns a restaurant and has signed a paycheck on both sides. He's proven he will do his part to make doing business in Alabama less burdensome," Mr. Williams said today.

AGC is an 82-year old trade association whose mission is to, "Promote existing construction markets and develop new construction markets for our members."

"AGC's members employ thousands of Alabamians. I am very happy to receive this endorsement, and I will continue to work for economic growth and jobs for Alabama, especially in North Alabama," Mr. Sanford said.

Senate District 7 includes the city of Huntsville and other metropolitan areas of Madison County.

Paul Sanford was elected to the Alabama Senate representing District 7 in a special election in June 2009. He has served for only one year in Montgomery where he is recognized as a no-nonsense state senator. He and his wife Danielle own and operate "little Paul’s Barbecue" in Huntsville and have two children, Chase and Ryan.

 

An update: In the summer of 2010, I found myself in Alabama's serene gardens at a local facility, where I was waiting for my stepfather to finish a therapy session. During this time, I came across an article about Paul Sanford, a state senator whose commitment and successful political record impressed me greatly. My stepfather, who had always been a staunch Republican, was looking forward to supporting Sanford in the upcoming election. Sanford had a strong track record, securing his seat through multiple re-elections up to 2018.

Sadly, my stepfather passed away before witnessing Sanford's last campaign in 2018. Over the years, therapeutic methods have advanced, offering new strategies that focus on a holistic psychological approach.

Paul Sanford, notably, also had a flair for unique business strategies. While serving as a state senator, he managed to intertwine his entrepreneurial spirit with his political career. Beyond his political savvy, he was recognized for his innovative approach to business, which at one point included selling janitorial supplies through his restaurant. This not only highlighted his versatility as a businessman but also his ability to relate to everyday people and their needs. Such adaptability is reminiscent of the progressive methods now seen in various professional fields, aiming to provide tailored solutions to complex challenges.

 

Biography

Paul Sanford was born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama, third of three rambunctious boys. Paul comes from a family with deep roots in Alabama. Paul’s father, Jess Sanford (deceased), grew up in Good Springs near Jasper, worked as a coal-miner part-time, served in the Army, and graduated from Florence State (now The University of North Alabama). Louise Sanford, Paul’s mother, grew up in Decatur. She likewise graduated from Florence State and put her English degree to use routinely on Paul throughout his years in the public school system. He admittedly needed the help. She currently co-owns and operates two Gibson’s Barbecue locations in Huntsville with her brother.

Like the three generations before him, Paul had the “entrepreneur’s spark” and entered the restaurant business. Since the spring of 2002, Paul and his wife Danielle have owned and operated “little Paul’s Barbecue.” Their busy restaurant is located across the street from the Huntsville Hospital.

Paul and Danielle have two children Chase (13) and Ryan (10). Paul has been an active volunteer from coach at the Upward Basketball Program to helping at Randolph School were his children currently attend. Paul has also been a volunteer as a youth soccer coach with the AYSO Program in Huntsville and with the former Kicks Soccer Club.

Paul earned an A.O.S. degree in Culinary Arts from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Prior to moving back to Huntsville, Paul lived across the country in Napa Valley, Atlanta, Birmingham, and Nashville. After these experiences, he has realized there is no place like home, sweet home Huntsville.

 

Paul Sanford on the Issues

 

Economic Development

The downturn in America’s economic outlook is having a negative effect on job growth and business expansion here in Alabama. Businesses large and small are struggling to survive during this challenging time, which means we have to be wise in our approach to economic development. 

I believe North Alabama’s success with providing diverse industries (i.e. aerospace, research genetics, military support, and varied manufacturing services) is a model that the entire state should take to heart. We have immense natural resources across our great state that could help Alabama become a leader in alternative energy. Our tax structure must continue to be favorable to the citizens and businesses of Alabama. We have an eager, educated, and plentiful workforce that should be used to entice corporations to relocate to Alabama. The needed infrastructure to support BRAC must be a top priority to the Legislators of our community. A unified voice in Montgomery representing our area is vital if Huntsville/Madison County is to continue moving forward.

Governor Riley’s team has done an outstanding job in marketing Alabama as the location for business opportunity, and we must continue his policy of aggressively competing with other states to bring new industry to our state through tax incentives and other perks so that Alabama will remain a breeding ground for business opportunity and job growth.

Integrity in Government

I believe service in the State Legislature should not be a career, rather it should be a chance for men and women who feel a calling to serve the communities that have blessed them with opportunity and success. Unfortunately, too many elected officials have sought public office because they view it as a chance to benefit both personally and financially.

Since January of this year, Alabama has had a state senator and a state representative convicted of public corruption, and the Governor has called special elections to replace them. This is a sad commentary on the state of ethics in government. Not to mention, special elections cost the taxpayers of Alabama money.

Representing District 7 in Montgomery is an act of service that must be taken seriously. The Alabama Legislature meets once a year to do the “people’s business,” and during that time I will work diligently to serve our community honorably and honestly.

I support measures to put real teeth in Alabama’s ethics laws, like giving the Ethics Commission subpoena power, banning PAC to PAC transfers as well as limiting PAC contributions, requiring transparency in campaign and PAC reporting, and limiting entertaining expenditures by lobbyists during any and all legislative sessions.

I am a small business owner whose success has resulted from hard work and professional ethics. I believe Legislators must put the public trust ahead of personal ambition. I am seeking to serve in the Alabama State Senate in order to have a positive impact on our community.

Prior-Year Budgeting

I am committed to overhauling Alabama’s failing budget process. Our State has entered proration far too often over the past several decades to consider the current method of budgeting successful. There is currently a shortfall in revenues needed to run our state government and the present financial crisis is straining our state budgets. A new conservative approach is desperately needed to address the state’s revenue shortfall.

My Plan:

The current budgetary process used by the state leadership employs a method of projecting what future revenues are expected to be collected and then basing the following year’s budget off that arbitrary projection.

Alabama will experience a $700 million shortfall in revenues for FY 2009 due to the unexpected slowdown in the economy.

I propose basing the state budgetary process on prior-year revenues received by the state. Using prior-year revenues will allow the economy to dictate government spending and growth, rather than legislators. My proposal would provide a means of savings by putting excess revenues aside, into a Budgetary Surplus Savings Fund (BSSF), when the economy generates growth. The BSSF is to be tapped into only when there is a shortfall in collected revenues for a fiscal year (FY). Likewise, my proposal will provide the opportunity to use some of the excess revenues for prioritized needs (one-time expenses, not reoccurring expenses) across state agencies when the annual amount of money entering the BSSF exceeds 12% of the current year’s budget. At the 12% threshold, any excess revenues would be released to the Governor’s office for distribution to state agencies based on a prioritized needs list provided by the legislature as an attachment to the budget, with the final approval on fund distribution made by the Governor, not the legislative branch.

All budget figures are based on prior-year revenues (from the last full FY prior to the legislative session) and FY revenues are actual revenue numbers:

Fiscal Year 2006

PYB FY 2006 Budget   $6,872,624,254.67
FY 2006 Revenues   $8,371,414,233.31
Surplus (Shortfall)   $1,498,789,978.64
BSSF Threshold   $   824,714,910.50
Released Funds   $   674,075,067.50

Fiscal Year 2007

PYB FY 2007 Budget   $7,622,125,094.60
FY 2007 Revenues   $8,724,958,232.98
Surplus (Shortfall)   $1,102,833,138.38
BSSF Threshold   $   914,655,011.30
Released Funds   $   188,178,126.70

Fiscal Year 2008

PYB FY 2008 Budget   $8,371,414,233.31
FY 2008 Revenues   $8,962,346,085.88
Surplus (Shortfall)   $   590,931,852.57
BSSF Threshold   $1,004,569,708.00
Released Funds   No Funds Released

Fiscal Year 2009

PYB FY 2009 Budget   $8,724,958,232.98
FY 2009 Revenues   $8,016,000,000.00
Surplus (Shortfall)   ( $726,958,232.98)
Total BSSF Funds    
to Cover Shortfall   $2,743,939,630.00

The net effect of using a prior-year revenue method as a basis for formulating the State budget is to limit government spending and to alleviate the chance of proration.

Infrastructure & BRAC

BRAC will bring new growth to Huntsville, and that is both a blessing and a challenge. We must be prepared to accommodate the needs of the influx of people coming to our area. Transportation issues must be resolved to move traffic in and out of our city safely and quickly. Future public education needs will demand the building of new schools and upgrading existing schools. Hiring more public safety officers in our fire and police departments will be a necessity as well as purchasing new equipment for these departments to carry out their duties efficiently and effectively.

I will be an advocate for our city and county. I know that preparation and planning are the keys to addressing these issues so that the demands of BRAC will be met in a timely and efficient manner. As a small business owner, I know that being prepared to deal with what lies ahead makes common sense. I will work with the Governor’s office, his colleagues in the Legislature, and the BRAC Commission to ensure that Huntsville is adequately poised to meet the challenges of new growth opportunities.

Fiscal Responsibility, Accountability & Restraint

I know the runaway spending by Congress in Washington over the last ten years has led to the economic crisis we currently face on the national level. Because of the shortfall in state government, I believe that Alabama Legislators must be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, finding every possible way to cut waste and inefficiency rather than raising taxes and/or fees on working families and retired people. And it is imperative that lawmakers practice restraint in passing legislation with a price tag we can ill afford. There is no room for unfunded mandates caused by the passing of legislation.

The economic stimulus package hurriedly passed by Congress this February was shrouded in secrecy and done without providing Members of Congress or the American people an opportunity to read and review it. The Alabama Legislature must learn from Congress’ egregious railroading of the American people. I promise to thoroughly read every piece of legislation that I vote for or against. The Alabama House and Senate must operate openly and transparently if either is to regain the trust of the citizens of Alabama.

I firmly believe government does not exist to solve every problem. I am confident that decisions made at the local level are more effective and efficient than those made at the state and national levels. I believe it is our civic duty to provide for those who cannot help themselves with a hand up, not a handout. As a senator, I will never neglect the least, the last and the lost, but I do believe in the philosophy that citizens must accept personal responsibility for their lives.

Illegal Aliens

Immigration and naturalization issues are functions of the federal government. As a restaurant owner, I deal with this issue as an employer several times per year. I have always verified the citizenship of potential employees and believe other Alabama employers must do the same. My belief is that if employers merely follow the law, illegal aliens would not be able to find work and will go elsewhere.

Local and state candidates who use the immigration issue are merely grandstanding on a subject they know little about. If current laws were enforced, many of the problems associated with undocumented people would not exist. Aggressive measures should be taken with employers and industries that have been identified as frequent offenders in hiring illegal aliens.

I believe law enforcement officers at the state and local levels should be trained to enforce immigration laws to the extent they can, but the real function of closing our borders and dealing with illegal aliens rests with the federal government. Once undocumented workers are arrested, the identification process should be streamlined in order to expedite the deportation of violators. Deporting illegal aliens is costly to our state, but a necessary measure in discouraging the further increase in the illegal alien population.

Many in the health care industry have a legitimate complaint when they say illegal aliens use hospitals and other medical services without paying their fair share. I believe when medical facilities provide free care to illegal aliens who are unable to pay, those facilities should be entitled to submit a reasonable invoice to the federal government for reimbursement.

Currently, our schools and social services are burdened with a disproportionate responsibility in providing services to illegal aliens. It is time our state takes an active role in decreasing the population of illegal aliens in Alabama. We must take whatever measures are necessary in discouraging illegal aliens to reside in Alabama. The cost of providing an education and healthcare to illegal aliens is draining money from the citizens of our state and our children’s future depends on our action with this issue.

The Second Amendment

I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment right to bear arms. I enjoy hunting to unwind from my daily duties as a restaurant owner. I take my 13-year old son Chase with me on hunting trips and have taught him that gun safety, responsibility, and conservation of our natural resources are obligations that come with gun ownership.

I believe if guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns. Most guns used in crimes are purchased off the streets by one criminal from another, not from licensed gun dealers.

I am adamantly opposed to any measure that could or would weaken the right of law-abiding citizens to purchase, own and use guns, whether for recreational use or self-protection. I am likewise opposed to any attempts by our government at any level to restrict gun ownership or any efforts to impose further gun control of any kind. Creating more gun control laws is not the answer because criminals don’t follow the law in the first place.

Small Business Challenges

My wife, Danielle, and I own and operate “little Paul’s Barbecue” on Madison Street in Huntsville. My great-grandfather, Big Bob Gibson, started our family tradition of cooking barbecue over 80 years ago and the tradition has since been passed down and branched out over the years. In 1956, my grandparents opened Gibson’s Barbecue here in Huntsville, and my family has lived here ever since.

I bring the experience of signing a paycheck and creating jobs where none existed. In tough economic times like these, I make sure our employees are paid before I receive a check. I face the challenges of running a small business and believe government intrusion into our operations puts an undue burden on entrepreneurs. Small businesses struggle to provide jobs and make a profit while the government continues to demand more time and more regulatory measures of business owners.

As a Senator, I will fight attempts at the state level that create red tape and/or impose undue burdens on business owners.

I am a member in good standing of the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB)

Changing the Political Climate in Montgomery

Alabama’s Legislature is called into session every year. This means that lawmakers must be focused on tackling issues confronting the citizens of our state. I know it’s time to change the partisan bickering and backroom deals that have characterized the Alabama Senate for too long. Because we are experiencing a serious budget crisis in our state, we do not have time to waste on petty politics and personal agendas.

In a recent legislative session, a meltdown occurred in the Alabama Senate that shut down the entire legislative process. A special session had to be called in order to pass an operating budget for the next year. Two Senators exchanged words, and a punch was thrown—an incident that sadly drew national attention. This type of behavior is unacceptable to the citizens of Alabama, as we must expect more from our leaders.

I am committed to going to the Capital City to get a job done. I am just an ordinary citizen who is a newcomer to the political scene. I will not make public service a career, but I view this election as an opportunity to work for the people of the city of Huntsville and Madison County who have given so much to me and my family over the years. I wish to offer a fresh face and common sense ideas to the challenges facing our leaders in Montgomery. I wish to represent the everyday people of District 7 with commitment, integrity, openness, and honesty.

 

Paid for by Friends of Paul Sanford | 218 Westchester Ave | Huntsville | Alabama | 35801

 




2016 Campaign of Brad Sandford for Senate District 37

 

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The income tax is a twentieth-century socialist experiment that has failed. 
Before the income tax was imposed on us just 80 years ago, government had no claim to our income. Only sales, excise, and tariff taxes were allowed

-Alan Keyes

"In a world wracked by hatred, economic crisis, and political tension, America remains mankind's best hope."
- Ronald Reagan

---

Hello Friends,

My name is Brad Sanford. I was born and raised in this wonderful state. I am a family man, Business Banker, devoted husband and a man of faith. We all reach points in our life where we must stand up and speak out.  My time has come to stand up and help lead and solve problems this state and country are facing. This was not a decision I came to lightly.  I understand the enormous responsibility and duty that I could be taking on for us.  I asked my family what they thought about their opinionated father taking on the issues of today. They said, "Isn't that what makes this country great Dad?" 

We have several issues that not only affect our immediate future but also our children's future. I want our parents to receive their well earned social security payments, I want our children to receive an excellent education, I want the roads in our communities to be repaired,  but I also want our legislators to be responsible and accountable.  Why  are some regional policy making committees not required to have their budgets approved by our legislature?  No more tax and spend without representation!

If you send me to Saint Paul to handle our State's business, I will work with all my fellow legislators to complete that work. 


Brad Sanford For
Minnesota Senate
info@sanfordforsenate.com

 

Our Senate District 37 represents neighborhoods in Blaine, Spring Lake Park and Coon Rapids.  I have worked hard to serve the businesses and residents in these communities.

I currently serve on the Spring Lake Park Fast Pitch Association Board. The Spring Lake Park Softball Association is a non-profit organization established to foster the girl's fastpitch softball program in the area of Independent School District 16, which is within the boundaries of Spring Lake Park High School.  This includes portions or all of the communities of Blaine, Spring Lake Park and Fridley.  The association requires quality coaching and provides an atmosphere for learning softball skills for both coaches and players.  Players learn sportsmanship, teamwork and  the fundamentals of the game.

I also serve on the Midwest Animal Rescue & Services Board. Midwest Animal Rescue & Services is dedicated to awareness and support for homeless dogs and cats in our area. Through rescue, foster care, rehab, adoption and training all roads lead home for these lucky animals!

I served as the Chair for the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce's Grow Minnesota program participation. This program promotes a healthy business climate for Minnesota businesses.  It addresses challenges that businesses are currently facing and gives them a voice that is eventually heard by the legislature.  This program works to keep businesses in Minnesota strong and globally competitive.



 

ABOUT BRAD SANFORD

My Values

Family first.
Integrity a must.
Justice should prevail blindly.
Service above self.
Honesty is a given.
Humility is a virtue.
Bipartisanship is Teamwork.

Born and Raised in Minnesota, along with his brother Andrew, by His parents Joan & Gary,  Brad learned early on the value of hard work, teamwork, and perseverance. He graduated from Blaine High School, and was a Blaine Athlete, he took part in Wrestling, Track & Field and Football.

Brad's education and leadership helped him become a staple in the financial world of Minnesota, being a lead producer for many banks, and mortage lenders.  It is here that he learned first hand how to address issues of the day and provide useful and meaningful solutions.

Today, Brad wants to serve as your voice in Saint Paul. A voice that echoes your concerns. A voice that matters. A voice that cares.  A voice that leads.


About Brad Sanford
Family.  The main reason we live, work and play.  My family is everything to me.  I have four wonderful kids that make me very proud, challenge me, surprise me, encourage me and love me. Two of my kids are in college and two are in High School.  We play together, laugh together and love together.  I adore my wife, even though she says she is "the boss of me".   Our Boston Terrier has got to be the craziest puppy ever.  She will play fetch with her tennis ball or chew toy for hours, maybe days nonstop. 

My parents just celebrated their 50 year wedding anniversary of being.   My Dad was at every football, wrestling or Track event I participated in.  My Mom taught me unconditional love.  My parents raised me in a loving, Christian home.  Thank you!

My brother is a business owner and living in southern Minnesota.  He is a great man. Someone that I admire and love.  He is passionate about many things.  Politics is one!  I think the whole Sanford Family is passionate about this country, freedom and the constitution.

Community involvement is a must.  It is a great way to teach the youth of today the ideals that built this wonderful country of ours. It is beyond me how one human being can see another in need and not give any kind of assistance.

If I have money in my wallet, I always give what I have to the individual on the side of the road that needs it much more than me.  Some will say I am being duped.  I say think about the mind set and situation that they are in, the utter despair they must feel to stand on the side of an off ramp and ask for quarters, dollars, dimes anything.

I believe one of the paths to less government is through the increased involvement of us as citizens.  Private program involvement is paramount to the success of keeping Government smaller.  To recognize our fellow mans needs before our own is what makes us human.

 

Election 2016: Senate District 37 Candidate Interview

By PIONEER PRESS ELECTIONS TEAM | elections@pioneerpress.com | www.twincities.com/
October 17, 2016

Brad Sanford

  • Age: 50
  • Political party: Republican
  • City or town of residence: Blaine
  • What qualifies you to hold this position? I approach life with the idea of listening to all sides of the issue and making a sound decision. My District wants us to make their lives better and get the business of the state completed. Listening and understanding my District’s concerns and serving their needs is what qualifies any Minnesotan to serve as a State Senator.
  • What would your top priorities be if elected? Dedicated funding for our roads and bridges. We must take care of the infrastructure that supports our economy. Reform MNsure, Healthcare for all is a noble idea the implementation has been catastrophic. Family Budgets, our legislators continue to tax instead of finding alternate solutions. The people of my District are looking for real answers.
  • What do you think is the primary role of government? The basic roles of the government are listed in the Constitution. They are ‘To form a more perfect Union’; ‘To establish Justice’; ‘To insure domestic Tranquility’; ‘To provide for the common defense’; ‘To promote the general Welfare’; and ‘To secure the Blessings of Liberty.’ Nothing more, Nothing less.


Brad Sanford For Minnesota Senate. 

 

SanfordForSenate.com