Tommy Tuberville’s Republican opponent says he’ll step aside for $6 million
He denied that the suggestion was an effort to extort the party. Instead, he wants to use the money to funds a lobbying organization that will promote virtues and good government.
Mason Reed 
The race for the Alabama governor nomination has taken an unusual turn. Ken McFeeters, who is challenging Tommy Tuberville for the GOP spot, has proposed a deal: he is willing to exit the race if the Republican Party provides $6 million to launch a new lobbying firm.
The Residency Dispute
McFeeters, an insurance agency owner, is currently pushing a challenge against Tuberville’s primary victory, specifically alleging that the candidate fails to meet state residency requirements. While Tuberville secured a dominant 86% of the vote compared to McFeeters’ 10%, the challenger will present his case to the state GOP this Sunday.
Tuberville continues to defend his candidacy, asserting he meets the seven-year residency rule. To bolster his claim, he recently produced Alabama tax returns as evidence of his residency.
A Demand for 'Virtues'
Rather than pocketing the money, McFeeters insists the funds would be strictly for a lobbying organization dubbed "Virtues," a nod to the 13 virtues championed by Ben Franklin. He told 205focus.com that the $6 million would cover operational costs like office space, staffing, and lobbyists to advocate for the public.
"I’ve got enough to live the rest of my life on a little lake house," McFeeters said, denying claims of extortion. "If you don’t want me to be governor, that’s fine. Let’s negotiate. Let’s have a little give and take. It’s negotiable."
If the party does not move to settle, the path forward remains set for November, where the confirmed Republican nominee is slated to face off against Doug Jones.
