Alabama: Bentley, Sewell spar over driver’s license office closings. First, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency announced it was closing its offices in 31 mostly rural closings, due to limited resources. Then US Rep. Terri Sewell (D), noting that 12 of the 18 Black Belt counties were among the 31, asked the Justice Department to investigate, since access to voter IDs could be affected. Then Gov. Robert Bentley (R) called Sewell’s action “impulsive, ill-informed and based on irresponsible media reports.” Bentley noted that Boards of Registrars, which issue voter IDs, remain open in all of the affected counties. Meanwhile, Jesse Jackson held press conferences in Birmingham and Montgomery yesterday to address the issue, reports The Montgomery Advertiser ……. Louisiana: Richmond’s cybersecurity bill passes House. A bill authored by US Rep. Cedric Richmond (D) requiring the Department of Homeland Security to submit a plan with specific goals to protect the nation from cyber-attacks passed the House this week with bipartisan support, reports WVUE. The bill now goes to the US Senate ……. Florida: Trump still on top. The latest Quinnipiac poll of Florida Republicans shows Donald Trump maintaining his first place, with 28%, followed by 16% for Ben Carson, 14% for Marco Rubio and 12% for Jeb Bush. The rest of the field was in single digits …….
