“I am in favor of a comprehensive gambling bill if we can get one done. So far we haven’t been able to get one done because too many people want their fingers in the pie,” Doug Jones said, as reported by WHNT.
Democratic candidate for governor Doug Jones stopped in Huntsville on Tuesday to push for a state lottery, voice sharp opposition to the Alabama Choose Act, and criticize his opponent’s absence from public forums, WHNT reported.
Reviving the Gambling Debate Through a Standalone Lottery Vote
Speaking to voters, Jones argued that Alabamians deserve a direct voice on a state lottery, pointing out that a quarter of a century has passed since an Alabama governor actively championed the issue. He noted that residents regularly cross state lines or spend money on online gaming elsewhere, funds that could otherwise support local needs.
Jones stated that he favors a comprehensive gambling bill if the legislature can successfully pass one, noting that previous efforts have repeatedly stalled because multiple factions want a financial stake. However, if a broad gaming package remains out of reach, he supports carving out a standalone lottery bill for a statewide public vote.
Targeting the Alabama Choose Act and School Oversight
Shifting focus to educational policy, Jones detailed his plan to phase out the Alabama Choose Act, which currently channels state funds into private school tuition and non-public educational options. He argued that private institutions lack the necessary state oversight and public accountability required when spending taxpayer dollars.
According to Jones, the program threatens to drain vital resources from local school systems, warning that public schools will struggle to survive on diminished state and local funding bases. Under his proposed phase-out, families currently participating would not face abrupt changes, and a voucher framework would remain available specifically for homeschooling families to purchase equipment like computers.
Weighing Campaign Accessibility Against the Montgomery Status Quo
Jones also drew a sharp contrast regarding campaign accessibility, criticizing his opponent, Tommy Tuberville, for failing to hold a single town hall meeting over six years in office. By comparison, Jones’s campaign reported holding 21 town halls since the beginning of July to connect directly with voters.
With four statewide amendments also appearing on the ballot, Jones emphasized that his gubernatorial run centers on offering real choices to citizens who feel disconnected from Montgomery. He encouraged voters to look past 30-second advertisements and digital media posts, urging them instead to evaluate candidates based on their actual public records and long-term vision for the state.
