Marques: AL-2 Race is ‘Craziness vs. Common Sense’

Republican congressional nominee Rhett Marques used President Donald Trump’s Friday night rally in Mobile to frame Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District race as a key fight for control of the U.S. House.

Marques, a State Representative and small business owner, is challenging Democratic U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures in the Nov. 3 general election. Trump endorsed Marques earlier this year and again promoted his candidacy Friday ahead of the rally. 

“Here's the bottom line: This race is critical, critical to keeping control of the House and keeping it in the hands of the conservative Republicans,” Marques told the crowd. “Why is that important? Because if the Socialists and the Democratic Party get control of the House, their plan is to undo everything that President Trump has done over the last two years, all the wins and all the achievements. We can't let that happen.”

Marques spent the first part of his speech praising Trump’s record on the border, crime, taxes and the economy. He pointed to provisions eliminating federal income taxes on certain tips and overtime pay and creating a deduction for some Social Security recipients.

“President Trump has also delivered the biggest tax cut in America history for hardworking families right here in Alabama and across this country,” Marques said. “No tax on tips. No tax on overtime, no tax on Social Security.”

Marques also credited Trump with economic growth and investment in Alabama.

“We're growing more good-paying jobs. We're bringing in manufacturing, investing in our infrastructure, our education, and the rural healthcare, all because of President Trump,” he said. “He loves Alabama, and Alabama loves President Trump.”

Marques then thanked Trump for his endorsement and shifted his focus to Figures.

“Mr. President, I want to personally thank you for your endorsement and your support,” Marques said. “Now it's Alabama's turn to help President Trump keep our Republican majorities in the House and the Senate, so we can make life affordable again, and keep our streets safe.”

Marques attacked Figures’ voting record and tied the first-term congressman to national Democrats. Among other issues, he criticized Figures for voting against the Stop Insider Trading Act in July.

Marques also accused Figures of repeatedly siding with the Democratic left on taxes, immigration and social policy.

“Shomari Figures didn't go to Washington to fight for Alabama,” Marques said. “He just went to be another rubber stamp for the Democrat Socialist Agenda.”

Marques summed up his argument with a line that has become a theme of his campaign.

“In Alabama's second congressional district, the choice on the ballot truly comes down to two things: craziness versus common sense,” Marques said. “It's that simple.”

He closed on a more personal note, describing himself as a small business owner, Christian, husband and father who wants to bring “Alabama common sense” to Washington.

“Y'all, I'm just a small business owner who loves his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Marques said. “I love my wife of 32 years, Christina. Our two beautiful daughters and our family. I love this State. I love your family and your freedom.”

Marques pledged to work with Trump, U.S. Sen. Katie Britt and Republican Senate nominee Barry Moore if elected.

“I'm going to take some Alabama common sense to go to Washington D.C. with your help,” Marques said before asking voters for their support on Nov. 3.

Marques’ full remarks may be seen on the Right Side Broadcasting Network YouTube channel or below, beginning at ~3:38:30: