![[storming-the-state-house.jpg]] [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Storming-State-House-Campaign-Liberated/dp/1588383644) ## Synopsis Storming the State House: The Campaign That Liberated Alabama from 136 Years of Democrat Rule by Mike Hubbard with David Azbell is a detailed account of the 2010 Alabama legislative election, where Republicans, led by Hubbard, ended 136 years of Democratic control over the state legislature. The book serves as both a political memoir and a strategic playbook, chronicling the campaign that resulted in a historic GOP sweep, flipping both the Alabama House and Senate. Hubbard, who became the first Republican Speaker of the House since Reconstruction, describes the behind-the-scenes efforts, including his role as the architect of the campaign. It covers the strategic planning, grassroots mobilization, and political maneuvering that capitalized on voter discontent to achieve a "GOP tsunami" in November 2010. The narrative highlights Hubbard’s vision, the challenges faced, and key moments that shifted Alabama’s political landscape, offering insights into the tactics used to overcome entrenched Democratic power. The book also contextualizes the victory within Alabama’s political history, emphasizing its significance as a turning point. It includes a foreword by Mike Rogers and draws on Hubbard’s experience as a businessman, legislator, and former Alabama Republican Party chairman, alongside Azbell’s perspective as a seasoned political consultant. Core Themes and Strategies: The narrative emphasizes Hubbard's vision as the "architect" of the Republican takeover, drawing parallels between politics and marketing a product (know it, believe in it, plan for it, identify customers, and sell to them). It highlights grassroots mobilization, targeted messaging against Democratic incumbents, and capitalizing on voter discontent with issues like corruption and economic stagnation. Historical Context: The book frames the 2010 election as a "GOP tsunami" that ended 136 years of Democratic rule since Reconstruction, marking Alabama's first Republican-controlled legislature in modern history. It contextualizes this within broader Southern political shifts. ## Outline of the 2010 Alabama GOP Campaign Strategy, Plans, and Execution ## I. Strategy Development - **Vision and Leadership**: Mike Hubbard, as House Minority Leader and Alabama Republican Party Chairman, envisioned a complete takeover of the state legislature, leveraging his marketing background to treat the campaign like a product launch: know the product, believe in it, plan for it, identify the audience, and sell it effectively. - **Targeting Vulnerable Seats**: Identified Democratic districts with shifting voter demographics or weak incumbents, particularly in areas like Houston and Walker Counties, where long-term Democratic control was vulnerable due to changing voter sentiment. - **Capitalizing on Voter Discontent**: Focused on public frustration with Democratic governance, highlighting issues like corruption scandals, economic stagnation, and resistance to ethics reforms to galvanize voter support. - **Unified Messaging**: Developed a clear, resonant campaign slogan, "136 years is long enough," to emphasize the need for change after over a century of Democratic dominance. ## II. Planning - **Campaign 2010 Blueprint**: Crafted a comprehensive plan named "Campaign 2010," outlining steps to flip both the Alabama House and Senate. This included: - **Candidate Recruitment**: Sought credible, motivated Republican candidates to challenge Democratic incumbents, emphasizing local ties and conservative values. - **Fundraising Goals**: Aimed to raise $5.5 million to fund competitive campaigns, with Hubbard acting as "Fundraiser-in-Chief" to secure donations from businesses, individuals, and political action committees. - **Media Strategy**: Planned a multi-channel approach using TV commercials, radio spots, and direct mail to deliver consistent anti-Democrat messaging. - **Team Building**: Assembled a dedicated team of political operatives, communications experts (including co-author David Azbell), and grassroots organizers to execute the plan. - **Testing Concepts**: Piloted campaign strategies in earlier elections (e.g., 2006) to refine tactics, such as targeting swing voters and testing messaging effectiveness. ## III. Execution - **Grassroots Mobilization**: Engaged local communities through rallies, door-to-door canvassing, and voter outreach to build momentum and turnout. - **Aggressive Campaigning**: Launched targeted attacks on Democratic incumbents, exposing their voting records and ties to corruption, while promoting Republican candidates as reform-minded alternatives. - **Media Blitz**: Rolled out TV and radio ads, along with mail pieces, emphasizing the "136 years is long enough" slogan and highlighting Democratic failures. These were tailored to specific districts to maximize impact. - **Candidate Support**: Provided candidates with resources, training, and strategic guidance to ensure cohesive messaging and effective campaigning. - **Election Day Push**: Coordinated a robust get-out-the-vote effort on November 2, 2010, ensuring high Republican turnout, particularly in key battleground districts. ## IV. Key Outcomes - **Unprecedented Success**: The GOP won control of both the Alabama House and Senate, flipping multiple seats, including long-held Democratic strongholds in Houston and Walker Counties. - **Post-Election Actions**: Immediately after the election, Republicans passed significant ethics legislation and other promised reforms within the first 10 days of the 2011 legislative session, fulfilling campaign pledges to demonstrate credibility. - **Historical Impact**: Ended 136 years of Democratic control, marking the first Republican-led legislature since Reconstruction and reshaping Alabama’s political landscape. ## V. Supporting Elements - **Hubbard’s Leadership**: His dual role as a legislator and party chairman provided strategic oversight and access to resources, enabling a unified campaign effort. - **Public Sentiment**: The campaign capitalized on a national wave of conservative momentum (aligned with the Tea Party movement) and local dissatisfaction with Democratic policies. - **Financial Backing**: Raising $5.5 million allowed for competitive campaigns, leveling the playing field against entrenched Democratic incumbents.