Martha Roby

Martha Roby
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Alabama's 2nd district
Assumed office
January 3, 2011
Preceded by Bobby Bright
Personal details
Born Martha Dubina
(1976-07-26) July 26, 1976
Montgomery, Alabama, U.S.
Political party Republican
Spouse(s) Riley Roby
Children 2
Father Joel Fredrick Dubina
Education New York University (BM)
Samford University (JD)

Martha Roby (/ˈroʊbɪ/; née Dubina, July 26, 1976) is an American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Alabama's 2nd congressional district since 2011. A member of the Republican Party, she defeated the incumbent Democratic U.S. Representative Bobby Bright during the 2010 elections.[1][2] Roby and Terri Sewell were the first women elected to Congress from Alabama in regular elections.[3]

Roby was born in Montgomery, Alabama and attended New York University, where she received a bachelor of music degree. She then entered the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, receiving her J.D. in 2001.[4]

She is the daughter of Joel Fredrick Dubina,[5] a Senior Judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Before entering politics, she worked at the law firm of Copeland, Franco.[6]

Montgomery City Council

Elections

Roby was elected to the Montgomery City Council in 2003, defeating a total of five opponents, and winning 54.88% of the votes cast in her district.[7][8]

Tenure

In her first term on the Council, Roby joined 3 other council members and then mayor Bobby Bright in opposing the building of a shopping mall in East Montgomery.[9] She also opposed privatizing the disposal of household garbage,[10] supported a 10 cent cigarette tax increase,[11] and argued for a state sales tax holiday.[12]

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

2010

Roby challenged incumbent Democratic U.S. Congressman and former Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright in Alabama's 2nd congressional district. In the four-candidate Republican primary, Roby ranked first with 49% of the vote, narrowly missing the 50% threshold needed to win the nomination and avoid a run-off. Rick Barber ranked second with 29% of the vote.[13] In the run-off election, Roby defeated him 60%-40%.[14]

The 2010 race was one of the most expensive races in the district's history.[15] Roby spent a total of $1,240,275.64 on her 2010 election. Most of her funds came from large individual contributions. Her top contributor was Jim Wilson and Associates, a Montgomery real estate developer, who contributed $25,300.[16] Leadership PACs contributed a total of $106,010.[15]

Roby defeated Bright by 51%-49%, a difference of 4,780 votes. Roby won 7 of the district's 16 counties: Autauga, Elmore, Covington, Coffee, Geneva, Dale, and Houston Counties. Bright won Montgomery County with 59% of the vote.[17]

2012

In her run for re-election to her seat, she received the endorsements of 36 mayors in Alabama,[18] the Alabama Farmers Federation,[19] and Susan B. Anthony List.[20]

The 2nd district had long been a conservative district, and Roby won a second term, defeating Democrat Therese Ford 64%-36%. She won 11 of the district's 15 counties. She lost her home county of Montgomery by a margin of 53%-47%.[21][22]

2014

Roby won the election with 67.34% of the vote, defeating Democratic nominee Erick Wright.[23]

2016

On March 1, 2016, Roby won the Republican primary with 64% of the vote.[24] She won the general election with 48.8% of the vote. Democrat Nathan Mathis received 40.5% of the vote and write-in candidates received 10.7% of the vote.[25]

Committee assignments

Political positions

During Roby's 2010 campaign, she promised to support ending pre-existing conditions as exclusion from receiving health insurance benefits, vote against cap and trade, vote to defund health care reform, reduce dependence on foreign oil, reduce government spending, support a Balanced Budget Amendment, support a line-item veto, support ending the current earmark process, oppose government bailouts and takeovers of private companies, support the requirement of budgets to be submitted for Social Security and Medicare, require that all legislation be posted online for 72 hours before debate, require that every piece of legislation begin with an explanation of its constitutionality, maintain defense spending at least 4% of Gross Domestic Product, support missile defense programs, reform the tax code, support abolition of the estate tax, oppose raising the retirement age for Social Security benefits, oppose a reduction in Social Security benefits, oppose an increase in payroll taxes for Social Security benefits, and oppose amnesty for illegal immigrants.[26] When asked if there was one federal department or agency that she could eliminate, she said she would abolish the Department of Education but keep federal grants to states intact.[26] In 2010, she pledged to abolish the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).[26]

In 2010, Roby expressed support for Paul Ryan's "Roadmap for America's Future", which would privatize portions of Medicare. She has stated publicly that she opposes privatization of Medicare and Social Security.[27]

After the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting, Roby said she was "horrified and heartbroken" via a Facebook post. She sent thoughts and prayers to victims and first responders. She called it a "terrorist attack" and said that people must change their mentality that terrorism is an "overseas fight."[28]

In October 2016, Roby withdrew her presidential endorsement of Donald Trump, saying: "Donald Trump's behavior makes him unacceptable as a candidate for president, and I won't vote for him".[29][30] Following Trump's election, Roby became more supportive of Trump, and attempted to make amends, subsequently gaining his endorsement for her reelection campaign.[31][32] She earned Trump's endorsement in the primary reportedly after House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy encouraged Trump to endorse her.[33]

As of January 2018, Roby has voted with her party in 97.1% of votes so far in the 115th United States Congress and voted in line with President Trump's position in 96.7% of the votes.[34][35]

Vote Smart issue positions

Vote Smart, a non-profit, non-partisan research organization that collects and distributes information on candidates for public office in the United States, "researched presidential and congressional candidates' public records to determine candidates' likely responses on certain key issues." According to Vote Smart's 2016 analysis, Roby generally supports pro-life legislation, opposes an income tax increase, opposes federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth, supports lowering taxes as a means of promoting economic growth, opposes requiring states to adopt federal education standards, supports building the Keystone Pipeline, supports government funding for the development of renewable energy, opposes the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, opposes gun-control legislation, supports repealing the Affordable Care Act, supports requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship, opposes same-sex marriage,[36] supports increased American intervention in Iraq and Syria beyond air support, and opposes allowing individuals to divert a portion of their Social Security taxes into personal retirement accounts.[37]

Interest group pledges and ratings

In the 112th United States Congress, Roby signed the Americans for Tax Reform Taxpayer Protection Pledge.[38] In 2010, Roby signed a pledge sponsored by Americans for Prosperity to not vote for any global warming legislation that would raise taxes.[39]

In 2013, Roby received a score of 0% from the Alliance for Retired Americans.[40]

The environmental advocacy group the League of Conservation Voters gives her a lifetime score of 4%.[41]

Roby has a "D" rating from marijuana legalization advocacy group the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) regarding her voting record on cannabis-related matters.[42]

Legislative record

In December 2011, Roby voted in support of H.R. 10, the "Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act," which would have required congressional approval for any "major regulations" issued by the executive branch but, unlike the 1996 Congressional Review Act, would not require the president's signature or override of a probable presidential veto.[43]

Roby voted in September 2013 to cut $39 billion from the food stamp program. In 2011, approximately 41,000 households in Roby's congressional district received food stamps.[44]

In February 2017, she voted against a resolution that would have directed the House to request 10 years of Trump's tax returns, which would then have been reviewed by the House Ways and Means Committee in a closed session.[45]

Roby has repeatedly voted to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).[46] On May 4, 2017, she voted in favor of repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and passing the American Health Care Act.[47][48]

In stating her support for the American Health Care Act (AHCA), Roby said the Affordable Care Act was a "failed law" and that the AHCA put in place a "patient-centered system that lowers costs, increases choices, and isn't run by the government". The U.S. House voted on the legislation before the bill had been scored by the Congressional Budget Office.[49]

In 2017, Roby co-sponsored a bipartisan bill to require sexual harassment and anti-discrimination training for all House members, employees, staff and unpaid personnel. The bill passed the House. She does not support the ability for lawmakers to use tax dollars to settle sexual harassment claims.[50]

Roby voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.[51] She said that more businesses will stay in the U.S. due to the tax cuts and that she is "proud" of the legislation which she says "will help families keep their own money."[52]

Electoral history

Alabama 2nd Congressional District Republican Primary Election, 2010
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Martha Roby 36,295 48.55
Republican Rick Barber 21,313 28.51
Republican Stephanie Bell 13,797 18.46
Republican John Beau McKinney III 3,349 4.48
Alabama 2nd Congressional District Republican Primary Runoff Election, 2010
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Martha Roby 39,169 60.02
Republican Rick Barber 26,091 39.98
Alabama 2nd Congressional District Election, 2010
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Martha Roby 111,645 50.97
Democratic Bobby Bright 106,865 48.79
Write-ins Write-ins 518 0.24
Alabama 2nd Congressional District Election, 2012
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Martha Roby (inc.) 180,591 63.60
Democratic Therese Ford 103,092 36.31
Write-ins Write-ins 270 0.10
Alabama 2nd Congressional District Election, 2014
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Martha Roby (inc.) 113,103 67.34
Democratic Erick Wright 54,692 32.56
Write-ins Write-ins 157 0.09
Alabama 2nd Congressional District Republican Primary Election, 2016
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Martha Roby (inc.) 78,689 66.37
Republican Becky Gerritson 33,015 27.85
Republican Robert "Bob" Rogers 6,856 5.78
Alabama 2nd Congressional District General Election, 2016
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Martha Roby (inc.) 134,886 49
Democratic Nathan Mathis 112,089 41
No Party Write Ins 29,609 10

See also

References

  1. ↑ GOP's Roby defeats Bright in Alabama's 2nd District Archived 2015-12-22 at the Wayback Machine. Montgomery Advertiser, November 2, 2010.
  2. ↑ "Representative Martha Dubina Roby (R-Alabama, 2nd) - Biography from LegiStorm". Legistorm.com. Retrieved May 18, 2017.
  3. ↑ Elizabeth B. Andrews was elected to fill an unexpired term in the House, while Senators Dixie Bibb Graves and Maryon Pittman Allen were appointed and never elected.
  4. ↑ "Martha Roby (R-Ala.)". Washington Post. Retrieved 17 January 2018.
  5. ↑ McCutcheon, Michael; Barone, Chuck (2013). 2014 Almanac of American Politics. The University of Chicago Press.
  6. ↑ "Biographical Information for 2nd Congressional District GOP runoff candidates". Associated Press Newswires. July 8, 2010.
  7. ↑ Lance Griffin (June 26, 2009). "Montgomery Republican plans to challenge Bright in 2010". The Dothan Eagle.
  8. ↑ "Municipal Election Results-2003". Retrieved May 18, 2017.
  9. ↑ "Montgomery Alabama Shopping Mall to Go Up Against Protests, Mayor's Advice". The Montgomery Advertiser. February 19, 2004.
  10. ↑ Sebastian Kitchen (March 30, 2005). "Trash Service Change Opposed". The Montgomery Advertiser.
  11. ↑ William F. West (May 14, 2004). "Montgomery, Ala., Cigarette Tax Jumps 10 Cents". The Montgomery Advertiser.
  12. ↑ William F. West (August 10, 2004). "Montgomery, Ala., council's tax idea might go statewide". Montgomery Advertiser.
  13. ↑ "Our Campaigns - AL District 02 - R Primary Race". Ourcampaigns.com. June 1, 2010. Retrieved May 11, 2017.
  14. ↑ "Our Campaigns - AL District 2 - R Runoff Race". Ourcampaigns.com. July 13, 2010. Retrieved May 11, 2017.
  15. 1 2 "Alabama 2nd District Profile". The New York Times. Retrieved July 4, 2012.
  16. ↑ "Open Secrets". Retrieved November 21, 2011.
  17. ↑ "Our Campaigns - AL - District 02 Race". Ourcampaigns.com. November 2, 2010.
  18. ↑ "36 mayors endorse Martha Roby re-election". al.com. October 27, 2015.
  19. ↑ "Martha Roby endorsed by Alabama Farmers Federation". Al.com. October 20, 2014.
  20. ↑ "Pro-life Susan B. Anthony List endorses Martha Roby for reelection". January 22, 2016.
  21. ↑ "AL - District 02 Race - Nov 06, 2012". Our Campaigns. Retrieved 2017-07-07.
  22. ↑ Kitchen, Sebastian (January 14, 2012). "Candidates qualify for elections". Montgomery Advertiser. Retrieved January 29, 2012.
  23. ↑ "Certified General Election Results" (PDF). Alabama Secretary of State. Retrieved December 13, 2014.
  24. ↑ "U.S. Rep. Martha Roby wins GOP primary". Montgomery Advertiser. March 1, 2016.
  25. ↑ "Alabama's 2nd Congressional District election, 2016". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 17 January 2018.
  26. 1 2 3 Staff, Anniston Star Staff/Dothan Eagle. "Martha Roby: Abolish IRS, no changes to Social Security". The Anniston Star. Retrieved 2017-02-11.
  27. ↑ Griffin, Lance. "Fact Check: Does Martha Roby want to privatize Medicare?". Dothan Eagle. Retrieved 2017-02-11.
  28. ↑ Berkowitz, Bonnie; Cai, Weiyi; Lu, Denise; Gamio, Lazaro. "Everything lawmakers said (and didn't say) after the Orlando mass shooting". Washington Post. Retrieved 31 December 2017.
  29. ↑ "Republican Members of Congress Withdraw Trump Support (Updated)". Weekly Standard. 2016-10-08. Retrieved 2017-02-11.
  30. ↑ "Martha Roby, who condemned Trump, ekes out re-election win to Congress". AL.com. Retrieved 2017-02-11.
  31. ↑ Isenstadt, Alex (July 10, 2017). "President Trump's enemies list". Politico.
  32. ↑ Isenstadt, Alex (June 22, 2018). "Trump endorses Roby despite past disloyalty". Politico. Following a March 2017 Oval Office meeting with Trump, Roby posted an online video in which she recalled: “I sat in the Oval Office and looked the President in the eye and told him I was with him.”
  33. ↑ Weigel, David. "Alabama runoff: Rep. Martha Roby, who criticized Trump in 2016, wins GOP nomination". Washington Post. Retrieved 2018-07-24.
  34. ↑ Bycoffe, Aaron (2017-01-30). "Tracking Martha Roby In The Age Of Trump". FiveThirtyEight. Retrieved 2017-02-18.
  35. ↑ "Represent". ProPublica. Retrieved 2017-02-18.
  36. ↑ Fausset, Richard (2015-02-13). "In Alabama City, Gay Couple Try to Wed, Early and Often". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2017-02-11.
  37. ↑ "Martha Roby's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)". Vote Smart. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
  38. ↑ "The Taxpayer Protection Pledge Signers 112th Congressional List" (PDF). Americans for Tax Reform. Retrieved November 30, 2011.
  39. ↑
  40. ↑ "Martha Roby on Social Security". Ontheissues.org. Retrieved 2017-02-11.
  41. ↑ "Check out Representative Martha Roby's Environmental Voting Record". League of Conservation Voters Scorecard. Retrieved 2017-02-11.
  42. ↑ "Alabama Scorecard - NORML.org - Working to Reform Marijuana Laws". norml.org. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  43. ↑ Sonmez, Felicia (December 7, 2011). "REINS bill to expand congressional power over executive regulations passed by House". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 10, 2013.
  44. ↑ "House cuts $39B in food stamps; Alabama delegation split on vote". Montgomery Advertiser. 20 September 2013. Retrieved 20 September 2013.
  45. ↑ "These are all the Republicans who don't want you to see Donald Trump's tax returns". indy100. 2017-02-28. Retrieved 2017-03-01.
  46. ↑ Moseley, Brandon (May 5, 2017). "US House votes to repeal and replace Obamacare". Alabama Political Reporter. Retrieved 17 January 2018.
  47. ↑ "How the House voted to pass the GOP health-care bill". Washington Post. Retrieved 2017-05-04.
  48. ↑ "Health care vote puts pressure on dozens of vulnerable GOP reps". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2017-05-04.
  49. ↑ "AHCA concerns Alabama health care providers, advocates". The Montgomery Advertiser. Retrieved 2017-05-10.
  50. ↑ Chramer, Elisabeth (3 December 2017). "Alabama congresswomen co-sponsor bill to mandate sexual harassment training after reports show politicians used tax dollars to settle claims against them - Yellowhammer News". Yellowhammer News. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  51. ↑ Almukhtar, Sarah (19 December 2017). "How Each House Member Voted on the Tax Bill". The New York Times. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  52. ↑ Tice, Andrea (20 December 2017). "Alabama Republicans on board with new tax cuts - Yellowhammer News". Yellowhammer News. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by
Bobby Bright		 Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Alabama's 2nd congressional district
2011–present		 Incumbent
Current U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by
Cedric Richmond
D-Louisiana		 United States Representatives by seniority
226th		 Succeeded by
Todd Rokita
R-Indiana
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