The population of Alabama is 4,141,341. Alabama has a temperate climate, it contains the right amount of moisture which enables the state to have long growing seasons. The three main crops are soy beans, cotton and peanuts.

The agricultural industry in Alabama contributes more than $ 523 billion annually to the state's economy. Alabama ranks second nationally in broiler production, fourth in the production of peanuts, fourth in pecan production, eighth in cotton.

One of the primary industries that Alabama depends on is agriculture. Republican Senator Richard Shelby believes in helping farmers of America. Senator Shelby's Bill, "Agriculture Appropriations Conference Report" has been passed in the House and waits for the President's signature. The Bill gives support in many facets to farmers in areas where assistance is needed. The bill gives $ 500,000 to the Parasite Laboratory at Auburn University to prevent infectious diseases in catfish. In Alabama, catfish is a 200 million dollar industry. Such diseases claim as much as 50 percent of each year's catfish crop. Senator Shelby was also successful including 500,000 dollars in funding for food safety and detection systems research to be conducted at Auburn University.

Republican Senator Shelby believes "The most important issues Congress will be dealing with is education". Shelby stresses certain points that will improve the educational system in Alabama. He believes in giving more power to the local communities in deciding their policies. The parents and teachers have to play a more important role in improving the educational system. Senator Shelby voted for the "A+ Education Savings Account Bill" which will allow parents to contribute money to a child's savings account and accumulate interest tax free. This money can be used for a child's educational expenses. He also proposes federal block grants that will be given to the states. Each state could allocate their federal funds to each school district. Each district could spend the money as it chooses, if one district is in need of better qualified teachers, then they could use the funding in that manner. He believes Federal Funding through Block grants will reduce the involvement of Bureaucrats. Reducing the involvement of bureaucrats will help the school system move faster and run smoother which in the long run will better the school system.

Republican representative Robert B. Aderholt agrees with senator Shelby that education is one of congresses top priorities. He is a co-supporter of the "Education Flexibility Partnership act of 1999" which is similar to Shelby's proposal of block grants. They are similar because both proposals take power away from the federal government and put it into the hands of the state and local government. This act will give the state and local schools more flexibility in implementing programs for students. If a state or local school thinks that a federal program is not helping the children, they will be able to use government dollars in other ways.

Republicans are known naturally for the following characteristics, their conservatism, favoring a smaller Federal Government, greater control at the local and state levels and the Environment. Senator Shelby stands strong on these issues. Especially on issues that deal with the Environment since Alabama is an agricultural state. Shelby is in support of the "Omnibus Appropriations Bill" which will increase funding for research into improving our food supply, particularly for crops and species grown in Alabama.

Throughout Senator Shelby's tenure, he has worked to protect the interest of small businesses. He has tried to minimize Federal regulation of how companies can operate. He believes the cost of regulations to small Business is so high, that any potential benefit is negated. He has supported "The Congressional Office of Regulatory Analysis Act". This piece of legislation would enable a group in the Legislative Branch to be in charge of analyzing the potential impacts of federal rules and regulations.

Congressman Robert B. Aderholt strongly believes in reducing the federal government's role. He supports the "Tax Limitation Amendment" that would require a two thirds vote in each house of Congress before taxes can be raised. His reason is that the typical family pays 38 percent of their income in taxes more than a family pays for food, clothing and shelter combined. He believes cutting taxes would not harm the economy, but stimulate growth. If people are allowed to keep more of their income, they will have more money to put back into the economy.

Robert B. Alderholt speaks forth on gun control. He has signed congressman Bob Barr's "Firearms Heritage Protection Act of 1999" and is a co-sponsor of this legislation. This act is counter to senator Barbara Boxer of California's legislation which will guarantee cities the right to sue gun manufactures responsible for the gun owner's use of a firearm. Representative Aderholt states "People need to take responsibility for their actions, and stop looking for the judicial system to seek justice when no violation has been committed". On National Defense, Senator Shelby supports President Clinton and NATO in their decision to use aerial attacks in Kosovo. The senator is very involved in the efforts in Kosovo. He and other republicans have visited Kosovo and have spoken to troops in the field and visited the refugee camps in Albania.

Social Security is a touchy topic among political officials. Each Party wants to save Social Security, and both Parties have different strategies for accomplishing this task. Congressman Aderholt believes that the U.S. budget surplus can be used to shore up Social Security. The Congressman supports the "Save Social Security Act"; he believes this act will halt the irresponsible spending for Social Security by the federal government . He believes there has been misinformation about Social Security. Today's senior citizens are not in danger of losing their benefits. The Office Management and Budget concludes that social security is safe until the year 2029.

Republican Secretary of state Jim Bennett asked for Alabama's State Legislature to adopt the Georgia Voter ID law on September 30, 1999. The Voter ID law requires voters to present one of the 14 approved forms of identification at the polling place. The Georgia voter ID law prescribes 14 acceptable forms of ID, for example drivers license, passport etc... If a voter does not have ID with them they may still vote by signing a paper saying he or she is that actual person. Alabama Republican Party Executive Director Chris Neely said the democratic party is more interested in promoting gambling than in the promotion of honest elections.