By Marla Jones, Reporter • marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — (Full Video on our Facebook) Southern Torch was pleased to welcome Congressman Robert Aderholt to our office on Monday for a brief interview before his campaign stop at the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center.

The Torch Talk duo of Sports Editor Marla Jones and Rainsville Councilmember Marshall Stiefel sat down with Congressman Aderholt to discuss today’s burning issues that face Alabama and his bid for reelection.

When asked what he felt was the most pressing issue facing the fourth district, Aderholt replied, “Something that we hear over and over again is transportation. This district being a rural district, transportation is important. Having a good way to travel is crucially important, so [we] need to make sure there’s money for federal highways.”

Stiefel asked Aderholt to discuss the President’s readjustment of NAFTA and global trade that affects us even here in DeKalb County.

“I think it’s a great idea and for too long, the Chinese especially, have been able to put us in very difficult positions regarding our trade policy. President Trump has done a much better job than any other Republican President has done as far as standing against the Chinese and against some of these other countries who try to come in and get our jobs.”

Jones asked about Aderholt’s views on immigration and the building of the wall.

“I think [President Trump] had a mandate and said we need to have a wall. Obviously there are some parts on our southern border that people are constantly coming across. Obviously, there are some of these people that are well-intended, but the problem is that so many are coming across bringing drugs and bringing crime in. We do have to have a handle on our borders.”

Stiefel’s final question addressed Alabama’s statewide amendment two that will appear on the ballot this November regarding recognition of Alabama’s status as a pro-life state.

“I support it. I am pro-life. My voting record proves I am 100% pro-life.”

The last question from Jones was regarding the Kavanaugh hearing. Despite not being able to vote for now-Justice Kavanaugh, Aderholt said the resulting division after the confirmation was the most unbelievable since he has been in Washington.

For our full interview with Congressman Aderholt, please visit our Facebook.