Steve Raby

Stephen Walker "Steve" Raby /ˈreɪbi/ (born 1958) is the former 2010 Democratic nominee for U.S. Representative for Alabama's 5th congressional district.

Steve Raby
Democratic Party nominee for
U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama's 5th District
Election date
November 2, 2010
Opponent(s)Mo Brooks
IncumbentParker Griffith
Personal details
BornHuntsville, Alabama
Political partyDemocratic Party
Spouse(s)Denise Raby
Childrentwo
ResidenceHuntsville, Alabama
Alma materAuburn University (BS and MS, Economics)
OccupationPublic affairs specialist and small business owner
Websitesteveraby.com

Early life and education

Raby was born in Huntsville and grew up in Harvest, where he still has a home on his family farm. He attended Sparkman High School in Madison County. While in high school, he served as a United States Senate Page for Senator John Sparkman where he began his career in public service. He graduated from Auburn University with a BS in Agricultural Economics, and an MS in Economics.[1]

Business career

As a Legislative Aide and Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator Howell Heflin from 1984 until 1997, Raby worked on Northern Alabama issues such as Marshall Space Flight Center and Redstone Arsenal.

Returning to Alabama in 1997, Raby joined North Alabama-based Direct Communications while continuing his public service for four years as the Chairman of the Governor’s Task Force on Military Affairs, helping to develop a strategic plan for the state to grow military presence and increase contracting potential within Alabama. He is currently the President of Huntsville Direct Communications, which specializes in public relations, management of local issues, and counseling.[1][2]

2010 U.S. Congressional campaign

Raby ran against Republican nominee Mo Brooks for the U.S. House (Alabama District 5), but was defeated by Brooks in the general election.

Raby announced his candidacy on February 9, 2010.[3] He won the Democratic primary on June 1, 2010 against Taze Shepard, Mitchell Howie, and David Maker. By winning over 60% of the vote, no runoff was required.[4] On August 4, Raby won the official endorsement from the Blue Dog Coalition, saying: "As I have stated throughout the campaign, my first priority as a Congressman will be to focus on jobs and growing the economy. We must balance the federal budget for our Nation to rebound economically. The Coalition is dedicated to financial stability and national security, and I will join the Blue Dogs in this bipartisan common sense effort."[5]

As of late September 2010 Raby had raised about 20% more campaign funds than his Republican opponent, Mo Brooks.[6][7]

On October 28, 2010 Raby gained the endorsement of the district's largest daily newspaper, The Huntsville Times.[8]

Personal life

Steve and his wife, Denise, live in Huntsville, Alabama. They have two sons, Nathan and Keenan, in college. Raby is active with community service, including the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce, the Tennessee Valley Corridor, the Association of the United States Army, and the Veterans Memorial Foundation.

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References
  1. McCarter, Patricia C. (April 7, 2010). "Steve Raby: 'Your district is your home and what your focus should be'". The Huntsville Times.
  2. "About Steve Raby". Steve Raby for Congress. Retrieved August 23, 2010.
  3. Stephens, Challen (February 10, 2010). "Three Democrats announce plans to run for the Fifth Congressional District". The Huntsville Times.
  4. Stephens, Clarissa (June 1, 2010). "Steve Raby Wins Democratic Primary for 5th District Congressional Seat". WHNT.
  5. "Steve Raby gets official nod from the Blue Dogs". Huntsville Times. August 4, 2010.
  6. "Alabama 5th District Profile". The New York Times. Retrieved October 20, 2010.
  7. Stephens, Challen (August 8, 2010). "Steve Raby and Mo Brooks even in early fundraising for 5th Congressional District". Huntsville Times.
  8. Wendt, Kevin (October 28, 2010). "EDITORIAL: Steve Raby for Congress". The Huntsville Times. Retrieved October 28, 2010.
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