Lawmaker Has a Long History of Incendiary Remarks

Alabama Rep. Alvin Holmes approached the House floor microphones during a contentious debate on an abortion bill and landed in the national spotlight by saying 99 percent of white lawmakers would want their daughters to have an abortion if pregnant by a black man. Holmes, who was one of the first blacks elected to Alabama's Legislature, has become known for statements — sometimes outlandish and sometimes funny — during a political career that has spanned 40 years in a conservative Southern state with a long history of civil rights struggles. His comments on the legislative floor have garnered thousands of hits on social media. Holmes is the longest-serving House member after being re-elected year after year. But he is under frequent fire from people who say he goes too far.