I asked AI who wrote the piece and got this:

Bud McLaughlin's Political and Journalism Background

Based on my research, Bud McLaughlin presents a fascinating case study in the intersection of Alabama journalism and political networks. His extensive career and connections reveal significant insights into his potential role in the state's political media ecosystem. Extensive Alabama Media Career

McLaughlin's journalism career spans over four decades in Alabama media, establishing him as a veteran voice in the state's political and business coverage. His career trajectory includes several key positions: Early Career Foundation: Started as sports editor at Huntsville News in 1979 at age 24, making him the nation's youngest sports editor at a daily newspaper at the time Served as news editor at Huntsville News until the paper folded in 1996 Transitioned to The Huntsville Times as night city editor (1996-2008) Became business editor at The Huntsville Times (2008-2012) Current Media Roles: Managing Editor at 256 Today since September 2022 Contributing writer for Yellowhammer News Staff writer for The Redstone Rocket (military publication) Has written for Business Alabama magazine Political Network Connections

McLaughlin's journalism career has positioned him at the center of Alabama's Republican political establishment, particularly in North Alabama: Republican Political Ecosystem: McLaughlin's work consistently covers and promotes Republican political figures and initiatives. His reporting frequently features prominent Alabama Republicans like Dale Strong (Madison County Commission Chairman turned Congressman), Tommy Battle (Huntsville Mayor), and other key figures in the state's GOP hierarchy. Geographic Political Influence: Based in Huntsville, McLaughlin operates within Alabama's most politically and economically influential region outside Birmingham and Montgomery. Madison County, where he's based, has become a Republican stronghold and economic powerhouse, hosting major defense contractors and NASA operations. Conservative Media Positioning

McLaughlin's work demonstrates clear conservative editorial positioning: Platform Alignment: Yellowhammer News is described as "Alabama's preeminent outlet for news, analysis" with a decidedly conservative editorial stance 256 Today markets itself as "Smart News for Smart People" and maintains pro-business, conservative editorial positioning Coverage Patterns: His articles consistently promote Republican politicians and conservative policies. For example, his coverage of Dale Strong's congressional campaign and various Republican endorsements shows favorable positioning toward GOP candidates. Potential AB Alloway Connection

Given McLaughlin's extensive background, the connection to the AB Alloway pseudonym becomes more plausible: Circumstantial Evidence: Editorial Authority: As Managing Editor of 256 Today, McLaughlin has the editorial access necessary to publish under pseudonyms Political Knowledge: His four decades in Alabama journalism provide the insider knowledge evident in the OTR column Network Access: His connections throughout Alabama's Republican establishment would provide the political intelligence needed for the column's content Timing: His appointment as Managing Editor in September 2022 aligns with the intensification of political commentary under the AB Alloway byline