Press Releases
Alabama Democrats Support Motions Filed by Fred Plump
MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Democratic Party Chairman today acknowledged he fully supports the motions filed today in federal court in the case of Plump v. Riley. These motions cite both Sections 2 and 5 of the Voting Rights Act and Constitutional Issues. In addition, today's filing asks the federal court for immediate injunctive relief to prevent any person not duly elected as called for by the Jefferson County Election Commission and enjoins the governor from making any appointment until the legal issues are resolved."These matters of voting law pre-clearance and the Governor usurping powers of jurisdiction from federal law are indeed troubling and go beyond the present situation and office at hand. This is the second time Governor Riley has stopped local citizens from holding an election and voting for their own elected commissioner - in Mobile and Jefferson Counties. Both happen to be democratic leaning seats and majority/minority seats. The Governor's insensitivity to this issue speaks to a larger perception that he is playing partisan and personal politics with these appointments," Chairman Joe Turnham stated.
Jefferson County Party Chairman Robert Yarborough praised Mr. Plump and added that " We Democrats in Jefferson County applaud the courage of Fred Plump for standing up to the governor and his cohorts in this plot to keep the people from voting for their own representation." Turnham added, "This case is not about the distinguished record or character of General George Bowman. However, it is all about thwarting the democratic process that was already underway with an election set for February 5th. Now Governor Riley has pushed the issue into federal court and the aftermath of these actions only serves to rile the electorate and call into question his true motives."
The Voting Rights Act was recently reauthorized by Congress. Alabama citizens know all too well that without this legislation many voters would be denied due process of democracy as is now occurring in Jefferson County. The Alabama Republican Party actually went on record opposing reauthorization in 2006. Alabama Democrats will continue to fight and use every available asset to assure elections take place and that no voter or county commission district is disenfranchised.
