Press Releases

Democratic Chair Joe Turnham Congratulates James Fields on His Incredible Victory in HD 12

January 29, 2008

Loss Delivers Serious Blow to Riley and Republican 2010 Effort to take Legislature

Cullman, AL - Alabama Democratic Chairman Joe Turnham was on hand in Cullman to share the returns and congratulate Democrat James Fields in his stunning win in Cullman's special election for House District 12 Tuesday. Turnham noted that Fields' outstanding record of community service, grassroots campaigning and civic involvement, as well as his solid character as a pastor, marine, retired state employee and servant of the people, inspired persons across political boundaries to vote him into office.

"The people of Cullman County and Alabama won tonight," said Turnham. "James Fields' positive message of hope, values and tackling the problems facing the people of District 12 rang true with voters." Despite massive amounts of money, outside campaigning, negative mail pieces, and phone calls by Republicans, as well as the personal efforts of Party Chair and Rep. Mike Hubbard and Gov. Bob Riley, the voters of Cullman County - democrats, republicans and independents - made their own choice in James Fields.


Turnham said that Fields' victory delivers a crushing blow to fledgling Alabama Republican efforts by way of their 2010 project to take over the legislature. In this weekend's Birmingham News, ALGOP Communications Director Philip Bryan was quoted as saying, "It's a very big race for us because it kind of kicks the year off and will kind of put us in the driver's seat for the rest of the year and fulfill what we want to do on the way to 2010". Turnham however retorted "that good candidates like James Fields, who know the people of their district and who inspire what is good and decent in them, will prevail over republican money and outside interference in democratic districts. Tonight's results have to be devastating to the GOP and to their leadership, including the Governor." Republicans are now only 1 for 5 in special elections for house seats in the past 34 months, and since 2006 Democratic candidates have won two special house elections decisively by double digits.


 "James Fields will wake up tomorrow ready to go to work for all the people of Cullman County," concluded Turnham.

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By
bwalden
on January 29, 2008 10:19 PM | | Comments (3)
Comments
I was out of town (Cullman) today and could not determine who had won. Results were not on Cullman Times or WKUL or on Channels 55 or 2 (all local places one would search for news - Thank you for posting the information I needed and a special congrats for James.

Posted by: Joan on January 30, 2008 12:00 AM

Congratulations to James Fields and the State Democratic Party field staff for an incredible "grass roots" organizing effort. This is a model for the rest of the party in the state!

Posted by: Pat on January 31, 2008 8:54 AM

Fields was lucky to have Tina Coggin and others at the ADP working hard on his behalf. With the Dems turnout Tuesday likely greater then the Repubs, the ALGOP couldn't be more wrong about what this year will bring.

Posted by: Jesse on February 3, 2008 12:31 PM

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