Press Releases

Dems Ask Riley to Cease Fundraising Until Ethics Bill is Law

MONTGOMERY – Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Joe Turnham today called on Governor Bob Riley to cease raising funds in his capacity as Chairman of the Republican Party’s Campaign 2010 until he signs a bill that requires disclosure of those who are lobbying his administration. Last year, the governor vetoed legislation that requires individuals who lobby the executive branch to register with the Ethics Commission. Currently, only those who lobby the legislative branch of state government are required to register as a lobbyist and submit quarterly reports. The bill, which Riley killed, was sponsored by Rep. Marcel Black and unanimously passed both chambers of the legislature. Riley talks the talk of reforming ethics in government, but failed when it came time to walk the walk.

Governor Riley was quoted by the Mobile Press-Register earlier this week saying that he was leading an effort to raise $7 million through the Alabama Republican Party to oust Democrats in the 2010 legislative elections. Campaign 2010’s highest level of giving is $40,000 over a four year period. Democratic Party Executive Director Jim Spearman observed “Few Alabamians believe someone giving that much money does not expect something in return from the Governor. Of course we cannot truly know if any of those in the ‘Governor’s Circle’ are lobbying on behalf of special interests because there is no disclosure thanks to Riley’s veto.”

“This initiative being led by the Governor is particularly troubling when we are only two weeks away from a new legislative session, and we are seeking to avoid the same partisan rancor that bogged down the State Senate last year,” said Turnham. “Therefore I think it is imperative that Governor Riley tone down the partisan rhetoric about taking over the legislature and instead give the people a transparent executive branch. He should commit himself to the passage and signing of Rep. Black’s ethics bill in 2008.”

The GOP’s track record of ousting Democrats in Alabama’s legislature has not been a good one, as they were unable to gain any seats in the last general election and have lost four of the last five special elections. Strong Democrats like Tammy Irons, Butch Taylor, and Pebblin Warren all won their contests despite saber-rattling by Republican Party Chairman Mike Hubbard and the personal involvement of Riley. During last year’s race to replace late Rep. Albert Hall, Hubbard claimed “the Democrats are scared to death about House District 22.” Democrat Butch Taylor went on to win that race by a wide margin of 16%. “If history is any indication, the Republicans face an uphill battle if they think money can trump Democratic ideas in the public debate,” concluded Turnham.