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Courthouses and Counties - Democrats' Foundation
September 17, 2008
Courthouses and counties called Democrats' foundationBy Jim Cox Editor & Publisher
"The foundation of the [Democratic] party is in the courthouses and the counties," Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Joe Turnham told Clarke County Democrats last Thursday in Grove Hill.
Turnham said despite inroads by the Republican Party, Democrats still hold 70 percent or better of elected offices in Alabama. Democrats have reclaimed some offices that had been held by appointed or elected Republicans in recent years, he added.
"The presidential race is going to be close but there is a lot of enthusiasm out there for Sen. [Barack] Obama," he observed. Young people and new voters are especially supportive and he said that is good. Turnham is attending the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado this week. Lynda Malone of Grove Hill, vice chairman of the Clarke County party, is a delegate. This is her fourth presidential convention. Turnham, of Auburn, said Democrats are champions of the people and the party that needs to be in power to combat economic ills, high gas prices and other woes. Turnham said when President Bill Clinton left office there was a $5 trillion budget surplus. "Now, George W. Bush has added more debt than all of the preceding 42 presidents combined." Too often the Republicans act as though they are the only religious and right party. "We need to take on folks in Sunday school who want to debate theology and politics," he said. Answering questions, he said the Iraqi War was the number one issue a year ago but the poor economy has taken first place today. Still, he said, the war is an important issue that needs to be resolved.
On illegal immigration, Turnham said the Republicans want to make it a national issue but that illegal aliens affect localities more. He nodded to Sheriff Bobby Moore and District Attorney Spencer Walker and said they have to deal with the problems firsthand. The local officials agreed. One person in the audience complained Mexicans were stealing local jobs and sending the money straight back to Mexico. "Western Union is the only one making money from them," he fumed. Turnham said local officials need help in dealing with the problem. "We can't wait for George Bush or [Congressman] Jo Bonner to come solve it," he added.
Turnham said the state party wants to help Democrats from the local level on up. Two candidates, incumbent License Commissioner Linda Goodman and Democratic nominee Terry Norris for revenue commissioner asked party members for their vote and support. Norris, who is challenging Republican appointee Chris Beverly, said she isn't running against an individual but against the Republican Party although she said the opposition is "throwing some things against me that would not normally be there." She did not elaborate. The other Democratic- Republican contest is for the District 2 seat on the Clarke County Commission where Karen Bradford is running as a Democrat to succeed her husband, Paul. She is being challenged by Ladell Ott, a Republican. Washington County Democratic Party Chairman Tommy Fuller was at the meeting. Turnham commended Fuller for rebuilding the party there and also recognized Clarke County chairman Lee B. Williams for his years of devotion to the party.
Comments
Is there a list of counties in Alabama that voted majority Democratic in past elections?
Posted by: Terry Collins on December 4, 2008 8:43 AM
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