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In the News

Scandal Brewing Over GOP Justices/Riley Leaks

Were details of bingo case leaked to Tyson before its release?
[Editorial from Montgomery Independent by Bob Martin (Editor/Publisher) on 2/11/2010]

Attorneys representing Macon County Greyhound Park were somewhat surprised at what they read in a motion filed to vacate or stay an injunction by a circuit judge to halt raids at VictoryLand.

The motion was filed filed at the State Supreme Court by lawyers representing Gov. Bob Riley, namely John Tyson, Jr., Martha Tierney and Edgar Greene. According to the automated stamped time on the motion it was filed at 1:55:15 p.m. this past Jan. 29

What the legal team for VictoryLand found strange was a citation to a case in that filing. On page 5 of the motion filed by the governor's lawyers, a reference or citation was made to the Supreme Court's decision in the case of Surles v. Ashville, No. 1081015.

The reason they found it a strange citation was that the case of Surles v. Ashville had not been released when the governor's filing was made. According to the Supreme Court Clerk's office Surles v. Ashville was released at 2:04 p.m. on January 29.

Continue reading "Scandal Brewing Over GOP Justices/Riley Leaks"

Response to State of the State Address by House Majority Leader Ken Guin

My fellow Alabamians, on behalf of the Democrats it is my privilege and honor to reply to the Governor's message and to outline what we as Democrats believe is the best course for the state of Alabama at this critical time in our history.

First, and this is difficult to say as a graduate of Auburn University, congratulations to Coach Saban and the Crimson Tide Team on the national championship. You bring honor to our state. Roll Tide!

Today Alabama faces its greatest economic challenge since the Great Depression. The percentage of Alabamians without jobs rose faster than almost any state in the nation last year. In other words, more people in Alabama are looking for work today and cannot find it than ever before. From Madison and Shelby Counties with the lowest jobless number in the state, at 7.3%, to Wilcox County with the state's highest percentage of our citizens without employment at 24.3 %, families across Alabama are suffering.

Continue reading "Response to State of the State Address by House Majority Leader Ken Guin"

Latest News

Riley's team pays retired worker $60K, plus she collects pension

The Huntsville Times
By Bob Lowry

HUNTSVILLE -- Former state Finance Director Jim Main brought a state employee out of retirement in 2007 to work as a contract employee making nearly $60,000 a year while continuing to draw her state pension of more than $30,000 a year.

Gov. Bob Riley has campaigned vigorously against the practice called "double dipping," commonly defined as receiving two incomes from the same source, such as a government job and a government pension.

Continue reading "Riley's team pays retired worker $60K, plus she collects pension"

Americans Trust Democrats More Than GOP to Handle Nation's Problems

[Politics Daily, Bruce Drake, 11/17/09]

Americans trust Democrats more than Republicans by 47 percent to 31 percent to do a better job in coping with the main problems the country will be facing over the next few years, according to a Washington Post/ABC News poll conducted Nov. 12-15. Seventeen percent said they trusted neither and 3 percent were undecided.

Although some polls have been pointing to an improving political climate for Republicans, this one found that Americans also believe by double-digit margins than Democrats better represent their personal values and are more concerned with their needs

Continue reading "Americans Trust Democrats More Than GOP to Handle Nation's Problems"

Dem Chairman Says, "Now is the time to cut sales tax on groceries"

Local, national officials say number of Americans struggling with hunger on the rise [Opelika Auburn News, 11/16/09]

More than one in seven American households struggled to put enough food on the table in 2008, the highest number since the U.S. Department of Agriculture began tracking food security levels in 1995.

That's 14.6 percent of U.S. households, or about 49 million people. The numbers are a significant increase from 2007, when 11.1 percent of U.S. households suffered from what USDA classifies as "food insecurity" -- not having enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle.

Continue reading "Dem Chairman Says, "Now is the time to cut sales tax on groceries""

Bufoonery! Where's Paragon Source When You Need Them?

No-bid contract lawsuit on hold [Huntsville Times, Bob Lowry, 11/17/09]

Officials can't find company or CEO to serve complaint

A judge in Montgomery hasn't set a hearing yet in a suit over a $7 million no-bid computer contract for the state Finance Department because officials can't find the company or its CEO.

State Rep. Alvin Holmes filed suit on Oct. 29 to block the contract with Paragon Source, an Oakton, Va., company that has no corporate address, business phone listing, fax number, e-mail address or Web site.

Continue reading "Bufoonery! Where's Paragon Source When You Need Them?"

Gubernatorial Candidate Shrinks His Campaign to One Message: AEA is Evil

By AEA
October 15, 2009

The dictionary defines obsession as the domination of one's thoughts or feelings by a persistent idea, image, or desire. Other folks see it as the ultimate compliment.
Bradley Byrne defines it as the Alabama Education Association.
What educators see as a bizarre twist to the upcoming election season, gubernatorial candidate and ex-postsecondary chancellor Byrne announced recently that his gubernatorial campaign will be based on.....how evil AEA is.

Wow.

On October 6, Byrne showed up on the steps of the state capitol to announce a major education initiative. What the assembled press heard was a long diatribe by Byrne on the "influence-wielding AEA union bosses who have flagrantly dictated education policy and controlled the state's education budget process for decades. Alabama's changing political landscape poses increasing problems for the 'tax and spend' AEA agenda."

Continue reading "Gubernatorial Candidate Shrinks His Campaign to One Message: AEA is Evil "

The Montgomery Independent Calls for Real Accountability by Republican Governor

Accountability or sleight of hand by governor's office?

Tuesday, October 20, 2009
By Bob Gambacurta

It's not proper in polite company to make fun of the infirm or afflicted. Yet, one may fairly wonder what it is that afflicts members of Gov. Bob Riley's press office. It can't be Alzheimer's, they're all too young.

Is it dementia or delusion? What would cause an apparently otherwise rational spokesman for the governor to utter such a disingenuous statement?

Continue reading "The Montgomery Independent Calls for Real Accountability by Republican Governor"

Holmes says he'll subpoena CEO of firm

Huntsville Times, Lowry, 10/07/09

Paragon Source in line for $14M contract with state

The chair of a legislative committee said Tuesday he will seek a subpoena of the CEO of a company that doesn't have a headquarters, phone listing or Web site, but is in line for a $14 million computer contract.

Rep. Alvin Holmes, head of the joint Contract Review Committee, said he was told by a lawyer for Paragon Source that CEO Janet Lauderdale would not attend the committee's meeting today.

The Montgomery Democrat said he received the notice in a letter from Lauderdale's attorney, who said he would represent her.

If Lauderdale doesn't honor the committee's subpoena to appear before the panel, Holmes said a lawsuit would be filed in Montgomery County Circuit Court.

Continue reading "Holmes says he'll subpoena CEO of firm "

Claire Mitchell, Lawrence McAdory head to runoff for Alabama House District 56 seat

Birmingham News, Debro, 09/30/09

First-time candidate Claire Mitchell will face veteran campaigner Lawrence McAdory in a runoff election for the Alabama House District 56 seat.

Mitchell received 1,105 votes, 41 percent, and McAdory earned 877 votes, 33 percent, in a special Democratic primary held Tuesday for the House seat vacated by Priscilla Dunn.

The runoff election will be Nov. 10. No Republicans are running for the seat.

Mitchell and McAdory beat out candidates Louise Alexander, who received 359 votes, 13 percent, and Margie Varner, who earned 338 votes, 13 percent.

Continue reading "Claire Mitchell, Lawrence McAdory head to runoff for Alabama House District 56 seat"

The brutal truth about America's healthcare

They came in their thousands, queuing through the night to secure one of the coveted wristbands offering entry into a strange parallel universe where medical care is a free and basic right and not an expensive luxury. Some of these Americans had walked miles simply to have their blood pressure checked, some had slept in their cars in the hope of getting an eye-test or a mammogram, others had brought their children for immunisations that could end up saving their life.

In the week that Britain's National Health Service was held aloft by Republicans as an "evil and Orwellian" example of everything that is wrong with free healthcare, these extraordinary scenes in Inglewood, California yesterday provided a sobering reminder of exactly why President Barack Obama is trying to reform the US system.

The LA Forum, the arena that once hosted sell-out Madonna concerts, has been transformed - for eight days only - into a vast field hospital. In America, the offer of free healthcare is so rare, that news of the magical medical kingdom spread rapidly and long lines of prospective patients snaked around the venue for the chance of getting everyday treatments that many British people take for granted.

Link

Dems: Williams should repay state for flight

Huntsville Times, 7/30/09

MONTGOMERY - The question of the governor's right to use the state jet for any reason he desires - other than personal gain for himself or his family - is a moot point.

That issue was settled nearly three decades ago in an advisory opinion by the Alabama Ethics Commission.

But state Rep. Phil Williams, R-Huntsville, is getting some heat from Alabama Democrats about a flight Gov. Bob Riley made to Huntsville June 30.

Joe Turnham, chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party, believes Williams should reimburse the state for half the cost of the flight because Riley attended a fundraiser that night for Williams.

Continue reading "Dems: Williams should repay state for flight"

Five Ala. judges become Democrats for 2010 election

[Associated Press, Phil Rawls, 7/18/09]

Five Republican judges in Alabama switched to the Democratic Party on Friday, signaling a turnaround for a party that saw several judges go to the GOP in the 1990s.

The executive board of the Alabama Democratic Party voted Friday in Montgomery to accept four Jefferson County judges and one Montgomery County judge into the party so they can run as Democrats in 2010.

The Jefferson County party-switchers are Circuit Judges Dan King and Virginia Vinson and District Judges Eric Fancher and Sheldon Watkins. The party switcher from Montgomery County is Circuit Judge William Shashy.

"In a Deep South state like Alabama, it's significant to have this kind of switch," Democratic Party Chairman Joe Turnham said.

Continue reading "Five Ala. judges become Democrats for 2010 election"

Study shows pace of people losing health insurance

[Birmingham News, Parks, 7/16/09]

590 Alabamians a week dropped

Each week almost 45,000 Americans lose their health coverage, including almost 600 in Alabama, according to a study released Wednesday by a group promoting health care reform.

The study, "The Clock Is Ticking: More Americans Losing Health Coverage," found that the pace of people losing health coverage has picked up as the economy has worsened.

"Americans are not only losing their jobs and their homes - they are also losing their health coverage at an alarming rate," said the report by Families USA.

Continue reading "Study shows pace of people losing health insurance "

Obama Names Alabama Doctor Regina Benjamin as Surgeon General

Bloomberg News, 7/13/2009
By Jonathan D. Salant and Kate Andersen

July 13 (Bloomberg) -- Regina Benjamin, a specialist in rural health care who founded a clinic to serve the poor along Alabama's Gulf Coast, was named by President Barack Obama as his choice for U.S. surgeon general.

Obama, making the announcement today at the White House, called her an "outstanding candidate to be America's leading spokesperson on issues of public health."

Benjamin has focused on health-care delivery in areas that are underserved by medical facilities, according to a biography on the Web site of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthurFoundation, which awarded her a $500,000 fellowship grant in 2008.

Continue reading "Obama Names Alabama Doctor Regina Benjamin as Surgeon General "

State Democratic Party Chairman Addresses Wiregrass Democratic Women's Club

Posted by: JSKeppy, JSKeppy@hotmail.com, Date: Jun 29 2009 9:49 PM

Enterprise: Bringing a message of hope and encouragement, Alabama Democratic Party chairman Joe Turnham spoke before an enthusiastic crowd from the Wiregrass Democratic Women's Club.

In his remarks, Turnham spoke of the diversity of people he had met. He expressed a strong support for the military community, pointing out that it was a Democratic Congress that is appropriating funds to support that community.

"We can win elections down here. We're going to win," said Turnham. "It was a shot heard around the country when after 42 years, the Democrats won the Second Congressional District."

Continue reading "State Democratic Party Chairman Addresses Wiregrass Democratic Women's Club"

Democrats add new member to Senate as Republicans opt out and fail to field a single candidate

Chairman Joe Turnham congratulates Rep. Coleman and the entire Democratic field of candidates for an outstanding race and welcomes our newest State Senator, Democrat Priscilla Dunn.

Priscilla Dunn wins Democratic runoff for state Senate
Birmingham News, 6/30/09, by Anne Ruisi
State Rep. Priscilla Dunn of Bessemer is the Alabama Senate's newest member.

She defeated state Rep. Merika Coleman of Hueytown in today's special Democratic runoff election to fill the state Senate District 19 seat vacated by the federal conviction of E.B. McClain.

With 86 of 87 precincts counted, Dunn led the unofficial results with 3,444 votes to Coleman's 2,705, according to Jefferson County officials. That gave Dunn 56.01 percent of the votes, compared to 43.99 for Coleman.

Dunn and Coleman led an eight-candidate primary on May 12. Dunn received 33.7 percent of the vote, while Coleman received 29 percent. No Republicans entered the primary in May, so this Democratic runoff will decide the election.

Continue reading "Democrats add new member to Senate as Republicans opt out and fail to field a single candidate"

Alabama 2-year chancellor salary is questioned

Associate Press, Hunter, 6/23/09

Former two-year college system chancellor Bradley Byrne tried to change many things he inherited from Roy Johnson, his disgraced predecessor who was ousted from the post and later pleaded guilty to corruption charges.

Byrne, who is now running a Republican campaign for governor billing himself as the candidate of reform, backed the state school board in banning two-year college employees from holding elected office and sought to lift morale in the bruised department.

But one part of Johnson's legacy remains unchanged -- a salary that included a 2005 raise of nearly 22 percent that put Byrne's and his successor's compensation well above the amounts previously paid.

Continue reading "Alabama 2-year chancellor salary is questioned"

State GOP may pass on House District 65 race

[Mobile Register, Altman, 6/23/09]

MONTGOMERY -- The state GOP likely won't spend much trying to put a Republican in the seat of former Alabama Rep. Marc Keahey, D-Union Grove, a party spokesman said.

"I think it's a little early to tell, but from a numbers standpoint, this definitely is a district that we wouldn't target," said Philip Bryan of the Alabama Republican Party.

Bryan said Republicans in the district typically garner only about 40 percent of the vote.

No special election date has yet been set for the state House District 65 seat, which opened up after Keahey was elected to the state Senate early this month. Already, at least three candidates are preparing to run.

Continue reading "State GOP may pass on House District 65 race"

GOP Gov Candidate Says "Do As I Say, Not as I Do"

BYRNE SAYS UNTIL BAN IS PASSED, HE WON'T 'UNILATERALLY DISARM'
PAC promise differs from record
[Huntsville Times, Bob Lowry, 6/22/09]

MONTGOMERY -- If elected governor, Bradley Byrne has promised to immediately call a special legislative session on ethics reform, specifically to ban PAC-to-PAC transfers.

But when Byrne was re-elected as a Republican state senator in 2006, he accepted political action committee money and distributed it to other PACs and other GOP candidates.

It's the same practice that the Fairhope lawyer and former two-year college chancellor now says he wants the Legislature to prohibit.

Continue reading "GOP Gov Candidate Says "Do As I Say, Not as I Do""

Show host may face charges

Huntsville Times, Lowry, 6/11/09

Phony news release under investigation by state AG's office

MONTGOMERY - The host of a Huntsville radio talk show who posted a fake news release bearing the official state seal could be facing a felony charge, a spokesman for the state attorney general's office said Wednesday.

Chris Bence, spokesman for Attorney General Troy King, said Secretary of State Beth Chapman had turned a copy of the phony press release over to the attorney general's office, and that a preliminary investigation is under way.

Tuesday morning WVNN radio host Dale Jackson posted on the station's Web site a release that said those who planned to vote for Democrat Laura Hall shouldn't vote until Wednesday because of expected overcrowding at the polls. Hall lost the state Senate special election to Republican Paul Sanford.

Continue reading "Show host may face charges"

GOP's Campaign 2010 fundraising effort fails to pay off in state Senate battle

[Mobile Register, Lyman, 6/6/09]

MONTGOMERY -- The Alabama Republican Party made its first investment of Campaign 2010 funds, putting $100,000 into Greg Albritton's bid in a special election for Senate District 22. But in the end -- helped by Democratic special interest money -- Marc Keahey carried the seat.

Campaign 2010 is a fundraising effort launched by Gov. Bob Riley and fellow Republicans to help the party gain control of the Legislature from Democrats.

Not surprisingly, Democrats touted Tuesday's District 22 victory. A news release from the Alabama Democratic Party claimed that the outcome sent "shockwaves" through the Alabama GOP.

Continue reading "GOP's Campaign 2010 fundraising effort fails to pay off in state Senate battle"

Millionaire GOP Nominee spends $69 per vote to win HD-6 Primary. Dem Nominee says voters will not be bought!

Cash, ethics stir House race
[HT, Stephens, 6/1/09]

Phil Williams, a high-tech entrepreneur largely financing his own campaign, ripped into the last leg of the race to Montgomery with a sweeping call for ethics reform, a platform he says sets him apart from his Democratic opponent.

Jenny Askins, a mother of three and county registrar, acknowledges that Williams may be more focused on campaign themes, but she says that could be an impediment in Montgomery.

"I feel like I'm more open to hearing what the constituents want versus what I want," said Askins, saying she found it easy to relate to voters. "I'm middle class, I have kids to raise, I've got bills to pay and I just want to know what message you want me to take to Montgomery.

"I think that's a big difference between Phil and I."

Continue reading "Millionaire GOP Nominee spends $69 per vote to win HD-6 Primary. Dem Nominee says voters will not be bought!"

Senate 22 candidate Keahey puts emphasis on the economy

[Mobile Register, Lyman, 5/31/09]

McINTOSH -- It was just 4:30 a.m. on a recent Friday, and Marc Keahey had already been up for more than an hour. Standing outside a BASF Corp. chemical plant in north Mobile County, he greeted workers coming off a 12-hour graveyard shift.

"Any face-to-face personal contact you make with someone, that goes further," he said before running off to shake a hand.

It was a typical day on the campaign trail for the 28-year-old Democrat from Grove Hill. Keahey, a lawyer and first-term state representative, is vying against Republican Greg Albritton for the District 22 seat in the state Senate.

Continue reading "Senate 22 candidate Keahey puts emphasis on the economy"

Democrats cheer fresh faces

Huntsville Times, Roop, 5/16/09

3 candidates for House District 6 are all under 44

Madison County Democrats really like their three young candidates for the state House District 6 special election, if the loud applause at a Thursday party meeting is any sign.

A volunteer fire chief, a school police officer and a voter registrar - the oldest of them 43 - are running for the Democratic nomination to represent northwest and parts of west Madison County in the Legislature. The election is May 26 - the day after Memorial Day.

Continue reading "Democrats cheer fresh faces"

House approves $2.5 billion budget

Associated Press, Johnson, 04/24/09

Thanks to an infusion of about $1 billion in federal stimulus funds, the Alabama House on Thursday approved a $2.5 billion General Fund budget that protects the jobs of state employees and boosts funding for critical state services.

State Employees Association Director Mac McArthur said more than 1,000 state workers would have lost their jobs without the stimulus funds.

"It's about the best ugly duckling budget you could get to come out after protecting jobs," McArthur said. "I don't believe there will be any layoffs under this budget."

Continue reading "House approves $2.5 billion budget"

Democratic plan better than Bridges'

Published in the Opelika Auburn News, Monday, April 13, 2009

State Rep. DuWayne Bridges has been given the sponsorship of a GOP legislative proposal on the eve of the 20th of 30 legislative days.

After having voted three consecutive times this session against a measure that would give the voters of Alabama a chance to vote up or down on a proposal to remove the 4 percent sales tax on groceries, Rep. Bridges and his Republican Caucus are only now offering this meager "tax credit" plan.

Bridges and his colleagues have been stung by grassroots outrage as they have unanimously opposed even bringing the Democratic Grocery Tax Removal up for debate. Democratic plan better than Bridges'

Continue reading "Democratic plan better than Bridges'"

Outlook on Economy Is Brightening, New Poll Finds

NY Times | 04/07/2009
By ADAM NAGOURNEY and MEGAN THEE-BRENAN

Americans have grown more optimistic about the economy and the direction of the country in the 11 weeks since President Obama was inaugurated, suggesting that he is enjoying some success in his critical task of rebuilding the nation's confidence, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll.

These sometimes turbulent weeks -- marked by new initiatives by Mr. Obama, attacks by Republicans and more than a few missteps by the White House -- do not appear to have hurt the president. Americans said they approved of Mr. Obama's handling of the economy, foreign policy, Iraq and Afghanistan; fully two-thirds said they approved of his overall job performance.

Continue reading "Outlook on Economy Is Brightening, New Poll Finds"

New Survey Shows Voters Back Obama's Priorities, Agenda on the Budget

Source: Democracy Corps

A new survey by Democracy Corps and Greenberg Quinlan Rosner, completed on the eve on Congress' pending vote on President Obama's budget, shows increasing optimism among the electorate, sustained popularity for the president, and broad support for his priorities and approach to the budget, particularly when framed as a part of a long-term economic program.

Continuing a steady climb since President Obama's inauguration, the percentage of likely voters saying the country is going in the right direction is up to 38 percent, the highest level we have recorded in over three years. And while deep pessimism remains on the economy, the percent rating the "state of the economy" as cool dropped 6 percent, the first sign of potential warming on the economy in months.

To continue reading click here.

Alabama House aims to debate removal of grocery sales tax

Birmingham News, Chandler, 04/01/09

Vote to bring bill up expected to be close

Legislators will make a second attempt today to remove the state's 4 percent sales tax on food and offset the revenue loss by phasing out an income tax deduction for the state's top earners.

House Majority Leader Ken Guin, D-Carbon Hill, said Tuesday that the bill will be at the top of today's proposed debate schedule.

"It's a tax break for the vast majority of Alabamians," Guin said.

Continue reading "Alabama House aims to debate removal of grocery sales tax"

E-News Update 24 February 2009

Extended Articles from your E-News update, please continue reading below.

And, while you're here, check out our Membership and Volunteer pages.

Continue reading "E-News Update 24 February 2009"

Lawmakers mourn Senator Pat Lindsey

Tuesday, January 13, 2009
By GEORGE R. ALTMAN - Mobile Press-Register
Capital Bureau

MONTGOMERY -- Lawmakers from southwest Alabama and across the state grieved the death of Sen. Pat Lindsey on Monday, as plans for the Butler Democrat's funeral were released.

Lindsey, 72, a seven-term senator and Montgomery fixture, was found dead in his bed Sunday morning while on a hunting trip with friends and fellow politicians, including state Sen. Roger Bedford, D- Russellville, and Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom Jr.

Continue reading "Lawmakers mourn Senator Pat Lindsey"

State Senator Pat Lindsey dies at 72

By PHILLIP RAWLS

The Associated Press

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) -- Seven-term state Sen. W.H. "Pat" Lindsey, who was a legislative power on legal issues, found was dead Sunday while on a hunting trip. He was 72.

Lindsey, D-Butler, was discovered dead in his bed Sunday morning while staying with friends on a hunting trip in Boligee in west Alabama. State Sen. Roger Bedford and Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom Jr., who were also on the trip, said Lindsey was discovered when the group started preparing to leave and he didn't show up.

"He passed away in his sleep. It was a great shock," Folsom said.

Continue reading "State Senator Pat Lindsey dies at 72 "

Presidential Inaugural Committee News

WASHINGTON, DC - President-elect Barack Obama will host a Youth Inaugural Ball, five Regional Inaugural balls, and a ball for his Home States - Illinois and Hawaii. Vice President-elect Joe Biden will host a ball for his Home States as well: Delaware and Pennsylvania. These balls round out the list of official inaugural balls to be held on Tuesday, January 20, along with the previously announced Neighborhood Inaugural Ball and Commander in Chief's Ball. The President-elect and the Vice President-elect will appear at each of the ten inaugural balls.

"This is America's inaugural celebration in every way," said Presidential Inaugural Committee Executive Director Emmett S. Beliveau. "Young people are more engaged in this country's future than ever before and we want to harness that excitement by inviting them to participate in this historic occasion. In that same vein, we are hosting events to bring people from all walks of life and from across the country - from the President-elect and Vice President-elect's home states, as well as every corner of the nation - to celebrate this country's unity moving forward."

Continue reading "Presidential Inaugural Committee News"

Griffith Gets Transport Panel Post

Huntsville Times - January 7, 2009

By: Patricia C. McCarter

WASHINGTON - Minutes after the 435 members of Congress took the oath of office Tuesday afternoon, at least 400 left the floor of the Capitol to visit with family and constituents who came to see the ceremony.

Not Parker Griffith.

Continue reading "Griffith Gets Transport Panel Post"

Bright Sworn in to Office

Montgomery Advertiser - January 7, 2009

By: Doug Abrahms

WASHINGTON -- Bobby Bright's new congressional office had that lived-in look Tuesday, one day after he was given the keys to move in.

Mementos from his days as Montgomery's mayor -- a University of Alabama football, a mounted duck -- are now in his U.S. House office.

Bright drove to Washington last week with a few relatives in an RV that was towing a pickup truck filled with memorabilia.

Continue reading "Bright Sworn in to Office"

Ethics Commission to Review Chapman Case

MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Ethics Commission on Wednesday will begin hearing the case against Secretary of State Beth Chapman, who has been accused by a fellow Republican of using her office for personal gain.

Former attorney general candidate Mark Montiel, a Montgomery lawyer and a former state appellate judge, filed a complaint against Chapman, saying she continued to raise money after her November 2006 election and used it in violation of the law.

"The first thing is she (reportedly) raised significant amounts of money in excess of her (campaign) debt and converted it to personal use by writing checks to her husband and children and business," Montiel said Monday.

The Ethics Law prohibits a public or elected official from using his or her office for personal gain.

Continue reading "Ethics Commission to Review Chapman Case"

Congressman-elect Bright on Politico.com

The article at Politico.com was posted on Veterans' Day, a day held in high regard in District 2.

The article is posted below:

Several Dems benefit from Barack bounce

By JOSH KRAUSHAAR | 11/11/08 7:54 PM EST

Running in a deeply conservative southeastern Alabama district that was once home base to segregationist former governor George Wallace, Democratic Congressman-elect Bobby Bright wanted nothing to do with Barack Obama.

He pointedly refused to endorse Obama and, when asked in October whether he was supporting Obama or John McCain, Bright sidestepped the issue entirely: "You're asking me do I support George Bush or are you asking me if I support Barack Obama? I support America."

Now, however, Bright might want to rethink his position. The mayor of Montgomery can credit Obama for his narrow 1,766-vote victory over Republican Jay Love after an Obama-fueled spike in African-American turnout pushed him over the top on Election Day.

Continue reading "Congressman-elect Bright on Politico.com"

Deborah Bell Paseur the Choice of Law Enforcment

Judge Paseur has been endorsed by members of law enforcement across the state including twenty-four county sheriffs and a number of local police chiefs.

She has also been endorsed by several key prosecutors across the state.

Continue reading "Deborah Bell Paseur the Choice of Law Enforcment"

More Endorsements Flood in for Deborah Bell Paseur

FLORENCE TIMES DAILY
Judge, selection

Published: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 3:30 a.m.

The TimesDaily Editorial Board offers its recommendations for Supreme Court justice and the Lauderdale County judicial selection amendment.
An open seat on the Alabama Supreme Court has attracted two longtime judges to the race, Democrat Deborah Bell Paseur and Republican Greg Shaw.

Paseur retired earlier this year as Lauderdale County district judge after 27 years on the bench, while Shaw has been a member of the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals for eight years. We believe Paseur's experience makes her best qualified to sit on the high court.
Paseur has been more than a judge for the past 27 years. She was instrumental in creating a drug court for Lauderdale County. She has been deeply involved in community work, including the Boys and Girls Clubs, which works to keep youngsters out of trouble. Paseur has endorsements from a wide array of law enforcement officers.

Continue reading "More Endorsements Flood in for Deborah Bell Paseur"

GOP Sen. Smith Endorses Bright

From The Dothan Eagle

The fallout from a brutal Republican Congressional primary race continued Monday when Republican state senator Harri Anne Smith endorsed Democratic Congressional candidate Bobby Bright.

Smith batted current Republican Congressional candidate Jay Love in the 2nd Congressional District Republican Primary race earlier this year, and said Love lied about her during the campaign.

"Jay Love lied about my record just to further his own agenda and now he's lying about Bobby Bright," Smith said. Smith made the announcement Monday morning in Dothan at Wiregrass Veterans Park as part of Bright's "America First Truck Tour."

Continue reading "GOP Sen. Smith Endorses Bright"

Decatur Daily Endorses Obama

Obama best choice to lead our nation

The Daily endorses Sen. Barack Obama for president of the United States.

Our decision did not come early. He lacks political experience, and his voting is more liberal than we would like.

Continue reading "Decatur Daily Endorses Obama"

Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama for President

By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Colin Powell, a Republican who was President Bush's first secretary of state, endorsed Democrat Barack Obama for president Sunday and criticized the tone of Republican John McCain's campaign.

The former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said either candidate, both of them senators, is qualified to be commander in chief. But he said Obama is better suited to handle the nation's economic problems as well as help improve its standing in the world.

Continue reading "Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama for President"

Tuscaloosa News Endorses Obama

Elect Obama on Nov. 4 for a better United States

Forget the vapid accusations of a hundred-year war or 'palling around' with terrorists. There are much more legitimate reservations about the nominees of the major parties for president in the Nov. 4 election.

Continue reading "Tuscaloosa News Endorses Obama"

March to eliminate hunger under way

From Opelika-Auburn News

BRITTANY WHITLEY
STAFF WRITER
Published: October 17, 2008

More than 80 college students and community members laced-up their tennis shoes Friday for a 62-mile march to Montgomery to raise awareness and eliminate world hunger.

The walkers will reach the state's capitol at around 12:30 p.m. Sunday, said Haley Walker, president of the Auburn Committee of 19.

The Auburn Committee of 19, which organized the event, was the first academic partner with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

"It's the first time its (the march) has been done," Walker said. "We were kind of sitting around and wanted to do something people would take notice of."

In making that point, she gave some facts on world hunger:

- Every 5 seconds someone dies of hunger.

- One in five children in Alabama live in a situation where food is scarce.

- 65 percent of children in Opelika are on free or reduced lunches at school.

- There are 4.3 pounds of food per person per day worldwide.

"It's a distribution issue," she said. "Our mission is to address the lack of political will to do something about it."

Several government officials will meet the marchers in Montgomery, including the Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture Ron Sparks, a senior staff representative with the WFP and Joe Turnham, chair of the Alabama Democratic Party.

"We're voting age, hopefully we'll get something done," she said.

Erin St. John, a pharmacy major at AU, is one of the walkers at the event.

"The hunger march shows we need to get something done about it (hunger)," she said.

Craig Hamm is also marching.

"The rest of America is so complacent... This is something I could do to help," he said.

Christian Coalition Leader Chastizes Love

Love Drops Christian from his Conservative Values

Last week, Rep Love attacked Mayor Bobby Bright and his friend, Congressman Heath Shuler, who had come to Montgomery to campaign on behalf of his campaign. He stated that Congressman Shuler was not only a liberal, but that he was a less than stellar athlete and derided his professional football career.

As chairman of the Christian Coaltion of Alabama, I thought I should help make the record clear. Congressman Shuler is a man of deep convictions and character, who has used his athletic skills as a platform for bringing people to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Chirst, something few politicians, including Rep Love can boast. He not only exemplified this during his playing days at Tennessee and the NFL, but also during his daily walk in Congress. He rooms with another great American, Republican Congressman Zack Wamp of Tennessee. I would find it likely that Rep Wamp would not take kindly to derision of his friend by other Republicans. Heath Shuler is presently chairman of the National Prayer Breakfast and received the "True Blue" award from Focus on the Family, the highest honor given to a Congressman for defending the family.

Shuler is also a friend of mine and took time in his busy schedule to headline a prayer breakfast for area football players and coaches and share his heart with them, as he has done hundreds of times with FCA and churches across the country. A former runnerup to the Heisman, he could hardly be characterized as a mediocre athlete, as the Love Campaign articulated.

In regards to the recent bailout, he voted against it both times since it didn't have enough safeguards to protect everyday Americans and their savings, unlike many on the Republican side. He agreed with the position of the Christian Coaliton that instead of direct payments to Wall Street that loans should be made and that foreclosed properties should be assumed by giving tax credits for purchases by private individuals, which would allow the market to determine the appropriate valuation. As of this writing, Rep Love has offered no plan or suggestion on solving the housing crisis.

I think we need to reexamine the motivations of Rep Love and his recent attacks. It is my hope that truthful comparisons can be made and that solutions for the real problems can be offered by both Mayor Bright and Rep Love.

Thank you,

Dr Randy Brinson
Chairman CCA

Reeves and Upshaw Endorse Pasuer

EUFAULA TRIBUNE

Special to The Tribune

Barbour County Sheriff Leroy Upshaw and District Attorney Ben Reeves endorsed Judge Deborah Bell Paseur, a candidate for the Alabama Supreme Court, this week on the steps of the Barbour County Courthouse.

"I am proud to endorse Judge Deborah Bell Paseur for Alabama Supreme Court," said Upshaw. "As a judge for the past 27 years and a police officer herself, she has proven that she is tough on crime and committed to keeping our communities safe."

Continue reading "Reeves and Upshaw Endorse Pasuer"

AL Democratic Party to Fight War on Hunger

Montgomery, AL - The Alabama Democratic Party is assisting Auburn University (AU) students in fighting the "War on Hunger" this week, with a showing of support from both the Party and its candidates.

In 2004, the United Nations World Food Programme asked AU to become its lead academic partner in the War on Hunger campaign, a student-led mission to raise awareness of issues related to global hunger. AU also leads "Universities Fighting World Hunger," an alliance between colleges throughout the world that seeks to bring attention to hunger-related issues.
Dr. Harriet Giles is the lead advisor for the War on Hunger campaign at AU. In a statement Monday, Giles explained, "Hunger is the most pressing sustainability issue in existence, and everyone must sit at the table together to solve it."

Continue reading "AL Democratic Party to Fight War on Hunger"

Alabama Democratic Party to Host "Live From NY" Debate Watch Party

Event to be held at Montgomery Biscuits stadium

Montgomery, AL - When Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain take the stage for the final Presidential debate this Wednesday evening, some supporters of the Alabama Democratic Party will be watching the action live from the Club Car at the Montgomery Biscuits stadium.

Stephanie Crompton, the party's Director of Development, said in a statement on Tuesday, "The debate presents a great opportunity for Democrats to get together in a show of support for candidates on every level." She said that several Democratic candidates will have representation at the debate, including Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright and Court of Criminal Appeals (Pl. 2) candidate Aimee Cobb Smith.

Continue reading "Alabama Democratic Party to Host "Live From NY" Debate Watch Party"

Segall Named to DCCC's Red to Blue Program

Montgomery, AL. -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee today added Josh Segall to its "Red to Blue" program. Segall earned a spot in the competitive program by establishing significant local support and skillfully showing Alabama's voters that he stands for change and will represent new priorities.

The Red to Blue program highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country, and offers them financial, communications, and strategic support. The program introduces Democratic supporters to new, competitive candidates in order to help expand the fundraising base for their campaigns.

Continue reading "Segall Named to DCCC's Red to Blue Program"

Paseur counters Virginia group's Shaw ad

The Associated Press

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) -- Alabama Supreme Court candidate Deborah Bell Paseur has started an ad to counter one by a Virginia group.
The Center for Individual Freedom, based in Alexandria, Va., has been running a TV ad complimenting Paseur's Republican opponent, Greg Shaw.

Paseur's new TV ad says the center is funded by "the likes of the oil and gas industry" and that the money for the center's ad campaign doesn't come from Alabama.

Campaign finance reporting laws don't cover ads like the center's because the ad doesn't encourage anyone to vote for Shaw on Nov. 4. Paseur's campaign manager, Marion Steinfels, says it's a way for businesses to hide their involvement.

Calls to the center for comment have not been returned. The center has run ads elsewhere criticizing plaintiff lawyers.

Continue reading "Paseur counters Virginia group's Shaw ad"

From the Mouths of Babes...

From The Mobile Press' "Political Skinny:"

Youth vote

The music group Bud McLean and Friends sponsored a children's presidential poll at the BayFest Children's Stage earlier this month, with 102 youngsters ages 12 and under participating.

The results:

Obama: 58

McCain: 33

Other: 11; including one for Willie Bean and another simply marked "Me."

Methinks Thou Dost Protest To Much

Interest groups put money in judicial campaigns "because they see it as an investment, and they want results," said Bert Brandenburg, executive director of The Justice at Stake Campaign, a Washington, D.C., watchdog group that has monitored judicial campaign spending since 1993.

Alabama is one of eight states that elect Supreme Court justices in partisan elections. Interest in Alabama Supreme Court politics may have risen since the court ruled 8-1 in November to throw out a $3.6 billion jury award the state won in a dispute with Exxon Mobil Corp. over royalties from natural gas wells. The dissenter was Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb, the court's only Democrat. Roughly $54 million has been spent on Alabama Supreme Court races since 1993, making it No. 1 in the nation, according to Justice at Stake. Texas comes in a distant second at $30 million.

Continue reading "Methinks Thou Dost Protest To Much"

Meet our Candidates!

October 1, 2008

2008 is an exciting year for the Democratic Party! Please allow us to introduce some of our candidates:

United States Senate

State Senator Vivian Davis Figures

United States House of Representatives

Second District - Mayor Bobby Bright

Third District - Joshua Segall

Fourth District - Nick Sparks

Fifth District - Dr. Parker Griffith

Seventh District - Congressman Artur Davis

Continue reading "Meet our Candidates!"

lwaits

on October 1, 2008 3:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Financial Crisis is "Final Verdict" on Disastrous Bush-McCain Economic Policies That Have Left Americans Struggling and Markets Roiling

September 29, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lindsay Waits September 29, 2008 (334) 262-2221

Nearly Trillion Dollar Bailout Illustrates Failure of Bush-McCain Economics

Montgomery, AL - The unprecedented economic crisis America faces today is the final verdict on the absolute failures of Bush-McCain economics. Bank after bank has failed, markets are in turmoil and homeowners still face uncertainty. The crisis has once again laid out the differences between the two candidates in this election. While John McCain has played politics with the bailout and failed to deliver enough Republican votes to pass a plan in the House today, and while the Bush administration asked the American people for a blank check, Barack Obama fought to ensure the inclusion of the taxpayer protections he has been insisting upon consistently since the beginning of this crisis.

Continue reading "Financial Crisis is "Final Verdict" on Disastrous Bush-McCain Economic Policies That Have Left Americans Struggling and Markets Roiling"

lwaits

on September 29, 2008 4:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Republican Presidential Candidate: "McCain Mistake"

September 26, 2008

Huckabee: Canceling debate, suspending campaign a mistake

AP Wire, Mitchell

MOBILE -- Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee said Thursday that Sen. John McCain made a "huge mistake" by even discussing canceling the presidential debate with Sen. Barack Obama.

McCain's campaign has said the Republican wouldn't participate in the Mississippi debate today unless there was a consensus on the financial crisis, but Obama still wants the debate to go on.

Continue reading "Republican Presidential Candidate: "McCain Mistake""

dkinnaird

on September 26, 2008 2:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Press Conference Video

September 25, 2008

dkinnaird

on September 25, 2008 6:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

WSFA Highlights Voter Registration Suit

September 25, 2008

From WSFA 12 News in Montgomery

Posted September 24, 2008 at WSFA.com

Democrats Filing Suit Against Secretary of State

The State Democratic Party plans to sue the Secretary of State over access to an updated list of registered voters. State Party Chairman Joe Turnham claims Beth Chapman is holding back information that's vital to the Democrats' campaigns. He says, "We've been through this process with the secretary of state now for months with no resolution." That's why Turnham says the party had no choice but to sue Chapman.

Continue reading "WSFA Highlights Voter Registration Suit"

dkinnaird

on September 25, 2008 6:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Alabama Democratic Party Filing Suit against Alabama Secretary of State Over Legal Access to List of Alabama Registered Voters

September 24, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lindsay Waits
September 24, 2008 (334) 262-2221

Party Also Sending Letter to DOJ over Voter Registration Concerns

Montgomery, AL - In a press conference from its party headquarters in Montgomery today, Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Joe Turnham announced that the Party was filing suit against Alabama's Secretary of State, Beth Chapman for her office's refusal to provide the state Party with its free updates of voter lists as prescribed by Alabama law.

The state Party contends it is entitled to a free copy of the file for each statewide election that occurs in a year. Turnham says that Chapman's office has denied several requests for voter file updates, contending the state Party is only entitled to one free file per year. Chapman has offered the Party the list for $28,170.13 for each time it wants an update.

Continue reading "Alabama Democratic Party Filing Suit against Alabama Secretary of State Over Legal Access to List of Alabama Registered Voters "

lwaits

on September 24, 2008 9:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Tenured, local Republican executive official backs Bright

September 19, 2008

Further burnishing Mayor Bright's bi partisan bonafides, lifelong Republican and long time member of the Montgomery County Republican Executive Committee Jo Ann Paddock endorsed Mayor Bright:

From The Montgomery Advertiser - September 19, 2008

"Hugh Ahmann's recent letter attacking Mayor Bobby Bright's candidacy for the 2nd Congressional District seat demonstrates his ignorance of Mayor Bright's outstanding record and mistakes him for Nancy Pelosi's pawn.

As a lifelong Republican and a longtime member of the Montgomery County Republican Executive Committee, I support and will vote for Mayor Bright.

Continue reading "Tenured, local Republican executive official backs Bright"

dkinnaird

on September 19, 2008 4:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Escambia County Democratic Party notable Reo Kirkland Jr. dies at 60

September 19, 2008

From the Mobile Press-Register

September 17, 2008 9:44 PM

Former legislator and head of the Escambia County Democratic Party Reo Kirkland Jr. died late tonight of an apparent heart attack, according to county officials. He was 60.

Escambia County Sheriff Grover Smith confirmed he was with Kirkland's family at the emergency room of D.W. McMillan Hospital when Kirkland passed away at about 9 p.m.

A longtime fixture in local and state politics, Kirkland served as a state senator and assistant prosecutor in the Escambia County District Attorney's Office.

Kirkland made headlines in 1984 as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention when he cast the first vote during the state roll call for his mother, then Escambia County Probate Judge Martha Kirkland.

lwaits

on September 19, 2008 4:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Is President Bush AWOL?

September 19, 2008

By ROGER SIMON | 9/18/08 6:32 PM EDT

Where's George? The president, I mean.

You remember him. Dubya. No. 43. Won a second term a few years ago. It was in all the papers.

But where has he been lately? Where has he been during America's worst financial crisis since the Great Depression?

Continue reading "Is President Bush AWOL?"

lwaits

on September 19, 2008 6:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Everett Endorses Bobby Bright for Congress

September 16, 2008

Written By: Rickey Stokes
E-mail:thehoustonnewspaper@yahoo.com
Phone:(334)790-1729
Date:09/08/2008

DOTHAN: Everett gives personal endorsement to Bobby Bright for Congress.

The Everett endorsement is from Gerald Everett, brother to Congressman Terry Everett.

Mr. Gerald Everett is a well respected businessman in Houston and Dale Counties. He has pledged his full support to Bobby Bright in the Congressional race.

Continue reading "Everett Endorses Bobby Bright for Congress"

dkinnaird

on September 16, 2008 1:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Elegy for a Maverick

September 5, 2008

By E. J. Dionne Jr. for the Washington Post

Friday, September 5, 2008; Page A21

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Once upon a time, John McCain promised to be a different kind of politician and a different kind of Republican. He was about straight talk, reform and nonpartisanship, a resolute foe of the slashing politics of the slaughterhouse.

McCain tried to get voters to remember that man in his acceptance speech last night, the one who "worked with members of both parties to fix the problems that need to be fixed." But that man has disappeared.

Continue reading "Elegy for a Maverick"

dkinnaird

on September 5, 2008 1:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Toby Keith praises Obama

August 20, 2008

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Barack Obama is getting praise from Nashville, courtesy of one big, patriotic country star.

Toby Keith, perhaps best known to non-country audiences for his post-Sept. 11 song "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue," says he's a Democrat, and was impressed by the senator from Illinois.

Keith has said in the past that the 2002 song -- which included lines aimed at the Taliban like "we lit up your world like the Fourth of July" -- was more patriotic than pro-war.

Asked while promoting his new movie "Beer For My Horses" about the role of patriotism in the current presidential election, Keith replied: "There's a big part of America that really believes that there is a war on terrorism, and that we need to finish up.
"So I thought it was beautiful the other day when Obama went to Afghanistan and got educated about Afghanistan and Iraq. He came back and said some really nice things.
"So as far as leadership and patriotism goes, I think it's really important that those things have to take place. And I think he's the best Democratic candidate we've had since Bill Clinton. And that's coming from a Democrat."

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