Press Releases
Republican Shame
Alabama GOP Opposition to Removing Grocery Tax Unforgivable
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jim Spearman 334-262-2221
Montgomery, AL - Alabama Democratic Party Chair Joe Turnham today said that republican opposition to one of the most humane and basic public policy changes to help hurting Alabama families is shameful and unforgivable. "Republican rhetoric about wanting to cut taxes for working families and create tax fairness in Alabama just went out the door with this vote in the Alabama Senate today. All 11 opposing votes were republican. Governor Riley and his legislative leadership are taking the food out of the mouths of hurting Alabama families by opposing this measure." Turnham protested.
"This measure would provide immediate assistance to every Alabama consumer by reducing their food bill by 4 percent. It would be an overall tax savings to nearly 80% of Alabama families and would only be a net increase to families making over $150,000 per year. In this tanking George Bush economy, Alabama's Grand Ole Party has shown it is the party of the rich and powerful and no friend to the poor, the disabled, seniors and working class." Turnham exclaimed.
This vote combined with their opposition to making big out-of-state retailers like Wal-Mart (HB 350) pay up and republican legislative opposition to the big oil and gas tax (HB326) which benefits Exxon-Mobil will haunt all republicans in the 2010 elections. Their position on these fundamental issues sends a signal that republicans come to Montgomery to represent Exxon-Mobil, Wal-mart, and folks making over $150,000, not the 80% who need relief now. We urge Gov. Riley and House and Senate republicans to reconsider and get on the side of real people for a change.
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McCain Mystery Tour Highlights GOP Hypocrisy
For Immediate Release: April 21, 2008
Contact: Jim Spearman 334-262-2221
Montgomery, AL - Only in Alabama and in the accompaniment of Republican Governor Bob Riley could the national GOP and their apparent Nominee for President come off the tracks of reality so boldly to reveal their political hypocrisy of 'word verses deed'. The Time for Action Tour takes Sen. John McCain and the Governor to the Blackbelt of Alabama to unveil a similar 'new compassionate conservatism' initiative first declared from the bowels of the Bush run for the White House in 2000.
Continue reading "McCain Mystery Tour Highlights GOP Hypocrisy"
New Ad Shows McCain Out of Touch
New TV Ad Highlights How Out of Touch McCain is With Alabamians On the Economy
For Immediate Release: April 21, 2008
Contact: Jim Spearman 334-262-2221
Montgomery, AL - A new television ad set to begin airing nationally Tuesday highlights how out of touch John McCain is with the financial challenges confronting average Alabamians. The ad, the first advertisement of the 2008 presidential election, shows the Republican nominee claiming we are "better off" after eight years of disastrous Bush Administration economic policies. The ad closes with the question all Americans must ask themselves as they choose our next president: "Do you feel better off?" The Democratic National Committee announced that the ad, entitled "Better Off?", will begin airing on cable networks nationally on Tuesday, April 22nd, including in Alabama.
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Alabama Democrats Say Republican Registrar Appointments Show ALGOP Totally Insincere About Diversity in its Party
Only 2 of 132 Republican Registrar Appointments Were Given to Minorities
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jim Spearman 334-262-2221
Montgomery, AL - Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Joe Turnham today revealed that the republican appointments to registrar positions in 66 counties by Governor Bob Riley and Alabama State Auditor Samantha Shaw show that the Alabama Republican Party is not at all sincere in its rhetoric to be an inclusive party.
Democratic Chair Calls Governor and Republican Leaders Out on Food Tax
Anyone Voting Against this Measure Not Serious about Real Tax Cuts or Assisting the Working Class in Alabama
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jim Spearman 334-262-2221
Montgomery, AL - Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Joe Turnham today called on Governor Riley and House and Senate Republicans to get serious about helping working families by getting on board with Rep. John Knight and Sen. Hank Sanders' effort to remove the sales tax on food. This tax cut is fully offset by the forfeiture of the federal income tax deduction on state taxes and would allow families making $120,000 per year or less to have more purchasing power at the grocery store.
Continue reading "Democratic Chair Calls Governor and Republican Leaders Out on Food Tax"
Democrats Welcome Siegelman's Release, Renew Calls for Investigations
For Immediate Release: March 27, 2008
Contact: Jim Spearman (334) 262-2221
Montgomery--Today the Alabama Democratic Party welcomed the news that former Democratic Governor Don Siegelman was being released on bond pending his appeal before the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.
The 11th Circuit granted his release citing in a four page order that he had "raised substantial questions of law or fact" regarding his conviction.
Executive Director Jim Spearman stated, "This is the correct step that should have been taken many months ago by Judge Fuller. Fortunately the 11th Circuit is righting this wrong."
Continue reading "Democrats Welcome Siegelman's Release, Renew Calls for Investigations"
Democratic Chairman Calls on Gov. Riley to Drop Jefferson County Suit
'Let the Will of the People Stand'
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jim Spearman 334-262-2221
Montgomery, AL - State Democratic Chairman Joe Turnham today called on Republican Governor Bob Riley to ask the Supreme Court of Alabama to allow the winner of the February 5th election to the vacant Jefferson County Commission, William Bell, to take office. "Today, Jefferson County Circuit Judge Scott Vowell issued his ruling that upholds the legitimacy of the election of February 5th. Gov. Riley should quit wasting taxpayer funds and denying the people of Jefferson County the right to have a county commissioner that they themselves elected. For Gov. Riley to continue this charade against democracy in Jefferson County calls into question his true intentions. The people have spoken, the judge has spoken - let it go Gov. Riley," stated Turnham.
Continue reading "Democratic Chairman Calls on Gov. Riley to Drop Jefferson County Suit"
Alabama Democratic Party Questions Subpoena Deliveries and Public Displays by U.S. Marshals
March 10, 2008
Raises Question of Republican Political Operatives Having Advance Knowledge
Montgomery, AL - Alabama Democratic Party Executive Director Jim Spearman today called into question the method by which U.S. Marshals attempted to serve legislators subpoenas to appear to testify in a grand jury proceeding. Reporters were apparently tipped off by calls stating U.S. Marshals were coming to the Alabama Statehouse to serve some legislators. "The drama surrounding these actions and the U.S. Department of Justice's disruption of a legislative session for the routine serving of a summons to appear in court sends a poor signal to Alabama citizens who are already complaining about partisan political interference into the federal prosecution of former Democratic Governor Don Siegelman," says Spearman.
Alabama Democratic Party Calls for Special Prosecutor
February 25, 2008
Dems Say FCC Should Launch Inquiry into Huntsville CBS Blackout
The Alabama Democratic Party today called on the US Justice Dept. and the US House Judiciary Committee to appoint a special prosecutor into the allegations of the political prosecution of former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman after the facts and interviews were released by CBS Television Network in their 60 Minutes program this past Sunday night.
Continue reading "Alabama Democratic Party Calls for Special Prosecutor"
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.
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.Continue reading "Dems Ask Riley to Cease Fundraising Until Ethics Bill is Law"
Holley Betrays the People of His District
MONTGOMERY – Democrats across the Wiregrass who have worked hard for Senator Jimmy Holley over the past 25 years are disappointed and angry at his decision today. In 2002, and most recently in June and November of 2006, Democrats came to the rescue of Jimmy Holley's political career helping him pull narrow victories for the Alabama Senate. His action cannot be based on any motive other than personality clashes with other senators and the need to publicly settle a political score. The Democratic Party did not leave Senator Holley; Senator Holley left the Democratic Party.Continue reading "Holley Betrays the People of His District"
Alabama Democrats Qualify Candidates for Delegate
MONTGOMERY – This evening at 5:00 PM, the Alabama Democratic Party closed qualifying for those people who intend to run as a candidate for delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. Democrats in Alabama and across the country are excited about taking back the White House in the next presidential election, and that excitement is reflected by the number of people who signed up to support their candidate at next year’s convention.Continue reading "Alabama Democrats Qualify Candidates for Delegate"
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.Continue reading "Alabama Democrats Support Motions Filed by Fred Plump"
Riley Appointment Direct Violation of the Law
MONTGOMERY - Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Joe Turnham today joined a loud chorus of outraged Jefferson County voters who were ready to elect a replacement for Commissioner Larry Langford who is now Mayor of Birmingham. The bipartisan Jefferson County Election Commission has already scheduled the election for February 5, 2008.Continue reading "Riley Appointment Direct Violation of the Law"
Party Chairman Congratulates James Fields on Victory
MONTGOMERY – This morning the Chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party congratulated James Fields on his victory in the special primary election held in Cullman County and offered words of support for the January general election. Fields and the Democratic Party made a strong showing in yesterday's primary, with Fields receiving more votes that the top two Republican candidates combined and the Democratic field as a whole garnering an equal level of support as the opposition.Continue reading "Party Chairman Congratulates James Fields on Victory"
The Score is in - Big Business 8 and the People 1
Democratic Chief Justice Casts the Lone Vote for Alabama Taxpayers on High Court
MONTGOMERY – Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Joe Turnham on Monday slammed last week's 8-1 Republican decision of the state Supreme Court that essentially rewarded oil giant ExxonMobil for defrauding Alabama citizens. ExxonMobil is the largest corporation in the world reporting billions of dollars in quarterly profits. The company has twice been found guilty of fraud by Montgomery County juries and fined billions of dollars in damages for contract violations against the people of Alabama.
Continue reading "The Score is in - Big Business 8 and the People 1"
Democrats Announce General Wesley Clark as JJ Speaker
MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Democratic Party is pleased to announce retired four-star general and 2004 presidential candidate, Wesley Clark, as the guest speaker for the party’s biannual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner to be held at the Sheraton in Birmingham on November 30.
Continue reading "Democrats Announce General Wesley Clark as JJ Speaker"
Hubbard Interview Reveals GOP Void of Ideas
MONTGOMERY – Alabama Democratic Party spokesman Jesse McDaniel criticized GOP Chairman Mike Hubbard today for his comments posted on an internet blog at Doc’s Political Parlor in a recent three-part series. The posts contain transcripts of an in-depth interview with Hubbard in which he offered no ideas about how to solve any of the problems facing our state. “Hubbard’s interview is very telling about the priorities of the Republican Party in Alabama: maintaining a regressive tax structure, raiding the education trust fund, and bringing more of the same to the 2008 legislative session.”
Continue reading "Hubbard Interview Reveals GOP Void of Ideas"
Turnham Asks Gov. Riley to “Let the People Vote”
MONTGOMERY – Today the Chairmen of the Alabama Democratic Party and the Jefferson County Democratic Party joined the chorus of those calling for Governor Bob Riley to honor the wishes of the Jefferson County Election Commission and allow a special election to fill the seat of County Commissioner Larry Langford, who won the recent contest to become the next mayor of Birmingham. Both Chairmen support the Jefferson County Election Commission’s decision to hold a special election to fill the seat.
Continue reading "Turnham Asks Gov. Riley to “Let the People Vote”"
Alabama Democrats Say 'Don't Shoot the Messenger'
MONTGOMERY – Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Joe Turnham today came to the defense of Democratic Congressman Artur Davis who was publically and personally castigated by both the GOP Party Chairman and the Governor for his participation and remarks in this week’s congressional hearings looking into the prospects of Republican political prosecution of Democrats including former Gov. Don Siegelman.
Continue reading "Alabama Democrats Say 'Don't Shoot the Messenger'"
Alabama Repubs Oppose Children’s Healthcare
MONTGOMERY – Alabama Democratic Party Chair Joe Turnham today criticized Republicans in Congress for voting to uphold President Bush’s veto of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, denying health care to ten million children nationwide and preventing 52,400 uninsured children in Alabama from gaining health care. Republicans voted against the program, despite the overwhelming support of the American people for expanding it. Just yesterday, a new CBS News poll showed eight in 10 Americans support expanding the program. [CBS News, 10/17/07]
Continue reading "Alabama Repubs Oppose Children’s Healthcare"
Democrats Call for Sessions’ Recusal
MONTGOMERY – Alabama Democratic Party Executive Director Jim Spearman today called on U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) to offer a formal recusal of his activities related to Senate Judiciary Committee investigations or hearings related to controversies at the U.S. Department of Justice, and more specifically any future investigations or hearings related to the matter of former Governor Don Siegelman.
Continue reading "Democrats Call for Sessions’ Recusal"
Riley Stacks Immigration Commission
MONTGOMERY – Four out of seven appointments made by Governor Bob Riley to the Joint Patriotic Immigration Commission, including the group’s chairman, gave at least $390,000 in campaign contributions (personally or through PACs and lobbyists) to Riley since 2005. Moreover, five of Riley’s appointments were part of a pro-industry lobbying group designed to stifle meaningful immigration reform in America and maintain the status quo in the hiring of undocumented workers.
Continue reading "Riley Stacks Immigration Commission "
Turnham Demands Repubs Override Veto
MONTGOMERY -- Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Joe Turnham today condemned President Bush’s veto of legislation that would have renewed the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) – which currently provides health care coverage to over 6 million children nationwide – and improve it by expanding coverage to millions more poor children. President Bush’s veto, which will prevent 52,400 uninsured children in Alabama from gaining health care, comes despite overwhelming support of the American people for expanding SCHIP. According to recent polls, 86 percent of them support reauthorizing SCHIP, with seven in ten saying they support the Democratic plan to expand SCHIP by $35 billion over five years. [Robert Wood Johnson Foundation release, 8/23/07; Washington Post, 10/2/07]
Continue reading "Turnham Demands Repubs Override Veto"
Democrats Pass College Aid Bill
MONTGOMERY - Democrats in Congress fulfilled their promise to lower college costs by sending President Bush the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 to bring real help to Alabama students despite attempts by Republicans to obstruct the bill. With the cost of attending college soaring and family incomes remaining stagnant, the bill would mean Alabama students will be eligible for an additional $39,963,000 in need-based grant aid next year, and an additional $433,895,000 over the next five years. [Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, September, 2007]
Continue reading "Democrats Pass College Aid Bill"
Dems Call for "Plane Truth" Legislation
MONTGOMERY - Following revelations that the Alabama Department of Environmental Management failed to promptly respond to media requests for flight records on its state plane, today State Democratic Party Chairman Joe Turnham called on Gov. Riley and the state legislature to pass a flight disclosure law – “Plane Truth” legislation – to deal with the problem.
Continue reading "Dems Call for "Plane Truth" Legislation"
