Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom is starting some movement on a plank from his 2006 campaign: a Mobile to Florence highway through west Alabama. A joint legislative commission is to report recommendations to the 2009 legislative session. Not only is this touted as a boon to economic development - especially in the Black Belt counties it would traverse, but Folsom would no doubt like to undergird that rumored run for the governorship in 2010.
The state GOP picked up a “Diversity Chairman” and a “Victory Director” in recent weeks according to releases from the state party.
The party’s Diversity Chairman George Williams, a retired Army Major in Bay Minette, says in the release, “I look forward to working with all minority groups within the state; educating them on the history of the party, the party’s vision for the future and helping tear down the stereotypical walls that have been built around politics in Alabama for too long.”
The party’s new “Victory Director,” Michael Joffrion, started last week. According to that release, “As Victory Director, Michael will be responsible for building the grassroots organization of the ALGOP and managing the get out the vote efforts for the 2008 election cycle. This will include structuring a statewide volunteer organization and managing the voter registration and ballot security programs.”
Joffrion was Field Director for Rudy Giuliani’s Iowa Campaign Committee and most recently served as Political Director for “Charlie Ross for Congress” in Jackson, MS.
FWIW, I have heard from Republicans around the state who opine (and typically in an abrupt change of subject from the topic at hand) that the GOP grassroots efforts around the state are not strong.
One Montgomery insider told the Parlor about the efforts of the Business Council of Alabama to counter grassroots strengths of AEA and ALFA by using local Chambers of Commerce. Though BCA is a major player in Alabama politics, BCA has never been strong in the grassroots, and the business people and professional people involved in local Chambers of Commerce are “typically opposed to AEA and represent the potential for a Republican base, an embryonic grassroots movement.” The BCA effort - initiated by BCA head Bill Canary - can “use the Chamber to communicate with the community and with legislators.”
Don’t they meet some resistance to use the Chambers of Commerce toward this end, I ask? There are a lot of Democrats in these communities and in the Chambers.
“They are not going to be 100% successful in every county, and they are being very sophisticated about it. They are not saying, ‘This is what we are going to use to kick Paul Hubbert’s ass.’ No. It’s an opportunity to participate in BCA, the brotherhood. It’s about jobs. Preserve and protect the brotherhood. You want a local mailing list, a database? Then you want the Chamber. You got contacts. You got troops. Troops to rally.”
AEA has its fundraising and grassroots strength. ALFA, he said, had increased dues to hire John Pudner (Director of External Affairs) to work its grassroots. BCA’s interests are not the same as ALFA or AEA. This “embryonic grassroots movement” is BCA’s effort “to create grassroots pressure to offset the pressure that legislators get from AEA.”
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The U.S. Office of Special Counsel last year shut down a previously undisclosed investigation into the federal prosecution of former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman, according to an internal memo made public Wednesday.
The investigation was being conducted by a task force formed at the agency a year ago to pursue high-profile political investigations in Washington, most notably whether the White House played politics in firing U.S. attorneys. It began gathering information on the Siegelman case in September and was planning to request documents from the Justice Department in October before Special Counsel Scott Bloch ordered the case closed, according to the Jan. 18 draft memo, made public by the Project on Government Oversight, a watchdog group.
This is all the more interesting given that Bloch, the agency chief, is being investigated for claims of both dismissing cases without adequate examination and obstruction of justice. Related to that investigation, federal agents seized computer files and documents from his Bloch and his staff this week.
Wall Street Journal this week:
Mr. Bloch, who was appointed by President Bush, has been under investigation since 2005 by the Office of Personnel Management for employee claims that he abused his agency’s authority, retaliated against its staff and dismissed whistleblower cases without adequate examination. Mr. Bloch couldn’t be reached to comment.
The Justice Department joined the case as the inquiry was widened last year to include possible obstruction of justice, which is a criminal offense. The Wall Street Journal reported Nov. 28 that in the midst of the inquiry Mr. Bloch used an agency credit card to hire a commercial firm, Geeks on Call, to erase data from his computer and those of former staff.
Bloch said that Geeks on Call removed a computer virus. The WSJ looked pretty firm on its take. On that particular incident, enough people are involved that you would think the truth can be established.
It’s bad enough that one of our foundational institutions, the Department of Justice, is off-track enough to merit the attention of the independent federal investigative and prosecutorial agency that is the Office of Special Counsel. But that Office is not looking so independent.
Now our watch dogs need watch dogs.
Here’s another event where Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh was the sole Republican PSC presidential candidate invited though all GOP candidates (or, in this case, both) for another position were invited. How does she do that?
A trio of Republicans running in next month’s primary election brought their campaigns to Huntsville.
Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, a candidate for Public Service Commission president, and Mary Windom and Chris Mixon, rivals for the Place 2 position on the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, were guests at a luncheon Tuesday hosted by the Huntsville Republican Women.
A reader close to a rival campaign tells the Parlor that GOP PSC presidential candidates Matt Chancey and Jack Hornady were not aware of the event. Looks like Cavanaugh is starting out as the presumptive nominee or her campaign is doing a terrific job of creating that impression.
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Loretta Nall has started a new blog, Alabama Legislative Outtakes, with audio clips of Alabama House debates. Only one more day is left in the session, so enjoy it while you can.
Birmingham News - State Board of Education adopts new high school graduation requirements.
Birmingham News - Son of former Fire College director pleads guilty in continuing probe of corruption in two year college system.
Birmingham News - Conference committee working on watered-down ban on PAC-to-PAC transfers.
Birmingham News - Senate refuses to take debate plan that would remove sales tax from food purchases.
Birmingham News - The Birmingham News comments on former chief financial officer of state’s two-year college system now under scrutiny by federal prosecutors.
Mobile Press-Register - Lt. Governor announces commission to study feasibility of major highway connecting Mobile and Florence.
Mobile Press-Register - State official tells Congress that another $100 million needed for Katrina-related housing repairs.
Mobile Press-Register - Press-Register blasts Senate for adopting resolution against non-existent conspiracy to create a “North American Union,” urges House to reject resolution, concluding that we “need legislators who are still in touch with reality. ”
Huntsville Times - Wrangling over Limestone County bill to regulate rock quarries delays consideration of measure to end sales tax on food.
Tuscaloosa News - Bill to expand state’s hate crimes law to include sexual orientation among protected groups in line for final legislative approval.
Anniston Star - The Anniston Star looks at the legislative session, says that there is “still time for good things to happen, if only the people Alabamians elected will let them.”
Decatur Daily - The Decatur Daily calls for the appointment of special prosecutor to investigate claims that Siegelman prosecution was politically motivated.
Montgomery Advertiser - Legislature gives final approval to measure to increase minimum auto insurance requirements.
Montgomery Advertiser - Legislature gives final approval to “captive insurance” bill.
Montgomery Advertiser - Commentary by DHR commissioner warns that new Medicaid regulations will shift millions of dollars of costs to state government.
New York Times - Critics question Sen. Richard Shelby’s ties to real estate industry as Senate begins consideration of bill to help struggling homeowners.
Associated Press - Summary of yesterday’s legislative action.
(more…)
The Randolph Leader Roanoke’s mayor pleads guilty to willful violation of the competitive bid law and knowing use of offical position for personal gain. He has resigned as mayor
Madison County Record County Commissioners question the way bids for county business are issued.
St. Clair News-Aegis Paper begins a two part series on the status of transportation in the county
Folks (like Rollcall, for one) are taking notice that Cheryl Baswell Guthrie announced that her AL-05 campaign raised $200,000 in 30 days. She has pledged to put up to $100,000 of her own money into the campaign, and so it is a bit unclear how much of the $200k might be her own.
If you want an unofficial campaign pin for David Grimes or Harri Anne Smith, your moment has arrived. One of each is available on Ebay. A Smith campaign staffer says the Smith campaign has produced no such pins, and we may safely assume that David Grimes has not either. Note that neither has the usual “Paid for by…” message.
The Fix on the Washington Post site looks at the race for the Democratic nomination and has a memorable quote from Alabama’s John Anzalone:
“I believe there is no path to victory,” said one Clinton strategist granted anonymity to speak candidly about the future of the campaign. “I also believe she wants to see a Democrat win in November and she will do the right thing.”
Nor are there many among unaffiliated Democratic consultants who believe she is ready to bail out. “She is the Japanese soldier in the Pacific island that hasn’t been told the war is over,” said Democratic pollster John Anzalone. “Occasionally she picks off a few islanders and considers it a victory. Well, yesterday she found out the war was over.”
And for whatever it’s worth… The Fix had a concern this week about comments there similar to the one here this week.
Birmingham News - House committee approves Senate-passed measure that would restrict access to public benefits for undocumented immigrants over 18 years old.
Mobile Press-Register - Senate-passed ban on smoking survives close committee vote, moves to House for final consideration.
Birmingham News - The Birmingham News reviews the state’s two operating budgets.
Huntsville Times - Legislature considering bill that would more than double fund that Huntsville can leverage through Tax Increment Financing districts; TIF may play large role in efforts to lure VW facility to North Alabama.
Huntsville Times - Huntsville facing budget shortfall due to falling sales tax revenues, higher energy prices.
Huntsville Times - The Huntsville Times urges legislature to approve Education budget, avoid special session.
Tuscaloosa News - Documents reveal that a previously undisclosed probe of Siegelman prosecution was halted by federal official.
Tuscaloosa News - AEA says it will drop legislative battle to overturn ban on “double-dipping,” but will pursue court challenge of policy.
Tuscaloosa News - Summary of yesterday’s legislative activity.
Tuscaloosa News - U.S. Justice Department files suit against Satsuma alleging discrimination in housing for persons with mental disabilities.
Tuscaloosa News - Rep. Marcel Black (D-Tuscumbia) wants House Judiciary Committee to study issue of where convicted sex offenders can legally live.
Anniston Star - The Anniston Star questions apparent priorities of Alabama’s state senators following report that Senate approved resolution backed by John Birch Society.
Anniston Star - The Anniston Star compares the legislature’s refusal to consider constitutional convention to Charles Dickens character “so starved for nutrition that he begs for more from a pot of unfulfilling gruel.”
Times Daily - The Times Daily comments on the failure of the legislature to approve bill that would have ended ban on “double-dipping.”
Times-Journal - Sen. Lowell Barron (D-Fyffe) blames GOP for failure of constitutional amendment to borrow $1 billion for road construction program.
(more…)
The Randolph Leader Wadley’s mayor and council at war over a dump truck
The Tuskegee News Article about the recent Democratic forums in Macon County
St. Clair Times Ragland Library Board and town council are at odds over pornography found on a computer
Helen Hammons offers this perspective on an issue before the Senate this week.
In 2007 I took a lot of flak from some news colleagues, politicians, and even Rush Limbaugh, even though he didn’t call me by name, for asking former New York Governor Rudolph Giuliani about the price of milk and bread. The purpose of the question was not a “gotcha,” it was simply the fact that for at least a third of Alabama’s citizens the cost of groceries was a major issue. While many in the state will never have to worry and can pay any price, it really is a struggle for many, including those with full- time jobs.
Since then, the prices have continued to climb – more people are now feeling the impact. Alabama Arise is a group that has fought to bring the issues of people seldom heard to policy makers, those at the bottom of the economic ladder in this state. They have fought long and hard to reform Alabama’s antiquated tax system, to make the system more progressive instead of regressive, and have fought to let the people of the state vote on this issue. They are right. The people should decide and it’s amazing opponents of the legislation don’t want this issue to go to the people of the state. If past votes are any indication, it will be voted down, anyway.
Dr. Keivan Deravi an economics professor at Auburn University Montgomery said on Alabama Public Television’s For the Record in April, “There is no mystery that [the state’s tax structure] is highly regressive. It penalizes people at the lower economic level. ”
“Very rich people have very smart accountants…The lower income [people] have very little to manipulate and the higher income has a lot to manipulate and they have a lot of money to hire a lot of smart people.”
Republican state Senator Harri Anne Smith held two press conferences today, in Dothan at 11 and in Montgomery at 2, to announce that Giles Building and Loan President John Giles had endorsed her candidacy for AL-02.
Giles is more famous for the ten years he headed the Christian Coalition of Alabama, and he served on the staffs of two governors (Hunt and James).
Smith said in a prepared statement that she was “very happy to be receiving a key endorsement today, one I am proud of for a number of reasons.” She added:
First of all, he has always worked to protect the sanctity of life.
Second, he has been my friend in many political battles, fighting against taxes and waste.
And third he has always stood for what is right for Alabama by fighting against the expansion of gambling in our state.
In his endorsement, Giles said that Smith was “unequivocally qualified, electable, and proven, tried and tested on tough issues.”
Edit: All in all, judging from what I have read in email and comments, seems best to strike through this bit below.
“Good Morning Montgomery” on ABC’s Montgomery affiliate announced this morning that Emory Folmar had endorsed Smith. Her campaign would welcome the endorsement but at this writing does not know of any official endorsement from the former Montgomery mayor.
Update: One reader who is more connected than most of us says that Emory Folmar is not endorsing anyone.
Odd… that one outlet would have it and others would not.
Republican Jay Love has a new TV ad for the AL-02 race.
 | Alabama Line |
(R) Jeff Sessions (1-19)
Would take a Larry Craig-type revelation to shake up this race.
(D) Vivian Figures (33-1)
Is anything shaking in this race at all?
(D) David Marsh (OFF)
A rumor here, a rumor there, but we haven’t seen that they have legs.
(D) Artur Davis (OFF)
Could have been strong underdog, but he’s out
(D) Jim Folsom (OFF)
No rumblings, whispers, or substantial rumors that he might run.
(D) Pete Johnson (OFF)
Said August 3 that he will not run. (B’ham News, 8/4/07)
(D) Ron Sparks (OFF)
Flirted with idea. Announced June 12 that he will not seek the office.
(R) Jo Bonner (1-29)
No obvious chinks in the armor.
(D) Benjamin Lodmell (>100-1)
Charge of soliciting more than votes gives him the longest of odds.
(D) Bobby Bright (3-2) NEW
Shoo-in for Democratic nomination, then the task toughens.
(R) Harri Anne Smith (3-1) NEW
Outright win only thing to keep her out of a GOP primary run-off.
(R) Jay Love (4-1) NEW
Easily the most viable of the Montgomery-area GOP candidates.
(R) David Woods (20-1) NEW
Is he crazy like a Fox-20 President?
(R) David Grimes (30-1) NEW
Showing least energy among those with some name ID.
(R) Craig Schmidtke (90-1) NEW
Oral surgeon will be able to numb the pain of loss.
(D) William Boyd (>100-1) NEW
Montgomery Mayoral hopeful will lose to Bright again.
(R) John W. Martin(>100-1) NEW
Army veteran will struggle to be competitive.
(R) Terry Everett (OFF)
The incumbent announced his retirement Sept. 26.
(R) Mike Rogers (1-11)
Heavy favorite but other incumbents have more favorably drawn districts.
(D) Josh Segall (19-1) NEW
District & early signs of professionalism up his chances a bit.
(R) Robert Aderholt (1-29)
Has built a base and enjoys powerful advantages of incumbency.
(D) Greg Warren (40-1)
It’s a sleeper race, and it’s still snoozing.
To be updated. See the AL-05 Big List.
(R) Ray McKee (tba)
The only announced challenger when Cramer announced retirement.
(D) Bud Cramer (OFF)
The incumbent announced his retirement on March 13.
(R) Spencer Bachus (1-70)
Most senior Republican in the state, in the most GOP District.
(D) Artur Davis (1-49)
Will be extremely difficult to unseat one of state Dems' leading lights.
(D) Jim Folsom (6-1)
LG has lots going for him, but plenty of obstacles until inaugural.
(R) Bradley Byrne (7-1)
Two year college ban is political gold. How rich is the vein?
(R) Troy King (17-2)
Top-ranking GOP candidate. Fierce detractors and fierce supporters.
(D) Artur Davis (9-1)
Little doubt that the popular Dem is considering a run.
(R) Mike Hubbard (13-1)
Party chair has nice launch pad but not committing to run.
(R) Jack Hawkins (15-1)
Transparent interest, would Riley's blessing be boon or bane?
(R) Kay Ivey (17-1)
Hitched her wagon to the wrong presidential candidate.
(D) Seth Hammett (18-1)
Maybe ties to 2-year college scandal are a little too close
(R) Tim James (19-1)
Announced, but politically inexperienced & has GOP detractors.
(R) Beth Chapman (20-1)
Too crowded. No reason for the SoS not to wait.
(D) Ron Sparks (20-1)
With Folsom & Davis obvious Dem frontrunners, he’ll likely pass.
(D) Mike Dow (22-1)
Too early to dismiss him from what may be his last shot.
(R) Tony Petelos (22-1)
Hoover Mayor focusing on re-election first.
(R) Luther Strange (22-1)
Might be more likely to run if King passes on this race.
(R) Charles Bishop (75-1)
Perennial possibility. Probably picked up pugilists’ support.
(R) Roy Moore (75-1)
Can’t rule him out until there is a stake in him. Is he still in GOP?
(R or I) Stan Pate (75-1)
Rumor says GOP curmudgeon considering. Perhaps as Independent?
(?) David Bronner (OFF)
He gets The Jimmy Rane TreatmentTM (See Rane below)
(L) Loretta Nall (OFF)
Tells the Parlor she won’t run for governor in 2010.
(R) Rob Riley (OFF)
The rumors are stale. Might run for AG.
(R) Harri Anne Smith (OFF)
She’ll be representing CD-2 or tainted by the loss.
(D) Susan Parker (OFF)
Democratic Party team player not needed off the bench.
(R) Jimmy Rane (OFF)
No indication that he is running despite earlier rumors.
(R) Richard Shelby (OFF)
Riley/Shelby office swap intriguing idea but no indication that he’ll run.
The Alabama Line and its contents are the creation of Doc’s Political Parlor, reflect consensus from insiders and well-connected folks on both sides of the aisle, and will be updated as conditions change. These odds are meant to inform, entertain, and provoke, not to serve as actual means for losing money. Permission granted to use this material if PoliticalParlor.net is cited as the source.
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