AL-05 Big List
Welcome to the AL-05 Big List.
Similar to our AL-02 Big List, this list has been an attempt to keep up with everyone in either political party who has been credibly mentioned (in public or private) as a potential candidate for Alabama’s 5th Congressional District after Rep. Bud Cramer (D - Huntsville) announced that he will not run for re-election.
Both parties’ qualifying period ended April 4, 2008. Two Democrats and six Republicans qualified for the primary race, and they are listed below. The primary is June 3.
The Political Parlor will update the Alabama Line (found in the sidebar) for the race, though perhaps not as fast as you like since input from a wide array of people is sought.
| Democrats | Republicans |
|---|---|
| IN
Parker Griffith, State Senator OUT Mike Blakely, Limestone Co. Sheriff |
IN
George Barry, Sales Manager OUT Mo Brooks, Madison Co. Commissioner |
(R) Jeff Sessions (1-19)
(D) Vivian Figures (33-1)
(D) Artur Davis (1-49)
(R) Mike Hubbard (13-1)
(?) David Bronner (OFF)
The ‘Republican Women of Madison’ held a forum for House District 5 GOP candidates on April 29. All six primary candidates (George Barry, Cheryl Baswell-Guthrie, Mark Huff, Angelo Mancuso, Ray McKee, Wayne Parker) were allowed ten minutes, followed by Q&A.
Highlights here:
http://www.flashpointblog.com/2008/04/30/republican-women-of-madison-forum/
Comment by Reactionary — April 30, 2008 @ 12:14 am
Heard all six GOP candidates speak this morning (each got to speak for four minutes) - this is what I remember:
George Barry - doesn’t like parts of NAFTA, GATT, Patriot Act, REAL ID Act. Noted that many countries refund taxes on exports but that US taxes put US companies at a disadvantage. National debt is bad. Close Border, stop anchor babies, deport illegals.
Cheryl Baswell-Guthrie - quoted Reagan, ‘GOP loves July 4, Dems love taxes’. Recalls life as military wife, recalls her grandfather’s service in Congress. Bring back moral values. Illegals, ID theft, border unprotected against terrorists, “silent invasion”.
Mark Huff - Fair Tax, Enforce Immigration Laws, Term limits. Says that both Democratic Presidential candidates are Socialists. Need to “stop socialism and push back hard”.
Doc Mancuso - optimistic, economic development, immigration / border security. Soldiers should “never be outgunned or outmanned”. Soldiers should be honored for service - no more Vietnams. Notes his Health Care Policy Fellowship, no universal health care, need affordable health care, protect Medicare.
Ray McKee - ‘take power away from Washington, return it to the people’ through Fair Tax and Term Limits. War - “swift and decisive victory”. Need Govt R&D for Energy alternatives to oil. World peace. ‘No foreign aid until every man, woman, and child in the US is fed and housed’.
Wayne Parker - said his first run in 1994 caused Bud Cramer to become more conservative. Believes in free enterprise, individual responsibility, limited government, strong national defense, and values. Secure borders, employer verification, enforce laws.
Comment by Reactionary — April 19, 2008 @ 4:19 pm
He dropped the democrat party after the State Senate race because the way he was treated by members of the party and the attacks they used on him during the campaign.
Comment by deepthroat — April 17, 2008 @ 2:41 pm
Unfortunate incident?
Comment by William Wyatt Wallace — April 16, 2008 @ 6:04 pm
When did he switch parties? Did he run as a Democrat in 2006 against Bobby Day for the Alabama Senate?
Comment by Anonymous — April 16, 2008 @ 2:59 pm
Mancuso had an unfortuante incident with his wife when she had cancer and wasnt herself. He took the blame and suffered for it. He served in the legislature as a Democrat, but just liked Richard Shelby, Ronald Reagan and Bob Riley, he saw the light and switched parties.
Comment by deepthroat — April 16, 2008 @ 2:48 pm
Deepthroat
Do you know anything about Mancuso’s personal life? It is not pretty. Plus isn’t he a Democrat? Not sure how that will play in a Republican primary.
Comment by Anonymous — April 9, 2008 @ 8:22 pm
Mancuso has a good base in Limestone County and Madison City where he has always won. Wayne Parker may have money but the Republican Party insiders are not excited about Wayne and his inability to articulate the issues. Look for Mancuso to do well in debates with him and to spend enough money to get into run off. Mancuso is the best bet for Republicans to win in the fall. Doctor vs. Doctor. Don’t count Mancuso out.
Comment by deepthroat — April 9, 2008 @ 12:42 pm
Well, Deepthroat, it looks like your sources hit this one on the head. I am still amazed that Mancuso thinks he can win as a Republican.
With six candidates on the Republican side, I think this all but guarantees a runoff. I still think Parker heads up the ticket, and I would say Guthrie will get second based solely on Name ID.
Comment by The Sandman — April 4, 2008 @ 11:42 pm