I am hearing now from a solid source that ALFA has declined to endorse any candidate for Governor or Lt. Governor.

In 2002, the ALFA endorsed Republicans Bob Riley for Governor and Bill Armistead for Lt. Governor, but not this year. Lingering hard feelings over Riley’s Amendment One tax proposal in 2003 likely cost him the endorsement, and he will not need it.

However, I understand that Luther Strange has been working ALFA hard for the endorsement, and it must be a disappointment to his campaign not to receive it. While ALFA typically leans toward the GOP and its candidates, they appear to be hedging their bets in the close Lt. Governor’s race this year.

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Sue Bell Cobb has an ad that responds to Nabers’ ad…

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Are you a little surprised that groups like Alfa, the Alabama Forestry Association, and the Organization Formerly Known As The Christian Coalition are not lining up in fierce opposition to Amendment Two, a.k.a. the 10-Mill Bill?

I expected to see angry, organized opposition to Amendment Two, but so far it has not happened.

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I don’t have anything to add to what has already been said in the blogosphere regarding last night’s debates. (Confession: they are yet unseen on my Tivo.) Wade on Birmingham and Jeff at Politics in Alabama were live blogging the gubernatorial debate (Jeff also did lt. gov. and AG race debates). Red State Diaries, Between the Links (Gov, Lt. Gov, AG), and Flashpoint (Gov, Lt. Gov, AG) all weighed in.

The consensus?

• Riley won big and looked good.
• In the debate for the lt. governor’s race, two believed Strange won, and two believed Folsom and Strange were a draw.
• In the debate of Attorney General candidates, with one exception the blogs’ consensus was that John Tyson, Jr. won though someone has made a concerted effort to hit the blogs with comments to convince us otherwise (for example, here, here, here, and here,).

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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1162289806296080.xml&coll=2 - Candidates tout differences in gubernatorial debate.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1162289948296080.xml&coll=2 - Strange, Folsom speak to different relationships with governor in their debate.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1162290033296080.xml&coll=2 - King, Tyson argue over experience.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1162289907296080.xml&coll=2 - Federal judge sets December hearing on objections to settlement of long-running higher ed desegregation suit.

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1162289845296080.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News announces endorsements for state’s appellate courts, gives nod to Nabers in race for Chief Justice.

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/1162290085296120.xml&coll=3 - Group receives federal funds to build affordable housing for Katrina victims in Bayou la Batre.

http://www.al.com/opinion/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1162289862296120.xml&coll=3 - Press-Register criticizes Cato report giving Riley an F in fiscal policy.

http://www.al.com/opinion/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1162289813295930.xml&coll=1 - The Huntsville Times recommends reelection of Sue Schmitz in House District 6 and Randy Hinshaw in House District 21.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061031/NEWS/610310355/1007/NEWS02 - Riley and Baxley both plan to spend last days of campaign on the road.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061030/APN/610301450 - Secretary of State’s office owes about 24 counties reimbursement for equipment purchases made to implement HAVA.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061030/APN/610301266 - Nabers says he is not participating in Exxon appeal case.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061030/APN/610301376 - Proponents pushing 10 mill measure for education.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061031/NEWS/610310305/1012/editorial1 - The Tuscaloosa News endorses Chapman in race for Secretary of State.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061031/NEWS/610310306/1012/editorial1- The Tuscaloosa News endorses Ivey for State Treasurer, Shaw for State Auditor, Sparks for Agriculture Commissioner, and Rice and Parker for PSC seats.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/opinion/editorials/061031a.shtml -The Decatur Daily endorses Ivey in race for State Treasurer.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/opinion/editorials/061031b.shtml - The Decatur Daily endorses Shaw in race for State Auditor.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/opinion/editorials/061031c.shtml - The Decatur Daily endorses Sparks for Agriculture Commissioner.

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061031/NEWS/610310340/1050/OPINION - The Gadsden Times calls for further improvement in state’s open records law.

http://www.thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=8043f392ee71bff7 - Plant closure could have “devastating” impact on Stevenson.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061031/NEWS02/610310341/1009 - House District 88 pits veteran legislator against activist who espouses “Southern ideals.”

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061031/OPINION01/610300344/1012/OPINION - The Montgomery Advertiser urges voters to approve local home rule.

http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2006/as-editorials-1031-editorial-6j30u2753.htm - The Anniston Star say Alabama is a “no-party state.”

FROM TODAY’S ANNISTON STAR:

State & Region News

Education officials say Amendment 2 is necessary to improve school funding

MONTGOMERY — State education officials Monday argued for the passage of Amendment 2, saying the legislation on next week’s ballot is needed to bring fairness and equity to funding for state schools.

“We know citizens understand the value of paying for something that’s important for them,” Alabama schools Superintendent Joe Morton said at a press conference Monday afternoon. “They understand the value of national defense, the value of police protection, the value of fire protection, and they understand the value of paying for schools. And that’s what Amendment 2 does.”

(more…)

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Blogger is being Blogger which means it’s being a pain. Blogger wouldn’t update the blog yesterday, and then it finally threw up three copies of the Sunday Daily News Digest.

Won’t let me do much of anything. This post may make it up since it is an email update, and G’s Daily News Digest made it in this morning as an email update.  So far I have been unable to remove the extra copies of Sunday’s Daily News Digest.

I have been trying to put off changing blogging platforms until after the election. I don’t have time as it is to blog about all the things I’d like before the election, much less doing it on a platform I am less familiar with, and not even to mention finding time to convert everything to a new platform and work out the hiccups and headaches along the way.

The Political Parlor forum is working fine. Would love to see you there.

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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1162203647259860.xml&coll=2 - Medicare Part D recipients to have more options next year.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1162203487259860.xml&coll=2 - Debate for major constitutional offices scheduled for tonight.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1162203528259860.xml&coll=2 - Campaigns plan to flood television airways between now and election day.

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1162203418259860.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News endorses Tyson in AG race, Chapman in race for Secretary of State, Ivey for State Treasurer, Shaw for State Auditor, and Sparks for Agriculture Commissioner.

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/1162203621259960.xml&coll=3 - “The Political Skinny,” the Press-Register’s weekly roundup from Mobile, Montgomery and Washington.

http://www.al.com/opinion/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1162203689259960.xml&coll=3 - Press-Register offers endorsements in the Supreme Court races, gives nod to Nabers in Chief Justice race.

http://www.al.com/opinion/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1162203456259830.xml&coll=1 - The Huntsville Times endorses King for AG, Chapman for Secretary of State, Ivey for State Treasurer, Sparks for Agriculture Commissioner, and Parks for PSC, Place 2.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/opinion/editorials/061030a.shtml - The Decatur Daily endorses Tyson in race for AG.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/opinion/editorials/061030b.shtml - The Decatur Daily endorses Worley in race for Secretary of State.

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061030/NEWS/610300301/1050/OPINION - The Gadsden Times endorses the reelection of Craig Ford in House District 28 and Jack Page in House District 29.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061030/NEWS/610300334/1007/NEWS02 - Article profiles the race for State Senate District 21.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061030/NEWS/610300313/1012/editorial1- The Tuscaloosa News endorses Tyson in race for AG.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061030/NEWS/610300314/1012/editorial1 - The Tuscaloosa News offers endorsements in the Supreme Court races, gives nod to Cobb as Chief Justice.

http://www.timesdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061030/NEWS/610300305/1015/OPINIONS01 - TimesDaily recommends reelection of Sparks in race for Agriculture Commissioner.

http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2006/as-editorials-1030-0-6j29×1949.htm - The Annistor Star endorise John Tyson Jr. for Attorney General.

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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/116211773036710.xml&coll=2 - Major gubernatorial candidates each offering different tax cut strategies.

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/116211764936710.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News endorses Riley in race for governor.

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/116211759736710.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News endorses Strange in race for lt. governor.

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/116211806636710.xml&coll=2 - With the governor’s race all but decided, UAB professor identifies four other constitutional races that he deems “really worth watching.”

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/116211776436710.xml&coll=2 - Commentary by Gerald Johnson - “We need more idiots to act like citizens.”

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/116211730336680.xml&coll=3 - Folsom, Strange in final days of bitter race.

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/116211705436680.xml&coll=3 - All GOP Supreme Court tagged as “activist” in campaign.

http://www.al.com/opinion/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/opinion/116211761436680.xml&coll=3 - Press-Register endorses Riley in race for governor.

http://www.al.com/opinion/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/opinion/116211759536680.xml&coll=3 - Commentary by Hill Carmichael calls for new legislature to reform Alabama’s constitution.

http://www.al.com/opinion/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/opinion/116211777436680.xml&coll=3 - Press-Register endorses Strange in race for lt. governor.

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/116211691237040.xml&coll=1 - Article details race for lt. governor.

http://www.al.com/opinion/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/opinion/116211697737040.xml&coll=1 - Commentary paints the 1901 Constitution as the gobblin that haunts Alabama.

http://www.al.com/opinion/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/opinion/116211717437040.xml&coll=1 - The Huntsville Times endorses Bob Riley in race for governor.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/061029/baxley.shtml - Baxley sees uphill battle, sexism in fight against Riley.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/061029/riley.shtml - Riley continues campaign push in spite of huge lead in polls.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/061029/mail.shtml - Candidates in House District 4 race trade negative mass mailings.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/061029/gop.shtml - Political pundits doubt that GOP can take control of legislature.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/opinion/editorials/061029a.shtml - The Decatur Daily endorses Riley in race for governor.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/opinion/editorials/061029b.shtml - The Decatur Daily endorses Folsom in race for lt. governor.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061029/NEWS01/610290307/1007/NEWS05 - NOW takes stand on state’s issues.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061029/NEWS02/610290325/1009 - With little campaigning, outcomes of races in Courts of Civl and Criminal Appeals may hinge on political party affiliation.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061029/OPINION01/610290302/1012/OPINION - Montgomery Advertiser endorses Riley in race for governor.

http://www.dothaneagle.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=DEA%2FMGArticle%2FDEA_… - Article profiles race for House District 85.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061028/APP/610281500 - Wesley Clark endorses Baxley in governor’s race.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061029/NEWS/610290333/1012/editorial1 - The Tuscaloosa News endorses Riley in governor’s race.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061029/NEWS/610290334/1012/editorial1 - The Tuscaloosa News endorses Folsom in race for lt. governor.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061029/NEWS/610290335/1013/EDITORIAL2 - “Alabama Exposure,” Dana Beyerle’s weekly political roundup for the NYTimes regional papers.

http://www.timesdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061029/NEWS/610290319/1015/OPINIONS01- TimesDaily endorses Cobb in race for Chief Justice.

http://www.cullmantimes.com/homepage/local_story_301224900.html?keyword=leadpicturestory - State Sen. Zeb Little (D-Cullman) says suit to remove him, three other Democrats, from November ballot  is “outrageous.”

http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2006/as-columns-1029-bdaviscol-6j28v4100.htm - Bob Davis of The Anniston Star offers 13 questions he would ask in tomorrow night’s debate of major party candidates for governor, lt. governor, and attorney general.

http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2006/as-insight-1029-0-6j28v4023.htm - A piece from The Baltimore Sun is reprinted in The Anniston Star and asks, “Health care: Is it for all?”

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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1162027182127180.xml&coll=2 - Article profiles advertisement strategy and its effectiveness in this year’s state campaigns.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1162026935127180.xml&coll=2 - Former U.S. Attorney General Ashcroft endorses Strange for lt. governor during campaign visit.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1162027092127180.xml&coll=2 - Baxley campaigns on promises to end annual property tax reappraisals

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1162026957127180.xml&coll=2 - Folsom says he won’t be a rubber stamp for governor if elected lt. governor, vows to maintain his independence.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1162027475127180.xml&coll=2 - Friday’s meeting discusses progress in improving access to public records, plans for modifications of state’s open records law.

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1162027291127180.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News comments on state’s recent rise in infant deaths, calls for legislative action to address problem.

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/1162027197127160.xml&coll=1 - Rep. Sue Schmitz (D-Toney) campaigning hard despite little effort from challenger.

http://www.al.com/opinion/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1162027140127160.xml&coll=1 - The Huntsville Times endorses Folsom in race for lt. governor.

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061028/NEWS/610280305/1137/NEWS - APT to air debate of contenders for state’s top constitutional offices Monday evening.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061028/NEWS02/610280340/1009 - State’s voter registrars say court’s ruling did not resolve issues of voting by former felons.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AL_LEGISLATURE_AD_ALOL… - Challenger says ads by Rep. DuWayne Bridges (R-Valley) claiming that he opposed Bible literacy course untrue.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061028/NEWS01/610280329/1007 - Candidates in State Senate District 30 race swap accusations.

http://www.dothaneagle.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=DEA%2FMG… - The Dothan Eagle examines current campaign season, says that mudslingers “insult voters’ intelligence.”

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061027/APN/610272646 - Alabama’s prison system joins Habitat partnership.

http://www.timesdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061028/NEWS/610280322/1015/OPINIONS01 - Times Daily endorses Parker in race for PSC seat.

http://www.cullmantimes.com/local/local_story_301020701.html - Judge in appeals court race vows to review all campaign material following reports of inaccurate information.

http://www.cullmantimes.com/local/local_story_301015805.html - Sen. Zab Little considering legal action against state GOP over material he considers “borderline libelous.”

http://www.times-journal.com/report.lasso?wcd=6313 - Favorable ruling for plaintiffs in case seeking to remove Democratic nominees could cause election “chaos.”

http://www.times-journal.com/report.lasso?wcd=6314 - DeKalb County still awaiting reimbursement from Worley for expenditures under HAVA.

http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2006/as-editorials-1028-0-6j28a1259.htm - The Anniston Star endorses Jim Folsom, Jr. for Lt. Governor.

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Republican Terri Willingham Thomas is running against Democrat Jim McFerrin for Place 3 of the Court of Civil Appeals.

The Huntsville Times has endorsed Jim McFerrin over Terri Willingham Thomas.

The Decatur Daily has endorsed Jim McFerrin over Terri Willingham Thomas.

But Judge Terri Willingham Thomas is claiming on the front page of her campaign web site that these papers have endorsed her. Like Troy King, she is touting endorsements on her web page that may have been for some other election, but not actually for the election that is coming up.

In addition to her other campaign troubles, she appears to be a judge whose campaign is (at best) deceptively careless or (at worst) deceiving on more than one matter.

Thanks to an anonymous commenter.

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I love a good story.

The race for Probate Judge Place 1 in Jefferson County between Republican former state representative Mark Gaines and Democrat Alan King started interesting and is getting more so. (Here is a good introduction to the story from Bob Archibald of The Birmingham News.) Gaines is the incumbent after being appointed by Riley to finish an uncompleted term, and King is Probate Judge in Place 2.

If King had been unopposed for re-election to Place 2, he would have supervised the election for Place 1. Unsaid in Archibald’s article is the suspicion that an opponent was arranged for King in Place 2 “so King would be busy” and to ensure that King would be unable to supervise the Place 1 election. That prompted King to make a late decision to run for Place 1 instead, and he reportedly is doing well.

I’m told that Joey Sanders is handling the campaign for Gaines. (He also handled Gary White’s failed but “brutal campaign” against Jim Carns for Jefferson County Commissioner.) I also hear he has been working on one of his “famous rough mailings” to go out against King, but that at least one prominent local official has declined to appear in a picture with Gaines for the brochure.

Like Archibald said, the race “jumps out and says ‘watch me.’”

I hear Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale is running ads encouraging people to vote straight Republican to clean up “dishonesty and corruption in the county.” The “straight Republican” part is understandable but Democratic candidates are hot about the other. I’m told one Democratic Party judge called Hale to say that Hale should pull the ads immediately or he would fund a counter.

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You may remember Terri Willingham Thomas, the Republican Candidate for Alabama Court of Civil Appeals with family ties to white supremacist groups (whose beliefs she has never repudiated).

She is in the news again, this time for proclaiming on her web site and for claiming in a campaign brochure that she serves as a member of the board of the Children’s First Foundation. In actuality, she resigned from the position a year ago.

Oops.

Her opponent, Democrat Jim McFerrin, wants her to “clarify [the] error on her campaign materials by sending a letter explaining the mistake to everyone who received it.” An understandable request. If she won’t repudiate the beliefs of white supremacist groups that her family has been a part of, good luck with the other.

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A reminder: today is the last day to register to vote in time to vote in the Nov. 7 election.

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Some discussions do a little better in the format over at the new forum rather than in the comments for a post that will soon scroll off the front page.

It is not the highest profile race out there, but some are watching it closely.

The Question of the Day over in the forum:

What is your take on the race between Democrat Susan Parker and Republican Perry Hooper, Jr. for the Public Service Commission?

You can find that and more in the forum.

See you there.

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Google Trends lets you compare search volumes for multiple terms.

I’m thinking Halloween costumes…

princess     witch     skeleton     ghost     pirate

Looks like the real story here is how Pirate has begun to put distance between itself and Witch over the last year and a half or two years. Witch showed a rally in the fall of 2005 but couldn’t sustain it.

Princess’s ongoing challenge of Ghost for the top spot may have to make room for Pirate who appears to be elbowing into the mix.

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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/116194176756160.xml&coll=2 - State Board of Education clash over proposed nepotism policy.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/116194191956160.xml&coll=2 - State executes convicted murderer.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/116194117456160.xml&coll=2 - Interim chancellor says state’s two year college system needs its own board.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/116194067756160.xml&coll=2 - State Supreme Court upholds Jefferson County ruling that allows some convicted felons to vote.

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/116194053056340.xml&coll=1- GOP candidate for Senate District 9 seat has 1988 tax conviction.

http://www.al.com/opinion/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/opinion/116194050256340.xml&coll=1- The Huntsville Times endorses candidates in Supreme Court races.

http://www.al.com/opinion/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1161854181225770.xml&coll=1- The Huntsville Times endorses candidates in races for Courts of Civil and Criminal Appeals.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061027/NEWS/610270333/1007/NEWS02 - McCain campaigns for Riley in Black Belt.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/061027/race.shtml - Race for Chief Justice turns to more mudslinging.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/opinion/editorials/061027a.shtml - The Decatur Daily offers its endorsements in races for Courts of Civil and Criminal Appeals.

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061027/NEWS/610270326/1016/NEWS - Constitution Party urges voters to write-in Roy Moore in race for governor.

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061026/NEWS/610260308/1050/OPINION - The Gadsden Times offers endorsements in state’s judicial races.

http://www.timesdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061027/NEWS/610270326/1015/OPINIONS01 - Times-Daily endorses Ivey in race for state treasurer.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061027/OPINION01/610270311/1012/OPINION - Montgomery Advertiser endorses Parker and Rice in races for PSC seats.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061027/OPINION01/610260364/1012/OPINION - The Montgomery Advertiser endorses Sparks in state agriculture commissioner race.

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The front page of Troy King’s campaign website shows that six of the largest newspapers in the state have endorsed him. Impressive. Except none of them have actually endorsed him in this Attorney General’s race against Democrat John Tyson, Jr.

Click through and you see that all those newspapers endorsed him for the election that happened four months ago, his primary race against Montiel. The same newspapers also all endorsed Tyson in his primary race.

Why does King’s front page tout endorsements for an election he won four months ago? May we assume that the King campaign knows that some readers will believe King has been endorsed by these papers in his race against Tyson?

Does that strike you as a tad misleading?

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Some discussions do a little better in the format over at the new forum rather than in the comments for a post that will soon scroll off the front page.

I have been intrigued that the run of bad news for the Republicans on the national level (e.g., prolonged Iraqi war, Tom Delay, Bob Ney, Mark Foley, Jack Abramoff, and so on) have some wondering if the Democrats might take the U.S. House and/or the Senate this fall, yet I can’t tell that these things have any reverberation into races here in Alabama. Or do they?

The Question of the Day over in the forum:

Will the spate of bad news for Republicans at the national level have any impact on any races in Alabama?

You can find that and more in the forum.

See you there.

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I want to call your attention to a couple of articles also in today’s Daily News Digest on what many believe is the biggest question to be answered by the upcoming state election: Who will control the state Senate?

One is from The Birmingham News and the other is from The Anniston Star. The Anniston Star article can be found at the bottom of today’s Daily News Digest.

Interesting reading. Short version: It might be close but the Barron Democrats appear likely to retain control of the Senate for the next four years.

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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1161854631225790.xml&coll=2 - Legislators gave community college chancellor discretion over millions of dollars.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1161854660225790.xml&coll=2 - Seven close races may decide who controls state Senate for the next four years.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1161854465225790.xml&coll=2 - Article profiles Jan Cook, candidate for reelection to PSC.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1161854363225790.xml&coll=2 - Article profiles John Rice in his efforts at defeating Cook for PSC seat.

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/1161854802225760.xml&coll=3 - Interim chancellor says more problems at community college will emerge in coming months.

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/1161854103225760.xml&coll=3- Federal judge orders hearing on juror misconduct in Siegelman case.

http://www.al.com/opinion/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1161854852225760.xml&coll=3 -Press-Register says state should consider use of charter schools to improve education, blames AEA for stopping efforts.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061025/APN/610251719 - While students call for new constitution, candidates ignore issue.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061025/APN/610251453 - Inmate faces execution today.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061026/NEWS/610260306/1012/editorial1 - The Tuscaloosa News calls for reformers to increase efforts at ending PAC-to-PAC transfers.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/061026/ads.shtml - State GOP running radio ads, telephone banks linking Democratic legislators to gay rights issues.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/opinion/editorials/061026a.shtml - The Decatur Daily endorses Cobb in race for Chief Justice.

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061026/NEWS/610260308/1050/OPINION - The Gadsden Times endorses Nabers in race for Chief Justice, names other choices in appellate courts.

http://www.timesdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061026/NEWS/610260319/1015/OPINIONS01 - Times Daily endorses Chapman in race for Secretary of State.

http://www.thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=0c4859bbda7dfe28 - Barron vows to remain on ballot in spite of legal challenge.

http://www.thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=4c4c65dba126e080 - Barron’s GOP opponent says Barron’s name should not be removed from ballot.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061026/NEWS02/610260333/1009 - Alabama has one of nation’s highest rate of disenfranchisement due to felony convictions.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061026/NEWS02/610260342/1009 - AG candidate Tyson says politics lead to King’s decision to enter Mobile County case.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061026/… - The Montgomery Advertiser endorses Ivey in race for State Treasurer.

http://www.oanow.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=OAN/MGArticle/OAN_Basic… - New census data shows Alabama near bottom in both high school graduation rates and college degrees.

http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2006/as-editorials-1026-editorial-6j25t5215.htm - The Anniston Star endorses Bob Riley for governor, saying he has proven himself to be an effective governor

(more…)

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New Tyson ad has come out.

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I hear that Rep. Paul DeMarco (R - Homewood) is beginning to look at ethics legislation in other states as he puts together an ethics legislation proposal likely to be introduced next session. His proposal is still in the formative stages.

One considered possibility: mandatory ethics training every two years for lobbyists, legislators, and constitutional officers so that they are clear about the laws and requirements with which they must comply.

Look for a formal announcement about the proposal in January.

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The National Council of Churches (whose member faith groups “include 45 million persons in more than 100,000 local congregations”) offers Christian Principles in an Election Year complete with a companion group study guide. It is also available in a reproducible format in a pdf file.

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Some discussions do a little better in the format over at the new forum rather than in the comments for a post that will soon scroll off the front page.

The Question of the Day over in the forum:

What incumbents in Alabama do you think are most vulnerable and may possibly lose their re-election bids?

Let’s consider all branches of Alabama politics for this one.

You can find that and more in the forum.

See you there.

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A TV ad for Republican Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Drayton Nabers has been pulled (scroll down) from the air.

The commercial is being removed because it shows the home address of Nabers’ Democratic opponent, Sue Bell Cobb. An attorney for Cobb asked that the commercial no longer air.

Cobb’s campaign was concerned because she once got firebombed allegedly from a child abuser who was before her in court and whose whereabouts are not known.

Happened a couple of days ago but this is the only mention I can find on any news site on the web.

Update: A commenter says the ad is still running.

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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/116176845790390.xml&coll=2 - Chief Justice race gets hotter, Nabers accuses Cobb of accepting contributions from gaming interests.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/116176872290390.xml&coll=2 - Hooper says priority will be to cut utility rates if elected to PSC.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/116176910190390.xml&coll=2 - Baxley accuses Riley of hypocrisy on issue of no-bid contracts.

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/116176812490260.xml&coll=1- Hearing set in case seeking to remove Barron, others from November ballot.

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/116176779990260.xml&coll=1 - Riley touts economic growth in Huntsville appearance.

http://www.al.com/opinion/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/opinion/116176804190260.xml&coll=1 - The Huntsville Times comments on the lack of any plans to improve state’s educational system during this year’s campaigns.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061025/NEWS/610250351/1007/NEWS02 - Students from state’s colleges reading constitution to highlight need for reform.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061024/APP/610241314 - Democrats in race for Supreme Court face uphill battle with limited campaign contributions.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061025/NEWS/610250326/1012/editorial1 - The Tuscaloosa News takes Baxley to task for defending state’s Community Service Grants.

http://www.politicalparlor.net/Sanders/Sanders1012.html - Sen. Hank Sanders’ weekly report to his constituents.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/061025/stay.shtml - U.S. Supreme Court rejects bid to stop planned Alabama execution.

http://www.timesdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061025/NEWS/610250303/1015/OPINIONS01 - Times Daily endorses re-election of Bobby Denton in race for Senate District 1.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061025/OPINION01/610240353/1012/OPINION - The Montgomery Advertiser endorses Shaw in race for state auditor.

There are four more articles from The Anniston Star after the jump:

• Republicans trot out the ‘L’ word

• Political ad accuses Benefield of being a ‘liberal’
• Fite says funding education top priority
• Economy, jobs part of Shelton’s agenda

(more…)

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I am quite interested to folks’ thoughts on today’s Question of the Day over in the forum. Today’s question:

What is the single-most important issue in the state that you would like the Alabama legislature to address in its next session?

This could be quite interesting, and I hope you will weigh in.

You can find that and more in the forum.

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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1161681885150440.xml&coll=2 - Abramoff email praises Scanlon for Alabama efforts to protect Mississippi gambling interests.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1161681652150440.xml&coll=2 - Parker says she wants to represent “the little guy” in race for PSC seat.

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1161681620150440.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News praises today’s efforts by college students across the state to focus attention on constitutional reform.

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/1161681525150530.xml&coll=3 - New allegations of financial improprieties surface as investigations continue at Mobile’s Bishop State Community College.

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/1161681545150300.xml&coll=1- Ads used in lt. governor’s race recycled from Lynn Swann campaign in Pennsylvania.

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/1161681532150300.xml&coll=1- Article profiles races for Senate District 3 seat.

http://www.al.com/opinion/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1161594949171700.xml&coll=1 - The Huntsville Times endorses approval of constitutional amendments, Madison County home rule.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061023/APP/610232150 - Riley filling final days of campaign with groundbreaking and ribbon cutting ceremonies to focus attention on economic development.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061024/NEWS/610240306/1012/editorial1 - The Tuscaloosa News suggests that legislators should stay up with students reading Alabama’s constitution.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/061024/graded.shtml - New report says Alabama is failing to meet educational needs of poorest students.

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061022/NEWS/610220358/1050/OPINION - Gadsden Times endorses Riley in governor’s race.

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061023/NEWS/610230327/1050/OPINION - Gadsden Times joins other papers in praising college students’ efforts to bring attention to constitutional reform.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/SOU_GOVERNOR_NALLS_NECKLINE_ALOL-?SITE=ALMON&… - Libertarian candidate for governor runs unconventional campaign.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061024/OPINION01/610240… - The Montgomery Advertiser endorses Chapman in race for Secretary of State.

http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2006/as-editorials-1024-editorial-6j23t5105.htm - The Anniston Star calls on Governor Riley to explain if and how his administration’s $1 billion in no-bid contracts differs from the $1 billion in no-bid contracts for which he criticized Siegelman.

FROM TODAY’S ANNISTON STAR:

State & Region News

Folsom uses Mercedes as reason to vote for him

MONTGOMERY — If Jim Folsom Jr. isn’t talking about the heat he’s packing, he’s talking about bringing Mercedes-Benz to Alabama.

The former governor has made a point of talking about his four shotguns and how he brought the German automaker to Alabama in 1993, helping spark the growth of Alabama’s automotive industry. In fact, it’s so important to Folsom that he uses it in all three of his television ads.

(more…)

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Artur Davis talks to Tommy Stevenson at the Tuscaloosa News in Sunday’s paper:

Davis said he has seen recent polls that show Democrats Jim Folsom Jr. seven points ahead of Luther Strange for lieutenant governor, Sue Bell Cobb four points ahead of incumbent Drayton Nabers in the race for chief justice and John Tyson, Jr. two points ahead of incumbent Troy King in the attorney general’s race.

I would like to learn a little more about that.

Update: A source that has always been reliable for me tells me that these numbers are legitimate.

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