Alabama Politics in
Doc’s Political Parlor
& Home of Lawn Mower Repair

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/116756067436180.xml&coll=2 - Interim chancellor faces tough challenge in cleaning up community college system.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/116756033836180.xml&coll=2 - Chancellor, Board considering changes in community college system structure during next legislative session.

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/116756059236180.xml&coll=2 - Commentary by Arise’s Jim Carnes on the need for state action to fund public transportation.

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/116756095736180.xml&coll=2 - Former board member of Birmingham-Jefferson transit offers commentary on the need for stable and adequate funding for regional transportation programs.

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/116756048236170.xml&coll=1 - New PARCA study confirms that Alabama’s taxes remain lowest in the nation.

http://www.al.com/opinion/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/opinion/116756018436170.xml&coll=1 - The Huntsville Times says that action, or inaction, by legislature justify the amount of coverage news media provides.

http://www.timesdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061231/NEWS/612310327/1015/OPINIONS - The TimesDaily sees the opportunities for bipartisan state senate leadership as a good thing.

http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2006/as-insight-1231-editorial-6l29t3454.htm - The Anniston Star has specific wishes in 2007 for local, state, and national groups and individuals.

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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1167473898252640.xml&coll=2 - Long-running DOT discrimination suit to come to end this weekend.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1167474081252640.xml&coll=2 - Secretary of State refuses to certify election of Sen. Larry Means (R-Attalla).

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/1167473791252660.xml&coll=3 - Suit filed to challenge election of Sen. Vivian Figures (D-Mobile).

http://www.al.com/opinion/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1167473702252660.xml&coll=3 - Press-Register sees state senate “poised to become functional” if new leadership coalition holds.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/061230/tax.shtml - Tax cut, landlord tenant law to take effect Monday.

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061230/NEWS/612300305/1050/OPINION - The Gadsden Times calls for legislature to tackle “real tax reform.”

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061230/NEWS02/612300363/1009 - Lt. Governor Baxley released from rehabilitation center following treatment for recent stroke.

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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1167387994276300.xml&coll=2 - Program designed to increase the number of physicians in rural areas of state reaping rewards.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1167387757276300.xml&coll=2 - Death penalty sentences down in U.S., but increase in Alabama.

http://www.al.com/business/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/business/1167387921276300.xml&coll=2 - Motions seeking new trial filed in Siegelman case.

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1167387820276300.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News says that Alabama has a long journey to make state’s tax system fairer.

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061229/NEWS/612290311/1050/OPINION - The Gadsden Times calls for 2007 legislature to take action to end PAC-to-PAC transfers and to limit unreported spending by lobbyists.

http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2006/as-editorials-1229-editorial-6l28s4507.htm - The Anniston Star thanks those involved in giving 9300 acres along the Perdido River to the people of Alabama.

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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/116730137710100.xml&coll=2 - State 4th lowest in percentage of women in legislature.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/116730146910100.xml&coll=2 - Bipartisan group pledges to support Preuitt in race for Senate pro tem.

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/116730144510100.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News calls for increase in cigarette taxes and more funding for programs to discourage smoking.

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/116730127010110.xml&coll=3 - New alleged juror emails surface from Siegelman trial, attorney plans to ask court to set date to  consider motion for new trial.

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/116730102710040.xml&coll=1 - Preuitt says that GOP will have some committee chairmanships in new Senate.

http://www.dailyhome.com/opinion/2006/dh-editorials-1228-0-6l27v3052.htm - The Daily Home complains about inequity in allocation of federal resources for education for low-income children.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061228/OPINION01/612280312/1012/OPINION - The Montgomery Advertiser supports efforts by Corrections Commissioner to increase salary of prison staff in order to attract and retain employees.

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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1167215394194340.xml&coll=2 - Schools system impacted by new revenue as a result of passage of Amendment One consider how additional revenue will be utilized.

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1167214578194340.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News calls for the Public Service Commission to determine why price for natural gas exceeds that of our neighboring states.

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/1167214973194350.xml&coll=3 - Bayou la Batre receives $15.6 million grant to build affordable housing.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/opinion/editorials/061227a.shtml - The Decatur Daily says that state’s new landlord-tenant law is an example that “politics can work.”

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061227/NEWS/612270336/1012/editorial1 - The Tuscaloosa News speaks out in support of equal pay in light of new report that shows female college graduates are loosing ground to their male peers.

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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1167128178183300.xml&coll=2 - Portable clinic provides health screenings for over 12,000 children in state.

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1167128215183300.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News comments on the failure of Jefferson and Shelby counties to meet new EPA air quality standards.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/opinion/editorials/061226a.shtml - The Decatur Daily sees momentum building for increase in federal minimum wage.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061226/NEWS/612260329/1007/NEWS02 - Costs of Katrina related waste expected to ballon next year as focus of investigation shifts from fraudulent claims for assistance to no-bid government contracts.

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May you
and your family
enjoy
all the joys
of the season.

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http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/116704187431640.xml&coll=2 - The New York Sun’s response to Virginia O’Hanlon’s question of whether there is a Santa Claus.  Merry Christmas!!

http://www.politicalparlor.net/sanders-senate-sketches/senate-sketches-1021/- Sen. Hank Sanders’ weekly column for his constitutents.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/116704190331640.xml&coll=2 - Article profiles efforts of DOT Director Joe McInnes to improve state’s highways.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/116704172231640.xml&coll=2 - Hoover police clerk, himself an immigrant, develops Spanish Training for the Workplace.

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061225/NEWS/612250301/1050/OPINION - The Gadsden Times celebrates that a proposed settlement has been reached in Goodyear strike.

http://www.timesdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061225/NEWS/612250303/1016/OPINIONS02 - Dana Beyerle’s weekly political roundup for the NYTimes regional papers.

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I hope you and yours have a wonderful and merry Christmas!

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http://www.al.com/business/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/business/1166955677184540.xml&coll=2 - Alabama seeing big increase in home foreclosures, trend expected to continue.

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/elard.ssf?/base/opinion/1166955784184540.xml&coll=2 - Eddie Lard’s commentary offers a Christmas list of state policy decisions that would improve the lives of low-income Alabamians.

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/1166955740184370.xml&coll=3 - New York’s Innocence Project says that DNA tests have freed 188 prisoners wrongly convicted.

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/1166955639184370.xml&coll=3 - State fights efforts to gain DNA testing for convicted rapist who says it will prove him innocent.

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/1166955695184360.xml&coll=1 - Ethics Commission director says Attorney General not pursuing cases.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/061224/cobb.shtml - Incoming chief justice outlines plan for non-partisan judicial elections.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/061224/giles.shtml - John Giles’ tenure as leader of Alabama’s Christian Coalition comes to end next week.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/061224/phone.shtml - PSC expands eligibility for programs that help provide telephone services access to low-income consumers.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061224/OPINION01/612240301/1012/OPINION - The Montgomery Advertise calls for pay raises for teachers to be linked to classroom performance.

http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2006/as-letters-1224-0-6l23t1727.htm - Dr. Randy Brinson (of Redeem the Vote and the new head of the Alabama Christian Coalition) writes that Christian evangelicals can see government as an instrument of good.

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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/116686895898340.xml&coll=2 - U.S. Rep. Bacchus (R) lands top ranking minority position on House banking committee despite others with more seniority.

http://www.al.com/business/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/business/116686890398340.xml&coll=2 - State’s jobless rate for November ties October record.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/061223/worley.shtml - Riley aide criticizes Secretary of State Worley, blames her for delays in certification of November’s election results.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/061223/pay.shtml - State Supreme Court says that expenses for office overhead must be paid as part of costs for representing indigent defendants.

http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2006/as-editorials-1223-editorial-6l22t0628.htm - Editorial Christmas rhyme at The Anniston Star calls for new constitution.

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Merry Christmas…

• I have no doubt that our own cultural traditions are probably odd to other people, but as Christmas traditions go, this may be about as odd as it gets. (If you want the full effect, the accompanying slide show may be worthwhile.) Thanks to a friend and reader.
• Did the reindeer Donder have some sort of the brush with the law that necessitated the change to Donner? Does Santa even do background checks? (Rudolph has a hoof in all this.)
• Prancer - clearly not as popular as other reindeer…. (Google Trends lets you compare search volumes for multiple terms.)

dasher     prancer     blitzen    

I wish the best for you this season.

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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1166793360185660.xml&coll=2 - Alabamians pay less for electrical service, more for natural gas than neighbors.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1166793593185660.xml&coll=2 - National Guard delays start of program for at-risk youth to allow directors to attend training.

http://www.politicalparlor.net/sanders-senate-sketches/senate-sketches-1020/ - Sen. Hank Sanders’ weekly column for his constitutents.

http://www.al.com/opinion/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1166782672192950.xml&coll=3 - Press-Register uses the example of failed Prichard local amendment as an example of why the constitution should be amended to remove allowing one legislator’s negative vote to send measure to a statewide vote.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061222/NEWS02/612220339/1009 - Dr. Randy Brinson takes over as chair of Alabama Christian Coalition, pledges bipartisan efforts.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061221/APN/612213791 - Sen. Scott Beason (R-Gardendale) withdraws from race for chair of state GOP.

http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2006/as-editorials-1222-editorial-6l21t4523.htm - The Anniston Star connects the state’s unhealthy dependence on cigarettes to opposition to tax and constitution reform.

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The Montgomery Advertiser notes that Alabama “was among six states recognized for good public policy” in 2006 by the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy.

The Drum Major Institute for Public Policy highlighted the best and worst in public policy for the year and cited Alabama for its modest move toward tax fairness.

Until this year, Alabama was the only state in the nation that taxed the income of working families making less than $10,000 per year.

2006 changed that. New legislation makes the first $12,500 of income exempt from taxes for a family of four. Because it concentrated tax relief at the bottom, Alabama’s tax changes, however modest, delivered more help to working families in that state than the rubber stamp tax cuts, skewed to favor wealthy taxpayers, that are too often seen on the federal level.

Note that not only was Alabama “the only state in the nation that taxed the income of working families making less than $10,000 per year,” but a family of four started paying taxes in Alabama at an embarrassingly low $4,600 before this year’s change.

There is more to be done. Riley and others are talking about what more can be done to help low-income Alabamians in a state where the working poor still pay a larger percentage of their income in state and local taxes than they would in any other state.

But it’s a good start.

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Related Articles:

• More on Yesterday's Tax Reform Celebration
• A Prayer for Tax Fairness
• More Tax Reform Needed
• A Few Thoughts on the Tax Fairness Bill

Confirming the story Political Parlor broke here last night and that the Parlor foresaw last month, Politics in Alabama is reporting that Sen. Scott Beason (R - Gardendale) will not run for state Republican Party chairman.

Stay tuned to Political Parlor for more exclusives and breaking news.

Update: The Associated Press got a story out on it.

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Related Articles:

• Beason Announcement Soon
• Hubbard Likely New State GOP Chair

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1166696702218880.xml&coll=2 - Housing affordability gap widens.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1166696427218880.xml&coll=2 - Trio admits guilt in church burning case.

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/1166696480218830.xml&coll=3 - Alabama, Allstate at odds over increase in home insurance premiums for coastal areas.

http://www.al.com/opinion/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1166696457218830.xml&coll=3 - Press-Register calls for legislative action to base teacher pay on classroom performance.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061221/NEWS02/612210358/1009 - State receives recognition for focusing tax relief on low-wage families.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061221/OPINION01/612210318/1012/OPINION - The Montgomery Advertiser comments on the 50th anniversary of the end of the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061221/OPINION01/612200377/1012/OPINION - The Montgomery Advertiser calls for end to process by which one legislator’s vote can send an otherwise local constitutional amendment to statewide vote.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061221/NEWS/612210322/1012/editorial1 - The Tuscaloosa News calls state’s new landlord-tenant law “a good step toward improving housing.”

FROM TODAY’S ANNISTON STAR:

Report: State, federal education funding shorts low-income Alabama children

Both the state and the federal government are shortchanging Alabama’s low-income students compared with students from higher-income areas or states when it comes to education funding, a report released Wednesday shows.

(more…)

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I got a tip to keep an eye out for an announcement from Sen. Scott Beason (R - Gardendale) soon, possibly as early as tomorrow. I can’t help but wonder if he is deciding not to run for state Republican Party chairman after all.

Update: Yep… not running. Thanks, Jeff.

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Related Articles:

• Hubbard Likely New State GOP Chair

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/116661096682360.xml&coll=2 - Jefferson, Shelby counties appear to have violated new EPA standards for air quality.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/116661042182360.xml&coll=2 - Riley’s inaugural ball to be held in Birmingham.

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/116661032682360.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News calls for linking any payraise for education employees to improvements in classroom performance and teacher certification.

http://www.al.com/opinion/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/opinion/116660975482630.xml&coll=1 - The Huntsville Times says pay increases for education employees must be balanced against proposed bond issue for schools and tax cuts.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061220/NEWS02/612200349/1009 - New report shows  14% of adult Alabamians don’t have health insurance.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061220/OPINION01/612190364/1012/OPINION - The Montgomery Advertiser identifies the state’s reliance on cigarette tax as an example of quirks in  Alabama’s “odd patchwork of a taxation system.”

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061220/OPINION01/612200324/1012/OPINION - The Montgomery Advertiser sees the state’s takeover of Marion Military Institute and its high school a “bad deal for taxpayers.”

http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2006/as-editorials-1220-editorial-6l19u1753.htm - The Anniston Star wonders why the state invests in many other areas, but will not adequately finance education “that everyone knows will be necessary for our future prosperity.”

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PAC-to-PAC transfers has become a popular cause d’etre for politicians across the political spectrum over the past several months. Both Bob Riley and Lucy Baxley have waxed eloquently on banning the controversial practice as a first step in an increased transparency of state government. The legislative Democrats’ “Covenant for the Future” listed banning PAC-to-PAC transfers as a high priority, and legislative Republicans also embraced the issue (with all the other planks in Riley’s Plan 2010). In fact, I’d estimate that it’d be difficult to find an elected official publicly on record opposing limiting PAC-to-PAC transfers.

But this seeming unanimity might not translate into legislation as the bill winds it way through Goat Hill. In the past, the House has passed a PAC-to-PAC ban only to see the bill die in the Senate.

And who, might you ask, has made it his business to kill the PAC-to-PAC ban? Jim Preuitt.

Yes, that Jim Preuitt – the one who appears to be the Riley/Republican choice for Senate Pro Tem. Now perhaps the PAC-to-PAC ban would have met its fate at the hands of a different senator had Preuitt not interfered, but it is a fact that Jim Preuitt as Rules Chair is the senator most responsible for PAC-to-PAC not coming up for a vote.

Has Preuitt turned over a new leaf on the issue now that he’s partnered with Republicans? Will Bob Riley call in his chips with Preuitt and insist a ban gets an up or down vote?

Only time will tell, but at this juncture a Preuitt led State Senate is probably not the first choice of Alabama’s good government groups.

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Related Articles:

• Handshake Specifics
• More on "Covenant for the Future"
• Democrats' "Covenant for the Future"

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/1166523589153370.xml&coll=3 - AEA will seek “significant” pay hike for education employees in next legislative session.

http://www.al.com/opinion/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1166523352153370.xml&coll=3 - Press-Register praises new landlord-tenant law.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061219/NEWS/612190311/1012/editorial1 - The Tuscaloosa News calls for legislature to repeal state’s payday loan law.

http://www.dothaneagle.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=DEA%2FMGArticle%2FDEA_Basic… - The Dothan Eagle sees the actions of AG Troy King in seeking a favor from chancellor under investigation “raises alarming questions about our state’s top law enforcement officer.”

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061219/NEWS/612190357/1001 - Three to enter guilty pleas in church burning cases.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061219/NEWS02/612190335/1009 - New proposal calls for Senate leadership to be shared between two senators.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?Date=20061219&Category=OPINION… - The Montgomery Advertiser calls for legislature to enact consumer protections similar to Congress’ actions to protect active duty military from predatory lenders.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061219/OPINION01/612180329/1012/OPINION - The Montgomery Advertiser calls for policy-makers to take action in response to report that shows that college education not affordable for many.

http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2006/as-editorials-1219-editorial-6l18u2235.htm - The Anniston Star concludes that all we can expect to know before Jan. 9 about the Senate president pro tem is that it will be someone new.

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I guess with Lucy Baxley recovering from some medical complications, Governor Riley wanted to provide her with a nice Christmas present. How else other than giving Baxley a belated sense of gratification can you explain this:

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Gov. Bob Riley’s chief of staff, Toby Roth, is leaving to become a lobbyist and will be replaced by Riley’s senior adviser, Dave Stewart.

Roth will open a Montgomery office for Capitol Resources, a Jackson, Miss.-based lobbying company whose principals include two nephews of Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour. The firm lists many clients, including Beau Rivage Resorts, eBay, Corrections Corporation of America, Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, Rolls-Royce North America, and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.

Capitol Resources is of course the same firm that Twinkle Andress had to cut her ties with after her potential gambling ties became a liability in February.

Of course like Twinkle before him, Roth has pledged to not involve himself in the gambling aspect of the firm but we’ll just have to take his word on that, as there’s no real means of accountability. And in the real world, Riley administration officials, legislators, and everyone else knows whom Roth represents and that, at some level, Choctaw money winds up in his pocket.

Now of course the Democrats tried to use the Choctaw hammer against Riley in the fall with little to no impact, but with top Riley aides moving from the Choctaw firm to the administration (Twinkle) and from the administration to the Choctaw firm (Roth), it’s not hard to see that this might raise some eyebrows among both Riley detractors and supporters.

Since this information was released on a Friday afternoon, it seems to have slipped past the Alabama media (except one small AP blurb), but one has to wonder if Riley, the Democrats, and the media have just decided the public doesn’t care about the close-knit relationship Riley seems to have with the Mississippi Choctaws.

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http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1166437106242560.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News comments on recent survey on public transportation and calls for action to address needs.

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/1166437249242450.xml&coll=3 - Affordable housing gap widens in Mobile and Baldwin counties.

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/1166437059242450.xml&coll=3 - “The Political Skinny,” the Press-Register’s weekly political roundup from Mobile, Montgomery, and Washington.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061217/NEWS/612170345/1013/EDITORIAL2 - “Alabama Exposure,” Dana Beyerle’s weekly  political roundup for the NYTimes regional papers.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061218/NEWS/612180314/1001 - Payday lender says those opposing his business are “elitist” organizations trying to deny consumer choice.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061218/NEWS/612180315/1001 - Rep. James Buskey hopes new session will bring reform to payday loan industry.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061218/NEWS/612180319/1001 - Litigation taking toll on road builders, group to seek legislative protection in next session.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061218/OPINION01/612160355/1012/OPINION - The Montgomery Advertiser lauds Congress for limiting interest rates for active duty military to 36%, says legislators will have a difficult time explaining why they refuse to protect Alabama’s non-military consumers from usurious rates.

http://www.troymessenger.com/articles/2006/12/18/news/newsssss02.txt - Sen. Wendell Mitchell (D-Luverne) defends himself against changes that he doesn’t reside in his district.

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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1166350502230890.xml&coll=2 - Three separate coalitions seek to form majority in fluid Senate leadership race.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1166350521230890.xml&coll=2 - New DPS chief vows to fix drivers license problems.

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1166351281230890.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News urges interim chancellor to release listing of legislative districts scheduled to receive distributions from discretionary funds.

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1166350925230890.xml&coll=2 - Birmingham environmental lawyer Jim Noles dreams of a “green Christmas.”

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/1166351024230810.xml&coll=3 - New Press-Register/USA poll reveals majority of Alabamians now consider Iraq war to be mistake.

http://www.dailyhome.com/opinion/2006/dh-editorials-1217-0-6l16v1440.htm - The Daily Home expresses hope that the state will learn from new Corrections programs funded by private foundations.

http://www.mountaineagle.com/NF/omf/eagle/news_story.html?[rkey=0102829+[cr=gdn - Sen Charles Bishop (R-Jasper) says progress being made on shaping new Senate leadership coalition.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/061217/cigarette.shtml - Tobacco tax hikes don’t discourage smoking, state continues to rely on revenue source to fund programs.

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061217/NEWS/612170321/1050/OPINION - The Gadsden Times that new landlord-tenant law will benefit all parties.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061217/NEWS/612170314/1001 - Article looks at the payday lending industry in Montgomery.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061217/NEWS/612170313/1001 - Article identifies owners of payday lending stores in Montgomery area.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AL_TELECOM_NEW_LAW_ALOL-?SITE=ALMON… - Deregulation of state’s telecom industry coming February 1.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061217/OPINION01/612160354/1012/OPINION - The Montgomery Advertiser calls for the legislature to consider eliminating payday lending in state.

http://www.dothaneagle.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=DEA%2FMGArticle%2FDEA_… - Article Miriam Shehane, victim rights advocate.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061217/NEWS/612170344/1012/editorial1 - The Tuscaloosa News predicts that a change in Senate leadership could produce improvements in productivity.

http://www.oanow.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=OAN/MGArticle/OAN_BasicArticle… - House Minority Leader Rep., Mike Hubbard (R-Auburn) in race for GOP chairmanship.

http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2006/as-insight-1217-0-6l15t3459.htm - The Anniston Star has a special piece on retiring Judge Sam Monk and the complexities of the death penalty.

http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2006/as-insight-1217-0-6l15t0534.htm - This is a follow-up piece to the previous one, on Judge Sam Monk’s last case which involved brutal murders.

FROM TODAY’S ANNISTON STAR:

Riley makes PAC-to-PAC ban a priority

MONTGOMERY — Gov. Bob Riley asked legislators last week to pass a ban on PAC-to-PAC transfers.

No one is willing to guess whether legislators will take the step and pass the ban in both houses this year. Even if they do, not everyone is sure such action will make campaign donations fully transparent.

(more…)

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The Alabama Supreme Court unanimously upheld a lower court decision to overturn the 2004 mayoral race in Greensboro due to voting irregularities. Mayor Johnnie Washington was initially declared the victor, but nearly one-third of votes cast for him were by absentee ballot. Vanessa Hill was declared to be the lawfully elected winner after many absentee ballots were found to be forged or “were disqualified for other reasons, such as a lack of post date to confirm they were mailed prior to the election.”

Hill’s lawyer, Walter Braswell:

“Democracy can still work when citizens get involved,” Braswell said. “These were regular folks who didn’t like what they saw happening in their community and decided to do something about it.”

Braswell credited the Democracy Defense League with providing numerous volunteers on Hill’s behalf to help with labor that would have otherwise been prohibitively expensive.

The Montgomery Advertiser:

Braswell credited Hill’s court victory to hard work by her campaign volunteers, who prepared thousands of pages of documents for post-election appeals. “This just shows what a few determined individuals can do,” he said. “You can’t get much more American than that.”

Thanks to Reader Don!

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http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/116626461622930.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News comments on the end of the state’s long-running higher ed desegregation suit.

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/116626413922360.xml&coll=3 - Protesters gather at Mobile area Wal-Mart to voice concern over “anti-family” corporate policies.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061216/NEWS02/612160380/1009 - County commissions group adopt legislative agenda.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061215/APN/612154353 - Alabama out of national tort reform spotlight.

http://www.oanow.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=OAN%2FMGArticle%2FOAN_Basic… - Opelika-Auburn News calls for continuing investigation of community college system to be led by federal authorities.

After the jump, the Daily News Digest has two articles from The Anniston Star: “Education, tax reform focus of budget debates” and an interview with Larry Lee, former executive director of the Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission, on his advocacy efforts for rural Alabama.

(more…)

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Birmingham’s dining destinations have caught the attention of today’s NY Times (registration req’d), thanks in no small part to the achievements of Birmingham chef and restaurateur Frank Stitt:

The novelist Pat Conroy recalls meeting Mr. Stitt on a flight in the early 1980s and asking about the impressive array of cookbooks stacked on his tray table. Mr. Stitt announced that he was about to open a restaurant in Birmingham.

“It’s a wasteland for good food,” Mr. Conroy told him.

The reply, as Mr. Conroy recalls it in the introduction to “Frank Stitt’s Southern Table,” was cocksure and quick: “It won’t be a wasteland anymore.”

There is good eating to be found.

Birmingham’s restaurants have become a lure for people who go on to develop a fondness for the city. Food lovers from Atlanta, Montgomery, Ala., and Oxford, Miss., make pilgrimages there (this year Highlands was named “best restaurant worth the long trip” in Atlanta’s weekly newspaper, Creative Loafing), and Mr. Stitt says his restaurants are often used as recruitment tools. “We landed Mercedes,” he said by way of example, referring to the plant in nearby Vance. “A lot of these people were probably brought to Highlands or Bottega to convince them that Alabama was a good place to live.”

Good article. Is your favorite Birmingham restuarant mentioned?

Makes me recall an earlier post on 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die.

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Related Articles:

• Off-Topic Tuesday - Food!

I had a very nice conversation this week with John Warren, GOP candidate for House District 22 in north Alabama (who could not have been more pleasant or kind).

Some highlights:

(more…)

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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1166178586208060.xml&coll=2 - National foundations to help Alabama reform sentencing practices.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1166178636208060.xml&coll=2 - Birmingham area officials, citizens hear results of survey on transit needs, opinions.

http://www.al.com/opinion/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1166177869207970.xml&coll=1 - The Huntsville Times comments on the decision of Sen. Lowell Barron (D-Fyffe) to withdraw from the race for senate pro tem.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/061215/renters.shtml - Arise, Appleseed and Legal Services release educational material on state’s new landlord-tenant law.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/opinion/editorials/061215a.shtml - The Decatur Daily calls for new trial in Siegelman/Scrushy case.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061215/… - The Montgomery Advertiser offers commentary on the end of the state’s long-running college desegregation suit.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061214/APN/612142606 - Interim chancellor distributes discretionary funds.

http://www.oanow.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=OAN%2FMGArticle%2FOAN_… -Opelika-Auburn News calls for Gulf states receiving profits from oil exploration to use funds wisely.

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Come January 1, Alabama is no longer the only state without a law defining rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants. Alabama Arise and the Appleseed Center for Law and Justice worked for years to get a new law passed. The two organizations held a joint press conference today to announce the release of two publications.

The Alabama Tenants’ Handbook (pdf) covers guidelines for tenants and landlords in 24 pages. A brochure version (pdf) is available that covers tenants’ basic protections and responsibilities. Encourage renters you know in the state to check out at least the brochure version. Landlords will be interested too, although these are written from the tenant’s point of view.

The publications are produced by Arise Citizens’ Policy Project, Alabama Appleseed, and Legal Services.

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Related Articles:

• Rep. Jeff McLaughlin On Landlord-Tenant Legislation
• A Good Day for Renters & Landlords

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1166091512265890.xml&coll=2 - Judge denies request for new trial in Siegelman conviction.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1166091586265890.xml&coll=2 - Barron withdraws from race for Senate pro tem position.

http://www.al.com/business/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/business/1166091572265890.xml&coll=2 - Arise, other advocacy groups to release educational material on state’s new landlord-tenant law.

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/1166091763265760.xml&coll=3 - South Alabama GOP senators expect more influence under  coalition leadership.

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/1166091694266090.xml&coll=1 - This article provides the text of Sen. Barron’s memo to Senate members in which he announces that he will not seek reelection as senate pro tem.

http://www.al.com/opinion/huntsvilletimes/dprather.ssf?/base/opinion/1166005002307800.xml&coll=1 - David Prather’s commentary on pending race to fill House District 22.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/061214/plea.shtml - Former fire college official pleads guilty in continuing investigation.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061214/NEWS02/612140320/1009 - Incoming Secretary of State says she will terminate predecessor’s new hires.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061214/NEWS02/612140321/1009 - County officials gather to develop legislative agenda for ‘07 session.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061214/NEWS02/612140321/1009 - Lt. Governor completes second week in rehabilitation hospital, hopes for early discharge.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061214/NEWS01/612140339/1007 - Low-wage workers struggle with housing costs.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061214/OPINION01/612130366/1012/OPINION - The Montgomery Advertiser terms public transit “a well worth investment.”

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061214/NEWS/612140339/1007/NEWS02 - Secretary of State-elect Chapman names former Supreme Court justice as legal counsel.

http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2006/as-editorials-1214-editorial-6l13t1621.htm - The Anniston Star steps through options of what to do with Alabama’s unusual budget surplus.

FROM TODAY’S ANNISTON STAR:

Report: Alabama student achievement gaps between rich, poor, black, white larger than average

The gap in education achievement between Alabama’s poor and black students and their higher-income and white peers is larger than the gaps found in many other states, according to a report released Wednesday.

(more…)

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