Posturing for President Pro Tempore
First, an AP story carries the announcement from Jim Preuitt (D - Talladega) that the six conservative Democratic Senators along with 12 Republican Senators have the 18 votes necessary to oust Democrat Lowell Barron from the Senate President Pro Tem role. Sen. Bradley Byrne (R - Montrose) undercuts Preuitt’s announcement, saying in the same article that the announcement is premature.
Six other Senate Democrats release their own statement claiming that they have the votes.
“The others will not have 18 votes on January 9th when we organize. We Democrats will select a real Democratic Senate President Pro Tem with the leadership of our Lieutenant Governor,” said [Zeb] Little [D - Cullman].
It’s fluid.
After the jump, you can read the entire release from Barron and five other Senate Democrats.
For Immediate Release: December 7, 2006
Democrats to Organize Around Lieutenant Governor Jim Folsom
Democratic Senators today stated their continued commitment to organize the Alabama Senate with Democratic Lieutenant Governor Jim Folsom and the Democratic Majority.
Senator Lowell Barron (D-Fyffe) said, “The Jim Preuitt press announcement is nothing new. It’s the same thing the six dissident Democrats said the day after the November 7th election.” Barron said that the Democratic Majority will prevail on January 9th. “Democrats fully intend to organize around our new Lieutenant Governor, Jim Folsom. And we certainly welcome all Senators to join with us in working to build an even better Alabama,” he said.
Senate Majority Leader Zeb Little (D-Cullman) said, “Preuitt and the other five Democrats have betrayed the trust of Alabama voters. They were elected as Democrats. The people elected 23 Democrats and 12 Republicans. The people elected our Democratic Lieutenant Governor. The people want Democrats to lead the Alabama Legislature.
“The others will not have 18 votes on January 9th when we organize. We Democrats will select a real Democratic Senate President Pro Tem with the leadership of our Lieutenant Governor,” said Little.
Senator Roger Bedford (D-Russellville) said, “My district voted overwhelmingly for me to be the Democratic Senator and for Lieutenant Governor Jim Folsom. On January 9th, I intend to stand with our Democratic Lieutenant Governor Folsom.”
Little added, “Governor Riley should not be trying to control the Alabama Senate. He was elected Governor, and I will work with him as Governor.”
Senator Hank Sanders (D-Selma) said, “This move will not succeed. If it did, it would stop African American Democrats from being in meaningful leadership positions. The group has 17 whites and one African American.”
Senator Myron Penn (D-Union Springs), who chairs the Senate Black Caucus, said, “I have had the privilege of serving in Governor Folsom’s cabinet, and I look forward to organizing the Senate with him and fellow Democrats.”
Senator Parker Griffith (D-Huntsville) said, “There are three separate branches of government. The people elected a Republican Governor, but they elected a Democratic Lieutenant Governor and Legislature. Neither one should control the other. The voters want an independent Legislature.”
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For more information, contact:
Senator Lowell Barron, Senator Roger Bedford, Senator Parker Griffith
Senator Zeb Little, Senator Myron Penn and Senator Hank Sanders
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