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

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1170240172197220.xml&coll=2 - Prosecution of Jasper banker reveals glimpse into federal government’s case against former chancellor.

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/1170239505197250.xml&coll=1 - Higher ed group to seek increase of almost 13% for colleges and universities.

http://www.al.com/opinion/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1170239140197250.xml&coll=1 - The Huntsville Times calls proposed ban on PAC-to-PAC transfers a “first step” toward the Legislature’s credibility.

http://www.oanow.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=OAN%2FMGArticle%2FOAN_Basic… - The Opelika-Auburn News sees Riley’s proposal to encourage small businesses to provide health insurance in return for tax credits as a “win-win.”

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070131/OPINION… - The Montgomery Advertiser endorses driving safety proposals.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070131/OPINION… - Commentary by Gary Palmer of the Alabama Policy Institute calls on Democrats in legislature to deliver on campaign promises, focusing primarily on commitment to ban PAC-to-PAC transfers.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20070131/NEWS/701310333/1007/TL02 - Former chief justice says state should end partisan election of judges.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20070130/APN/701302540 - U.S. Senate resumes debate today on increase in minimum wage, vote expected later this week.

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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1170152496318670.xml&coll=2 - State announces plan to offer interest free educational loans to teacher, nurses and National Guard members called to active duty since 9/11.

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1170152392318670.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News celebrates the fact the officials were able to develop a plan to provide funding for transit programs even though it sees proposal as a “hard sell.”

http://www.politicalparlor.net/sanders-senate-sketches/senate-sketches-1026/ - “Senate Sketches,” the weekly column by Sen. Hank Sanders (D-Selma).

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/1170152340318690.xml&coll=1 - Ban on PAC-to-PAC transfers to be centerpiece of Governor’s ethics reform agenda.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20070129/APN/701292795 - Experts see Bush’s health insurance plan doing little to reduce Alabama’s uninsured.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20070129/APN/701292764 - Legislative package to increase road safety proposed.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20070130/NEWS/701300312/1012/SPORTS5 - Following reports that AG Troy King solicited financial help for non-profit from chancellor under investigation, The Tuscaloosa News questions whether there are still more ethical breaches “waiting to be disclosed.”

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20070130/NEWS/701300311/1012/SPORTS5 - The Tuscaloosa News comments that the state must provide adequate and effective defense counsel if death penalty is to continue.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20070130/NEWS/701300340/1007/TL02 - Lawyers battle death penalty in southern states.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/070130/merger.shtml - Lawrence County school consolidation plan may be dead.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070130/OPINION01/701300309/1012/OPINION - The Montgomery Advertiser says that it is wrong for AG to ask favors from someone under investigation by that office in spite of protestations by AG’s office that such concerns are “cynical.”

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http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1170065737177910.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News calls for state to make an investment in prekindergarten programs.

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/1170066036178030.xml&coll=3&thispage=1 - “The Political Skinny,” the Press-Register’s weekly political roundup from Mobile, Montgomery and Washington.

http://www.al.com/opinion/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1170065797178030.xml&coll=3 - Press-Register calls on legislature and governor to work together to craft appropriate measure to address building needs for state’s schools.

http://www.al.com/opinion/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1170066185178030.xml&coll=3 - Press-Register calls for former Secretary of State to “butt out” of operations of office.

http://www.al.com/opinion/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1170065792177840.xml&coll=1 - The Huntsville Times warns that the cost of a $1 billion bond issue, though needed, may result in financial difficulties when revenues for ETF dip.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/opinion/editorials/070129a.shtml - The Decatur Daily criticizes Bush plan to encourage more to obtain health insurance not “ambitious enough.”

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070129/NEWS02/701290316/1009 - Birmingham school officials expect campus closings, teacher layoffs as student population dwindles.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070129/NEWS/701290324/1007/NEWS02 - Death penalty cases riddled with inconsistencies.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070129/NEWS/701290301/1012/editorial1 - The Tuscaloosa News comments that the state’s foster parents, not its legislators, need a pay raise.

http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2007/as-editorials-0129-editorial-7a28s1528.htm - The Anniston Star agrees with Bob Riley that the law should require a legislator to report even a cup of coffee received from a lobbyist.

http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2007/as-editorials-0129-editorial-7a28s1628.htm - The Anniston Star wonders who will oppose ending PAC-to-PAC laundering of campaign money in the state.

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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1169979534152150.xml&coll=2 - Reporter finds another instance of Attorney General Troy King soliciting assistance from former Chancellor Roy Johnson while Johnson was under investigation by his office.

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1169979525152150.xml&coll=2 - Residential program executive praises Alabama as “a model for child welfare.”

http://www.al.com/opinion/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1169979894152330.xml&coll=3 - Press-Register praises decision of FEMA to allow Katrina victims to remain, for the time being, in the trailers provided as temporary housing.

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/jkennedy.ssf?/base/opinion/1169980389152150.xml&coll=2 - Joey Kennedy comments on the end of state’s long-running child welfare litigation.

http://www.dailyhome.com/news/2007/dh-localnews-0128-datchison-7a27v5006.htm - Conservation commissioner proposes fee increases to provide additional funds.

http://www.dailyhome.com/opinion/2007/dh-editorials-0128-0-7a27v4701.htm - The Daily Home sees proposed increase in foster care rates as “a must.”

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/070128/debate.shtml - Immigration issues likely to take significant time during 2007 regular legislative session.

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070128/NEWS/701280352/1137/NEWS - Rumors of legislative pay raise may lead to its doom.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070128/OPINION… - The Montgomery Advertiser finds that the “time may be right” for banning PAC-to-PAC transfers.

http://www.dothaneagle.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=DEA%2FMGArticle%2FDEA_Basic… - Article covers the payday loan business in Dothan.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070128/NEWS/701280396/1007/NEWS02 - State Board of Education members call for termination of Shelton State Community College president as investigation continues.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070128/NEWS/701280316/1012/editorial1 - The Tuscaloosa News finds that trust in community college system is wavering due to lack of strong reforms.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070128/NEWS/701280319/1013/EDITORIAL2 - “Alabama Exposure,” Dana Beyerle’s weekly political roundup for the NYTimes regional papers.

http://www.timesdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070128/NEWS/701280329/1015/OPINIONS - The TimesDaily sees new nepotism rules at the State Board of Education as a “good start.”

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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/116989309752500.xml&coll=2 - Interim chancellor testifies before federal grand jury as Mobile County DA announces arrests in continuing probe of community colleges.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/116989331152500.xml&coll=2 - Officials proposed increase in state’s gasoline taxes of 10 cents, with half of that amount to go to counties to fund public transit programs.  Alabama Road Builders endorse proposal.

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/116989327552500.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News comments on the Senate leadership vote by Sen. Phil Poole (D-Moundville) following receipt of AEA contribution.

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070126/NEWS/701260355/1050/OPINION - The Gadsden Times praises the state’s shift to ethanol for its motor vehicle fleet.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070127/NEWS/701270354/1001 - Montgomery crowd mobs location of tax refund anticipation loan business.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070127/NEWS/701270301/1012/editorial1 - The Tuscaloosa News likes proposals by Sen. Wendell Mitchell (D-Luverne) to remove sales tax on food, improve school facilities but thinks plan may have little chance of success in divided senate.

http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2007/as-editorials-0127-0-7a26v1432.htm - The Anniston Star comments on the arrest of James Seale and death of Mendy Samstein, two figures from the civil rights era, happening on the same day.

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I have always enjoyed hearing from readers, and some point me in the directions of very interesting stories that you end up seeing here (and that you will end up seeing here).

Now, you can call the Political Parlor, thanks to a new service from Jaxtr. It’s free, easy, and no special equipment is needed. My phone number remains protected from any ninny who thinks his red hot internet stock tip is more important than my dinner time, and the caller’s number is protected also.

Feel encouraged to call up and pass on any constructive criticism, tell me about a story that you think is underreported, simply say ‘howdy,’ or test how the whole process works. Settings will usually be set so that calls go straight to voice mail.

BTW, this is a beta version. You can sign up for an account of your own at the website, but if they put you on a waiting list, I think I can send you an invitation that allows you to try it out immediately if you let me know.

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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1169806503321650.xml&coll=2 - State Board of Education adopts new rules for hiring of family members within community college system.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1169806556321650.xml&coll=2 - Democrat who barely made primary run-off in District 22 election withdraws, general election scheduled for March 6.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1169806693321650.xml&coll=2 - Senate pro tem proposes $750 million bond issue for school construction.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1169807358321650.xml&coll=2 - State’s Medicaid agency wins “transformation” grant to modernize and streamline data systems.

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/1169807522321620.xml&coll=3 - State Board of Education sets date to consider removal of Bishop State President Yvonne Kennedy.  Dr. Kennedy (D-Mobile) also serves in the Alabama House of Representatives.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/070126/switch.shtml - State switching auto fleet to ethanol.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070126/OPINION01/701260302/1012/OPINION - The Montgomery Advertiser questions whether steps taken by Board of Education to limit the hiring of relatives will “curb widespread abuse.”

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070126/OPINION01/701250368/1012/OPINION - The Montgomery Advertiser likes to proposals of state health officer to address Alabama’s medical issues.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070126/NEWS/701260333/1007/NEWS02 - Interim chancellor of community college system to launch probe of Tuscaloosa’s Shelton State.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070126/NEWS/701260329/1007/NEWS02 - Tuscaloosa area legislators say lobbyists have too much influence.

http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2007/as-editorials-0126-0-7a25u1300.htm - The Anniston Star comments that AEA’s gift to Sen. Phil Poole before he changed his vote at the Senate organizing session “doesn’t look good.”

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As the Political Parlor speculated on election night might happen, second place finisher Don Webster has dropped out of the race for the HD 22 Democratic nomination making Butch Taylor the party’s nominee.

Butch Taylor’s race against GOP nominee Wayne Johnson will now be decided March 6 since there is no runoff. (Otherwise, it would have been April 10 after a March 6 runoff.) Taylor was only a few votes short of having a majority in the Democratic primary for the seat, and Webster had garnered barely 25% of the vote in a field of five candidates.

Democrat Albert Hall died five days after being re-elected to the seat in November. The GOP would like to pick up the House seat where they are outnumbered 61-43, and House Minority Leader Mike Hubbard has declared that “the Democrats are scared to death about House District 22.”

As noted here before, Democrats had easily three and a half as many voters turn out for the primary as Republicans did and had three candidates get more votes than the GOP winner Wayne Johnson.

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Related Articles:

• HD 22 by the Numbers
• On HD 22
• HD 22 Election Results
• Rep. Albert Hall Dies

Sen. John McCain is reportedly set to name U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus as Southeast Co-Chair of the Senator’s exploratory committee.

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Related Articles:

• Ivey Aids Romney
• John McCain's Alabama Team

http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/116972041482930.xml&coll=3 - Former Secretary of State delivers HAVA reimbursement to Montgomery County.

http://www.al.com/opinion/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/opinion/116972026282930.xml&coll=3 - Press-Register comments on reports that Sen. Phil Poole (D-Moundville) switched sides in struggle for senate control following receipt of contribution from AEA.

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/116972042183030.xml&coll=1 - Candidate for House District 22 returns PAC contributions.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070125/NEWS/701250354/1007/NEWS02 - Proposed increase in federal minimum wage stalls in Senate.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070124/APN/701243221 - Anti-smoking group seeks more tobacco settlement funds to support prevention programs.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070125/NEWS/701250310/1012/editorial1 - The Tuscaloosa News calls for Sen. Phil Poole (D-Moundville) to explain to his constituents the circumstances of contribution the day before he switched sides in battle for senate control.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070125/NEWS02/701250339/1009 - Senate deputy pro tem optimistic that chamber can put leadership struggle aside and have a productive session.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070125/OPINION01/701250312/1012/OPINION - The Montgomery Advertiser calls for state leaders to work together to overhaul state’s water protection programs.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070125/OPINION01/701240366/1012/OPINION - The Montgomery Advertiser views governor’s proposal to provide tax incentives to small businesses to encourage their offering health insurance to employees “a sensible approach.”

http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2007/as-editorials-0125-0-7a24t4328.htm - The Anniston Star lauds Gov. Riley’s plan to help Alabamians without health insurance but not his proposal to pay for it.

FROM TODAY’S ANNISTON STAR:

Legislators ponder state education bond issue

MONTGOMERY — A state bond issue for school improvements is likely in the coming legislative session, but education leaders say even $1 billion may not be enough for all the needs around the state.

(more…)

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Midas could have had much with his one wish that Dionysus would grant him, but his greedy wish that everything he touch turn to gold was not wise or foresighted. His touch killed his daugher, and he would have starved had he not been able to have his wish undone.

Republican Senators this month were on the verge of organizing with the Senate majority (including a small group of dissident Democrats) for the first time in the history of the state. But their wish for an Education Budget Committee that had more Republicans than Democrats may not have been wise or foresighted. Political heavyweight Paul Hubbert of AEA originally planted himself on the sidelines for the Senate organizational struggle, but in a Senate where Democrats outnumber Republicans nearly 2 to 1, the Republican wish for more of their own on the Education Committee brought Hubbert off the bench and into the conflict - along with “all his skills, power and resources” according to Hank Sanders’ Senate Sketches this week.

For example, we learn yesterday from Phillip Rawls of AP that AEA gave Sen. Phil Poole (D - Moundville) a $10,000 campaign contribution the day before the Senate’s organizing session began. Election law allows candidates to raise money for 120 days after an election if they have unpaid bills. (Poole’s financial report through the end of 2006 is due on Jan. 31.)

One day later, the coalition of Republicans and dissident Democrats fell one vote short of forming a majority. Sen. Phil Poole (D - Moundville) had previously indicated he would vote for the coalition but voted with the 18-17 Democratic majority that elected Hinton Mitchem (D - Union Grove) as Senate President pro tem. Republican Senators barely missed out on a majority coalition that would have made state history.

Many factors went into the organization of the Senate. The Republicans’ plan that brought Hubbert off the sidelines and into the game was a key. Like Midas, the Republicans could have had something great but would have been wise to ask for less than they did.

This is a slightly re-written version of the first hurriedly written post. I hope this is an improvement.

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Related Articles:

• On Electing the President Pro Tem
• New Senate President Pro Tem is Hinton Mitchem

Danny covered some of this last night, but I wanted to focus on the numbers in the special election primary in State House District 22.

Key numbers:

3726 – That many people voted in the Democratic primary, compared to 999 voters who participated on the GOP side, the Republican talking points that HD 22 is a district waiting to flip look a bit flimsy.

4^th – That’s the place GOP nominee Wayne Johnson would have come in had all candidates been on one ballot. Dems Taylor, Webster, and Lackey each got more votes than Johnson.

3100 – That’s the number of dollars GOPer Wayne Johnson had raised by the last filing deadline – a number which was multiplied by the majority of the Democratic field with Webster, Taylor, and Lackey all significantly surpassing $10,000

6 – The number of weeks that if Webster forces a runoff that HD 22 will be without representation in the legislative session. I’d speculate that Webster will look at the calendar and expense involved in mounting a longshot runoff bid and keep his powder dry for a later run and forego an unnecessary runoff.

This race could still go a lot of different ways but judging by last night’s results, the recent GOP confidence (in public at least) seems a little misplaced.

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Related Articles:

• On HD 22
• HD 22 Election Results

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1169635050270840.xml&coll=2 - New report raises concerns about state’s waters.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/070124/switch.shtml - Campaign disclosure report reveals that AEA gave Sen Phil Poole (D-Moundville) $10,000 the day before he switched sides in Senate leadership battle.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1169633850270840.xml&coll=2 - GOP selects nominee for House District 22, Dems may require runoff.

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1169633763270840.xml&coll=2 - New poll shows most voters think state is on the right track.

http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1169634900270840.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News endorses proposal to increase daily rate paid to state’s foster parents.

http://www.al.com/opinion/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1169634439270940.xml&coll=3 - Press-Register calls for any vote for legislative pay raise to be recorded vote.

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/1169633990271140.xml&coll=1 - Riley pitches tax cut at Huntsville appearance.

http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/1169633887271140.xml&coll=1 - Rep. Alvin Holmes (D-Montgomery) criticizes racial makeup of new lt. governor’s staff.

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070124/NEWS/701240346/1050/OPINION - The Gadsden Times calls for legislative action on proposal to ban PAC-to-PAC transfer.

http://www.politicalparlor.net/sanders-senate-sketches/senate-sketches-1025/ - “Senate Sketches,” Sen Hank Sanders’ weekly column to for his constituents.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070124/OPINION01/701240320/1012/OPINION - The Montgomery Advertiser says that a recorded vote is “key” to any action on proposed legislative pay raise.

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070124/OPINION01/701230354/1012/OPINION - The Montgomery Advertiser proposes that ethics reform should prohibit elected officials from accepting any gifts from those attempting to influence votes.

http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/070124/case.shtml - Group asks chief justice to recuse herself from Exxon case deliberations.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070124/NEWS/701240353/1007/NEWS02 - Experts says that state’s economy robust.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070124/APN/701242756 - Hurricane Katrina left out of Bush’s state of the union address.

FROM TODAY’S ANNISTON STAR:

Lobbyists may outnumber legislators 4:1 in Alabama

MONTGOMERY — You could fill all 140 seats in the state Legislature with lobbyists and have enough left over to create a new state Senate.

What you can’t do is get a precise idea of how much those lobbyists are making and how much they’re spending on influencing the legislators.

(more…)

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Butch Taylor overwhelming led the Democratic field in HD 22. Unofficial totals show that if he could have swung 12 votes his way he would have won without a runoff. Don Webster finished a distant second with 25.7% of the vote. There is speculation that Webster may forego a runoff.

FWIW, the Democrats had a lot more participants in their primary than the GOP did (3726 to 999, unofficially). For example, the Democrats had three candidates who received more votes than GOP primary winner Wayne Johnson.

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If you haven’t discovered this already, you can find the state’s breaking news - including totals on the HD 22 race as they come in tonight - here at the Political Parlor with the newsfeeds.

Polls closed at 7 and there are only 42 boxes. Turnout is looking about as light as expected although it may be a bit higher in Jackson County than in Madison County.

Update (9:10 pm): With over 60% of the boxes reporting, the turnout is so far overwhelmingly Democratic. At this point, four Democratic voters are turning out for every one Republican voter.

Update (9:27 pm): Wayne Johnson wins the GOP primary. Democrats Butch Taylor and Don Webster will be in a run-off.

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