http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/11726551123410.xml&coll=2 - Industrial incentive bill gains quick committee approval in special session.
http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/11726544303410.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News questions appeal in long-running child welfare case.
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/index.ssf?/base/news/1172658363269110.xml&coll=3 - Debate begins today on industrial incentive measure.
http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/1172657821268850.xml&coll=1 - Student’s documentary tells the story of Alabama’s constitution.
http://www.dailyhome.com/opinion/2007/dh-editorials-0228-0-7b27v2101.htm - The Daily Home praises the quick committee action in special session to approve incentives funding.
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070228/OPINION01/702280330/1012/OPINION - The Montgomery Advertiser says that the proposal to create trust funds to pay for future health insurance for public retirees “must be passed.”
http://www.dothaneagle.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=DEA%2FMGArticle… - The Dothan Eagle sees continuing delays in the state’s implementation of HAVA requirements as “embarrassing.”
http://www.selmatimesjournal.com/articles/2007/02/28/news/local/news%201277.txt - Selma preparing for visits by presidential candidates Clinton, Obama.
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20070228/NEWS/702280322/1012/TL05 - The Tuscaloosa News calls for legislature to fill gaps left by federal funding cuts to programs fighting poverty.
http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2007/as-editorials-0228-editorial-7b27u2136.htm - The Anniston Star is disappointed that toilet paper, utilities and other basic needs are budgeted for schools on a contingency basis.
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Lt. Governor Jim Folsom marches with the parade of folks who support banning PAC-to-PAC transfers and says we’ll see legislation lowering the amount of unreported money that lobbyists can spend on legislators.
I’ve stated publicly and still am supportive of [legislation on PAC-to-PAC transfers]. I think we need to address that. You’re going to see legislation dealing I think with probably lower caps on entertainment expense - I’m supportive of that. I think that probably needs to be addressed. You can never have too much disclosure in public office. You can never have too much transparency. That’s really the key to it.
All good… and it gives me a chance to call your attention to the Goat Hill Gazette, a WSFA-TV blog that is covering this week’s special session.
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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/117256812431630.xml&coll=2 - Questions arise over incentive funds as special session gets underway.
http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/117256773531630.xml&coll=2 - Both ETF and General Fund expected to grow in FY08.
http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/1172571323204170.xml&coll=1 - Chair of Legislature’s Contract Review Committee warns agencies not to bypass committee by contracting with universities.
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070227/NEWS/702270340/1001 - GOP threatens fight if changes are made to committee that oversees economic development expenditures.
http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/070227/afford.shtml - State Finance Director says increased revenue from oil and gas severance taxes will allow increased bonded indebtedness.
http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/070227/bills.shtml - North Alabama legislators complain that special session is rushed, assert that more time needed to review complex legislation.
http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2007/as-editorials-0227-editorial-7b26u2251.htm - The Anniston Star believes Democrats and Republicans can craft a better bipartisan budget than the one Bush has proposed.
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Political Parlor’s Alabama Line was created by insiders across the political spectrum who gave their takes on the 2008 U.S. Senate and U.S. House races, and the 2010 Governor’s race.
Considerable care went into thinking this through. Of course, your mileage may vary.
The plan is to update the Alabama Line when information becomes available that would change what is presented here.
So without further ado… here is the Alabama Line complete with odds of candidates winning these various races… (remarks on candidates are kept quite short so that the Alabama Line may also fit into the sidebar)…
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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/117248169291080.xml&coll=2 - Governors of Florida, Mississippi back Alabama’s efforts to lure huge steel manufacturing facility.
http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/117248150491080.xml&coll=2 - Legislature to convene today for special session, primarily to provide mechanism for funding huge incentives to lure steel plant to state.
http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/117248142391080.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News criticizes State Board of Education for their complaints against interim chancellor.
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/index.ssf?/base/news/1172485058235590.xml&coll=3 - Governor’s commission to implement HAVA lags behind self-imposed schedule.
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/index.ssf?/base/news/1172484997235590.xml&coll=3 - “The Political Skinny,” the Press-Register’s weekly roundup from Mobile, Montgomery and Washington.
http://www.al.com/opinion/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1172485001235700.xml&coll=1 - The Huntsville Times sees interim chancellor as “on the right track.”
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070226/NEWS/702260327/1001 - Hillary Clinton to join Obama for visits to Selma this week.
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070226/NEWS02/702260314/1009 - AP poll shows overwhelming support for ending annual property tax reappraisals.
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070226/OPINION… - The Montgomery Advertiser calls for legislators to set aside political agendas and rivalries as special session begins.
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20070226/NEWS/702260332/1007/TL02 - Community Action Agencies to seek more money in regular session for anti-poverty programs.
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20070226/NEWS/702260342/1012/TL05 - The Tuscaloosa News reviews Alabama’s cuts in Bush’s proposed budget, calls for congressional delegation to work to insure funding for needed programs.
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20070226/NEWS/702260343/1012/TL05 - The Tuscaloosa News praises proposal by Sen. Bradley Byrne (D-Fairhope) to end payday lending in state.
http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2007/as-editorials-0226-editorial-7b25w0538.htm - The Anniston Star believes the suggestion to give two-year colleges its own board may be a good one but that it will die in the legislature.
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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/117239544572970.xml&coll=2 - Corts’ problems with Board of Education said to have begun almost immediately after he assumed interim chancellor’s position.
http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/117239530172970.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News calls for legislators to put aside partisan differences to enact needed legislation in special session.
http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/jkennedy.ssf?/base/opinion/117239500972970.xml&coll=2 - Joey Kennedy’s commentary on the decision by James Tucker, plaintiff counsel in long-running child welfare case, to appeal dismissal decision.
http://www.al.com/opinion/press-register/index.ssf?/base/opinion/117239913090890.xml&coll=3 - Press-Register calls for legislature to increase restrictions on young drivers in effort to improve state’s driving safety.
http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/117239903791130.xml&coll=1 - State Medicaid Agency accused of “money laundering” in new contract for lobbyist.
http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/070225/request.shtml - Decatur area lawmakers back proposals in special session.
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20070225/NEWS/702250339/1013/TL06 - “Alabama Exposure,” Dana Beyerle’s weekly political roundup for the NYTimes regional papers.
After the jump there are two stories from The Anniston Star with the headlines “2 Top Education Issues Up for Debate in Legislature” and “Riley Proposal Faces Obstacles.”
(more…)
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On the subject of the special session, the Alabama Senate Democratic Caucus is circulating a letter to the editor. (You may see it as early as tomorrow in some papers.)
Thanks to a reader, you may read the full text of the letter below or see the original here (pdf).
(more…)
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Still no copy available of the official call for the special session.
At this writing, the first blurb on the Governor’s official web site is entitled “Governor Riley Calls Legislature into Special Session.” The body of the first blurb reads
Friday, February 23 - MONTGOMERY—Governor Bob Riley has called the legislature into a special session. The special session will begin Monday, February 26, at 5:00 p.m.
and it is followed with a link to the “Full Story.”
If you click on that link, you are taken to the press release which has exactly the same text - not one word more.
That appeared on the Governor’s website yesterday,
From my email inbox: “Still no copy of the official Call, which would include the Governor’s determination that an ‘extraordinary occasion demands the convening of the Alabama legislature’ along with the issues to be considered.”
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http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/11723088488770.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News suggests that state follow the lead of Minnesota in developing a merit selection process for judges to replace partisan elections.
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/index.ssf?/base/news/1172312321261150.xml&coll=3 - U.S. Senators from Mississippi, Florida join colleagues from Alabama to urge Mobile as site for huge steel manufacturing plant.
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/index.ssf?/base/news/1172312157261150.xml&coll=3 - Democratic legislators want more information on proposal to increase borrowing authority for industrial development by $400 million.
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/index.ssf?/base/news/1172312209261150.xml&coll=3 - Governor to set special meeting for State Board of Education to discuss concerns over leadership of Interim Chancellor Tom Corts.
http://www.al.com/opinion/press-register/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1172312181261150.xml&coll=3 - Press-Register calls for Rep. Yvonne Kennedy (D-Mobile) to step down as president of Bishop State Community College.
http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/news/070224/measure.shtml - AP poll shows that majority of legislators support constitutional amendment declaring the life begins at conception.
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070224/NEWS/702240350/1001 - U.S Rep Artur Davis (D) says he is considering run for governor in 2010.
http://www.dothaneagle.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=DEA%2FMGArticle%2FDEA_BasicArticle… - Major Daleville employer announces plan to shut down.
http://www.timesdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070224/NEWS/702240312/1015/OPINIONS - The Times Daily endorses measures that would give Medicaid recipients increased choices in services received.
http://www.thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=edb3a694abf4b554 - Jackson County legislators Barron and Robinson differ on importance of special session.
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In the back of the shop, the usual crowd was gathered around an old Evinrude 2-cycle that Doc had pulled apart, when talk came around, as it often does, to politics. Lots of jawing over many days, lots of input from people across the political spectrum, and pretty soon they figured that they’d answered some pretty good questions.
- What are the odds that Jeff Sessions will be re-elected?
- Who is the odds-on favorite right now to be the next Republican nominee for governor? And the Democratic nominee?
- What are the odds that …say… Beth Chapman will be the next governor? Or Mike Dow? Or your favorite candidate?
- Who are the four candidates figured to be tied at 14-1 odds?
Answers to all that and more… coming here on Monday. Don’t miss it.
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Editorials across the state are supportive of the news that last week Governor Riley called a special session (beginning this Monday) reportedly to deal with incentives to lure industries and jobs to Alabama and to “create irrevocable trusts to pay billions in health care costs for retired teachers and state workers.”
Special sessions may deal only with the agenda items specifically mentioned in the call. (Editor’s Note: Not exactly. See update below.) What specifically is in the Governor’s call? We don’t yet know for sure.
One lobbyist told me that the Governor’s Press Office told him this week, days after press reports about the special session being called, “that the call has not yet been issued, but would be at a ‘later date.’” While copies of proclamations for other special sessions have been available beforehand, the lobbyist could not get one at last check yesterday. Says he, “It does give the Governor lots of flexibility to slide issues other than those reported in the newspapers into the call at the last minute.”
For whatever reason, the details of the special session have been slow to come together. I have heard reports that many legislators learned of the upcoming special session from lobbyists and others who knew more about it than they did.
Update: Matters that are in the call for the special session require a simple majority in each chamber to pass. (Plus, there is no BIR.) Matters that are not in the call may be taken up but they require a 2/3 vote in each chamber to pass. Except, in either case, if we are talking about a constitutional amendment, which requires a 3/5 vote to pass.
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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1172222638290070.xml&coll=2 - State Board of Education delays discussion of Interim Chancellor at request of Governor.
http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1172222638290070.xml&coll=2 - Rep. Artur Davis (D) says nation’s health crisis growing.
http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1172222545290070.xml&coll=2 - Plaintiff’s appeal court’s decision to end long-running child welfare case.
http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/opinion/editorials/070223.shtml - The Decatur Daily calls for the Board of Education to support Interim Chancellor.
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070223/NEWS02/702230326/1009 - AP poll shows bond issue for school construction has broad support among legislators.
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070223/OPINION01… - The Montgomery Advertiser calls for state to pursue sentencing reform in effort to reduce growing prison population.
http://www.dothaneagle.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=DEA%2FMGArticle%2FDEA_BasicArticle… - Rep. Terry Spicer (D-Elba) files bill to increase law enforcement officers in schools.
http://www.oanow.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=OAN%2FMGArticle%2FOAN_BasicArticle… - Opelika-Auburn News opposes proposed increase in gasoline tax.
http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2007/as-editorials-0223-editorial-7b22u5440.htm - The Anniston Star agrees with Dr. Thomas Corts that the two-year college system should have a separate board, but predicts the messenger may be shot.
http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2007/as-editorials-0223-editorial-7b22u5508.htm - The Anniston Star believes that “if anything’s worth spending money on, [education] is certainly it.”
http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2007/as-columns-0223-jevanscol-7b22v0003.htm -The Rev. James Evans writes about the issue of restoring felons’ right to vote from a theological perspective.
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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1172135798108060.xml&coll=2 - State Board of Education members question leadership of Interim Chancellor.
http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1172135944108060.xml&coll=2 - Victims’ advocate testifies before grand jury investigating former community college chancellor.
http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1172135730108060.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News agrees with Interim Chancellor’s suggestion that the state needs a separate board to oversee community college system.
http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1172136132108060.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News praises the action of Circuit Judge Association in calling for new state constitution.
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/index.ssf?/base/news/1172139593302280.xml&coll=3 - Alabama would take big losses in Bush’s proposed budget.
http://www.al.com/opinion/press-register/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1172139354302280.xml&coll=3 - Press-Register calls for legislators to “put brakes” on proposed gasoline tax increase.
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070222/NEWS/702220347/1001 - Sen. Bradley Byrne (R-Fairhope) plans bill to end payday lending in state.
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070221/NEWS/102210002/1001 - Articles looks at the number of payday loan locations in Montgomery.
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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1172054078189410.xml&coll=2 - Interim chancellor wants new board to oversee community colleges.
http://www.politicalparlor.net/sanders-senate-sketches/senate-sketches-1029/ - “Senate Sketches,” the weekly column by Sen. Hank Sanders (D-Selma) to his constituents.
http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1172053736189410.xml&coll=2 - Groups receive $7.3 million to combat homelessness in Birmingham metro area.
http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1172054262189410.xml&coll=2 - Riley pushes plan to increase borrowing capacity for economic development during stop at Mercedes facility.
http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1172054256189410.xml&coll=2 - Presidential contender Obama plans visit to Selma next month.
http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1172053338189410.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News calls for state to copy new plan of federal district court to insure adequate representation for indigent defendants.
http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/1172053206189380.xml&coll=1 - Riley endorses candidate in House District 22 race.
http://www.al.com/opinion/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1172053181189380.xml&coll=1 - The Huntsville Times comments that even with strong growth, the state’s budgets cannot meet all the demands expected during regular session.
http://www.dailyhome.com/opinion/2007/dh-editorials-0221-0-7b20v3638.htm - The Daily Home calls for legislators to “act responsibly” when considering how to use expected windfall from off-shore drilling.
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070221/NEWS02/702210381/1009 - State employees join teachers in seeking 7% pay hike.
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070221/OPINION01/702210339/1012/OPINION - The Montgomery Advertiser cautions lawmakers to avoid temptation to raid rainy day accounts.
http://www.timesdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070221/NEWS/702210334/1011 - Rep. Tammy Irons (D-Florence) to push measure to provide Medicaid recipients more choices for long-term care.
http://www.timesdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070221/NEWS/702210303/1015/OPINIONS - The Times Daily endorses proposal to raise hunting and fishing license fees.
http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2007/as-editorials-0221-editorial-7b20u4310.htm - The Anniston Star urges legislators to use potential billions from offshore drilling as law intended.
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I’ve received a report that Don Webster, 2nd place finisher in the HD 22 Democratic primary, endorsed GOP nominee Wayne Johnson for the March 6 special election at a campaign event tonight in Maysville.
Don Webster finished second to Butch Taylor in the Democratic primary. Taylor was a few votes shy of winning an outright majority, but Webster withdrew from the race and a Democratic primary run-off was avoided.
Though Webster finished a distant second in the Democratic primary with barely 25% of the vote, he received about as many votes as the entire Republican field.
I’m told that Webster and Johnson are long-time friends.
The HD 22 seat became open when Rep. Albert Hall died five days after being re-elected in November.
Thanks to reader Jay.
Update: Here is The Huntsville Times story on this.
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Legislation that inadvertently moved the state’s primaries to Feb. 5 along with the presidential primaries has been “fixed” by Alabama Code Commissioner Jerry Bassett.
Last year, our state legislature set February 5, 2008 as the date for our state’s presidential primaries. In the process, the legislation also unintentionally moved our primaries for state elections from June to the February 5 date. Many expected the legislature this year to re-visit the legislation to set the date of the Alabama state primaries back to June.
Instead, Alabama’s Code Commissioner has exercised the authority to correct errors in legislation so that the wording of the legislation matches the intent of the legislature in passing the legislation. The dates of the state primaries that were inadvertently changed have already been corrected and set back to June.
This comes from someone in the Attorney General’s office who is “absolutely familiar” with the situation and who also emphasizes that this in no way represents an official legal opinion of the Attorney General’s office. I have been unable to reach Mr. Bassett on this matter. Mr. Bassett adds that changes made by the Code Commissioner become official when the legislature passes a Consolidation Bill, typically introduced at the beginning of the legislative session, that recognizes that what the Commissioner has done is in fact law.
The legislature is expected to re-consider the February 5 date for the presidential primaries because of Mardi Gras in Mobile. Any change (to February 5 or any other date) will not be official until it is cleared by the U.S. Department of Justice.
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Bloggers on a national level are taking note, and now I’m receiving it in email…
In case you missed it, our own Sen. Jeff Sessions has said that one of the reasons we went into Iraq was because Saddam Hussein was saying that he had won the 1991 Gulf War.
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http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1171966587100590.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News suggest moving state’s presidential primary to later date to avoid conflict with Mardi Gras.
http://www.al.com/opinion/press-register/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1171967300100630.xml&coll=3 - Press-Register praises Utah’s adoption of universal school vouchers as a the “first shot of a revolution that overthrows the public education monopoly.”
http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/1171966761100760.xml&coll=1 - AEA to push for 7% pay raise for education employees.
http://www.al.com/opinion/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1171966599100760.xml&coll=1 - The Huntsville Times likes proposal to require that 15 House member or 5 Senators vote against a proposed local constitutional amendment before statewide vote is necessary.
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20070220/NEWS/702200309/1012/TL05 - The Tuscaloosa News warns against state using anticipated windfall from oil and gas exploration, suggesting instead that funds should remain in trust.
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070220/NEWS02/702200333/1009 - Conservation Commissioner to seek increase in hunting, fishing licenses.
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070220/OPINION01/702200320/1012/OPINION - The Montgomery Advertiser sees Riley’s decision to call special legislative session as “the right thing.”
http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2007/as-editorials-0220-editorial-7b19u1326.htm - The Anniston Star believes that the state’s 1901 Constitution puts a “crimp” in the legislative process and “makes a mockery of economic development in the 21st century.”
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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1171880916119050.xml&coll=2 - New Gallup poll paints Alabama purple - voters nearly evenly split between Democratic and Republican.
http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1171880185119050.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News calls for Rep. Yvonne Kennedy (D-Mobile) to resign or be removed as president of Bishop State Community College amid continuing reports of mismanagement.
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/index.ssf?/base/news/1171880654118990.xml&coll=3 - “The Political Skinny,” the Press-Register’s roundup from Mobile, Montgomery and Washington.
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/index.ssf?/base/news/1171880610118990.xml&coll=3 - Riley, South Alabama legislators say they will not support increase in gasoline taxes.
http://www.al.com/opinion/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1171880393118960.xml&coll=1 - The Huntsville Times characterizes the call for this month’s special legislative session as “unfortunate but necessary.”
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070219/NEWS01/702190320/1007 - Capitol steps vigil for Billy Joe Gaither calls for adding sexual orientation to protected groups in state’s hate crime bill.
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070219/OPINION01/702190304/1012/OPINION - The Montgomery Advertiser calls for Alabama’s congressional delegation to work to restore “reasonable” funding for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and for state to provide additional funding for heating and cooling costs.
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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/117179498661760.xml&coll=2 - Loophole in federal law will allow states to divert windfall from offshore drilling to projects other than environmental.
http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/117179376861760.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News thinks Riley made the right choice in calling special session, urges Senate Democrats to support economic development proposal.
http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/117179516761760.xml&coll=2 - Commentary expresses concerns about whether DHR will maintain progress of the RC reforms without oversight.
http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/117179440761760.xml&coll=2 - Commentary explores the relationship between poverty and wellness.
http://www.al.com/opinion/press-register/index.ssf?/base/opinion/117179388161620.xml&coll=3 - Environmentalist Pat Byington relates the history and importance of the state’s Forever Wild program.
http://www.al.com/opinion/press-register/index.ssf?/base/opinion/117179475861620.xml&coll=3 - Press-Register warns that there is “no time for politics” in upcoming special legislative session.
http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/117179425561630.xml&coll=1 - New advocacy group urges Department of Public Health to move to regulate private care homes as a means of providing more choice to state’s health consumers.
http://www.al.com/opinion/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/opinion/117179370661630.xml&coll=1 - Commentary by Larry Lee sees Riley’s creation of the Rural Alabama Action Commission as “some real hope for rural Alabama’s future.”
http://www.dailyhome.com/opinion/2007/dh-editorials-0218-0-7b17u4123.htm - The Daily Home sees call for special session “the right decision.”
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070218/OPINION01/702180302/1012/OPINION - The Montgomery Advertiser finds proliferation of diploma mills “an affront to [the] state.”
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20070218/NEWS/702180316/1013/TL06 - “Alabama Exposure,” Dana Beyerle’s weekly political roundup for the NYTimes regional papers.
FROM TODAY’S ANNISTON STAR:
Alabama’s Hispanic population among lowest in nation
By Brian Lyman
Star Capitol Correspondent
02-18-2007
MONTGOMERY — Alabama had one of the lowest percentages of Hispanic residents in the country in the first part of the decade, according to a report released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.
The American Community Survey found only 2 percent of households in Alabama in 2004 identified as Hispanic. The national average was 14.2 percent.
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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1171708149304350.xml&coll=2 - Riley calls special session for February 26th.
http://www.al.com/opinion/press-register/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1171707858304360.xml&coll=3 - Press-Register calls for state to delay next year’s presidential primary to avoid Mardi Gras.
http://www.dailyhome.com/news/2007/dh-localnews-0217-dmackey-7b16v5256.htm - Talladega, St. Clair county legislators supportive of call for special session.
http://www.oanow.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=OAN%2FMGArticle… - Opelika-Auburn News issues strong “demand” that legislators enact PAC-to-PAC ban proposed by Sen. Wendell Mitchell (D-Luverne).
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On the subject of when the 2008 Alabama primaries will be… a reader raised a good point with me in email.
The legislation that set the February 5 as Alabama’s presidential primary date next year inadvertently set the primary date for Alabama elections to February 5 also. Legislators have expressed a desire to “fix” this in the next legislative session by moving the primaries for Alabama elections back to their usual time in June. But for now, the legislation stands.
So, if the primary date is set for Feb. 5, even temporarily, does that mean we are in a fundraising period where candidates can raise money (one year prior to an election)? And what would happen when the date is moved back?
Good thinking… and I have not seen this particularly addressed in the papers - at least not fully. (Let me know if you have.)
The answer is that even though the legislature passed the bill setting the new primary dates, nothing like that is officially approved until the Justice Department signs off on it. AG Troy King did not submit this to the Justice Department yet because he knew the legislature wanted to tweak it in the next session. So the primary dates never have officially been moved, and candidates for Alabama offices in 2008 are not in a fundraising period.
Now you know. Or already knew.
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Mike Hubbard has just started his new gig as Republican Party Chair and there is a learning curve when one takes on any new position. But there was probably a little discomfort on the GOP side when Hubbard seemed painfully unaware of a most basic concept concerning the upcoming presidential primaries. Hubbard, Alabama Republican Party Chair and State House Minority Leader, thought that the earliest Alabama could hold it’s presidential primary was February 1, 2008 instead of the correct date February 5, 2008. This might seem like a small detail but in the world of the presidential primary calendar February 5th is by far the most important date. To hold a primary prior to Feb 5, Alabama would need a specific exemption by the RNC and/or DNC (which Alabama has already been denied).
Mobile Register – 2/16/07
“That’s news to me,” Hubbard said. Hubbard, who is also chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, said he knew of the Democratic rules, but thought the RNC window opened Feb. 1. “I guess we will have to assess the loss of delegates versus the attention it will focus on the state,” he said.
So acting on this misinformation Hubbard began actively lobbying the Governor and Democrats in the Legislature to move Alabama’s primary from February 5 to an earlier (party-forbidden) date. Despite headlines to the contrary, that train has not left the station yet and the enthusiasm for such a move seems to have waned. The news that both parties’ convention delegations would be cut in half and otherwise punished is quite a deterrent to the wheelers and dealers among their top brass.
Of course one can argue that Bob Riley and Ken Guin should have been aware of the correct date, but neither man is the elected representative of one Alabama’s two major parties. And while Hubbard was just officially elected GOP chair last weekend, he has been the presumptive chair for months and had assumed at least some of the Chair’s duties prior to his official elevation.
Mike Hubbard successfully sought the Alabama Republican Party Chair because he’s ambitious and has the support of the important figure(s) in the state GOP. But it’s hard to imagine that he’s made a favorable first impression on his fellow Alabama activists or his peers in the Republican power structure around the country.
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Google Trends lets you compare search volumes for multiple terms.
How about that… searches for St. Valentine peak higher than searches for Christmas’s St. Nicholas.
“st. valentine” 
“st. nicholas” 
“st. francis” 
“new orleans saints”
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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1171621508142390.xml&coll=2 - Senate Majority Leader urges Governor not to call special session.
http://www.al.com/business/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/business/1171622606142390.xml&coll=2 - Wage growth exceeds national average in Mobile and Montgomery counties.
http://www.dailyhome.com/opinion/2007/dh-editorials-0216-0-7b15w1925.htm - The Daily Home comments on recent UNICEF report that ranks U.S. near the bottom in the care of its children.
http://www.gadsdentimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070216/NEWS/702160312/1016/NEWS - National party rules may prevent state from moving presidential primary election.
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20070216/NEWS/702160305/1012/TL05 - The Tuscaloosa News opposes plan by Sen. Steve French (R-Homewood) to divert dollars from ETF rainy day fund to economic development.
http://www.timesdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070216/NEWS/702160303/1015/OPINIONS - The Times Daily urges Governor to proceed with plan for special legislative session in spite of objections of Senate Democrats.
http://www.thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=8557a9d1503dbf6a - Senate Rules Committee chair opposes proposed special session.
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I don’t think that I am going so far out on a limb to predict that some legislation banning PAC-to-PAC transfers is going to pass this year. Riley has asked for it, the Democrats’ legislative agenda (i.e, “Covenant for the Future“) has directly called for it, and the Republicans’ legislative agenda also indirectly supports it. (The Republicans’ “Handshake with Alabama” doesn’t mention it specifically although they have embraced the Governor’s proposals.) In addition, any number of editorials have called for it.
We will have real theater to behold in listening to their tortured explanations if they do not pass the legislation.
The key question waiting to be answered will be in how strong or meaningful the legislation is. I know the bills that Rep. Jeff McLaughlin (D - Guntersville) has introduced on PAC-to-PAC transfers over the years have varied in their strength, depending on his take on the legislature’s appetite for the issue. He would like as strong a bill as possible, but he wants a bill that will pass. The real question to be answered is if we will get something watered down or something strong and effective.
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Lawn mower stories…
In a story reminiscent of the movie The Straight Story (itself based on a true story), a man sets out to travel across Texas on a riding lawn mower (and expects to finish this week). 624 miles. On a riding lawn mower. To call attention to his favorite charity.
Three guys, a support truck, and a trailer full of supplies. Impressive. Darned impressive.
Well, it would be…
Except at the same time here you have a story about a man travelling by riding lawn mower across the country. From Alaska. All the way to Virginia. Two years into it, he’s in Utah. No support truck, no trailer, no extra guys, just his dog Yoda. Travel cross-country they do.
At 15 mph.
Please use your lawn mower responsibly.
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http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1171535198115330.xml&coll=2 - Audit reveals more financial improprieties at Bishop State Community College.
http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1171534773115330.xml&coll=2 - Plans to move presidential primary date on hold.
http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1171535417115330.xml&coll=2 - State workers to get one month health insurance premium holiday due to lower than expected claims.
http://www.al.com/opinion/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1171535379115330.xml&coll=2 - The Birmingham News uses the urgency of the proposed special session as another example of why state needs new constitution.
http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/1171534566115320.xml&coll=3 - Freshman state Rep. James Gordon (D-Saraland) facing misdemeanor charges in dispute over auto.
http://www.al.com/news/mobileregister/index.ssf?/base/news/1171534951115320.xml&coll=3 - Pork project stripped from federal budget will cost Alabama millions.
http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/1171534618115360.xml&coll=1 - State’s prison population to top 30,000 within next four years according to new study.
http://www.al.com/opinion/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1171534922115360.xml&coll=1 - The Huntsville Times comments on speculation that there may be as many as three special legislative sessions.
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070215/OPINION01/702150321/1012/OPINION - The Montgomery Advertiser finds Governor’s choice of former state Sen. Gerald Dial to head commission on rural development a “poor pick.”
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070215/OPINION01/702140360/1012/OPINION - The Montgomery Advertiser characterizes Attorney General’s proposal to require former felons to apply to panel for restoration of voting rights as “seriously flawed.”
http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/opinion/editorials/070215b.shtml - The Decatur Daily sees community corrections as a means to avoid further growth of state’s prison population.
http://www.timesdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070215/NEWS/702150306/1015/OPINIONS - The Times Daily views AG King’s proposal to require former felons to apply for restoration of voting rights as unworkable.
http://www.annistonstar.com/opinion/2007/as-editorials-0215-editorial-7b14u5203.htm - The Anniston Star hopes Alabamians will understand the costs of King’s proposal to add “another hoop for the convicted to jump through before they are rehabilitated enough to vote.”
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Here is a trailer for It’s a Thick Book, a documentary coming out next month on the subject of Alabama’s constitution. Homewood High School graduate Lewis Lehe put it together.
Bob Blalock at the Birmingham News has a good piece on the documentary.
Today’s bonus fun fact: Did you know that if the constitutions of our neighboring states - Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Mississippi - were combined, Alabama’s constitution would still be three times longer than those four together?
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The appointment of the Democrat Gerald Dial to direct the new Rural Alabama Action Commission has been criticized as political payback for his appearance in a commercial for Republican Governor Bob Riley’s re-election campaign… e.g., in this Huntsville Times article or in this editorial from the Tuscaloosa News:
Gov. Bob Riley’s appointment of Gerald Dial to head rural development efforts for the Alabama Development Office does not bode well… The governor isn’t casting the appointment as a quid pro quo to reward Dial for his role in one of the nastiest (and most untrue) attack ads of the political season. But that’s how it looks… [Dial] arrives with too much political baggage.
If you subscribe to this theory about why Dial was appointed to this newly created $84,500 per year job, then you will find irony in Dial’s comment from a release (pdf) that he circulated last year to explain why he defeated an otherwise popular proposal that would have created a state Center for Rural Development, “I will not sit back and see your tax dollars wasted to create jobs to pay individual political debts.”
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