Cleaning out the notebook…

• Former Siegelman aide Nick Bailey was sentenced to 18 months in prison this week. Prosecutors had asked that he receive only 12 months of home confinement since he had helped convict former governor Don Siegelman. On the other hand, unlike Siegelman and Scrushy, he did get to home before beginning his sentence.
• This ADEM plane story had more lift in its wings than we would have first thought. Their reluctance to release flight logs raised many questions… and eyebrows. ADEM bought itself a little time with its promise to post flight information on the web starting next month; critics have backed off a little waiting to see the info. Many are interested to learn more about the flight to the “meeting-conference” in Tunica, MS, the small town (pop. 1175) that is the self-proclaimed Casino Capital of the South. ADEM says that their 36 surveillance flights spotted over 800 environmental problems from the air, an impressive average of over 22 problems spotted per flight. We will enjoy hearing the results of those investigations.
• Of the thirteen state legislators listed as also working in the two year college system, two are off the list. Rep. Neal Morrison (D - Cullman) left the legislature, and Rep. Ken Guin (D - Carbon Hill) left the two year college system. Rep. Randy Hinshaw (D - Madison, and a contributor to our Posts from the Legislature during the session) is one of four legislators who had their two year college jobs before being elected to the legislature, says that he does both jobs, and adds, “I’m not going to choose between the two.”
• Even supporters of Rep. Laura Hall (D - Huntsville) think her political career is in jeopardy after discrepancies are found in her time sheets for her work at Calhoun Community College. One suggested to the Parlor that it looked bad enough that no matter what else happens, the voters may turn her out. In 2010. Which is a long way away.
• Mitt Romney swung through Huntsville long enough to pocket around $90,000 for his campaign. I didn’t see word on whether any of his supporters among Alabama’s elected officials were present.
• Democratic Illinois Rep. Rahm Emanuel on our outgoing U.S. Attorney General: “Alberto Gonzales is the first attorney general who thought the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth were three different things.”

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I was in elementary school the first time I heard someone say, “Well, if you don’t know, then I’m not going to tell you.” The reasoning of the statement confounded me then, and it does now.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Feaga told District Judge Mark Fuller Wednesday that former Gov. Don Siegelman and ex-HealthSouth CEO Richard Scrushy are attempting to influence events linked to their case that could be obstruction of justice.

Feaga did not provide details to U.S. District Judge Mark Fuller, and he would not elaborate in an interview outside the courtroom.

“It should be obvious to anyone who has been paying attention” to what is going on, Feaga said, “and it will be more obvious in the coming months.”

It’s obvious? Then why not provide some details? Connect the dots for the slow learners among us. “It will be more obvious in coming months?” How so? Siegelman and Scrushy will be doing even more? More of what? How does Feaga know?

Well, if you don’t know, he’s certainly not going to tell you.

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Birmingham News - Advocates gather in support of constitutional reform.

Birmingham News - Black, Hispanic students largely isolated from whites according to new study.

Birmingham News - The Birmingham News contends that with support from both the Governor and the chairman of state Democrats, proposal to require full disclosure of use of state aircraft should fly.

Mobile Press-Register - Press-Register views the state’s residents level of obesity as posing a significant public health problem.

Montgomery Advertiser - State to add 25 drug courts.

Opelika-Auburn News - House Minority Leader Mike Hubbard (R-Auburn) calls for constitutional reform on an article-article basis, sees convention a “misguided effort.”

Opelika-Auburn News - Democratic Chairman Joe Turnham calls for convention to write new state constitution.

Decatur Daily - The Decatur Daily comments on this week’s actions in the community college system, and cautions chancellor to make “no deals” in reforming system.
(more…)

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I am happy to hear that Senator Richard Shelby (R) and U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer (D - Huntsville) are okay after their plane was fired on as they flew out of Baghdad:

The Alabama lawmakers were part of a congressional delegation on a one day trip to Baghdad flying in an Air Force C-130, Shelby said “when on the way back we had a near miss.”

“It was dark as the dickens outside, and I was looking out the little window. I saw the red glare of a shell or a missile coming up toward our plane,” Shelby said in a telephone interview with Alabama reporters late this afternoon. “Then I saw a flare pop out and our plane just started moving and changing directions and trying to move.”

Rep. Cramer released a statement tonight:

Our plane leaving Iraq was fired upon and it was a close call, but this is something that our men and women in combat face every day. The flight crew was outstanding and I credit them for the way they handled the situation. This should not take away from the purpose of this trip, which was to see first hand the operations in Iraq and thank our troops, many of them from North Alabama.

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I am interested in how quickly the chatter starts on a question like who will fill an office that is being vacated.

Rep. Neal Morrison (D - Cullman) announces yesterday that he is resigning from the seat that represents District 12 in the state House, and already the grapevine has raised (and rejected) candidates.

On the Democratic side, County Board of Education member Sheila Kretzschmar is said to be planning a run. We hear that other possible candidates include Keith Kugler, the county chair for the Democratic Party, and Brad Williams, a former aide to Zeb Little who now works for PSC Commissioner Susan Parker.

On the Republican side, attorney Rhonda Bruner is said to be pondering the possibility. She lost to Morrison (63% - 37%) in the last election but may be considering a run for the open seat. We have heard attorney Blake West’s name. The previously mentioned Steve Freeman does not live in the district and would not be eligible.

Consider this the early word, not the final word on who might run. The governor hasn’t even set the schedule for a special election yet.

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• First Look at Cullman County's HD 12
• Neal Morrison to Become Bevill State President

Will the Governor call a special session? Or won’t he? Rep. Cam Ward (R - Alabaster) offers a legislator’s perspective on the special session that is coming this fall. Maybe. Or maybe not.

In Posts from the Legislature.

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During the summer state politics usually dulls into silence. This is a time when most people, even those of us who really keep up with all the insider talk, are just doing other things that most normal people are doing like vacationing, back to school, etc. This summer has been no exception in Alabama except for two particular subjects. First everyone inside and outside of the state capitol have had strong opinions one way or another about the current two year school issue. The second issue that is now starting to creep into more and more talks is whether or not Governor Riley will call a special session this fall.

A special session is limited in time and what can be brought up for a vote without a super majority vote. This gives the Governor a great deal of leeway in determining what will and will not be discussed in these sessions.

For the most part I have always been against special sessions. I just feel like every time we are in Montgomery the people are not safer by any stretch of the imagination- usually. While I have no idea whether or not the Governor will call us into session I think he would be right if he did. The idea of holding a special session on ethics and just putting those bills that both parties campaigned on in the most recent election seems to be a fair deal for the taxpayers. If both parties really do support returning to property re-appraisals every four years well now is an opportunity to vote on this issue without it getting “bogged down behind other procedural issues.” Granted re-appraisals wouldn’t actually fall into the category of ethics legislation, it is a good example of legislation that both parties have pushed for. In other words if we’re for it there will be no excuse not to vote for these bills in a session where no budget delays occurred.

While I do not think a special session should include new material that has not been previously discussed, why shouldn’t we take a vote on the floor of the House and Senate to determine where everyone stands on PAC to PAC transfers? If both parties have campaigned on an ethics issue in their party platform why not put it to a vote of the legislature?

While these are just a couple of issues that would be considered in a special session I believe they highlight the sort of agenda that would make for real productivity if a session were called. Governor Riley should call a special session and we should get in and get our work done then come home.

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Constitution reform advocates are gathering in Birmingham today for the first annual Bailey Thomson Awards Luncheon:

Named for the journalist and educator who founded Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform, the event will honor bright lights of the movement, including the local anti-poverty advocacy group Greater Birmingham Ministries, former Samford University President Thomas Corts, and Lewis Lehe, a Homewood High School graduate who, while still in high school, crafted a hilarious and informative documentary, “It’s a Thick Book,” starring Alabama’s 1901 Constitution.

Alabama native and Pulitzer Prize winner Cynthia Tucker (of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution) will provide the keynote address.

I am glad to have reason again to mention “It’s a Thick Book,” the “hilarious and informative documentary.” While I may not personally use the word “hilarious,” I have said before that I never thought the subject of constitution reform could be as entertaining as it is in the documentary. If you haven’t seen it, I encourage you to seek it out! At this link you may get your own free DVD copy or watch it online (which is not nearly as enjoyable, imo).

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Birmingham News - Former Siegelman aide sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Birmingham News - Chief Justice proposes limiting contributions, banning PAC participation in some races for some judicial posts.

Birmingham News - Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney visits Huntsville in campaign stop.

Birmingham News - Siegelman refuses offer to reduce prison term in return for cooperation in other investigations.

Birmingham News - The Birmingham News calls for adoption of rules on acceptance of gifts by ADEM employees.

Huntsville Times - ADEM says it will post all flight records on the internet.

Tuscaloosa News - Distance learning technology expands to 100 more schools.

Tuscaloosa News - Rep. Neal Morrison (D-Cullman) resigns post to accept position as interim president of community college.

Anniston Star - The Anniston Star predicts heated legal and legislative battle over new rule to end double-dipping.

Gadsden Times - The Gadsden Times calls for audit of work records of all legislators working in community college system.

Times Daily - The Times Daily says that recent Census data reflects a “looming crisis” in the number of Americans without health insurance.

Associated Press - Federal prosecutor says Siegelman, Scrushy may be “obstructing justice” from their cells.

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Last week we took a look at the districts of the 13 state representatives employed by the two-year college system and considered if they represented a pick-up opportunity for the other party if the legislator left the House. Who knew our just-for-fun-peek could become relevant so soon?

A special election will be held for the House District 12 seat being vacated by Rep. Neal Morrison (D - Cullman) and you can expect it to become a competitive one. An open seat that either party could win can attract candidates like… like… well… like the 2010 governor’s race.

Are there potential candidates whose presence might discourage others? I am told that Democrat Sheila Kretzschmar and Republican Steve Freeman, both on the Cullman County Board of Education, might be strong enough candidates that the presence of either one in the race might discourage some others from taking them on in a party primary contest.

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• Neal Morrison to Become Bevill State President
• Rep. Morrison on "Double-Dipping" Ban
• Districts, Parties, and the SBOE Ban

Just days after saying he would leave the two-year college system to remain a legislator if that was in the best interest of his district, state Rep. Neal Morrison (D - Cullman) announced today that he will resign his legislative seat to become the interim president of Bevill State Community College. The outgoing president, Harold Wade, announced his intention to leave earlier this month.

This comes on the heels of the announcement last night (and picked up in the Daily News Digest this morning) that House Majority Leader Ken Guin (D - Carbon Hill) will resign from his controversial part-time job at Bevill State.

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State Senator Harri Anne Smith (R - Slocomb) was kind enough to stop by for a few words in the Political Parlor.

The word we hear is that you are running for governor.

I understand that you have hired people to help with you this.

For the 2010 governor’s race?

What other names do you expect to see in the governor’s race on the Republican side?

You have been mentioned as a possible candidate for state treasurer.

Would you run for Terry Everett’s seat [representing Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District in Washington] if he retired?

In the course of the conversation about the governor’s race, she said that she expected she would need 4 to 7 million dollars for the primary race.

Nice to have her in the Parlor.

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• Harri Anne Smith to Run for Governor

Lagniappe Mobile Online has the final part of its story on Attorney General Troy King.

Tony Castaldo felt outnumbered. It seemed clear someone had been in his office while he was gone.

The attorney general’s investigative agent found things out of order on his desk and in his files, while documents that had no business in his office were found in odd spots.

His paranoia was confirmed the morning his door lock came out into his hand. The locksmith said it had to have been an inside job by someone with the core key.

You can read it all here.

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• More on Tony Castaldo Perjury Trial
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Birmingham News - Census data shows poverty down slightly in state.

Birmingham News - Advocates for constitutional reform to gather Thursday in Birmingham.

Birmingham News - Governor supports proposal by Democrats to require disclosure of use of state planes.

AL.com - Bob Blaylock’s commentary urges Riley to call special session.

Birmingham News - The Birmingham News calls for Rep. Laura Hall (D-Huntsville) to resolve discrepancies between her work records at Calhoun Community College and time spent in legislative activities.

Mobile Press-Register - Environmental Protection Agency says ADEM needs to strengthen policies for penalties and enforcement of violations.

Mobile Press-Register - Alabama advocates push for more Katrina assistance in New Orleans forum.

Huntsville Times - ADEM promises to release all records on use of aircraft.

Huntsville Times - The Huntsville Times calls for commission to adopt rules to prohibit ADEM employees from accepting gifts from those they regulate.

Tuscaloosa News - Department of Corrections returning 134 inmates from private prison in Louisiana.

Tuscaloosa News - State Finance Director says he’s considering run for Supreme Court.

Senate Sketches - “Senate Sketches,” Sen. Hank Sanders’ (D-Selma) weekly column for his constituents.

Daily Mountain Eagle - House Majority Leader Ken Guin (D-Carbon Hill) says he will resign position at Bevill State.

Montgomery Advertiser - The Montgomery Advertiser calls for adoption of law that would require disclosure of use of all state aircraft.

Opelika-Auburn News - Auburn, Opelika and Lee County voters all reject proposed increase in property taxes for school facilities.

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Results from elections of interest to the Parlor…

Montgomery Mayor’s Race

Proposed Lee County Property Tax Increase for Schools

Talladega Mayor’s Race

And your bonus election info, because that’s the kind of place we are…

Mobile County Commission District 1 special election

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State Senator Harri Anne Smith (R - Slocomb) is planning a run for governor in 2010, according to a source close to her.

More to come.

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A Survey USA poll released today shows that 59% of Alabamians would vote for Republican incumbent Sen. Jeff Sessions over Democratic challenger Vivian Figures. Thirty-seven percent would vote for Figures. (MoE 4.3%)

A couple of observations about the numbers…

• 30% of Democrats would vote for Sessions. Only 9% of Republicans would vote for Figures.
• Sessions has even stronger support in north Alabama (where 61% would vote for him) than in south Alabama (57%) where he lives.

What would have to happen to turn this into a race?

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Here are three local elections going on today that may interest you at least a bit…

Montgomery Mayor’s Race

Proposed Lee County Property Tax Increase for Schools

Talladega Mayor’s Race

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NOLA.com - Advocacy groups from Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana meeting today in New Orleans to assess post-Katrina recovery.

Birmingham News - Resignation of U.S. Attorney General won’t stop probe of whether politics played a role in federal prosecutions, including that of former governor Don Siegelman.

Birmingham News - State Democratic Chairman calls on Governor to support measure to require public disclosure of use of any state aircraft.

Birmingham News - The Birmingham News contends that former Siegelman aide Nick Bailey should spend time in prison for his crimes despite his cooperation with federal prosecutors.

Mobile Press-Register - Mobile County residents protest proposed landfill.

Mobile Press-Register - Press-Register outlines reasons to “have pity on state’s poor double-dippers.”

Tuscaloosa News - Alabama ranks 3rd among states with highest percentage of obese adults.

Decatur Daily - The Decatur Daily finds suggestion by Rep. Laura Hall (D-Huntsville) that chancellor should investigate working hours of all legislators employed by community college if he investigates her work schedule as a good idea.

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I had interest in clarifying for myself who of our Washington delegation had endorsed what presidential candidates.

In case you are scoring at home, here is the rundown on our Alabama delegation in Washington and who they are publicly supporting in the 2008 presidential race.

• Robert Aderholt (R, AL-4) endorsed Mitt Romney.
• Spencer Bachus (R, AL-6) serves as southeast co-chair of the John McCain campaign.
• Artur Davis (D, AL-7) is heavily engaged in Barack Obama’s campaign, even appearing as his surrogate.
• Terry Everett (R, AL-2) endorsed Duncan Hunter.
• Mike Rogers (R, AL-3) endorsed Mitt Romney.

Democrat Bud Cramer (AL-5) has not endorsed anyone and likely will not. No word heard here from Jo Bonner (R, AL-1) or our two Republican Senators, Jeff Sessions and Richard Shelby.

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Rick Bragg’s article in Sports Illustrated on new Alabama football head coach Nick Saban reminds us of why his writing is such a pleasure to read:

But the [Bear] Bryant magic was about more than numbers, more than X’s and O’s and big ol’ boys who would have blocked a pulpwood truck if he’d asked them to. It was about how he could draw every eye in the stadium to him as he leaned against that goalpost during warmups, a growling, mumbling golem glued together out of legend, gristle and a little bit of mean. It was almost cheating, having him on the sideline, like filling your trunk full of cement blocks before a demolition derby.

But the quote that jumped out as pertinent to our interests in Alabama politics and policy: “Never assume that Alabamans give a damn what others think.” Good advice.

I have observed that those working for the good of Alabama find themselves perched between two occasionally conflicting dynamics: Alabamians don’t like the state being near the bottom of so many lists of state rankings, and (related to Bragg’s line) Alabamians don’t like being told what to do.

Relatively unimportant observation: I also note that Bragg (or his editor) uses “Alabaman” instead of “Alabamian.” “Alabaman” makes a lot of sense to me as the name for a resident of the state. If you use “Alabamian,” then you no longer have the state’s name correctly spelled. After stubbornly using “Alabaman” for many years, I have largely given up, as “Alabamian” is far more widely used, at least in my observation and hearing.

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Birmingham News - The Alabama Trust Fund grows to more than $3 billion; some say further growth may allow  voters to cap Trust fund revenues and direct future growth to fund Medicaid.

Birmingham News - Ethics Commission staff express frustration with AG’s failure to pursue prosecution of cases referred.

Birmingham News - The Birmingham News praises actions of State Board of Education to restrict ‘double-dipping’ by legislators.

Mobile Press-Register - “The Political Skinny,” the Press-Register’s weekly political roundup from Mobile, Montgomery and Washington.

Mobile Press-Register - Press-Register praises efforts of state leaders to find alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent inmates.

Montgomery Advertiser - Some question, defend discrepancies in budgets for offices of Senate Pro Tem and House Speaker.

Montgomery Advertiser - Montgomery Independent Living Center’s Scott Renner works to make voting accessible to people with disabilities.

Montgomery Advertiser - The Montgomery Advertiser contends that controversy over work attendance records of Rep. Laura Hall (D-Huntsville) at Calhoun Community College “underscores issue” of ‘double-dipping.’

Tuscaloosa News - The Tuscaloosa News  says SBOE ‘acted wisely” in adopting measure to end ‘double-dipping’ by legislators.

Opelika-Auburn News - Lee County voters to consider increasing property taxes for education.

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Birmingham News - Growth of methadone programs draw controversy.

Birmingham News - Records review show Rep. Laura Hall (D-Huntsville) cast legislative votes on days she reported as work days or sick leave days at  Calhoun Community College.

Birmingham News - The Birmingham News contends that promises of rebuilding after Katrina have not been fulfilled in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast.

Birmingham News - Commentary by the executive director of Alabama Roadbuilders calls for increasing gasoline taxes to provide funds for bridge and road building and maintenance.

Mobile Press-Register - Residents of Mobile subdivision still struggling two years after Katrina.

Mobile Press-Register - State Sen. Vivian Figures (D-Mobile) announces candidacy for U.S. Senate.

Huntsville Times - Former Gov. Albert Brewer recalls bitterness of 1970 campaign.

Huntsville Times - The Huntsville Times sees lengthy battle ahead for policy to end ‘double-dipping.’

Associated Press - Legislators working at two-year college don’t expect immediate impact from new policy requiring Chancellor approval of unpaid leave to attend to legislative duties.

Gadsden Times - The Gadsden Times comments on retaliatory threats made by legislators against Board of Education for implementing new policy against ‘double-dipping.’

Tuscaloosa News - “Alabama Exposure,” Dana Beyerle’s weekly political roundup for readers of the NYTimes regional papers.

Tuscaloosa News - The Tuscaloosa News sees reorganized Christian Coalition as “much more relevant than before.”

Decatur Daily - “Capitol Letter,” M.J. Ellington’s weekly political column for readers of The Decatur Daily.

Decatur Daily - The Decatur Daily praises State Board of Education for new policy aimed at ending ‘double-dipping.’

Daily Home - The Daily Home calls on Governor to restore funding to family service centers.

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State Rep. Neal Morrison (D - Cullman) is one of four legislators employed in the two-year college system since before being elected to the legislature. If forced to choose between serving as a legislator or continuing his work at Wallace State College, Morrison tells The Cullman Times that “he will do what is in the best interest of his district, even if that means leaving the two-year system.”

“I just hate that this has come to this point, I’ve always strived to make sure I separate both jobs.”

[…]

“I’ve always been against limiting anyone’s ability to run for office.”

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• Districts, Parties, and the SBOE Ban
• Opponents of SBOE Ban Consider Options
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Birmingham attorney Patrick Cooper reported an eye-opening $400,000-plus raised for his mayoral campaign, according to the 45-day finance disclosure forms filed yesterday. (And there were doubters.) The Birmingham News reports that the crowded field of candidates raised a total of $857,521. Perhaps as interesting as Cooper’s total was that “Most of Cooper’s contributions came from individuals and businesses, with just $6,000 coming from political action committees.”

City councilor Carole Smitherman was second with $214,700 raised. The only other candidate to report more than $100,000 raised was County commissioner Larry Langford at $122,550. Incumbent Bernard Kincaid fell just short at $99,352.

Other candidates fell well short of those numbers. Particularly noteworthy was that one-time interim mayor William Bell reported only $7,475 raised. In 1999, he collected over $1 million for the mayoral race that would have removed “interim” from his title had he won.

The election is Oct. 9.

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Birmingham News - Legislators sue to keep community college jobs.

Birmingham News - Environmental Management Commission considers new policies on accepting gifts.

Mobile Press-Register - Mobile crime victim seeks to abolish state parole board.

Montgomery Advertiser - AG King looking for way to block Maryland’s release of Wallace’s would-be assassin.

Montgomery Advertiser - New high school graduation rate calculation likely to lower Alabama’s rate.

Tuscaloosa News - House Majority Leader says State Board “overstepped bounds” in adopting policy to end legislators working at community colleges.

Decatur Daily -Thai firm selects Decatur as sight for new facility.

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A couple of people tried to suggest to me earlier in the week that Larry Langford may be locking up the Birmingham mayor’s race.

In an email exchange after that post went up, a reader who is keeping up with the race wrote, “I also keep hearing grumblings about a Langford indictment, but apparently those never go away.”

Today…

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has subpoenaed personal finance records for Jefferson County Commissioner Larry Langford, demanding bank statements, checks and other documents dating back to 2002.

Langford calls it politically motivated harrassment. He does not explain why the SEC would want to harrass him, or why the SEC would be a party to harrassment by a Langford political opponent.

I don’t see the lock on that race snapping shut yet.

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A reader posed an interesting question: How many of the legislators affected by yesterday’s “double-dipping” ban by the State Board of Education represent districts that would have competitive races if the legislator chooses not to run again? That is to say, would one party have an opportunity to take a seat from the other in any of these districts? (Granted, the SBOE decision will face challenges.)

Very interesting, and I asked someone who knows more about this than I do about the thirteen legislators who are two-year college employees, as listed by the Associated Press. I have merged his comments with the AP list.

There you go. Comments? Surprises? Observations?

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• Opponents of SBOE Ban Consider Options
• State School Board Bans 'Double-Dipping'

A reader writes, “I’m thinking this [press advisory below] should be interpreted as Sparks helping Bright get some positive press close to an election. Interesting move.”

Sounds about right.

Incumbent Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright faces three challengers in Tuesday’s election in the capital city.

In follow-up, the reader writes, “If Bright wants to run for Congress (Everett) in 2010, which many think he does, he’ll need to post strong numbers in his re-election. I think that’s why Sparks is helping out.”

(Republican Rep. Terry Everett represents Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District.)

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If you are following the race for state Senate District 32 out of Baldwin County, you will want to reads parts one, two, and three of “analysis and insight” on the GOP primary run-off from the Mobile Bay Times and “its brigade of local, area and state political sources.”

Randy McKinney and Trip Pittman square off in the Republican primary run-off on September 11th. The winner will face Democrat A. J. Cooper on October 16th.

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