Riley, Davis converse
Proving that a good story can provide almost endless material, the Birmingham News reports today that Gov. Bob Riley and Rep. Artur Davis chatted briefly by phone Thursday regarding their hired help. At issue was Davis’ hiring of fundraiser Gina Bailey McKell during the 2005 campaign season while she was also a full time employee of Alabama Southern Community College in Monroeville. Following the News’ two-year college story meme, McKell is cousin of former Gov. Don Siegelman aide Nick Bailey, who testified against Siegelman in his federal bribery trial. McKell is also daughter of Jake Bailey, retired president of Wallace State Community College; she therefore satisfies both the political intrigue and nepotism requirements of any News two-year college story. Davis, who has raised questions regarding the propriety of the Siegelman prosecution, took and returned criticism from Riley about his staff hiring practices. Hopefully the phone call smoothed over the ruffled feathers.
I like to see an individual who has an issue with someone else make an effort to address the issue directly with the other individual.
Comment by Danny — September 21, 2007 @ 9:49 am
I agree. It was nice to see two political leaders handle their differences in a respectful and mature manner. Troy King should take some notes.
Comment by ptclearer — September 21, 2007 @ 10:24 am
When the leadership acts like grown ups, will both camps follow?
Comment by walt moffett — September 21, 2007 @ 10:45 am
Very good! I think Artur Davis and Bob Riley show class.
Comment by Tom Davis — September 21, 2007 @ 10:54 am
I believe the issue here is more than Davis’ fundraiser also being a two-year college employee. This is about someone paid by the two-year college working in Davis’ office AND Davis also paying her more money from his campaign.
Comment by Jim — September 21, 2007 @ 9:57 pm