Wise Decision Not to Enter Supreme Court Race

Criminal Appeals Court Judge Kelli Wise laid it out for the Associated Press pretty much like it was laid out for me in the Political Parlor six weeks ago: Wise will not run for the Supreme Court now that Gov. Bob Riley appointed her husband Arthur Ray to be a Montgomery County District Judge.

Riley supports the candidacy of his Finance Director Jim Main, but people on both sides of the aisle have noted that Riley support hasn’t meant much in the past. Wise out of the race smooths the path for Main a bit, but only a bit as Greg Shaw is preparing for a run.

And again, whispers (loud whispers) are that some of the GOP faithful are not eager to line up behind Main, Riley’s blessing or not. In fact, Shaw may not fit the bill either, as there is talk that Montgomery attorney and former State Bar Association President Douglas McElvy may run and be a more attractive candidate to business leaders.

Riley no doubt wants to help a loyal friend in the Supreme Court race; shedding the “no coattails” label would be a bonus. On the other hand, the Governor’s involvement in a primary race for a losing candidate in this year’s special election for Senate District 32 started tongues clucking. Given that, how public and hands-on will Riley be in the Supreme Court primary race?

Related Articles:

• Friday Bits
• Ray's Appointment Has Supreme Court Implications
• On the Senate District 32 GOP Primary
• No Coattails for Riley?