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A source close to Democratic PSC Commissioner Susan Parker indicates that she is unlikely to run for AL-05 if Parker Griffith announces his candidacy tomorrow as expected. Several factors would influence her likely decision including the short time frame for making a decision and for lining up campaign financing for a primary and general election, as well as her enjoyment of her current role with the Public Service Commission.
At the ends of the district… State Rep. Tammy Irons (D – Florence) is looking at the race strongly and expects to make a decision within the next few days, she tells the Parlor. And state Rep. John Robinson (D – Scottsboro) continues to make noise about entering the race.
Ron Sparks‘ name continues to bounce around here and there, but I don’t hear many people who believe the Democratic Agricultural Commissioner will actually throw his hat in the ring.
Republican advertising executive and former Cramer challenger Wayne Parker is raising money and is preparing to step up to the plate for another swing at this district. One insider mused that the Mo Brooks base had to go somewhere, and that this Parker might get most of it.
We continue to hear rustling about the possibility that football great John Hannah might run as a Republican. Don’t write that possibility off yet.
One last note… on the AL-05 Big List, I’m moving Tom Butler’s name from the “In” category to “Serious Buzz,” not to reflect any change in information but because my intention has been to reserve the “In” category for candidates who have publicly made known their candidacies, and in this case I got ahead of myself. For example, though the expectation now is that Parker Griffith will announce his candidacy at 10 a.m. in the morning, anything could happen between now and then and I will move his name after he makes the announcement. The information I have heard about Tom Butler is as strong as it ever was, but I will put him in the “In” category when he publicly announces, as anything could happen between now and then. Who knows – maybe he won’t want to run against John Hannah.
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Hate to see Susan Parker go but I think Tammy Irons would give Griffith a run for his “money”. She is strong in the Shoals area.
[...] We Have Your AL-05 News » Doc’s Political Parlor Posted Alabama Politics on Thursday, March 20th, 2008. [...]
Whoever runs should use a Drive By Trucker’s song as their theme song. Maybe “Puttin People on the Moon”
or 72 (This Highway’s Mean).
Of course, with the war and all, maybe “The Man I Shot” or Isbell’s “Dress Blues” would be more apropos?
Patterson’s Hood,
Nice suggestion. Jason Isbell was in Montgomery last night. I was sorry to see him leave the Truckers. Neither he nor the band are the same without each other, though both are world class either way. Long live the Shoals area musical pedigree. Personally, I figure “Zip City” might be the ticket.
Griffith’s age will be used against him here, and I’m not so sure that point isn’t without merit. It takes some seniority to make a difference in the Democratic ranks of the U.S. House, and he’ll struggle with that reality as he pushes 70 years of age. Griffith is a wonderful public servant though, and a hard worker for the Huntsville area. His late entry in to politics and zeal for higher office are quite noticeable because he speaks on almost every issue at the State House.
Tammy Irons is a go-getter and would also be a great candidate. She is also a rather nice looking female politician, so she’s got that going for her.
The Democrats have several top-flight candidates for this race. I wonder how the situation at the top of the ticket will effect them.
John Hannah was a heck of blocker. There have already been negative insider rumblings about him on this blog, so he will probably be strong as well.
I still doubt Tom Butler’s candidacy.
Gunney — Where was Isbell playing in Montgomery? I have been wanting to see his solo show. I agree that together they were more than the sum of their parts.
Zip City is a great suggestion — especially considering the 1.5 billion in federal money that goes to abstinence education!
I agree the Dems sort of have a good choice no matter which of the candidates they choose.
Griffith will be a strong candidate. I doubt Tammy Irons will run — her candidacy would be interesting if she did — but John Robinson will, and he’ll embarrass himself. Ron Sparks isn’t running. Sorry Sparksmaniacs… it isn’t happening.
Butler would be a very, very strong general election candidate, but have to I seriously question whether he could make it through the Republican primary if there are any serious challengers.
Isbell was at Gators. I found that occasion rather remarkable as well, and look for more good events coming to Montgomery. John Prine coming soon!
Though fond in principle of abstinence, I’ve always struggled to personally partake in it.