Posted by The GOP’s Alabama State Victory Plan – 2010 is an internal party document that outlines a plan to increase GOP voter turnout in 2010, specifically in seventeen targeted legislative districts. Seven targeted districts are in the state Senate, and ten are in the state House.
The document (pdf) has some mislabeled tables, but here are the district numbers targeted with the names of their Democratic incumbents.
| SD 2 | Tom Butler |
| SD 4 | Zeb Little |
| SD 9 | Hinton Mitchem |
| SD 13 | Kim Benefield |
| SD 21 | Phil Poole |
| SD 22 | Marc Keahey |
| SD 27 | Ted Little |
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| HD 5 | Henry White |
| HD 9 | Ron Grantland |
| HD 12 | James Fields |
| HD 26 | Frank McDaniel |
| HD 27 | Jeff McLaughlin |
| HD 35 | Steve Hurst |
| HD 40 | Lea Fite |
| HD 42 | Jimmy Martin |
| HD 81 | Betty Carol Graham |
| HD 91 | Terry Spicer |
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Invited to comment, ALGOP spokesman Philip Bryan replied that the document is just one of many drafts. He implied that the ALGOP knew how the document was leaked and said, “This document represents just one of many elements in an ever-changing strategic plan.”
will this soon hit al.com attributed to blogs on the internet?
This is not the best target list. Some of the people on this list won there last races by 20 points and some of the others well into the double digits.
Well, Tom Butler uses on of your consultants, so game over there. Zeb Little is beloved in Cullman and the John Deere colors always work well. Hinton Mitchem is a legend and has done nothing but bring pack the projects and state $. Benefield was discussed by Danny yesterday. Poole has already pulled Gerald Allen out of the House, so it’s a plus to Alabama if Allen wins or if he loses. Either way he’s not in the House. Keahey slobber-knocked the bassackward Republican GOTV plan, so game over there. Ted Little can’t be beat; tell Chairman Mao ZeHubbard he’s just going to have to live with Little in Lee County. Henry White is too nice to be thrown out of office – Northwest Alabama loves the party of Roosevelt. Grantland proved he’s for immigration reform/deportation with his e-mail comment a while back. James Fields knows everyone in his half of Cullman county so well he gets invited to fires in people’s yards sometimes. McDaniel won’t get the boot because of his voting record, it lines up perfectly with his district. Jeff McLauglin won’t take contributions in the interest of ethics, so there goes the stupid corruption branding. Steve Hurst is good-ol-boy enough to beat any good-ol-boy landed gentry opponent the GOP puts up against him. Lea Fite will give discounts in his stores during the weeks leading up to the election – cheaper food means a higher propensity to vote for the man who gave you the discount. Jimmy Martin will put your elderly family members in the grave for less if you vote for him – he’s a funeral home director (that’s not a mob reference). Betty Carol Graham has been there forever and AEA will do everything to keep her – they’ve got one of their higher membership percentages there. Terry Spicer knows everybody that knows everybody in Coffee county, so game over there.
Anything else? I don’t see how the GOP flips them unless they stuff ballot boxes with out-of-state military voters who aren’t from Alabama, but that law didn’t pass last time – and Jimmy Martin is one of Beth Chapman’s friends in the Legislature – do they really want to lose that for her by going after him? Didn’t think so. Ok, 2010, your turn.
LOL@doozey. I guess the GOP might as well not even try then. Seriously though it comes down to money and candidate recruitment in the end. You cant have 80 year old men running against Grantland like you had in ’06 or criminals against Hinton the tractor man if you want to win the majority next year.
Same James Field that introduced the bill to allow “Life without Parole” criminals to be granted Parole? I’m sure he is beloved in downtown Birmingham.
Zeb “Hit & Run” Little will have more than his drinking problem next year.
Hinton Mitchem at 72 is a bit old.
JD,
Paul Bussman is not the answer against Zeb Little. He has is on “personal problems.” If that is the best the GOP can do then Zeb will win again in 2010.
At least it’s not like the National Republican Campaign Committee’s Young Gun list which has dudes in their 50′s and 60′s that they call young guns and rising stars
http://www.progressiveelectorate.com/diary/1346/more-ineptitude-from-nrcc-chair-pete-sessions
Obviously this is not a complete list because I would think SD-30 would be a target. It is one of the most conservative districts in the state. If they get a good candidate down there, they could give Wendell Mitchell a run for his money.
Doozey – the only comment I will make is about Spicer – who narrowly won and I do mean NARROWLY in the last election. He should and will be targeted. But the question is, what decision will he make concerning his double dipping. He has a low work high paying job at Enterprise Ozark Community College. He has to make a choice based on the recent court ruling on this issue. Either be in the State House or be on the 2 year college system pay roll – but not both. What decision will he make?
Why in the world would the GOP not go after Larry Means in district 10? A very good chance there, if they’ll hit him hard and of ten!! He owes his body, soul and political career to McCartney Construction Company in Gadsden. Was on their payroll untill just recently. He’s all up to his neck in the Merchants Capital mud. Just ask some of the elected officials in his district, which he’s strong armed!! Much better chance with Means than with Mitchem, Butler or Little! I think the GOP needs to re-look at this situation!
Larry Means is safe from the GOP. That district is pretty democratic.
2010, here’s what I don’t understand about the concept of double-dipping. Why is the 2-year college system the only one attached to the legislature?
Your minority leader/chairman benefits directly from contracts with a State-funded University and his wife has run the College of Human Sciences only since he found so much power in the GOP. This is a situation of the pot calling the kettle black.
What about Senator Rusty Glover? He’s a teacher taking a paycheck which contains state funds. He needs to make a choice, or are Republicans in lock-step with the brainwashing machine of the State GOP immune?
Doozey, good point. Also, why can Alan Boothe (D) be on payroll at Troy University? The two-year college only hypocrisy it ridiculous. This seems to be a good choice of pick-and-choose political games.
#10 Means’ District is Democratic.
Funny couple of things here, the document is as real as it gets, and another embarrassment for the Hubbard/Riley monarchy. They tried this same thing in 2006 and it didn’t work. They tried the same thing in 2008, and it didn’t work. They have all this money, and again here they go relying upon volunteers. Finding volunteers to work on party issues, not related to a specific candidate, it very difficult. One would have thought with all that money they would hire some call centers to do what they needed, apparently they will be back asking my wife to make phone calls, again (she was one of six who agreed to make calls in our county during 06, and only did so for a week).
The numbers in voter vault listed here are correct, but those numbers have only increased marginally since 06 (or for that matter since 04 when it was made ready for prime time with rapid loads from Bush/Cheney). There was no effort or a horrible effort on the part of the national party in 08 because my last check of the vault showed less than a 10 percent increase from what was identified in 06.
Now remember, that with that 10 increase since 04/06 you also have to account for those who have moved. SURPRISE, we churn 8% of the state voter list every year in moves, on average for the last ten years. 90% of the 700k identified in voter vault have moved and or changed phone numbers which renders the files bad. I know, we have used the list in three different county size races. The voter valut is not what it was protrayed and their admission of difficulties in getting data in/out is directly on target but apparently they haven’t identified that the problem is volunteers. On the other hand, if they spend all that money, they could have simply targeted all whites in each county with mail and phones, and spent less money – which is what the candidates are going to do anyway, so it’s really moot, except that if you need a quick peek and don’t want to do the immediate work, it is a great resource.
If I was a democrat I would keep building my face book ads, I would keep getting people in through local candidates. One day the GOP will wake up and see that it all starts on the local level, with the local candidate and the youth and active through the internet. The dems are doing a great job right now, and I don’t know who is calling the shots but if they keep going to the local da’s, sheriffs, judges, county commissioners and plugging them to help recruit new voters by using them as communication vehicles and they keep running mirco target ads on Facebook, Google, Bing, WordPress, blogger and so on — I am afraid that the 2010 legacy will be blown up just like Riley’s job legacy was converted into an unemployment legacy.
Very sad, I like the republicans, I just wish they would reach out more and ask the county leaders and the people who work on these campaigns what they think might work instead of going to the mount and coming down with the books of prayer. Come on common sense and 2010 shoot back and tell me how wrong I am and what a non-republican I am. Do your job and slam anyone who speaks ill of Mike the almighty Hubbard.
I agree with 12 and 13. It is pick and choose but a court has ruled it is legit. So as of now, that stands as the law. my question is, what will Spicer do?
Oops,you must live in another state. Alabama dem party sucks and only has $717 in their bank account. Sorry, you’re just confused, happens with age.
15, your hatred of hubbard is clear. i think he is good at raising money but results….we will see. i agree with some of what you stated. I do, however, think your dislike of Riley is unjustified. He has been the only Alabama Governor in recent memory that has been honorable, done well, and not embarrassed the state and/or ended up being convicted of a crime.
I don’t hate Riley. I don’t hate Hubbard. In Riley’s case I think he has fallen on hard times and his legacy will be as a good governor, as compared to the other rats we have had in recent memory, which is just what you said. Compared to those he has been godly.
While we all think of him as that, I assure you such is not what he or his family had in mind as his legacy (being considered better because the other were awful). Riley wanted to bring about an educational revolution, set a new standard for funding and tax equalization/fairness. When that failed, he wanted to be known as the jobs/growth Governor who brought about more money to the state through new developments. The bad economy has killed that now too. It is sad for him. He has his heart in this and has always had my respect, eventhough I disagreed with him, even strongly.
Hubbard is another story, and I have little sympathy for him. While Riley calls upon others and asks their opinions, Hubbard does not. He and his team of insiders at the party make decisions and they do not consult or discuss with others. Hubbard answers to Riley of course but no one else and while I like Riley, he is not everything, if anything, to the future of the party. His coat tails have had no strength, and instead or reaching down ballot and building from the bottom up on the grassroots level.
Mike and pals gallivant around the state expecting people to fall at their feet. It is not that I hate Hubbard at all, it is my disdain for the way he does his party wrong. He treats those who do business with him better than those who don’t, profiting all along the way. Truly I would praise him if he acted like Rodger McConnell or Arthur Outlaw, reaching out and building coalitions from the ranks of everyday voters instead of solidifying ranks among the few insiders that service his business needs.
He (Hubbard) too will pass and we will get on with the business of building the party, but I fear that what I am blaming Hubbard for is not only about him, but about the current times, the leaders who are desirous of taking on such a role. I am afraid that those who will be interested in taking on such a position these days are far too interested in the power to control the discussion, the invite list and perceived power of anointing the ones to be elected, with the impression that they will expect something back down the road. When we bar ANYONE on the state executive committee from having any financial/business relationship with the party we will have taken a huge step forward.
If Hubbard wanted to win the respect of many who question him, he would initiate this, pass it, and in the interim announce that neither his printing nor media company will every take another penny from the state party – at a discount, or at triple the cost.
And for goodness sakes, please don’t misread me as praising the Democrats in toto. They may well has less than $700 in their account and I couldn’t agree with them on what day of the week it is, but like Riley, when compared to the others, right now they are looking good.
Oops, in saying that the democrats look good right now, officially lost all credibility. Broke, just lost 2 seats in the legislature, convictions abound with more to come, don’t believe ethics reform is important, bow to one leader and one leader only in daddy hubbert and completely fed bs in 2006 with their “contract to get elected.” Oops, you have lost your mind and frankly sound like someone crying out for attention. What’s wrong oops,did the party not listen to your ideas? or maybe, just maybe you wish you somehow someway you could be important? You obviously are not.
Oh, and 20 bucks says oops is a “birther.”
Anon, I have no idea what any of what you said means or where you got it from. I am over 50 and use to work for the party. I have seen a lot of important people come and go. I am not important and don’t want to be, but I have frequently been asked my opinion and as that of others…this is the kind of working together that got the state republicans where they are today. And apparently you need to work on your reading comprehension, I never said the dems were right on the issues, nor do I support their party, or their mission (as a matter of fact I said I couldn’t even agree what day of the week it is). The fact that someone, anyone will read this, including you, is evidence that what we say can have an impact. I hope that my words as they continue to be written and read will have an impact in correcting the problems and moving us past these trying times. And I have no idea what a “birther” is or means but if it sound derogatory so keep it to yourself.
P.S. Be careful in your celebrations of those two legislative victories won by others on your behalf. Remember George Bush celebrating the Iraqi victory on that carrier didn’t turn out so well. It was the arrogant Republicans like yourself that cost us the last presidential and congressional races. As a Republican I am proud, but humble knowing that we must win over the people, not simply lead them kicking and screaming. Hold back your arrogance and know that the battle ahead will be much different and those of us in the battles, unlike you, will hopefully keep down the arrogant tone and show the Reagan humble desire to join together with any conservative voices, to do better.
I’ll take a stab, Doozey: Tom Butler lied to Jabo Waggoner late in the game and made more than one enemy. Zeb Little – really – do I have to address the obvious? Hinton Mitchem is a has been that couldn’t even hold off Rodger Smitherman for the leadership post. Benefield isn’t running. Poole is hated statewide for his antics and there will be people from all over the state to put money and energy in that race. Keahey won a race against a weak candidate, but has skeletons in his closet. Ted Little his skeletons that are OUT of his closet;
Frankly, don’t care about the House. All we need is the Senate.
oops AKA Marty Connors. When are you going to realize no one cares what you think? Your struggle to make yourself viable is bordering on pathetic. Please go away…
Marty, a “birther” is one who doesn’t believe obama is a citizen. As for the rest of your diatribe, well, frankly it sounds like ramblings of a crazy man.
Oops – I don’t know who you are and I don’t care.
My comment is this: you say that if you were a democrat you “would keep building my face book ads, I would keep getting people in through local candidates and go to the local da’s, sheriffs, judges, county commissioners and plugging them to help recruit new voters by using them as communication vehicles and they keep running mirco target ads on Facebook, Google, Bing, WordPress…”
You are obviously on the Rep Exec Committee due to your other comments (and even if you weren’t I don’t think it would prohibit you from doing something – I’m not on it). Why don’t YOU do the above as a Republican who is passionate about the issues and elections? Why don’t YOU reach out to the state party staffers/leadership and take some initiative instead of sitting on the sidelines throwing bombs? THAT would be leadership.
William, I and others have. Hence the reason so many are frustrated and there are fractures in our state party.anon, not that I’m going to play a guessing game, but I’m not marty nor am I chris brown, nor am I the other names that have been suggested. It was 1900′s when I worked at the party. I’ve seen more republican conversion and growth than you will see in two life times. If you want to make a difference, support the party, its mission – not the leader. The leaders come and go, the party will continue forever.
Okay oops – what can we do about it if the current leadership won’t listen? Just wait them out?
BTW, I’m not so sure that the GOP will last forever – there is a groundswell of support for a third party (nationally) that will be overwhelming if the national GOP goes RINO. That’s one positive for the ALGOP (versus the RNC) – our candidates and leadership seem to be strong conservatives.
Oops, I hear the party experienced exponential growth in 1905, congratulations. Good work. There happy? Now do something to make the party better, as has been suggested. How much money did you raise this year for the party? How many phone calls did you make for the party in 2008? How many doors did you knock on in 2008? It is easy to throw bombs from your computer at party leadership, it is much harder to grow a pair and help.
Wendell Mitchell is a constituent of Larry Dixon’s … somebody ought to beat a guy who doesn’t even live in his own district
Wendell W Mitchell
1806 Beauvoir Lake Ct
Montgomery, AL 36117
The real point of the GOP Victory plan 2010 is not to elect republicans – that was just the ruse used to raise the $4 mil. The real point is to send about $1 mil through hubbards mail and radio shops and $3 million to Minda for doing media…
No one of the GOP executive committee knows who gave what or where it’s going and Hubbard refuses to report on it…
If that’s true, then the people on the GOP Exec Committee should be ashamed for their lack of influence. If they want to know, they should demand to know or call for Hubbard’s resignation.
Holtz, it would be great if you could provide proof when you decide to throw out bs statements. What info do you have to support your assertions?
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/index.ssf?/base/news/1208807243241180.xml&coll=3
No secretary of state records…
http://www.sos.state.al.us/vb/election/pacsrch1.aspx
Yes…the rest is just cynical speculation…
You mean to tell me that the algop doesn’t have to file with the secretary of state? Guess that’s because of a Republican Gov and Bush probably helped out too, hell, Rove worked that out. Holtz, you are showing your ignorance. Both parties file all of their donors, guess it is just simpler for the Alabama Democrats since they have very few.
Alabama 2010 site says they’ve raised 104% of $4 million. Last party report shows $265,000 cash on hand. So where is it?
Not to worry, the money is in Colonial Bank.
Enough — Really! No one in this business agrees all the time but even the worst disagreement is no excuse for accusing Mike Hubbard or other current and former party leaders of inappropriate business dealings past, present or future!
I’ve had my disagreements with Mike, what political consultant hasn’t? If you understand this business you would understand that we don’t always have the same mission. I can say that Mike’s companies do good work as I have hired them before and will do so again in the future should the need arise. That doesn’t mean that Mike and I will agree on things because I do business with him, nor would I want it that way. I am sure Mike and I will continue to have disagreements and agree to disagree, while continuing to do business. Disagreement is how consensus is achieved and winners are made.
In the end, the successful ones will be the ones who figure out a way to work together and at this stage the Republican’s (Hubbard et.al.) have proven that differences can be set aside and people can work together to win races, which is what everyone in this business cares about so find something else to bitch about for a while.
OK, Jonathan – I am truly moved by your very emotional and eloquent plea AND the spirit for which it was intended. I will revise my comments: of the $4 million, $900,000 will go to Hubbard, $3 mil to Minda and $100,000 to you.
Really, if someone will just post the link to where I can find the report, I will desist.
sos.state.al.us will have some http://www.fec.gov will have others. Leg work will find the documents you seek. Now I expect that you are a man of your word and will desist.
Oooohhhhh you can bet I have been looking – since I posted the sos link in #34 above, I thought that might have tipped you off.
If you will just tell me the name of the PAC where the $4 mil is stashed we can be done with all of this.