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The Fix at Washingtonpost.com has been putting together a list of the first families, the political dynasties, for each state with the help of readers. The compiled list is out today.
The Wallaces (George, Lurleen, and George, Jr.) and Folsoms (Big Jim and Little Jim) are Alabama’s entries on the list.
For whatever it’s worth, I am disquieted by the political advantage one receives by having a politically prominent family member. If Hillary Clinton had been victorious in her 2008 presidential campaign, that means we would have 24 consecutive years (or possibly 28) of a Bush or a Clinton as President, and that simply strikes me as a symptom that something is unhealthy in the whole process. Which of course is not to say that legacies should not be allowed to run either. Thread the needle.
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As for Alabama’s entries is this mixed bag of national political dynasties, Little Jim had better hope he does not have done to him this fall what the electorate of Alabama did to George Jr. on June 1st. I suspect George Jr.’s last name is what made him the laughing stock of the political season. Look what happened in South Carolina this year…this may be a virus Little Jim hopes he doesn’t catch.
Danny, I know what you mean but I am not sure I would want a law prohibiting members of dynastic families to run. (I know you did not advocate that either.) The voters still have a choice to vote against the MDF on the basis that “he would not be where he was without Daddy’s name and money.” Often, such a criticism is effective. The first American politician to benefit from Daddy’s name and influence was the sixth president, John Quincy Adams (son of John Adams, the second president.) Having been raised in the seat of power and having been the Ambassador to Great Britian, he seemed to be ready to be President. History, however, does not look fondly upon his single term. Like his pop, he was one and done.
Although Wallace and Folsom are the most obvious political families, I recall that Ryan DeGraffenried ran for Lt. Gov. in 1994,losing to Don Siegelman. His father ran for governor twice, in 1962 and 1966, both times losing the Democratic primary to George Wallace.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_DeGraffenried
Bill Baxley was AG and ran for governor of course losing to Guy Hunt. His ex-wife, Lucy, was Lt. Governor and then lost to Bob Riley four years ago. She is currently PSC chairman. (I refuse to write chairperson and no, I am sexist. How silly!)
Jere Beasley was once Lt. Governor and ran for governor. His brother. Billy, is now assured of winning a seat in the Alabama legislature.
Now, if you want to go way back (even before my time), William Wyatt Bibb was guv 1818-1820. His brother, Thomas Bibb, was guv 1820-21. The cousin of these two, Bibb Graves, was guy from 1927 to 31 and 35 to 39. And, finally, Dixie Bibb Graves (wife of David Bibb) was U.S. Senator from Alabama from 1937 to 1938. And you guys think that we are not a progressive state.
I once heard George Wallace, Jr say that he inherited all of his father’s enemies, but not all of his friends.
Alabama has been well served by the eight years that George Wallace, Jr served as State Treasurer and the eight years that he served on the Public Service Commission.
George served with honor, so much so that the big money interests have done all they could to keep him out of office again.
But when it comes to loving Alabama and serving the people, no one has served with more honor than George Wallace, Jr
I absolutely agree. What Young Boozer did to BS his way into the Treasurer’s nomination was shameful. George Wallace Jr. has always fought the power company and others to help average Alabamians. Young Boozer tried to smear his name with a bunch of his own money. He will eventually run into trouble if he seeks more offices because many good Republicans are not happy about that result. Also, if Roby is unable to beat Bright I would personally watch for a Wallace Jr. Congress run. People in the wire grass have always loved the Wallaces stay tuned…
People in the Wiregrass rejected George Jr. almost 20 years ago when they picked unknown Terry Everett over him. Wiregrass has not been Wallace country for a very long time.
No mention of the Bankheads!! For shame!
JD Hogg – You are absolutely right. Bankheads much, much more interesting than the Folsoms ever thought about being.