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Crowded field shaping up for 2010 guv's race
Even though the race is over two years away, already there are several potential Democratic candidates for governor in 2010 including U.S. Rep. Artur Davis, Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks, and Lt. Governor Jim Folsom Jr. Republicans who have been mentioned as possible candidates include Attorney General Troy King, Luther Strange, House Minority Leader Mike Hubbard, State Treasurer Kay Ivey, and Rob Riley. Stan Pate, a successful Tuscaloosa businessman, is also said to be looking at the race and probably would run as a Republican. But, some believe he would have a better chance to win as a Democrat. There is also talk around the Capital City that Dr. David Bronner might finally be interested in being governor, but only for one 4-year term. If David elected to run, that would make the year 2010 most interesting! Finally, it will be most interesting to see who all in the current field of political candidates will still be viable candidates in late 2009. There may be a dark horse-not mentioned above-who might emerge and become a factor in the race. That person would have to be sorta like Fob James was back in 1978- loaded with personal money, no negatives, a solid family man and with a successful business background. In any event, it will be interesting to watch things between now and then and see how things shake out! 2007 Alabama political party survey Findings from a recently completed Capital Survey Research Center survey of Alabama voter attitudes toward state and national political parties are quite interesting. Overall, compared to the last decade, while the data showed continued Republican Party strength on issues, the data also shows a significant resurgence of Democratic Party strength in terms of political party identification and party primary choice. The following findings are from this survey: • For the first time in a decade Alabama registered voters are evenly split on party primary choice and party identification. • While, overall, in the last decade more voters have switched to the Republican Party than to the Democratic Party, in the last election more voters switched to the Democratic Party than to the Republican Party. • The major factor that influences choice of party is the party position on national issues. • The major factor that influences the vote on the national, state and local levels is position on issues and candidates and not party. • As many Alabama voters would seriously consider an Independent candidate as they would consider a Democrat or a Republican. Frankly, I wasn't surprised at any of the poll's results. It is pretty obvious that the problems affecting the national Republican party are definitely affecting the party in Alabama. Over the years, Dr. Johnson's surveys have proved to be on target. I believe this one is quite accurate.
Jere Beasley is a Montgomery attorney and a former lieutenant governor. He writes the "Beasley Report" where this first appeared.
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