This Week in Alabama Politics - AL- 07; Gov's Race, Attorney General

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Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 20:52:28 PM CDT

1. Earlier this year I announced that I am supporting Shelia Smoot in the AL-07 open seat being vacated by Artur Davis - seeking the Gov's Mansion.  Smoot leads the pack in an AL-07 poll commissioned by Earl Hilliard . This is the first released poll in this race. An email from Smoot's campaign says

The poll was conducted Aug. 31-Sept 2 and shows Commissioner Smoot with 24% and Rep. Earl Hilliard Jr. with 19% as the clear frontrunners.

"The poll is not surprising to me. It is what the people have been telling me as I travel throughout the District," Shelia remarked. "I know the people of District 7 and I have been working with most of them for several years. They know Shelia Smoot is on their side. You cannot buy that kind of experience and trust."

The poll also showed Commissioner Smoot to have a decided advantage in name ID as well. Smoot had 68% and Hilliard 56%. Much of that that can also be attributed to her hard work and tv/radio work on behalf of the consumer.  

Others receiving mention in the poll were former Selma Mayor James Perkins with 9% and Birmingham attorney Terri Sewell at 4%.

Former Birmingham Mayor Richard Arrington endorsed AG. Commissioner Ron Sparks.

"This election is about who is the most qualified, most experienced man to lead our state. Ron Sparks is that man,"

Pundits I've talked to are not sure if this solidifies black support for Sparks or comes as the kiss of death based on Arrington's recent lackluster track record in city election endorsements.  

The Artur Davis campaign not to be outdone - immediately touted an endorsement by former Federal Judge U.W. Clemon

"My personal choice for the next governor of Alabama is Congressman Artur Davis. He is my choice because, in my view, he is best qualified to lead the people of this great state at this crucial time in history. I have seen him grow and develop from a young lawyer into a well-regarded statesman in both Alabama and in the nation. If Artur Davis is elected governor, the whole country will finally see a visionary young leader who represents Alabama at its best."

Neither endorsement should come as a major  surprise.

3. Attorney General Troy King has been snubbed by senior members of the Alabama Republican Party in his bid for reelection in 2010. Those members being Senators Jeff Sessions and Richard Shelby who are backing 2006 Lt. Gov Nominee and lobbyist Luther Strange.

This evening we learned that lawyer and longtime Democratic Party insider Giles Perkins will be entering the Democratic Party primary for this office. Perkins is the first Dem who has confirmed that he will be a candidate.