Jeffco Commission Sets February Special Election
Bob Riley is not going to be happy. The Commission voted today to hold a special election on February 5, the same day as the state’s presidential primaries, to replace Birmingham Mayor-Elect Larry Langford. Riley maintains that he has the authority to appoint Langford’s replacement, despite a Jefferson County law that mandates a special election. He’s already been slapped down for trying this in Mobile. What’s the point of going back to court?
Danny has more background here. Pop some popcorn and get comfy, folks. Unless Riley concedes, this is going to be an expensive mess for the taxpayers of Alabama.
October 29th, 2007 at 3:46 pm
It really is too, too bizarre that Riley wants to travel this same road all over again. I can’t understand what possible benefit there could be except getting to have his guy in office for a (presumably) brief period. (Exhibit A: the Alabama Black Republican.) Is that a bankable thing somehow? Is Riley hoping to gain some kind of credibility with the “black community”?
October 29th, 2007 at 4:32 pm
I really don’t know what’s behind this. Larry, who ran as a Democrat, got 85% of the vote in the last commission race. I’d guess, looking at the district map, that his district would remain in Democratic hands if there is a special election. I can’t see Riley winning any points in the black community if he appoints a Republican to vote with Bettye Fine Collins, Bobby Humphryes, and Jim Carns - no matter what color that Republican might be.
October 29th, 2007 at 9:01 pm
Why would Riley want to win in any points in the black community?
October 29th, 2007 at 10:48 pm
Ummm…leave no potential voter unturned?
I’m not saying that Langford’s old district is going to rise up and vote Republican, just cause Riley found a black guy to appoint. I’m just wondering if this is all about giving him a chance to get his picture made with a Republican of color, metaphorically speaking.
October 30th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
I wonder how much the “photo op” is going to cost the voters of Jefferson County in legal fees?
October 30th, 2007 at 12:10 pm
The voters in Langford’s district aren’t stupid. They aren’t going to vote Republican because Riley has a Republican of color having his picture made with him.
November 4th, 2007 at 12:56 pm
“The voters in Langford’s district aren’t stupid.” You sure?
November 6th, 2007 at 12:24 pm
Don’t misunderestimate Larry Langford voters.