Cooper Drops Challenge to Langford’s Election
Patrick Cooper has withdrawn his challenge to Larry Langford’s election as mayor of Birmingham. I’m curious to know why he’s done this now, after he had filed a notice of appeal to the Alabama Supreme Court. Was he persuaded that there was no way to win? Was he intimidated by rabid Larry supporters? Or does he figure Larry’s going down anyway? Stay tuned.
December 17th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
I think he knows Larry will only be mayor of Birmingham for a short time. He’s expected to announce his presidential bid any day now.
December 18th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
If America can survive George W. Bush, Birmingham will survive Larry Langford.
December 18th, 2007 at 9:51 pm
wonder how far langford’s election cause property values to fall?
December 18th, 2007 at 10:33 pm
Wheeler, Larry is a mass of contradictions. In the midst of all the crazy dome stuff, he’s managed to implement a significant number of neighborhood cleanups since he took office, which may have improved property values in those areas — at least in the short term.
Of course, indictments may come down before the next round of cleaning. We’ll see.
December 19th, 2007 at 11:27 am
There are two theories, and neither one is implausible…
1. Cooper realizes that the SEC will do the exact same thing he seeks to do, and it won’t cost him a dime (with the exception of taxpayer money). And to be honest, it’s damaging his own reputation in the long run.
2. (The more believable theory.) Cooper was paid a “visit” and someone had a “conversation” with him– in much the same way that someone paid a visit and had a conversation with the publisher and editor of the Birmingham News. Now, having seen the mayor in action, I’m quite familiar with the kind of off-camera conversation he enjoys…
December 19th, 2007 at 11:57 am
ALmod, I think it’s probably a combination of 1 and 2. If one of Larry’s enforcers *cough* Frank Matthews *cough* showed up at my door, I’d probably rethink my position too. Especially if I thought the SEC would take care of the problem for me.