More good news on the House of Representatives front, with the retirement of Republican Congressman Terry Everett now official. Montgomery Advertiser article
"The decision was difficult because of my love for the people of my district," Everett, R-Rehobeth, said in a written statement. "However, there is a season for all things and it is time for me to enter the next phase of my life."
For more information, read below.
Everett has served in Congress since 1992, when he narrowly edged George Wallace, Jr. (son of the former Presidential candidate and Alabama legend) by a 49-47% margin. He has generally had easy reelections since, as Democrats in Alabama have struggled to hold onto other seats in their delegation (Alabama currently has 5 GOPers in the House to 2 Democrats). His district is strongly Republican, giving Bush 67% in 2004; however, similar districts have sent Democrats to Washington across the country, including Jim Matheson, Chet Edwards and Alabama's own Bud Cramer. While none of these Democrats are liberals, they certainly prove that a Democrat with an electoral base can win districts like these.
Via SSP and Doc's Political Parlor (an Alabama blog), here are some potential candidates on both sides:
For the Democrats:
Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright - was just reelected as Mayor with 59% of the vote, above expectations (he was thought likely to have a runoff).
State House Speaker Seth Hammett - Speaker Hammett's website
State Senator "Walking" Wendell Mitchell - a veteran State Senator who has run for Congress in this district before, losing narrowly. Mitchell's website
State Senator Jimmy Holley - Holley's website
State Representative Terry Spicer - Spicer's website
...and even Ron Sparks, the State Agriculture Commissioner (who passed on a US Senate race earlier this year)
Republicans include several State Representatives, a State Senator (Harri Ann Smith), Attorney General Troy King and PSC President Jim Sullivan. Even Wallace Jr. (now a Republican) may be interested in running.
There will no doubt be plenty of more to come from this district in the near future. I'll come back soon to update this (I have class coming up), so stay tuned...