Alabama Governor Bob Riley (R) has been on the politcal ropes much of his term. His push for a $1.2 billion tax increase to fund schools was defeated with 70%. He has seen his standing erode with the Roy Moore debacle and the failure of state voter's to remove segregationist era language from the state constitution.
Riley is considered one of the more vulnerable governors in the nation as Republican folk hero Roy Moore looks likely to challenge him in the primary and two strong Democrats (Lucy Baxley and Don Siegelman) are angling to take him on in the general election.
Riley's political fortunes have changed, however, with the winds of Hurricane Katrina. Riley's preparation and leadership during the hurricane was widely praised. Survey USA shows his approval ratings rising 21% since a mid-august poll.
Riley's response to Hurricane Katrina has breathed new air into his political life.
Read more about Riley's standing at my blog...
http://alelections.blogspot.com/