Print this story | E-mail story | This story has 15 comments Add your own | iPod friendly
Many would like Seth’s seat
Published Tuesday, June 9, 2009
When Speaker of the House Seth Hammett, D-Andalusia, announced at the end of this year’s legislative session that he doesn’t plan to seek re-election in 2010, he took much of the state by surprise. Suddenly, all of the chatter in Montgomery was not about who will succeed Gov. Bob Riley, but who will succeed our friend The Speaker.
Even as the announcement was being made in Montgomery, the wheels were starting to turn in Covington County, which makes up most of House District 92.
Hammett, known to most everyone in Covington County simply as “Seth,” has won election to the seat eight times. In 2006, he won with his largest margin ever, capturing 77 percent of the votes cast in that year’s general election.
During the last three of those eight terms, he’s served as speaker of the house, and is known throughout the state for the organization with which he runs the House, making the state senate look like a rowdy school playground by comparison.
Some might wonder why there is already so much interest in a race that’s 12 months away.
The last time this seat was open without an incumbent on the ballot, Carter was president. It was the same year that Alabama –still coached by The Bear - went 11-1-0 and was declared the national champion in the AP poll. Balloon angioplasty was developed to treat coronary artery disease that year, the Eagles’ Hotel California won the Grammy for record of the year, and Sony introduced the first portable stereo, the Walkman.
How times have changed!
In a “round up the usual suspects” reaction, on the same day that Hammett made his announcement, local political watchers immediately predicted former Commission Chairman Greg White, local GOP chairman Bill Blocker, and former Andalusia Councilman Don Cotton would all be in the race. Then came word that state Republicans were courting Patricia “Sister Schubert” Barnes to run. And political sources in Opp say, “don’t count H.D. (Edgar) out.”
Local attorney and former Andalusia City Councilman Mike Jones has long been expected to run for the state legislature when Hammett retired. Political watchers say he’s considering that run on the Republican ticket.
A big question on the Democratic side was answered Monday when Glen Zorn announced he’s running for state ag commissioner. After Hammett’s announcement last month, Zorn, who’s currently a deputy ag commissioner, was a Democratic favorite for the seat.
Other Democrats mentioned as possible candidates include Opp attorney Wesley Laird, Andalusia attorney Walt Merrell and Andalusia pharmacist David Darby.
You can bet that state Republicans will be willing to put big bucks into this race, because an “R” from District 92 would put them one step closer to winning Hammett’s other seat, the speaker’s chair. Already, Democrats who would like to succeed him as speaker are raising money to help candidates across the state get elected.
Look for official announcements soon.
Comments
Posted by pathenley (anonymous) on June 10, 2009 at 5:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Seth will be a "hard act to follow" but , I like the idea of Mike Jones as his replacement. As Seth was, I feel Mr. Jones will be a speaker to respect . Just my opinion from how he handles business here. I do not know Mr. Jones personally. Have a Blest Day.
Posted by monkeeman08 (anonymous) on June 10, 2009 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with the above. . .Mr. Jones was a very dedicated professional when he served on the city council (hated to see him leave). I can see a lot of similarities between him and Seth. Even as an attorney, his reputation is that he is a man of his word. He would definitely get my vote.
Posted by dixiebelle (anonymous) on June 10, 2009 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Although there are several good men mentioned in this article, Mike Jones is at the top in my humble opinion. Mr. Jones seems to be a man of honesty and integrity. He has always put the interests of Andalusia before his own agenda. He believes in what is right and is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in. Sure wish he had ran for chairman of the county commissioners!
Posted by wellaislebeeDFM (anonymous) on June 10, 2009 at 10:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mike Jones is absolutely the best choice to replace Mr. Hammett. Mike Jones is socially conservative and will bring strong conservative Republican values to state government. No Thanks to David Darby! He personally donated money (lots of money) to the Obama Presidential Campaign! No Thanks Dave, Keep The Change!
Posted by LoyalAmerican (anonymous) on June 11, 2009 at 7:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I was thrilled beyond words to learn that Mike Jones has interest in serving our district at state level. He has proven to me that he is a fine attorney, wonderful city councilman and all around good citizen. I believe he will do great things for Alabama in general and Andalusia in particular if given the opportunity to serve in the Alabama Legislature! Seth Hammett has been a divine representative and true friend to Andalusia! Mike will continue to carry the banner for the good of all! This is a great day indeed!
Posted by basspro (anonymous) on June 11, 2009 at 7:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
For once it seems like the community is united. Mike Jones it is! The time is right for new, young blood. Mr. Jones will carry values and traditions that are a rare thing in this day. His love for his community is strong and that will also carry over into his political career. Let's all get together and make this happen for the good of all.
Posted by winkie (anonymous) on June 11, 2009 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I to am looking at Mike Jones.
Posted by bamabelle (anonymous) on June 11, 2009 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Although there have been several good names suggested for the race, we are still a very long time away from the election, as well as a ways away from qualifying. I wouldn't put too many eggs in any one basket, yet. In the world of politics, there is quite a bit that can change in a short amount of time. Also, everyone should keep in mind that just because a person's name has been mentioned in this article, that does not mean that person will run. The local and state Democratic and Republican parties will play a large part in deciding who will run for this race because there will be a lot of money involved. The most viable candidates for this race on each side will be the ones that secure the support of their respective party. The best thing that the constituents of House District 92 can do at this time is not get too excited about any one of the fictitious candidates that are out there right now; it will be a little while before any of us actually know who is going to run. Along with that, everyone should take the time to educate themselves on what qualities they would actually like our next House Representative to possess. That way, when candidates have actually declared for the race, we can all make an educated vote.
Posted by winkie (anonymous) on June 11, 2009 at 5:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You are 100% correct, bamabelle. I and other's would like to see Lee Enzers qualifcations. He was selected by Gov. Riley to replace Mrs. Phillips so I'm quite sure his qualifications are very intresting.
Posted by LoyalAmerican (anonymous) on June 11, 2009 at 9:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Lee Enzor was chosen as interim Probate Judge. Ben Bowden was selected to complete Ms Phillips term. Both are good men.
Posted by winkie (anonymous) on June 11, 2009 at 10:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Your right they are good and well respected men.
Posted by swansong (anonymous) on June 12, 2009 at 12:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
bamabelle makes some valid points. . .HOWEVER. . .it doesn't matter to me whether Mr. Jones runs as a democrat or republican. I will vote for him either way. To me it's not about the party, it's about what is right for the people. And believe you me, there are alot of people who feel this way. If Mr. Jones is in the running, I will be voting for him. And that's not saying that these other people are not good folks. Just that Mr. Jones is the man for the season.
Posted by bamabelle (anonymous) on June 15, 2009 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My point was not that it matters what party ticket a candidate runs on. My point, rather, was that our options for candidates will be up to the decisions of the leadership of both respective parties. In other words, you cannot be sure at this time that you will have the option of voting for Mike Jones. In the same regard, no one can be assured that any of these potential candidates will be on the future ballot. We are not yet in the qualifying period for this race. That was my point by saying don't put all of your eggs in one basket.
Posted by monkeeman08 (anonymous) on June 15, 2009 at 10:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Not being a political animal, I would assume that someone could run as an independant? Not have to be either a democrat or republican?
Posted by bamabelle (anonymous) on June 16, 2009 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, someone could run as an independent; however, it is quite difficult for an independent candidate to get his or her name on a ballot. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that an independent candidate would run. The lack of funding and backers for independent candidates also makes it unlikely that someone would run as a third party candidate. In this type of election, it is really next to impossible for a third party candidate to be elected because the fundraising that is required is far above and beyond what most third party candidates could raise.
Post a comment (Terms of Use Policy)
(Requires free registration.)