Landrieu to make history in next Congress

Landrieu and Snowe to make history

When Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-Louisiana, becomes chair and Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, becomes the ranking member of the Senate’s Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, the two will become the first pair of women to lead a full committee in the House or the Senate.

President Bush finally annouces aid for Automakers

The Bush administration came to the aid of the troubled U.S. auto industry Friday, offering $17.4 billion in loans.

Ailing automakers will get $17.4 billion in loans from the federal government under a rescue package the White House announced on Friday for the industry crushed by the financial credit crisis and deepening recession.

According to terms of the deal, the firms must use these funds to become financially viable. Taxpayers will not be asked to provide financing for firms that do not become viable, the official said. If the firms have not attained viability by March 31, 2009, the loan will be called and all funds returned to the Treasury. "If we were to allow the free market to take its course now, it would almost certainly lead to disorderly bankruptcy," Bush said at the White House.

Of the total, $13.4 billion will be paid out in December and January, administration officials told reporters in a briefing. The last $4 billion is contingent on the second installment of the Wall Street bailout funds from Congress.

I guess the President has opened his eyes up to see what mess his administration has caused during these past eight years.

Sen. Brownback retires

United States Senator Sam. Brownback will retire in 2010 and will not seek re-election, instead the Senator is looking forward to a Governor run in 2010.

Sen. Sam Brownback a republican from Kansas has officially announced he will not be running for re-election. Sen. Brownback also was a 2008 presidential candidate who didnt come close to carrying any primary.

Sen. Brownback is a potential candidate for Governor in Kansas in 2010, I expect Brownback to take the republican nomination to compete with the Democratic Nominee in 2010 for Governor of Kansas. Brownback also will have to fen off the poor leadership among republicans in Washington for the past eight years, especially the last two.

Shame on the Republicans

Republicans bails out Wall Street but not the auto industry. The US Senate failed to help the Big 3 Auto Makers in Detroit, cause of republicans failure to support there need for financial assistance in a terrible time as this.

Just 10 Republicans supported the $14 billion loan package on the 52-35 roll call, which fell well short of the 60 needed to move forward. Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) condemned the outcome as one of the “most costly filibusters” in Senate history.

Several Republican lawmakers pointed the finger at the United Auto Workers labour union, saying they had been told by their chief negotiator Senator Bob Corker that the unions were unwilling to accept reductions in employee compensation as part of a deal. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, said that union leaders refused to accept a firm deadline for when the cut in labour costs would occur.

The House of Representatives passed a version of a rescue bill based on an agreement between congressional Democrats and the White House yesterday. Facing the potential bankruptcy of iconic American firms, President George W. Bush on Friday abandoned his long-standing objection to using the Wall Street bailout fund to help save GM and Chrysler.

The $14 Million Dollars the Big Three was asking for to stay afloat may be coming from the TARP funds, part of the $700 Billion congress approved to bailout big corporations and buy up bad debit.

Republicans just showed how they dont really care about the three million jobs that is at risk if these auto makers go under.

Sen. Norm Coleman maybe under FBI probe

The Political Beacon has learned that Norm Coleman, is narrowly ahead of Al Franken in the Minny recount in Minnesota, is facing what seems like a preliminary FBI probe into his connections to businessman-benefactor Nasser Kazeminy.

Federal investigators are looking into allegations that a longtime friend and benefactor tried to steer money to U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman, the Political Beacon has learned. Houston is where the first of two lawsuits was filed alleging Nasser Kazeminy, a Bloomington financier, tried to steer $100,000 to Coleman via his wife's Minneapolis employer. The second suit, filed in Delaware, alleges Kazeminy initially tried to get money directly to the senator. Both Coleman and Kazeminy have denied any wrongdoing, and Coleman last month said he welcomes an investigation.

La. Governor Jindal says no to Presidency in 2012

He simply said "NO".

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal said Wednesday he's not interested in a 2012 Republican presidential bid and will seek a second term as Governor in 2011. "I think anybody who is even thinking of running would be well served to roll up their sleeves and support our new president," Jindal said. "I told our people, 'It doesn't matter whether you're Republican, Democrat or independent, it doesn't matter whether you voted for him or not, President-elect Barack Obama is our president."

At a news conference Wednesday with Bob McDonnell, Virginia's 2009 Republican candidate for governor, Jindal was asked if he was interested in being president, He said: "No."

Obama calls on Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to resign

President-Elect now has to ask his own Governor to resign.

Blagojevich was arrested Tuesday, accused of scheming to enrich himself by selling Obama's vacant Senate seat. The governor has authority to appoint Senate replacements. Obama and his aides have largely refrained from commenting on the scandal.

In brief comments to reporters Tuesday, Obama said, "Like the rest of the people of Illinois I am saddened and sobered by the news that came out of the U.S. attorney's office today." He did add about Blagojevich's process of considering a successor: "I had no contact with the governor or his office, and so I was not aware of what was happening."

Robert Gibbs a spokesman for Obama said in an e-mail Wednesday that Obama is siding with Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn and "many others" in calling for Blagojevich to step down, also Obama says the Illinois legislature should take up the matter and select a replacement that can serve the people of Illinois.

A look at Alabama Possible 2010 Candidates

Alabama could see an interesting race for several statewide races in 2010. Campaign season for several of those offices will soon kickoff mid to late 2009. Here are some names and persons to watch out for in various races in Alabama.

Governor:

Republicans
Joe Bonner - Alabama Congressman
Kay Ivey - State Treasurer
Tim James - Businessman & Son of Ex-Governor Fob James
Former Sen. Bradley Byrne - Two Year College Chanchellor

Democrats
Artur Davis - Alabama Congressman
Ron Sparks - State AG Commissioner
Jim Folsom - State Lt. Governor
Seth Hammett - State Rep. & Speaker of the House
Mike Dow - Former Mayor of Mobile, AL & Businessman

Lt. Governor:

Republicans
Beth Chapman - State Sec. of State
Scott Beason - State Rep.
Luther Strange - 06 Nominee
Steve French - State Senator

Democrats
Jim Folsom - Incumbent
Susan Parker - Public Service Commissioner

US Senate:

Republicans
Richard Shelby - Incumbent

Democrats
Artur Davis - Congressman
Ron Sparks - AG Commissioner


More races will be coming soon, stay tuned.

Alabama State Treasurer for Governor

State Treasurer Kay Ivey is exploring a run for Governor of Alabama.

At the age of 64, She said she is looking at a run for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in 2010 and has already loaned $1 million to her campaign. Ivey grew up in Camden, the seat of Wilcox County. Ivey is a two term Treasurer of Alabama with little name recognition around the State.

Ivey has worked in state government before, she joined then-Gov. Fob James' administration, first as a member of his staff and later as assistant director of the Alabama Development Office — traveling the state, helping communities attract business. Ivey ran for state auditor in 1982 but lost the Democratic nomination to Jan Cook, now a member of the Public Service Commission.

Ivey will have a very costly primary contest, with Business Tim James already in the republican field of candidates, and others high profile names are expected to enter the race such as Congressman Jo Bonner, Chanchellor Bradley Byrne, Jack Hawkins, State Attorney General Troy King, and others.

Kilroy wins Ohio Fifteenth Congressional District

Democrats win one more seat in US House.

Mary Jo Kilroy has defeated Republican Steve Stivers to be the congresswoman to represent the 15th Congressional District in Ohio. Kilroy won by little over two thousand votes. She has pledged to work with Democrats, Republicans and the incoming President Obama get things done for her community and this country back on the right track.

Palin and the RNC $180K

Republican National Committee did in fact spend $180k on Gov. Sarah Palin and former republican Vice Presidential nominee.

According to the records of the Federa Election Committee, the RNC has reported spending a total of about $180,000 on Palin. The RNC reported spending on salons and spas according to the November report, but most of the spending came from the $150 the RNC spent in October on clothes for palin.

She's the VP nominee and she can't purchase her own clothing? WOW! This shows you that politicians look for the special treatment and the give aways, be forget about the accountability of public office. The question is, what made Sarah Palin so special to recieve this type of treatment?

Alabama Senator calls Big Three bailout "Disturbing"

Alabama U.S. Senator Richard Shelby calls the bailout plan of Big Three Automakers "Disturbing".

Sen. Shelby is the ranking member on the Senate Banking Committee, and is he questions in the three automakers plans for a bailout from the US Government. Shelby went on to say "I wouldn't loan them any money."

Sen. Shelby said the Federal Reserve can assist the automakers with a smaller loan without the action of congress. But if this smaller assistance come from the Federal Reserve, would it be enough to help the automakers and save our jobs and economy from going deeper into recession? Shelby has been speaking out against the bailouts, however all plans should be given consideration but no guarantee.

This is not a time for our congressional leader to reject back bone of our nation jobs and economy. However, it is the time to question the leadership and management of these giants and operations of the corporations, and ensure the American citizens that accountability will take form for better our economy.

Bush in 2010

Former Gov. Jeb Bush says he is considering a run for US Senate in Florida.

The younger brother of the president — is weighing a run for the Senate seat currently held by Republican Mel Martinez who announced this week that he will not seek re-election. Bush has kept a low-profile since leaving office in 2007, but he retains a strong following among Florida Republicans and would almost certainly clear the Republican field should he decide to run.

But don't count out the democrats in this race, some high profiled democrats has been mentioned for a possible run for this Senate seat in 2010, and the talk will be will the voters elect another Bush. Will they? This is another Senate seat to watch come 2010, the State of Florida went democratic in 2008 for Presidential elections, is this a message from voters in Florida saying they are tired of the republican agenda, policy and politics in Washington. "Sounds like it to me!"

MSNBC Chris Matthews advised to quit show

There is word that Chris Matthews is seriously considering a run for US Senate in 2010 as a democrat in Pennsylvania.

Matthews has been consulting with his family and close friends over the Thanksgiving Holidays about a possible US Senate run. Word is that Matthews family has given him their full support and backing.

Chris Matthews has also been consulting with democratic operatives about a run for US Senate and when should he quit as MSNBC "HARDBALL" show host. Matthews has been advised that its better to quit now sooner than later. Chris Matthews contract ends in June with MSNBC he have the opportunity to stay on until the contract end or leave now if he is going to run for the United State Senate. There has been rumors that Matthews is not running for the US Senate, however the Political Beacon finds that hard to believe. It seems to me that Matthews is making necessary moves to make a possible run. He has also aquired a home in Pennsylvania.

If Chris Matthews decides to run, he will be running against Sen. Arlen Spector of PA., this would be a interesting Senate seat to watch in 2010.

POLITICAL BEACON WILL BE FOLLOWING THIS STORY FOR YOU.

Prichard Municipal Elections set for Tuesday

The municipal election for the City of Prichard is set for Tuesday August 26th. This is a hotly contested race with the incumbent Ron Davis. Ron Davis has drawn three other contestants including the former mayor Charles Harden, Howard Porter former chief of staff of former mayor Jessie Norwood and Mr. Paul Smith a Prichard Businessman.

Look for the vote to be heavyly split, and giving Harden and Porter a lead over Davis. It looks like Mr. Davis first and only term maybe coming to an end Tuesday, as the citizens of Prichard is hungry for change and a new look.

A breakdown of Tuesday's vote. Mr. Davis is looking to do well and capture a high percentage of vote from the Eight Mile community of Prichard and do poor in the inter-city area of Prichard. Mr. Harden is looking to do well in the inter-city of Prichard and split the inter-city vote with Mr. Porter who is expected to cut into Mayor Davis territory of Eight mile at a small percentage. Mr. Paul Smith is looking to do well at the Old Blount High School precent on Tuesday, but is not expecting a big win or runoff.

A run-off is expected in this race for the Mayor of Prichard, but whom will it be?
Harden & Porter?
Harden & Davis?
Porter & Davis?

Sullivan backs Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh

GOP PSC President Jim Sullivan throws his support behind former Alabama GOP Chair Twinkle Cavanaugh in the July 15 runoff elections for PSC President.

Sullivan, a Republican and longtime commission president, decided not to run for re-election this year says he is supporting Twinkle. Cavanaugh will face Matt Chancey, a 32-year-old marketing professional, in the July 15 runoff election. The Republican candidate will go on to face former Lt. Gov. Lucy Baxley in the general election.

The PSC president presides over the three-member commission, which regulates Alabama Power Co. and other utilities

Prichard & Mount Vernon 2008 mayoral elections

Municipal elections are just a few months away and rumors are running high. Who has the power in 08 to become the next mayor?

Potential Candidates for the City of Prichard 2008

• Mayor Ron Davis - current mayor serving his first term most likely will seek another term.
• Howard Porter - former Chief of Staff to former Mayor Jessie Norwood
• Paul Smith - local businessman
• Charles Harden - former one term mayor

Pricahrd also could see a number of other candidates to run for mayor due to the increase in the mayoral salary to nearly $70,000 annually. There also could be a hot contested council race to here in Prichard.

Potential Candidates for the City of Mount Vernon, Alabama 2008

Mount Vernon is located in the North end of Mobile County a blooming city that is receiving the new $3 billion dollar Steel Mill. Growth, Community Development and Economic interest will be the center of this campaign.

• Mayor Cleon Bolden is not expected to run for a fourth term
• Clifford Mitchell - a local pastor
• Freeman Bolden - brother of the current mayor
• Cleophus Lyde - a businessman former candidate for Mobile City Council District 1
• more is expected to jump in

Howard Porter seems strong to pull off this race for Mayor in Prichard with all the right connections as former chief of staff for many years. Ron Davis could be forced into a runoff with Porter with former mayor Harden back in for another run. Harden is not expected to win promising lower water bills, but could finish a strong third in this race.

Other local Mobile County races

Incumbents win and prepare for the General

On Tuesday several Mobile County republican incumbents wins their primary elections against their challengers. No doubt that their challengers gave them a challenge this primary season.

Mobile County Treasurer Al Sessions won big time over his challenger Jeffery Jones a black republican from Toulminville, now Sessions will face Milton Morrow in the General Election.

Mobile County Revenue Commissioner a former democrat, won over her challenger Phil Benson now faces democrat Renae Williams in the fall.

Mobile County Commissioner District 3 Mike Dean beats his hard fault challenger John Graham on Tuesday to keep his seat, many was looking for Graham to knock Dean out, Dean proved them wrong. Dean will now face Brad Warren a democrat in November.

District 3 & 4 School Board seat for Mobile County headed for Runoffs

Battles and Perine forced leading candidates into runoffs on Tuesday.

In District 3 Fred Marshall and Reginald Crenshaw was forced into a runoff after Don Perine captured a little over 1,000 votes. Many didn't expect Perine to capture that many votes but he surprised many.

In District 4 Robert Battles lost big time to Belle and Manzie to minister, School board President Fleet Belle will face political newcomer Levon Manzie for the District 4 seat. Manzie was viewd as a big favorite to big on primary day without a runoff but however he fell short and voters prove the pundits wrong in this district.

Two qualifies for Dixon Commission Seat in Wa. County, AL.

Two has already qualified

The county's 42-member Democratic party executive committee plans to keep qualifying open until June 13, committee chairman Thomas Fuller said. On June 26, the panel will select a candidate to appear on the general election ballot in November.

Willie Dixon forced out of office last month after he pleaded guilty to corruption charges. The Saint Stephens residents who had qualified as of Wednesday evening for the Democratic slot on November's ballot were Larry Harkless, the chief of police in Millry, and Daphine Abston, a machine operator in Jackson. The committee needs a quorum of 12 members to vote for Dixon's replacement in the general election, Fuller said. The district borders the eastern edge of Washington County, running along the Tombigbee River.

My take on this is that a panel should not decided and vote to replace the county commissioner, the candidates should be put on the ballot and the people of Washington County should vote to choose whom represents them on the County Commission.

Figures and Sessions to square for US Senate

Alabama will see a female candidate and a male candidate for US Senate in November, both are from the same city

With a majority of precincts reporting in the Democratic field, state Sen. Vivian Davis Figures had captured almost two-thirds of the vote to beat retired security consultant Johnny Swanson of Birmingham and Haleyville truck driver Mark "No NCAA" Townsend. Figures had 111,864 votes, 64 percent. Johnny Swanson III ran second with 38,691 votes, or 22 percent, and Mark "No NCAA" Townsend was third with 25,014 votes, or 14 percent.

There was no contest for the republicans in this race for US Senate, Sessions walks with the full cake on Tuesday night. Sessions had 199,569 votes, or 92 percent, and retired postal worker Earl Mack Gavin tallied 16,703 votes, or 8 percent.

Figures attributed her victory to crisscrossing the state in a low-budget, grassroots campaign on her days off the Legislature this spring. "We took what we had and made what we needed," she said Tuesday night at a victory party in Mobile.

Sessions said -"I look forward to traveling to every corner of the state as we run a vigorous campaign during the general election this fall."

Man say this race has no chance to becoming democratic this fall, I think differently. We should take another look at this now that Barack Obama is the presumptive nominee for the Democratic Party this fall. This is a race to watch in November.

Politicial Beacon June 3rd Primary Predictions

The political beacon has issued its 2008 June 3 "Primary Predictions" check them out!

This could very be the winners in some races! What you think?

Mobile County School Board District 3

Fred Marshall

Mobile County School Board District 4

Rev. Fleete Belle - Runoff
Rev. Charles Manzie - Runoff

Mobile County Treasurer

Al Sessions

Mobile License Commissioner

Kim Hastie

Mobile County Revenue Commissioner

Marlynn Woods ?

Mobile County Commissioner District 3

Mike Dean

Election 2008 Predictions for June 3rd Primary

I will make my June 3rd Primary Elections predictions right here on the South Alabama Political Beacon on tomorrow May 15, 2008. Stay tune these predictions may be right.

Political Beacon

Childers wins a republican congressional district in Mississippi

Are the republicans in trouble this fall?

Democrat Travis Childers won a north Mississippi congressional race Tuesday, giving Democrats their third takeover this year of House seats previously held by Republicans. Childers defeated Republican Greg Davis in a special election runoff. He will fill the last several months of a two-year term Republican Roger Wicker started in January 2007. Wicker had served in the House since 1994. Republican Gov. Haley Barbour appointed Wicker to the U.S. Senate in December after Trent Lott retired.

With 90 percent of precincts reporting, Childers had 50,401 votes, or 52.2 percent, and Davis had 46,160 votes, or 47.8 percent. Childers' victory marks the second time this month for a conservative Democrat to win a Deep South congressional seat that had been held by a Republican. In Louisiana, Democrat Don Cazayoux won a special election May 3, bolstering his party's majority on Capitol Hill by taking a seat Republicans had held since 1974.

Davis, 42, is mayor of fast-growing Southaven. He tried to cast the election in 24 counties as a referendum on the national Democratic Party by saying Childers would be beholden to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Childers, 50, is chancery clerk in northeast Mississippi's Prentiss County. He has spoken against abortion and for gun owners' rights - positions nearly identical to his opponent's. Childers said Republicans have acted as if they own the north Mississippi seat.

The question is, Is the republicans in trouble this fall? With the President at the top of the ticket, and a poor year for the economy, a war still going on, and all the news of democrats winning republican longtime seats. It makes me think that the republicans are in trouble this fall "big time".

Americans all across America is taking a deeper and further look over race, politics and party lines in this years elections. These are a few things I believe they are considering when they go to the polls to vote. They are looking at their empty pocket books, jobs, economy, rising gas prices, war in Iraq, health care and on American voters are voting for the candidate that will better provide for them with the necessities they need in life to provide for their families and themselves in a troubling time. And they are proving in the last three special elections, that Democrats are the ones that they believe can do just that. Three strong republican house districts have went democratic in the last three special congressional elections, first in Illinois, then Louisiana and now Mississippi.

I believe that American people are feeling the same all over America its time for a change. That's seems to be the message in 2008. Change!!!

Congressman Davis running for Governor?

U.S. Rep. Artur Davis , D-Birmingham, sure sounds like a guy who intends to be the next governor of Alabama. Davis has yet to announce a gubernatorial bid. But during a recent interview in his Washington office, he admitted he's thinking hard about the 2010 race.

The race was a landmark in Alabama politics because Hunt became the first Republican elected since Reconstruction. Davis would be the first African-American elected governor in Alabama.
"It's going to be a very contested race" for both parties, Davis said. "We need somebody to step forward with a vision for Alabama, and I believe I have that vision."

Davis would likely face Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom , a former governor, in a showdown for the Democratic nomination. Leading Republican candidates could include Alabama Attorney General Troy King, Tim James and Bradley Byrne , head of the state's two-year college system. Among that field, Folsom and King have the greatest name recognition statewide, and may also claim the strongest support within their respective parties. But Davis, who has positioned himself as a moderate Democrat, named Byrne as perhaps the toughest competitor.

Davis "is very bright, he works hard, and he certainly has laid the groundwork" to make a strong bid for governor, said David Lanoue, a University of Alabama political science professor. Lanoue said Davis would need a strong turnout from black voters to be successful. That means his political fate could be tied to Obama, who thumped Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Alabama Democratic primary Feb. 5.

Session still leads in money for Alabama US Senate race

Figures is raising some money, but is it enough?

State Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile, ramped up her fundraising during the first quarter of this year, but remained at a stark financial disadvantage in her bid to replace incumbent U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Mobile, according to the latest disclosure reports filed with the Federal Election Commission.

From the beginning of January until the end of March, Figures raised almost $108,300, or more than double her receipts for the preceding three months. She spent about $101,600, to finish with some $44,600.

But that final total was dwarfed by the approximately $4 million that remained in Sessions' campaign account by the end of last month. During the first quarter, the two-term U.S. senator brought in about $400,500 and spent some $319,300.

Other candidates for US Senate- Townsend and Gavin officially jumped into the U.S. Senate race early this month after the reporting period ended. In his report, Swanson said he raised almost $16,700 while spending about $16,200 to end the reporting period with close to $900. Senators serve six-year terms and currently make $169,300 annually.

Perine Announces Run for School Board

Don R. Perine, assistant professor of chemistry at the University of South Alabama, has announced his candidacy for the Mobile County school board, District 3. He is running against Reginald Crenshaw and Fred Marshall in the June 3 Democratic Primary. No Republicans are running. LaVeeshia Pittman who is running as a write-in/independent. District 3 which includes Prichard and areas north to Mount Vernon has long been represented by Hazel Fournier, who is retiring from the board.

Perine said that if elected, he would support legislation to stop paying the school board members their $12,000 annual salary. He said that he would rather give his $1,000 each month to a different school. "It is time to change the whole environment of the school board and remove the negative impression of the citizens of Mobile County that the five-member board suffers from either ignorance or apathy, that they don't know what they are doing or don't care," Perine said.

School board members serve six-year terms. One or two districts come up for re-election every two years, with voting in Districts 3 and 4 taking place this year. Concerning the system's upcoming budget reductions, Perine said he thinks the system's top administrators should take pay cuts before teachers are fired and programs are lost. Perine said he also would like to provide more stability in schools that seem to switch principals every year. Perine is a 1972 honor graduate of Satsuma High School who now lives in Eight Mile. He has a bachelor's degree from Dillard University in New Orleans, a master's degree in chemistry from The Ohio State University, a master's degree in business administration from the University of South Alabama and a doctorate in chemistry from Middle Tennessee State University.

Alabama Graduation Rules Changes

Alabama students automatically will be placed on a more rigorous graduation track when they enter high school under a plan the state Board of Education approved Thursday. But the plan also helps struggling students earn diplomas by relaxing exit exam requirements for those who follow the less rigorous credit-based graduation track.

"We want to have the best-prepared high school graduates in America," state school Superintendent Joe Morton said, "and graduate everyone."

Now, students on the credit-based track must pass only three sections of the state's graduation exam to earn a diploma, instead of all five. Under the changes, the 8 percent of students who don't pass all sections of the exit exam must pass only three in order to earn a diploma. Two of those three sections must be reading and math. Under the old standards, students who passed all their course work but didn't pass every section of the exam received certificates of attendance. Only students who receive diplomas are counted as graduates. For 12 years, the advanced-diploma track has been an opt-in program, he said. Now, incoming freshmen by default will be put on the advanced track, also called the college track, which includes two years of a foreign language and more rigorous math classes.

Attorney General plans to push for new voter ID law in Alabama

Indiana Republicans have won a battle over voter ID with the Supreme Court, now Alabama Republicans want to do the same with the legislature. The question is will it work?

Republicans in Alabama now want stronger voter ID laws somewhat like that of Indiana's.
The renewed push for a photo ID law comes after Monday's 6-3 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court upholding an Indiana law.

Republican Attorney General Troy King says he plans to push voter identification legislation in next year's regular session or possibly in a special session. Democratic state Rep. Alvin Holmes of Montgomery says requiring voters to have a photo ID would disenfranchise elderly, poor and black voters.

Some people are already speaking out saying a ID only bill would disenfranchise black voters and mostly the residents of the Alabama black belt area. Alabama's current voter ID law allows voters to show a wide range of identification including utility bills.

Majority of you said Yes

After reading an article in the Mobile Register in regards to a former candidate for Mobile County Public Schools District 3 seat who has filed a complaint with the Democratic National Committee over allegations of illegal candidate qualifying, I posted a poll right here on the Political Beacon to get your imput. Well the poll as been closed for now 3 days and here are the results.

53% of you said "Yes" you believe that political parties do unfairly qualify candidates of their choice in elections.

19% of you said "No" you do not believe that political parties unfairly qualify candidates in elections.

7% of you said "Maybe or you are Not Sure".

Another run by Tim James

He believes 2010 maybe his year

Businessman Tim James is looking at running again for the office his father, former Gov. Fob James, held for two terms and that’s Governor of Alabama. James, 46 who is now 46 said “I think we are in the right race at the right time.” James has already filed paperwork with the secretary of state to run in 2010 because, he said, he has started spending money on polling. It is clear that Tim would run as a republican and maybe under the “NO NEW TAXES PLEDGE.”
For any candidate to be competitive they must start early and this is what Mr. James is doing, he is out there crossing the State organizing a base.

Democratic lawmaker admits voting for absent House members

Rep. Randy Hinshaw admits he voted for absent House members to give a bill to remove the state sales tax on food the margin it needed to pass.Representative Randy Hinshaw of Meridianville said Wednesday he was only doing what was best for his House district when he cast the votes on Tuesday.

Republicans in the Alabama House claimed that some Democrats cheated by casting votes for members who were not present when a measure to remove the state sales tax on groceries was approved. "I voted some members' machines around me." He says he was simply following House rules that allow members to vote the machines of other representatives

The bill passed the House 63-38, receiving the exact number of votes needed to pass a constitutional amendment.

500 plus jobs to be cut

They can't seem to get the number right

They first said they would cut 200 jobs, then came 259 and now its 500 plus jobs.

The Mobile County School System has proposed to cut $36 million dollars worth of jobs in the upcoming school year. Many of the programs that have garnered the system local and national attention, including the transformation-schools plan, would be significantly cut. Superintendent Roy Nichols said he plans to go to Tuesday's school board meeting with lists of names of employees who will not be invited back next year or will be transferred to other positions. The school system has proposed to cut non-tenure and central office positions. If the proposal is approved by the school board, jobs to be lost include 173.5 classroom teachers, 86 special-education teachers, 107.5 special education aides and 32.5 assistant principals.

What’s happen to all this money and why the school system of Mobile County, Alabama the largest system in the State keep coming up with these budget shortages? Where is the citizen tax dollars going? We I have one simple answer to both of those questions, and that is the Board and the system officials keep mismanaging the citizens tax dollars and spending like crazy. They are not managing the money where it needs to be managed, instead spending the money on unneeded items of the annual budget.

Skippy education-budget passes house committee

Is it enough to funds our schools

An Alabama House committee approved a bare-bones education budget Wednesday that provides almost $375 million less for schools and colleges than is being spent in the current fiscal year. The $6.3 billion budget approved by the House Education Appropriations Committee cuts spending for buses, textbooks, school libraries, classroom computers and for popular programs to improve performance in reading, math and science. It also provides less money for a distance learning program that allows students in poor rural areas to receive the same academic classes offered in prosperous suburban school districts.

The budget does not account for a tax cut The committee instead added $25 million, but one committee member, Rep. John Rogers, D-Birmingham, said he and other lawmakers may use delaying tactics when the budget is considered on the House floor next week in an attempt to get more funding for four-year schools. Rogers is director of minority affairs at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. For Alabama residents making less than $100,000 a year that was proposed by Gov. Bob Riley. That was expected to reduce tax revenue by about $24 million.

The head of the state teacher's union, Paul Hubbert, said he has no major problems with the budget, even though it provides no money for a pay raise for teachers, who have gotten pay hikes the last two years. "There are no layoffs in this budget. There is funding for all state personnel," Hubbert said. He said because of the economy, it was impossible to ask for a pay raise this year. "As soon as the economy turns back around, we will be back and ask for a cost of living increase."

House votes to remove state sales tax from groceries

The Alabama House approved a historic bill Tuesday that would remove the state sales tax from grocery sales. The House voted 63-38 to approve the proposed constitutional amendment that would lower the overall tax bill for low and middle income state residents, while increasing taxes for the more well-to-do taxpayers. If the measure receives final approval in the Senate, Alabama voters will decide the issue in the Nov. 4 general election. To make up for the lost grocery store tax revenue, the amendment would end the state income tax deduction for federal income taxes paid.

The bill received the exact number of "yes" votes needed — 63 — to pass a constitutional amendment.

Judge creates $63 million hole in state budget

A Montgomery judge has sided with a lawsuit that creates a $63 million hole in the state General Fund budget. Circuit Judge William Shashy issued a preliminary injunction today against Gov. Bob Riley's transfer of $63 million to the state General Fund budget. The money came from Alabama's litigation with Exxon Mobil over natural gas royalties. Tuscaloosa businessman Stan Pate sued the governor over the transfer. Pate argued that Riley should have put the money into a state savings account known as the Alabama Trust Fund. Shashy issued an order today agreeing with Pate's arguments.

Is this the beginning of another run for the Governor’s office in 2010 by Stan Pate of Tuscaloosa, well it look like it to be. I strongly believe that Mr. Pate will use this on the campaign trail if he decides to run in 2010.

Another candidate withdraws his name

This time its a GOP candidate for Mobile Co. Revenue Commissioner


Tony Dean, a Republican candidate for Mobile County revenue commissioner, dropped out of the race last week, saying he was troubled by rumors that had appeared since he entered the campaign.

"You hear this, that or the other," said Dean. " Dean declined to discuss the nature of the rumors, but said he did not want to put his wife through them. Incumbent Marilyn Wood and Phil Benson is the only two left for the GOP nomination in the June 3 party primary.

Could a New State House be in the Works?

A legislative panel favors it

A legislative committee studying the future of the Alabama Statehouse agrees the leaking structure should be abandoned by the Legislature and a new building constructed. What they don't agree about is the location — near the current site or, in a dramatic leap, at the far end of Dexter Avenue, creating a National Mall-type environment like Washington. "The question is whether we build it behind the Capitol or in downtown Montgomery," Senate President Pro Tem Hinton Mitchem, D-Albertville, said.

An architect's study said renovating the 45-year-old Statehouse would cost more than erecting a new building. The architect's study also pointed out design flaws that no one considered during construction in 1963 but that are now major problems in these security-conscious times.
"It's pretty substandard," said House Minority Leader Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn, who serves on the Legislative Building Authority and supports a new Statehouse. The committee is looking at building a 220,000-square-foot Statehouse and parking deck for about $170 million.

At Thursday's meeting, a majority of the members said they were leaning toward the downtown proposal, but they didn't take a vote. That's because there is more negotiating to do over financing before making a decision — possibly by next month. The state pension program, the Retirement Systems of Alabama, has offered to provide financing for the Capitol wing idea, while the city of Montgomery and Montgomery County are offering to finance the downtown proposal. In both cases, the Legislature would have to repay the money.

Edwards running for License Commissioner

Elizabeth Edwards said she has plans

A data analyst with the Mobile County License Commissioner office has announced her candidacy to be the next Mobile Co. License Commissioner. Peoples-Edwards, 57, is running as a Democrat. She is a 32-year employee in the license commissioner's office.

Peoples-Edwards said her goal is "to provide the citizens of Mobile with good customer service, making the customer's visit to the license commissioner's office as effective, expedient and pleasant as possible, to continually educate and inform the public concerning changes within the license commissioner's office and to provide continual faithfulness, diligence and accountability in managing, generating and distributing county funds."

Peoples-Edwards is a graduate of Blount High School, holds a bachelor's degree in business management and marketing from the University of South Alabama and a bachelor's degree in computer programming from the Southeast College of Technology, now known as Remington College. Edwards is a member of Mt. Hebron Church Ministries in Mobile, AL.

Matt Tew exits the race for County Commissioner

He qualified as a candidate now he withdrawing from the race???

Matt Tew a former democratic nominee candidate for Mobile County Sheriff in 2006, qualified to be a candidate for County Commissioner for District 2 against GOP incumbent Stephen Nodine. On Monday Tew released a statement saying that he has asked the Chairman of the Mobile County Democratic Executive Committee to withdraw his paperwork and to not certify him as a candidate. Tew claims that to many projects are going on in his district and community, so he and his family decided to stay out of the race.

If this is something a real candidate that paid the necessary qualifying fees to run for office that had interest in the race would do? I wonder what is the real reason for Matt Tew dropping out of this race. This is another failed attempt by democrats in Mobile County. As I get more information I will bring it to you.

Warren qualifies for Commission District 3 seat

Is he capable of pulling it off?

Mobile County Democratic Party Chairman Brad Warren has qualified as a democratic candidate for Mobile County Commissioner District 3, currently held by republican Commissioner Mike Dean. District 3 covers all of south Mobile County, Alabama. Previously Brad Warren has announced his candidacy for Mobile County Treasurer.

Incumbent Mike Dean who is a republican is currently opposed in the republican primary set for June 3rd by Mobile businessman and former sheriff candidate John Graham. Warren is the only democrat to qualify for that race and is preparing to face whomever win the republican primary.

Ala. insurance executive claims political retaliation

He has been indicted and now he claims it on politics

A Montgomery insurance executive indicted by a federal grand jury is blaming his legal problems on political retaliation by Republicans, including the governor, a politician the executive once supported but later sued.

Franklin announced last week that a federal grand jury indicted Goff on 26 counts of mail fraud, conspiracy and embezzlement. The charges accuse Goff of fraudulently collecting worker compensation insurance premiums for two companies and not sending about $3 million to them. Goff's company, the Goff Group, was once a major supplier of worker compensation insurance to businesses statewide and had more than 200 employees in a large office building along Interstate 85 in east Montgomery. Goff's fortunes changed in 2004, when the state Insurance Department filed an administrative complaint against it involving some of the same issues covered by the federal charges. Goff's statement Monday said he thought he had settled the matter by admitting to one count in the administrative complaint in 2005. In March 2007, Goff sued Riley, the governor's insurance commissioner, Walter Bell, former Republican Lt. Gov. Steve Windom and others, accusing them of working together to wreck Goff's insurance business. Goff's suit is still in the early stages.

The relationship between Riley and Goff was once different. Riley used Goff's plane twice during the former congressman's 2002 campaign for governor. Riley's campaign said they were in-kind contributions, but at Goff's insistence, the Riley campaign paid him $25,000 last year for the flights.

Democratic Caucus is coming to Mobile

Alabama Democratic Party officials said they expect the meeting to receive national media coverage and possibly visits by the party's two presidential contenders, Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton. The caucus could be the last major gathering of superdelegates prior to the party's national convention, scheduled for Aug. 25-28 in Denver. Superdelegates are governors, congressmen and other high-ranking party officials who are free to vote independent of their state's primary results. In this year's close election, they ultimately may swing the nomination to Obama or Clinton.

Turnham said the event is expected to draw about 100 participants to the Riverview Plaza Hotel from June 19-21. The southern caucus is one of four regional groups organized by the Democratic National Party. The caucus includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. The previous meeting of the southern caucus was in Charlotte, N.C., in the fall.

Matt Tew challenges Stephen Nodine for District 2

Mobile Co. Commission District 2 now has a contest in 08

Former Mobile County Democratic Sheriff Candidate Matt Tew of Semmes, is officially running as a democratic candidate against republican County Commissioner Matt Tew for the District 2 seat.

This is Matt Tew second run for public office in Mobile County as a democrat. He previously ran for Mobile County sheriff in 2006 lost the primary, and was replaced as the democratic nominee after the Mobile Co. Democratic Executive Committee removed Mr. Devon Grey from the ballot. District 2 is a republican district.

Matt Tew is hoping for a strong turnout this election due to the presidential election.

Fuller & Bonner nominees for Alabama 1st Congressional District race

The political beacon says not in 08 but yes to 2010

Thomas H. Fuller of Chatom, Alabama qualified as the only democrat on Friday April 4, 2008 with the State Democratic Party to run against Jo Bonner the republican incumbent for the 1st Congressional District of Alabama which covers Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, Washington, Monroe and parts of Clarke Counties.

The political beacon will not be a candidate in this election for congress as previously mentioned as a write-in. I gave it some thought, however I decided to wait until 2010 to make my official run for congress as a democrat.

Figures, Swanson and Townsend all to run for US Senate

The Democratic race for US Senate includes three

A State Senator, Attorney and Carpenter all enters the race for United States Senate for the democratic nomination on June 3rd. Sen. Vivian Figures of Mobile were the first democrat to announce her candidacy for the US Senate followed by Johnny Swanson an attorney from Birmingham and now Mark Townsend a carpenter from Haleyville, Alabama. All three democrats will have put their names and platforms before the voters within the next couple of months and make their case known on why they should be the democratic nominee. Figures has been hosting fundraiser across the State and campaigning in various areas since she has announced, but still have little name recognition across the State. Swanson ran for the US Senate as an independent write-in in 2002 against Sen. Sessions, and Townsend is a frequent candidate.

Sessions and Gavin will square off

Earl Mack Gavin of Lee County who ran for several other races as a democrat has qualified to face off with US Senator Jeff Session in the June 3rd primary. Sen. Session of Mobile is expected to win his primary election with a campaign bank account with over $5 mill on hand. Session will face one of the Democratic candidates in November.

After all McKinney has some primary challenge, Berry is the lone democratic nominee

On the last day of qualifying Mr. Paul H. Christopher of Mobile qualified as a republican candidate for the State School Board District 1 primary against Randy McKinney of Baldwin County. This will be an interesting race to follow as this race move forward. Whoever wins the republican primary will then face Rev. Kenyon Berry of Mobile a democrat in the general election this fall. Rev. Berry has no democratic opposition during the primary automatically makes him the democratic nominee.

Lodmell officially drops his bid for congress

Leaves the democrats without a candidate so far

Ben Lodmell of Mobile officially dropped his bid for congress against Republican Congressman Jo Bonner Thursday, leaving the Democrats . In a one-sentence e-mail early Thursday evening, Lodmell said he had decided to withdraw from the race against three-term U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner, R-Mobile.

The results are in

Last week poll asked; Who do you think will win the Democratic Party primary for President?

Barack Obama - 54%
Hillary Clinton – 14%
Not Sure – 12%
Deadlock Tie – 18%

Alabamians have already had their say in the presidential primaries back in February; they chose Barak Obama on the democratic side of the ballot. But this past week I have post a poll online to see what’s on the voters mind in regards to the remaining 10 primaries to be held before the conventions. The republicans choose Sen. John McCain as their nominee, but the democrats are still battling it out. Here are the results of this week past polling here on the South Alabama Political Beacon, you’ll said that you think Sen. Obama would win the Democratic primary over Sen. Clinton by 54% to her devastating 14%. And 12% of you said you are not sure with 18% saying it will be a deadlock. Well over the next couple of months we will watch the Democratic Primaries to see if you all are right with your prediction of the 2008 Democratic presidential primaries. Stay tuned as we provide continuing coverage to this national race.

Chancey & Hornady enters race for Alabama PSC president

The Republican race up to three candidates now for PSC President

Matt Chancey, who has worked behind the scenes on political issues and campaigns in Montgomery and Washington, entered his first political race Thursday when he signed up to run as a Republican for president of the Alabama Public Service Commission. "My goal is to put 'the public' back into the Public Service Commission," Chancey said. "The Public Service Commission has been asleep at the switch and primarily serves big utilities — no average consumers." Chancey is a native of Enterprise, who now lives in Chelsea and works in communications and marketing.

Former PSC staffer Jack Hornady of Montgomery and former republican candidate for PSC place 2 in 2006 has entered into the PSC president race also as a republican. His candidacy puts the race at three qualified candidates for the republican primary. Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh former State Republican Party chair is also running as a republican in the June 3rd primary.

State School Board race for District 1 seems to be headed for the general election

Rev. Kenyon Berry who is an ordained Elder with the local A.O.H Church of God, Inc. in headquartered in Mobile, AL and the Asst. Director of Brokered Transportation has qualified as a democrat for the post, on Wednesday the State Republican Party has verified that current Board Representative Randy McKinney will seek re-election no other republican or democrat has express interest in this race as of today, it may change on tomorrow as qualifying comes to an end.

We expect this to be a heated race on the local level between the two over the proposed oversight takeover attempt by the legislature, the double dipping ban and the handling of the Bishop State Community College situation. McKinney just lost a recent special election to fill a vacant Senate Seat 32 left open by Bradley Byrne of Montrose in 2007, in that race McKinney was back by the Gov. Riley but it didn’t pull any weight. We will watch to see if this race turns into a tossup.

Baschab and McMillan will not run for re-election this year for Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals

Candidates are j umping in at the last minute

Two judges on the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, including the state's longest serving appellate court judge McMillan and Baschab, announced Wednesday they won't seek re-election this year. Lawyers and judges across the state are now taking a last-minute look at running for state Court of Criminal Appeals which qualifying ends tomorrow April 4, 2008 at 5pm for both political parties in Alabama.

"I think 24 years at one job is sufficient," McMillan said and "I want to travel. I want to have less stress in my life. I want to play with my new redheaded grandbaby," Baschab, 60, said Wednesday. As these two exits from the State Court in 2008, we will be bringing you in-depth coverage on the two nominees this fall that seeks to replace these two judges.

A brief look at candidates and potential candidates:

Beth Kellum, was the first republican to sign up for Baschab's Place 2 seat at the Republican Party. Attorney Chris Mixon of Birmingham has now added his name to the list as a republican. Former Montgomery County District Judge Lucie McLemore is the first Republican to sign up for McMillan's Place 1 seat, and she was followed quickly by Jefferson County Circuit Judge Teresa Petelos.

Mobile attorney Jim Zeigler, a former member of the Alabama Public Service Commission and a former candidate for the state Supreme Court, said Wednesday he is considering entering one of the appeals court races.

On the Democratic Side:

Jefferson County Circuit Judge Clyde Jones has qualified for Place 1. Jones said he has spent 28 years as a prosecutor, criminal defense lawyer or trial judge handling criminal cases, and he is ready to take the next step in his career by moving to the Court of Criminal Appeals. "It's right up my alley," he said. No one has signed up yet for Place 2, but several people have indicated interest.

Could you soon stop paying State sales tax on food?

Both Senate and House Committees in Alabama Legislature passed similar bills to remove the 4 percent state sales tax from food on Wednesday, saving consumers an estimated $320 million a year. The bills would make up the revenue loss by ending taxpayers' ability to deduct federal taxes paid from their state income taxes, which would raise an estimated $345 million. The bills could go the full House and Senate as early as next week.

I personal think that the members of these committees are beginning to do something for the citizens of Alabama this legislative session. This really would help our families across the State of Alabama during an economic struggle.

Probing Prichard

The City of Prichard is under the attack for hiring outside the system, other local municipalities may be included

The Mobile County Personnel Board has launched an investigation into the city of Prichard's practice of hiring outside the merit system and may open similar inquiries involving other municipalities.

Prichard Mayor Ron Davis said he authorizes department heads to hire outside the merit system because not enough qualified applicants come through the Personnel Board. If the city needs to go around the board to fill necessary positions, then so be it, he said. The board's director, Donald Dees, acknowledged that the board has a hard time filling positions in Prichard, due in large part to Prichard's lower wages. But that doesn't give Prichard the right to skirt the board, he said.

The Personnel Board's primary function is to make sure that municipalities choose their employees from a pool of qualified applicants, thereby preventing nepotism or favoritism.

The board's opening move in its investigation of Prichard hiring practices, according to Dees, has been to request a list of all employees "appointed" outside the board's authority.
Prichard City Attorney Willie Huntley Jr. supplied such a list to the board Tuesday. It shows 17 people working in positions ranging from police officer to office assistant who have been hired outside the merit system. The list does not include the eight corrections officers working in the jail, a group that includes Battiste's father and cousin. Battiste said Prichard has never filled those jobs through the board.

In this situation the Chief of Police hired his father, brother, cousin and sister. Ummmm, why he couldn't hire others that was looking for jobs outside his family? Dees described Prichard's omission of the corrections officers as "interesting." The next step in the investigation, Dees said, will be to see if the how many of the unilateral hires in the city should have been madethrough the board.

Mitchell needs to find something better to do

What is he doing?

Rep. Joseph Mitchell a democrat from Mobile, AL and represents House District 103 in the State House of Representatives has proposed a bill in the Alabama House to ban lawyers from serving in the legislature. Oh my God! He said he knows it will not pass but wants to highlight what he called unfair efforts to single out educators. "These things being proposed are kind of ridiculous," said Mitchell, a former Mobile County school board member.

Should Rep. Mitchell find better bills to introduce in the State House than this? We look at our educational system in Mobile County that is facing budget crisis and shortages, a board that he use to seat on before being elected to the State House. We look at the crime that is on the rise in Mobile area and his community for which he live, so should he be proposing legislation to block lawyers from serving in the Legislature or should he be proposing solutions to help our local schools, crime and build a better Mobile.

Sometime I wonder about these so called Representatives and individuals who say they have the will of the people at heart. And they are not doing anything but lying to their constituents that they are doing this and that to get a vote when their seat comes up for re-election. Mitchell is one of the applicants for the presidency of Bishop State Community College in Mobile, but said that he would leave the Legislature if awarded a multi-year contract to head the school.

Rep. Mitchell was also an instructor at Bishop State at one point, but since the State School Board banned lawmakers from being employed at two-year colleges in Alabama, he may not have that position any more. But now he wants to become the president of Bishop State. It shows that if he was really representing House District 103 in the State Legislature, he wouldn’t be worrying about being the president of Bishop State Community College. My say on this is “Get something done for Mobile and District 103 before moving on to a greater task of educating our children.”

Mayberry seeks License Commissioner post

Michele McDermott Mayberry has announced her plans to run for Mobile County License Commissioner in the June 3rd primary. Michele is married to Michael Mayberry, an architect, who is employed at the University of South Alabama as Associate Director of Engineering, Design and Construction and the proud parents of Rachel 15, Bill 12, Suzanne 8. Michele is a member of St Pius X Catholic Church current Chairwoman of the Finance Council and former Treasurer of Ladies Sodality.

Michele is employed at the Alabama Department of Revenue, since May 1995 I have served as Revenue Manager of the Sales Use & Business Tax Division at the Mobile Taxpayer Service Center. I have held the positions of Revenue Examiner and Foreign Audit Specialist (based in Marietta, Georgia). We are responsible for the compliance, investigation and enforcement of state taxes in nine southwest Alabama Counties. The taxes include sales, consumer use, lodgings, rental, utility, and contractors gross receipts.

She is a graduate of McGill-Toolen High School, 1979 -University of Alabama, BS in Commerce & Business Administration with a major in Accounting, May 1983 and University of South Alabama, Master of Public Administration, 1989.

Mayberry is the only gop candidate to announce her candidacy this far, Lora Robert-Angelo and Elizebeth Edwards has so far announced their candidacy for the democratic primary. Deadline for both parties to file for election is Friday April 4, 2008 at 5:00pm.

Will he run again in 2008?

Alabama's senior appellate judge considers retirement

H.W. "Bucky" McMillan Alabama's longest serving appellate court judge, is considering retiring from the state Court of Criminal Appeals rather than seeking another term. McMillan said Monday there are several good reasons for him not to run again this year, and a few good reasons to run. The Republican judge said he will make up his mind quickly because Friday is the qualifying deadline for this year's judicial elections. The 53-year-old judge has served on the Court of Criminal Appeals for 24 years.

Mayor Jones to address MADA Saturday

Mayor Sam Jones the City of Mobile first Black mayor is schedule to speak to the Mobile Area Democratic Association (MADA) this Saturday April 5th at 10:00am. What will the mayor be discussing a year from his re-election, who knows lets stick around to see because I will be there with open ears.

Alabama A&M President fired

Fired by the Board

The board of Trustees of Alabama A&M on Monday voted to terminate the contract of University President Robert Jennings. Jennings has been the subject of an investigation for alleged payroll improprieties for more than a year. No interim president has been named.

Davis says hold up to House Judicary Committee

Democratic Rep. Artur Davis of Birmingham warned House Democrats Monday against calling Don Siegelman to testify before Congress, saying Republicans would use the occasion to try to embarrass the former Alabama governor. In a letter to House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, D-Mich., Davis said it would be "extremely unwise" to open Siegelman up to fresh attacks and could jeopardize his appeal. Davis said the appearance would probably turn into a partisan debate over Siegelman's guilt or innocence and shift attention from the committee's true goal of determining whether Republican politics influenced his prosecution on corruption charges.

Davis said the committee should focus on getting testimony from political operatives, particularly from former chief White House adviser Karl Rove. Siegelman's testimony would probably provide little new information about Justice Department behavior, he said.

Anderson running for Revenue Commissioner of Baldwin County

Vowing to fight democrats if elected

Russ Anderson of Gulf Shores has qualified to run for the position of Baldwin County Revenue Commissioner as a republican for the June 3rd primary.

Mr. Anderson is a former Naval Officer who has been Captain of two U.S Navy ships. He also was human resources officer at one of the Navy’s biggest training facilities and ran a very large Navy budgeting office in the Pentagon which included frequent testimony before various Armed Services Committees in the Congress. He holds a Masters Degree in Management from Salve Regina University as well as a Masters Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. Mr. Anderson was a resident of Pensacola Florida throughout his naval career and has resided in Baldwin County for the last 12 years. His wife Lanno is a Mobile native.

"If you elect me Revenue Commissioner I guarantee you we will fight the state Democrats on the beaches, on the eastern shore, on the western border and on the beautiful farms of north Baldwin County. If you elect me Revenue Commissioner I will see to it that no Baldwin County taxpayer pays one cent in taxes over the minimum required by law. If you elect me no state official will intimidate me or pull the wool over my eyes with obscure regulations. If you elect me you will elect a strong fiscal conservative who will be the voice of taxpayers in Baldwin County."

"If elected I promise to send the state carpetbaggers back to Montgomery with empty pockets and a one way bus ticket. Our property values in Baldwin County have plummeted. The first round of appraisals after I take office will reflect that and, your property taxes will be lowered accordingly."

Incumbent Commissioner Phil Nix a republican is expected to seek re-election and Ron Scott who just quit his job with the Baldwin Co. Planning & Zoning Dept. announced he is running, no word on any democrat to seek that post as of yet.

Oden out; Lucy and Twinkle in for PSC President

Now that State Rep. Jeremy Oden has decided not to run for president of the Alabama Public Service Commission puts two well known women on the ballot for PSC President in 2008. The Republican from Eva said Friday he had received lots of encouragement to run for the seat being vacated by Republican Jim Sullivan, but he intends to honor his commitment to represent his north Alabama House district for a four-year term. Former Democratic Lt. Gov. Lucy Baxley and former state Republican Party Chairwoman Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh are seeking the PSC presidency.

No guns on Campuses

The Senate Education Committee voted down three bills sponsored by Republican Sen. Hank Erwin of Montevallo on this past Wednesday. The votes came after Alabama university officials said they would make campuses unsafe.The bills were voted down largely along party lines, with Republicans mostly supporting them and Democrats opposing them. This bill if passed would have allow guns to carry around on campus in Alabama to protect our kids.

Bus carrying students crashes near Birmingham this morning

A charter bus carrying 46 elementary school children on a field trip to the Tennessee Aquarium ran off Interstate 59 and overturned Friday, injuring four people. Forty-nine people in all were on the bus, including two teachers.

Troopers are investigating the cause of the crash, which occurred at 7:30 a.m. CDT about 30 miles northeast of Birmingham. Students from Bryan Elementary School in Jefferson County were traveling to the aquarium in Chattanooga, Tenn. Three buses were traveling together. One bus left the road, hit a guard rail and overturned on the right shoulder.

Our prayers are with those kids, teachers, driver and families.

Is Baldwin County Schools planning to cut jobs

Baldwin Co. Schools may have to cut up to 100 positions

Baldwin County Schools superintendant said Thursday that the school system may cut many as 100 positions before classes start in August, if the state budget projections become a reality. The school system employs about 4,000 people, including about 2,100 teachers. The job cuts will surround teachers positions.

Why is this happening? Well the Baldwin school system will receive $13 million less from the state next year if the Legislature passes Gov. Bob Riley's proposed education budget, said Superintendent Faron Hollinger. The governor has proposed an education budget that would chop spending for K-12 and higher education by $400 million. Riley representatives have said that state revenues are being harmed by national economic woes.

What do Councilman Richardson has to say?

Two twin sisters have been charged in alleged teacher attack, but was the two suppose to have been removed from the school?

Dynesha and Dykesha Harris, both 17, were arrested after school officials say they got in altercation with two other students. Investigators say a teacher trying to break up the fight was injured when he was hit by a broomstick the Harris sisters were using as a weapon. Estle requested to transfer Dynesha and Dykesha Harris last summer after their brother was arrested for his involvement in an unrelated teacher attack in May 2007.

The transfer was stopped by Mobile City Councilman Fred Richardson, who wrote letters to the Mobile County School Board, the school superintendent and the NAACP. Richardson called Estle's reason for wanting to transfer the twins "inadequate," and he said it lacked substance. Richardson appears to have forgotten the letters he has written to several individuals. No, no, no, I did not, I did not," replied Richardson.

Why did Estle speak up at the meeting with the Harris family, Councilman Richardson, then Supertindent Dodge and Mobile Co. NAACP President Jimmie Gardner? He agreed to let the Harris sisters back in school at Murphy High School. The question again is why didn’t Mr. Estle
Principal of Murphy High School in Mobile speak up and demand the students to be moved way before now.

My take on this matter: Each child in this city, county, state or nation should have the fundamental right to attend any school he or she wish. I believe that the transfer request and the charges is a another attack on the Harris family because of the two girls brother incident at that school last year.

He is coming home

Is they getting nervious, talking about those Republicans? They are finally letting Former Alabama Governor come home.

The political beacon has learned that Former Gov. Don Siegelman will be released from prison, after the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals granted him an appeal bond. We will bring you more on this as it develops.

Stay tuned!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Attorneys have until May 23 to file Siegelman and Scrushy appeal briefs

The political beacon has learned that a federal court has given attorneys for former Gov. Don Siegelman and HealthSouth founder Richard Scrushy until May 23 to file briefs in the appeal of their 2006 convictions. The Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday issued the filing deadline. Prosecutors have 60 days after May 23 to file a response. Defense lawyers have 45 days after that to file a second brief. Siegelman and Scrushy have been in prison for almost nine months. Siegelman was sentenced to seven years and four months, and Scrushy was sentenced to six years and 10 months.

Move out in 60 days

At the end of the spring semester, dozens of students and families renting homes from the University of South Alabama will have to move out. Earlier this month, the school sent notices to those living in 19 homes in the Hillsdale community. USA says it is getting out of the single family housing rental business. Soon all the u-s-a rental homes will be torn down. The Political Beacon has discovered that once the homes are torn down, the land will be used for the new Jags football team field house and storage facility. Some students are highly upset over this move by the USA board.

What are Commissioner Mike Dean and State Rep. Spencer Collier doing for South Mobile County?

Grand Bay area residents are worried that they been lied to over and over again by their elected official. Commissioner Mike Dean who represents the area on the Mobile County Commission has been promising the citizens of the Grand Bay area that he will do whatever he can to fix their bad dirt roads, but has the commissioner delivered on his promises? The answer is no!

Commissioner Dean has promised over a period of time that the County will do what it can to fix the bad dirt roads. Because of those bad dirt roads Grand Bay area residents has lost their children school bus transportation to school, mail service and their garbage pickup could be next. Would commissioner Dean want to live like that, I don’t think so. Now Commissioner Dean is blaming the problem on the State, and advocating that it is a private road and the state has give the county permission to perform work on the road with allocated funds. Dean says as long as it comes with its own funding, he's all for it.

As county commissioner, Dean and State Rep. Collier need to work together to solve this issue with its residents on whatever level it takes to make sure that the citizens in South Mobile County receive its share of tax dollars to repair their roads and improve their community living conditions.

The beginning of school system job cuts and confusion in Satsuma over area students

The City of Satsuma just north of Saraland says no to transfer of students to former Shaw High School and the Mobile County school board at its Tuesday night meeting approved possibly cutting 54 positions -- ranging from carpenter to social worker to assistant superintendent -- in the system's central office as a result of an expected budget crunch.

Satsuma City Councilman E.L. Phillips said that if their middle school students from his community are bused to Shaw High in northwest Mobile next year, his city may follow Saraland in splitting from the system at last night meeting. "We're going to keep our kids, with or without you," Phillips told the school board members last evening in Satsuma at Robert E. Lee Elementary School. Phillips said he also believes the system is being punished. Satsuma Mayor Billy Bush also spoke against busing. The mayor urged the board not to bus kids to former Shaw High School as well.

School Board member Hazel Fournier said that she was offended by a Satsuma resident comment, that the City of Satsuma would change if their kids were bused to Shaw High School. All of this comes when the system needs unity the most with an unbalanced budget. The system needs to come together and balance the budget that will provide a decent education to our children and provide them with the resources they needed to do so. Hazel Fournier have represented the Satsuma area and northwest Mobile County on the Mobile County School Board for about 18 years, Saraland which was also a part of Ms. Fournier district before they split from the Mobile County School System in 2006 has started its owns local city school system. Is Ms. Fournier doing enough on the School Board and at Central Office to represent her district? The school board has $51 Million dollars sitting waiting to be allocated to district for new school construction, which means she should seek funding for a new middle school for that area and its students do that they would remain in their communities. Saraland broke away because they felt their area students were being left out.

Supt. Nichols is doing good job in my sense by starting to eliminate some of those positions at the Central Office, most of positions are not needed, and some of those duties needs to be put on those do nothing that is sitting there collecting tax payers dollars and hindering our children educational process. But I do disagree with the plan to cut administrators and teachers position we need them in our schools. I strongly believe that the school board and Dr. Nichols need to sit down and examine all the non-sense spending and not to overlook it, but take action on it and I believe it will save the system millions of dollars. The board needs to speak up and stop protecting the wasteful spending and expose the wasteful spending.

The system could have made repairs to the former Blount High School to house those students in North Mobile County area instead of leasing it to another source, just temporarily at least. That would be closer that busing those students all the way out to Shaw High School campus. Time will speak for itself on the board decision on effective leadership. Every school board candidate this year is touting change, new ideas and effective leadership for our system and children, the question is will they really deliver on that promise.