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Our take on the primary candidates
Published Friday, May 28, 2010
On Monday, we celebrate Memorial Day. A day set aside to honor the men and women who lost their lives fighting to protect the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.
And one of those freedoms we often take for granted is the right to vote in elections. On Tuesday, the Democratic and Republican parties will hold primary elections for statewide offices, including everything from governor to supreme court justice. Several key district office, including circuit court judge and district attorney, are on the ballot as well.
The ballots in both parties are full, with hotly contest races for some of the state’s key positions. For our readers, we would encourage you to vote in the Republican primary, and to vote for Bradley Byrne for governor. He is the best choice among the four candidates, proving to the most electable and, based on his record of ethics reform, has proven his commitment to integrity over politics. If he can maintain that commitment in the state’s key role, he could prove effective in bringing much needed change and redirection to Alabama’s Legislature.
For other state offices, on the Republican ticket, we endorse:
• Lieutenant governor, Kay Ivey: She has a proven track record of public service and leadership. She will be an effective and capable lieutenant governor.
• U.S. Senator, Richard Shelby. The incumbent deserves to be sent back to Washington, D.C., to continue to represent our state and its voters well.
• U.S. Representative, 2nd District. On this Republican ticket, the standout challenger to incumbent Bobby Bright (D) is Martha Roby. She is committed to conservative values and effective government reform and would pose a real challenge to Bright in the general election.
• Attorney General: Luther Strange. He would bring expertise, experience and a new perspective to an office that has been frought with controversy during the recent term.
• State Treasurer: Young Boozer: Despite the unusual name, he posses the better qualifications for the office.
No matter which offices you choose, though, the most important issue is that you vote, either in the Republican or Democratic primary. Remember that polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
Casting your ballot will take no more than 15 minutes, but it will be your chance to honor the service of millions of men and women who cared so deeply for the freedoms we treasure as Americans they were willing to defend them in the field of battle.
Our veterans understood and appreciated the value of our right to vote. So should we.
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Comments
Posted by LoveTheConstitution (anonymous) on May 29, 2010 at 1:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It would figure that the Troy Messenger would choose the more liberal of the Republicans to endorse. So yes, if you want to vote for the liberals in the Republican party, vote for Bradley Byrne, Kay Ivey, Martha Roby, and Young Boozer. However, if you are a true conservative, stand up for the true conservatives. These would be Tim James, Hank Erwin, Rick Barber, and George Wallace Jr.
Posted by Ramsey (anonymous) on May 29, 2010 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What a CROCK!
You endorse the most ethically challenged of the candidates running for governor and you endorse a Washington D. C. lobbyist for the attorney general's position! If you can't put more thought into your endorsements than that, then we would be better served in Pike County if you didn't endorse anyone.
Posted by LoveTheConstitution (anonymous) on May 29, 2010 at 10:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree Ramsey.
Posted by White_Lightning1 (anonymous) on May 30, 2010 at 10:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Dear Lord! A liberal Republican? Ronald Reagan is spinning in his grave. Oh, the horror!! Too funny.
Posted by chhsgrad76 (anonymous) on May 30, 2010 at 10:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bradley Byrne for Governor? Did you not read the comments in your own paper? People in this town do not support Byrne at all. We see through him. Too bad that you don't. He faked supporters in town square and that is ok with you?
The Messenger needs to take a serious second like at its own ethics before it finds itself without any subscribers
Posted by Lucky77 (anonymous) on May 31, 2010 at 3:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm casting my vote for Bill Johnson. He is willing to put gambling up for public vote. Really, I just hope it's anyone but Tim James or Roy Moore...
Posted by regis (anonymous) on May 31, 2010 at 5:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hank Erwin? The guy who said Hurricane Katrina was God's wrath for a sinful coast? Certifiable.
The Ten Commandments Governor? Certifiable.
Kay Ivey? Whose idea to solve the state's economic problems is to just fire everybody and allow the federal government to take over all of the state's programs? Idiot.
Ron Sparks? Paranoid idiot. Can someone please explain to me why an Agriculture Commissioner would need a body guard?
As for the rest, who the heck knows since most of them are brand new. The only two I know who are worth anything are Richard Shelby and Bobby Bright. I have also heard people speak highly of George Wallace Junior's work ethic.
Posted by DirtRoadDweller (anonymous) on May 31, 2010 at 7:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It would also figure that such an out-of-touch publisher would NOT endorse or specifically mention the local race with the most interest - the circuit court judge's race. This rag also doesn't remind its readers WHY this race is so important. So here goes - vote Clif Hastings - most experienced, most qualified, high ethical standards and high morals. I am sure his Republican opponent is a nice lady but even if all things were equal between them - and they are not - we need a judge from Pike County serving our circuit. Vote Clif Hastings!
Posted by Kelly (anonymous) on May 31, 2010 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
regi, I agree with most of your dissents, with the exception of Sparks. I think I will support him. Hellz, I wish I could afford a bodyguard...
Posted by LoveTheConstitution (anonymous) on May 31, 2010 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
regis, the biggest thing I would disagree with you on is Bobby Bright. Shelby is great, Wallace Jr. is great. Bobby Bright is not. This guy stands up and gives a standing ovation to Mexican President Calderon while he bashes Arizona. He defends the Health Care bill and is against repealing it. He doesn't represent us very well.
Posted by LoveTheConstitution (anonymous) on May 31, 2010 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh and Hank Erwin voted NO on the 62% pay raise for state legislature.
Posted by Johnnybgood (anonymous) on May 31, 2010 at 7:54 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by Johnnybgood (anonymous) on May 31, 2010 at 8:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dirt Road Dweller, its like someone told me in Banks the other day, "I have known Clif for 20 years, but I can't vote for him. He doesn't know what he wants to be when he grows up! I've seen alot of local campaigns, but I have never seen someone use phony telemarketers to try to slander an opponent. High Morals? Low class insurance adjuster....
http://www.alfafarmers.org/headlines/hea...
Posted by DirtRoadDweller (anonymous) on June 1, 2010 at 7:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Johnnybgood - I'm basing my opinion on what I know personally - not on what someone told me. But I do respect your right to disagree. BUT it is still inexcusable for our local paper to ignore this important race and yet its publisher feels qualified to endorse candidates in state wide races. The Messenger is a joke. Until it gets s decent publisher who deserves respect from the community and its staff, the paper will continue to loose subscribers.
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