Mobile Mayor Sam Jones - A Big Endorsement for Artur Davis

I agree on the Arrington comment (4.00 / 1)

Arrington is more a has-been political figure whereas Jones is the current and popular mayor of Mobile (who, importantly, has not been roped into any kind of scandals or alleged corruption -  Bham News writer Chuck Dean calls him "widely regarded as the most influential leader in the port city").   The people in Mobile, white and black, think Jones has done a good job helping Mobile get into the positive groove it's in now.  His assertion that Davis can not only win, but LEAD will surely carry water with lots of folks.

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by: BurbLife @ Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 15:24:13 PM CST

Absolutely (0.00 / 0)

When this is over, Sparks will realize he made some big mistakes.  One being that I will personally hamstring his effort in Birmingham and hang Arrington around his neck and watch him sink.  It shows Sparks doesn't know local politics nor the issues that resonate with voters. 

If he wants to be taken seriously,which it appears he doesn't, get some local people with knowledge or do your own research.  He should have known better than to come in Davis' back yard and not know where the gate is located.

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by: Takenoprisoners @ Tue Dec 01, 2009 at 20:37:48 PM CST

[ Parent ]

More news from Mobile regarding Artur Davis (0.00 / 0)

On social issues, Democrat Davis often to the right. 

MONTGOMERY — U.S. Rep. Artur Davis is rarely described as a conservative, but on many social issues, there is little difference between the Democratic gubernatorial hopeful and some of Alabama's staunchest conservatives.

*No stuff Sherlock?

But it's all Ron Sparks fault.

Davis campaign spokesman Alex Goepfert criticized Sparks for not disclosing his views on social issues, saying that falls in line with what he described as some of the agriculture commissioner's other campaign tactics.

  Rut Rho;

"I believe the Bible should be incorporated in the curriculum and taught and described as one of the major cultural and historic documents in the history of the planet," Davis' statement said.

*Ahe*

 

The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams shall never die.~Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D. MA)

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by: Redeye @ Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 16:33:06 PM CST

Another good quote from that article (0.00 / 0)

Just to lend a bit of balance to the ones you selected:

   While Davis' responses lean to the right on many social issues, there are notable differences between the views of the congressman from Birmingham and those of Republican candidates.

    On the issue of abortion, Davis has received high marks from pro-choice groups for his congressional voting record. 

I can understand that Sparks may prefer not to take a stand on controversial issues, but I think it's a big political mistake to refuse to state his honest position on these questions.  It looks more and more like abortion may be back on the legislative agenda so it's a relevant question for a gubernatorial candidate and how hard is it to say whether you believe everything in the Bible is literally true?  As someone said a while back, just sit down and figure up how big Noah's ark would have had to be to hold all those animals ...

Which is not to say that the Bible, literally true or not, isn't "one of the major cultural and historic documents in the history of the planet."   It is.  However, I agree with D. A Ridgeley:

On the other hand, does anyone think it is possible for a public school curriculum to teach what amounts to “Bible Stories” in a manner indistinguishable from the method by which ancient Greek and Roman mythology is taught without infuriating those who take the Bible to be, well, let’s just say significantly more important than that?

If we start teaching the Bible as literature in schools, the fundamentalist Christians will be the first ones up in arms about it. 

Work harder and work smarter!

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by: mooncat @ Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 18:27:44 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Here is some balance (0.00 / 0)

to the quote you selected;

Davis did not directly say whether he would support an abortion ban. Instead, he said that the issue will be decided by federal courts, and that he opposes partial-birth abortions, as well as federal funding of abortion.

Kind of disingenous of Davis to criticize Sparks for not taking a firm stand on social issues  if he will not directly say whether he would support an abortion ban isn't it?  That said, I question the high marks Davis gets from pro choice groups. 

Although he is the co-chair of the New Democratic Coalition, Representative Davis generally tends to vote from a conservative viewpoint on teenage and partial abortion. In 2003 he voted yes to pass a bill that would prohibit partial birth-abortion. He also later voted to prohibit minors from traveling across state lines to get an abortion. On the other hand in 2006 he voted against a measure that would require people performing the abortions to give out information about the theory that the unborn fetus, less than 20 weeks old, can feel the pain of the abortion. [2] Based on his voting record, Representative Davis seems to be pro-choice to a certain extent. Pregressivepunch.com gave Artur Davis a 62% progressive score on his position on abortion.[3] NARAL Pro-choice America supports Davis and gave him a rating of 100 on his position on abortion. [4]

 

I'm one of those people who believe the bible should be taught at church and church run schools, not public schools.

The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams shall never die.~Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D. MA)

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by: Redeye @ Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 19:43:04 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I've noticed (0.00 / 0)

That you question anything remotely positive about Artur Davis, no matter who says it.  Why not just admit that you don't like him?  It would relieve you of the need to try and constantly rationalize your criticism of him.  And it's OK not to like an elected official.  Far better than carping all the time, for sure.

Work harder and work smarter!

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by: mooncat @ Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 20:32:58 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Repeat after me, (0.00 / 0)

It's not about Artur Davis the man/husband/offspring/employer, it's about his political philosophy.

Repeat after me,

I am not critical of Artur Davis the man/husband/offspring/employer/person, I'm critical of some of his votes and policies.

Repeat after me,

I don't like some of the official acts Artur Davis has carried out as an elected official not the fact he's an elected official.

Repeat after me,

I am able to seperate the person from the office.  And yes, it's perfectly all right not to like what elected officials do in their official capacity.  And yes it's perfectly all right to "carp"  when elected officials do something you don't like.  Thats' the American way.  

Artur Davis is a fine person, that doesn't mean I have to agree with his political point of view or shut up when he does something in his official capacity I don't agree with. 

 

The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams shall never die.~Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D. MA)

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by: Redeye @ Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 20:57:38 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Yeah, yeah, yeah (4.00 / 1)

You don't like him, period.  Never did, never will. 

And the rooster crowed three times...

We all can move on with our lives.

"Hypocrites are those whom pick and choose prejudices while giving accolades for their own..."

"It is what it is."  

http://blkindependent.blogspot...

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by: kayman @ Tue Dec 01, 2009 at 00:16:41 AM CST

[ Parent ]

FYI--Bible as literature (4.00 / 1)

Actually, Alabama already offers the Bible as Literature course in systems that allow it.  If you remember, a few years ago they approved a textbook for this course as a high school elective (The Bible and Its Influences).

 

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by: csduke @ Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 20:53:06 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Key words csduke (0.00 / 0)

emphasis mine;

Alabama already offers the Bible as Literature course in systems that allow it.  If you remember, a few years ago they approved a textbook for this course as a high school elective

What do you want to bet systems that allow it are school boards dominated by right wing conservatives?

The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams shall never die.~Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D. MA)

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by: Redeye @ Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 21:01:58 PM CST

[ Parent ]

LOL (4.00 / 1)

I see the somebody that knows how to unite different groups of voters has endorsed Davis.  It's amusing watching those who want to complain and harp say well, he's just the mayor of Mobile, but the reality is he is popular with black and white voters as well as progressives and moderates amongst his constituency.  That along with platform on issues is what gets someone elected not always trying to be the foil of someone because it makes one look different. 

Arrington is very irrelevant in Birmingham, so his endorsement of Sparks was like a waste of time.  The only voters who like Arrington are/were my grandmother's generation and most of them are dying off.  It is what it is.  Now if Langford or somebody more recent had endorsed Sparks then it would be another story.  I can see Sparks gaining some traction with some black voters because Langford has popularity regardless of his federal conviction.  However, talking about casinos in Birmingham, and attempting to be a foil on any controversial issue is political grandstanding and nobody is really buying that.  One has to come with an actual platform of their own ideas to be taken seriously.

I'm hedging bets that somebody going to say "but Davis votes right".  Yeah, on some issues, but left on others and that's what a moderate does.  Anyways, this race is only beginning and will be interesting who, what, when, where, and why about endorsements.  

"Hypocrites are those whom pick and choose prejudices while giving accolades for their own..."

"It is what it is."  

http://blkindependent.blogspot...

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by: kayman @ Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 20:00:21 PM CST

More Good Moves (0.00 / 0)

From a very good campaign.  I bet Davis has more aces up his sleeve and is pacing himself.  Meanwhile, back at Sparky's camp they are still hoping to get out the gate. 

Great job Davis and company.

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by: Takenoprisoners @ Tue Dec 01, 2009 at 20:32:03 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Paging jacool! (4.00 / 1)

I want to hear your perspective on this.  You're our resident expert on Mobile politics, so please weigh in on this discussion!

I tend to agree that it will help Davis far more than Mitt Romney's endorsement helps Cowgirl Kay. 

I'm not short.  I'm fun size!!

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by: countrycat @ Tue Dec 01, 2009 at 08:29:01 AM CST

A hierarchy of endorsements (4.00 / 2)

I've been meaning to weigh in on this with some thoughts for a couple of days, but have not had a chance to type something up.  These thourhgs explore the idea that not two endorsements are alike.

During the 2008 cycle, I remember a Chris Cizzilla piece on the hierarchy of endorsements.  Here is his list with some examples:

The Symbolic Endorsement: Ted Kennedy backing Barack Obama during the 2008 primaries.
* The State-Specific Statewide Endorsement: Florida Gov. Charlie Crist throwing his support to John McCain just before the Sunshine State presidential primary.
* The Celebrity Endorsement: Oprah Winfrey for Obama
* The Newspaper Endorsement: Des Moines Register for John Edwards in 2004.
* The State-Specific Non-Statewide Endorsement: Former Speaker Denny Hastert (R-Ill.) backing Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R) in the Kansas Senate primary
* The Obligatory Endorsement: Mississippi Sen. Thad Cochran endorsing McCain's presidential bid in 2008.
* The Non-Endorsement Endorsement: Former Virginia Gov. Doug Wilder passing on state Sen. Creigh Deeds in the 2009 Commonwealth governor's contest.
* The Pariah Endorsement: Rod Blagojevich's endorsement of Roland Burris.

 Looking over this list, these include both positive and more neutral endorsements.  For example, the symbolic endorsement is from a standard bearer of the party, one that can influence a number of votes.  Remembering back to 2008, the Kennedy endorsement was very important because Kennedy epitomized the virtues of the Democratic party.  Moving down are state-level endorsements that can influence votes, celebrity endorsements, and even those endorsements (or lack thereof) that hurt.

So how might this list translate to Alabama.  Here are some thoughts on that:

• Symbolic Endorsements--I am hard-pressed to find a Democratic voice who serves in this role at this time as there is not one figue who epitomizes the party and has universal support from Alabama Democrats.  The most recent example I can think of is Senator Heflin.  Perhaps Albert Brewer is one who could define this if he chose to. 
  
• Statewide  Endorsements--These are from politicians and figures who have a statwide awareness and appeal.  Former governors (who are respected), Senators, etc. can serve this level.  However, there are very few Democrats at this level (if Lt. Gov. Folsom decided to endorse a candidate, his would carry this kind of weight--I doubt he will endorse a candidate in the primary).
• Major Local Endorsement--In this category would be mayors of the larger cities in the state, legislators, etc.  Mayor Jones' endorsement of Congressman Davis fits this category--he is a respected local official that commands a great deal of respect.  Mayor Arrington's endorsement of Commisioner Sparks could also fit here, though Arrington has both vocal supporters and detractors.
• The Major Interest Group endorsements (one could argue this "Big Mule endorsements)--These are from leaders and organizations that influce a number of party figures in the state, though not all of them.  On the Democratic side, this would include Paul Hubbert and Joe Reed of AEA and the Alabama Association for Justice (Alabama Trial Lawyers Association), along with Jere Beasley. On the Republican-leaning side, this would include BCA and ALFA.  These groups carry a certain weight and influence and their endorsements are important for their supporters.  (Campaign contributions are also associated with these endorsements)
• Celebrity endorsements--These include both entertainment and sports celebrities as well as national political celebrities.  Chuck Norris's endorsement of Roy Moore fits this category--it is nice fodder, but not going to move votes.  (Perhaps the only celebrity endorsement that could draw some people is Nick Saban).  Mitt Romney's endorsement of Kay Ivey also fits this category--it is nice, but it does not carry much weight at all.  Not many Republicans will turn to Ivey because Romney endorsed her.  For national figures, the prhase "all politics is local" applies to this.
• Newspaper endorsements
• Pariah Endorsements--Do convicted politicians fit in this category?  I think they could have this effect across the general electorate, turning people away from candidates.

Any thougths that you might have on this list?

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by: csduke @ Thu Dec 03, 2009 at 17:42:04 PM CST

More endorsement thoughts ... (4.00 / 1)

Given Albert Brewer's continuing interest in constitutional reform (I believe he was involved in the Mock Convention last spring) it seems like he would be a natural to endorse Davis, if he endorses at all for the primary.

And on the subject of pariah endorsements, Langford's in the mayoral race might fit into that category -- he still has supporters, but do they outweight the folks who will be turned off?  I think Don Siegelman balanced those concerns rather nicely in 2008.  He supported a few candidates, but there was not a splashy endorsement press conference or anything like that -- more some targeted calls and emails to people that he knew still thought well of him. 

On the celebrity front, what about entertainers like Randy Owen or maybe a prominent NASCAR driver?  Any of them still from Alabama?  Would a businessman like Milton McGregor come under the heading of "Major Interest Group?" 

Work harder and work smarter!

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by: mooncat @ Thu Dec 03, 2009 at 18:27:34 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Sam Jones may have "influence" down in south Alabama, (4.00 / 1)

But I'd never heard of him until his endorsement of Artur Davis.  His background is impressive, but I'mnot sure it will translate into impressing undecided voters or make anyone who has made up their mind to change their mind.  The fact Jones doesn't have any "vocal detractors" must mean he's the perfect elected official and he's doing everything right (pun intended).

President Obama would fit into both the celebrity and the symbolic catagories.  Like Ted Kennedy is the standard bearer for democratic principles and ideas and he's a "rock star" in his own right.

I agree with you on the Lt. Governor Jim Folsem endorsement.  He is respected and he's kind of like the Ted Kennedy of the Alabama Democratic party.

It would surprise me if AEA endorsed Davis and that's all I dare say on that.

The big three newspapers (Huntsville, Birmingham, Mobile) are firmly in the Davis camp and that's all I dare say on that too..

Pariah endorsements?  I guess it depends on who the Pariah IS. :)  Somebody's Pariah could be somebody's elses political prisoner or ex prisoner. There certainly are enough democratic convicted Pariahs to choose from.:)

The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams shall never die.~Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D. MA)

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by: Redeye @ Thu Dec 03, 2009 at 21:46:34 PM CST

[ Parent ]

More thoughts on endorsements (4.00 / 1)

I'm placing both some responses to the points raised by Mooncat and Redeye in this post.

Pariahs

On "pariahs" being convicted politicians, my argument is that the convictions can turn off more people to them than gain supporters.  Sure, each one who is convicted has their strong supporters, but they also have a fairly negative view by the majority of voters. Siegelman serves as a good model, realizing that his image is tarnished and his endorsements could sandbag a campaign.  Instead, he focused where he might be influential.  Redeye does raise that it depends who it is, but overall, their view with the majoirty of voters is fairly negative.  (some try to make the argument that Paul Hubbert fits here, though I'd disagree).

Celebrities: 

I’d include Randy Owens, Jimmy Buffett, and a NASCAR driver as those celebrities who might endorse a candidate.  They might be able to hold a benefit consert for the candidate or open him/her to some new media opportuniries.  But these figures still have not had to run for elective office, control political donations, or move as many votes as some politicians.

Spheres of Influence:

Redeye, let me clairfy my comments about Mayor Jones and other figures in the "major local endorsement" category.  Both in that category and the "major interest group", leaders have a specific sphere of influence.  Jones has his influence primarily in Mobile--I would not expect him to be well known in Huntsville (similar for Mayor Battle in Huntsville being known in Mobile).  Jones might have an impact on Mobile voters, an important city to win, especially as he has won in that city and knows how to win there.    Likewise, Arrington's endorsement will have its greatest effect in Birmingham, where Arrington lived and served.

 

Odds and ends

• Endorsements rarely have a large effect in races.  They are nice to look at.  My point in this is arguing some are more important than others.   Even now, there are a growing number of independently-minded voters in the state compared to those who vote in a bloc (Arrington has some interesting statements on this in Gwen Ifill's book, arguing that the younger generations of black politicians and voters are not looking for the bloc vote or voting in that bloc).
• On Milton McGregor--he has impact due to his money.  However, I don't think he sways many voters, definately not as many as AEA.  And he can be a pariah again if a politician decides to use McGregor's plane to go on a vacation.

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by: csduke @ Sat Dec 05, 2009 at 12:52:33 PM CST

[ Parent ]

It might help Davis in the primary (0.00 / 0)

Which in Mobile County will be 90% black and which is Jones's base but it won't make a difference in the general. Bradley Byrne is a Mobile candidate, Byrne as nominee will not get less than 60% in Mobile County and I wouldn't be shocked to see him get 63-64%.

 The neighborhoods in the county that decide which way elections are going to go are simply going to be for Byrne. Byrne used to be a Democrat. Now he's a Republican but for people in that area they have continued supporting him throughout. The white Democrats who will all be voting in the GOP primary will all be voting for Byrne. Most will carry that on to the general election.

 It's just the way it is. With someone of Byrne's background in the race it is simply a waste of time for any other candidate to spend any money in either Mobile or Baldwin. Mobile is a group mentality town and right now the mentality that is on the ground there is all Byrne and an endorsement from a Mayor who is widely regarded as a lame duck who'll die in office won't matter an iota for Davis.

 What would be more impressive is if he could get the endorsement of Figures or Mitchell. Until then though, Jones is dying and his influence is no longer what you think it is.

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by: jacool @ Fri Dec 04, 2009 at 11:45:38 AM CST

I know politics is cold, but this is Arctic! (0.00 / 0)

Jones is dying and his influence is no longer what you think it is.

 

Work harder and work smarter!

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by: mooncat @ Fri Dec 04, 2009 at 12:19:50 PM CST

[ Parent ]

It's true though (0.00 / 0)

He has cancer. A form of cancer that usually causes death within 5 years. He's not a naturally bald person. That bald picture you see of him was from chemo. It's one reason why no one bothered to run against him this last election. 

 Even if he does survive to 2013 he'll be too ill to run for re-election and that's a huge if. He is spending his dying days as mayor. However, from a political standpoint it also means that as someone who everyone knows is dying he simply will have less impact overall as he no longer has the ability to do anything meaningful beyond the short term

It is only because Mobile is the kind of town that it is that he was even kept as Mayor. In most normal places, a person with multiple myeloma would not run for re-election. Jones in large part stayed in after the fact because no one in that city knows what happens after him yet and this summer an open election would have been too much for the "city fathers" to take.

You need to remember that when dealing with South Alabama rules of normality do not apply. Its a very localized culture and way of doing things and everyone there is concious of it.

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by: jacool @ Fri Dec 04, 2009 at 12:59:04 PM CST

[ Parent ]