Last Friday Eddison Walters told the Birmingham Downtown Democrats, "I'm pretty sure we already know what the problems are facing this district. So I'm going to try to talk about some solutions." The solutions he proposed revolve around nurturing small businesses and creating new green industry in the district.
All the Democratic candidates for the 7th congressional district spoke at the Downtown Democrats meeting on March 5th. It was a great opportunity to hear from the entire field and I have to say that all six candidates made good points. I'm not sure who I would vote for if I lived in AL-07. For the rest of the week we'll be posting video of each of the six Democrats in this race, in this order:
Fifth in our series is Eddison Walters. Walters grew up in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a graduate of the University of Alabama and has lived in Tuscaloosa County for over 20 years. He is a mortgage broker and real estate developer who feels strongly that small business is the key to lifting the standard of living in the 7th congressional district. This quote is from his website: "The Bush tax cuts did not help most small business at all. Employment taxes are killing small businesses and jobs along with them. We must do more to help businesses create jobs in our district. Also, we can not continue to ship our jobs to China. Free trade is not free."
Selected quotes in italics:
"I know we're all Democrats and we pretty much have the same position on health care, on education, on fighting poverty, so I'm not going to bore you with all that. And I'm pretty sure we already know what the problems are facing this district. So I'm going to try to talk about some solutions."
"My parents came to this country about 40 years ago, and they came to this country because they believed in the principles of the American Dream. They wanted me and my two brothers and sisters to have an opportunity for a better life. And, with a high school education, they worked real hard, they opened a small business in a middle class neighborhood. And they fought and scratched and scraped and somehow they were able to provide a college education to me and my 2 brothers and sisters."
"And as I stand here today I feel very fortunate to be a graduate of the University of Alabama because a college education is something my parents didn't have for themselves."
"And over the past 15 years I've worked throughout the entire 7th congressional district and I've worked to provide tens of millions of dollars of capital for small businesses, for home ownership."
"Back in 1994 I helped set up a community development loan fund. And the purpose of that fund was to create economic development, primarily in the black belt. Because back then the access to capital was the biggest problem facing the district. And today the number one problem facing the district is the access to capital. When you drive through small towns like Eutaw, Greensboro, Demopolis, Uniontown, you'll find out small business is the life and blood that keeps the economy going in this district."
"Across our country, 70% of the jobs are created by small businesses. But when you look across our district, it's probably more like 80%."
"Over the past 15 years I've had small business owners walk into my door every other day and the problem facing small businesses is because they don't have the access to capital."
"I have a specific proposal to help small businesses gain access to capital. The number one reason why small businesses don't have access to capital is because of something called the self employment tax."
"Small businesses pay 15.5% on the first dollar of profit. Could you imagine a small business that makes $10,000 paying 15.5% taxes. I mean something is wrong with that."
"If you're a small business owner and you open up a small business and you happen to make $30,000, you're going to pay about $4,700 in self employment taxes. This is before you pay a dime of income tax. And we have to change that. My proposal is to reduce self employment tax by 50% for the first $50,000 that a small business person owes. Then ... we can increase it progressively to the current rate at $100,000. What this would do is ... allow small business owners to actually have income on their tax returns."
"They can walk into a bank and actually say, here's my tax returns, my business is doing well. It will allow them to actually borrow money to improve their business, to expand their business."
"What happens is that when we attract industry to the community, we create an environment that allows small businesses to flourish all around those industries."
"I think that we have an opportunity .. to help shape our nation's future. We have tremendous opportunities in our green industry. And I have another specific proposal that will increase jobs and create tremendous economic prosperity in our district."
"There is a crop, it's a crop similar to cotton. ... There is a crop called kenaf [kenaf] ... it's a fiber crop. Out of kenaf you can produce insulation, you can produce carpet padding, you can produce textiles, you can produce rope, you can produce twine, you can produce molded plastics."
"Anywhere you have fiberglass, kenaf can replace fiberglass. ... We have a tremendous opportunity here to take a foothold in a green industry and create tremendous economic prosperity. ... We also can create building materials that is fire resistant, mold resistant, insect resistant, it will not mildew and it will not rot."
"These are products we can create from a crop we can grow right here. Kenaf can be harvested 3 to 4 times a year. We have farmers that grow pine and pine takes 15 to 20 years to harvest."
"I'd love to have an opportunity to sit down and talk to you about my specific plans for the district."
"I'm Eddison Walters ... and I'm asking you for your support for the 7th congressional district, U.S. House of Representatives."
Shelia Smoot made sure the Birmingham Downtown Democrats knew she is the candidate "On your side" at their meeting last Friday. "Don't send a rookie to Congress," she said. Not coincidentally, Smoot hosts a daily radio show on WAGG 610 in Birmingham called "Smoot on Your Side"
All the Democratic candidates for the 7th congressional district spoke at the Downtown Democrats meeting on March 5th. It was a great opportunity to hear from the entire field and I have to say that all six candidates made good points. I'm not sure who I would vote for if I lived in AL-07. For the rest of the week we'll be posting video of each of the six Democrats in this race, in this order:
Fourth in our series is Shelia Smoot, Jefferson County Commissioner, consumer advocate, radio talk show host and businesswoman. Smoot is currently serving her second term on the Jefferson County Commission. She's the best public speaker in the field, has a lot of charm on the stump and is running on her experience and accomplishments. One nit - she should have taken more notice of the "time's up" alarm. The Downtown Democrats performed a near-miracle in shoehorning all six congressional candidates into one lunch meeting -- and Smoot was the only one to seriously exceed her time limit. She's a super-energetic candidate, though.
Selected quotes in italics:
"I'm Shelia Smoot and I'm on your side, your side, and your side. And I've been on your side a long time."
"I fought hard for those who couldn't fight for themselves. For those who couldn't hire a lawyer at expensive rates. "
"I'm the person that's been fighting a long time, see? Before I got elected, before I was on television, I was fighting in college ... See, I've been fighting a long time. You don't just start fighting when you want to run for Congress ... you fight before you get there."
"See, it really doesn't matter who you elect, what matters is what they're going to do. What really matters is what have they been doing before they get there."
"Folks, when you send somebody to Congress, don't send a neophyte, don't send a rookie. Congress is a tough job and it needs somebody that's going to be tough on the policies there and someone that's going to bring things home to this community."
Smoot listed some of her accomplishments in Jefferson County:
29 new schools
Supported a 1 cent school tax
Senior citizens complex
New walking tracks
New roads.
"Go look at all the things that have been done and you don't need a rookie going to Congress. You need someone who understands the dynamic."
"In Panola, Alabama, Sumter County where my family is from... when they brought the waste treatment plant. ... The guy told me, "we already cut the deal." On the backs of poor people. That plant is still in my community, where my family grew up. We've got coal ash in Perry County. The EPA says it's safe. They didn't even have a public hearing."
"We've got some issues folks, and they are big issues. You need to send somebody who cares and gets it done.I'm that person. I'm committed to work for you."
"I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure the 7th congressional district gets its fair share. But first I'm going to make sure that people are treated fairly. That's my job. I've been doing it a long time."
"In Wilcox county, they don't have technology, they don't have broadband. I have 2 cell phones and can't get a signal. ... Is there a reason they don't have a bridge?"
"Let's talk about education and jobs. .... We need infrastructure, we need roads and bridges, we need broadband, another superhighway. Folks we do need healthcare."
"I'm for labor, but you know it would be nice if the female candidates in this race, got an opportunity to be interviewed by ALFA. We did not. It would be very intriguing if the women in this race would be allowed to be interviewed by all the unions. We were not given that opportunity. So no, some of us don't have those endorsements. But you are talking to Shelia Smoot, UAW proud and UAW strong."
"I don't need an endorsement for a union; I am union."
"As we see people flip and flop as Democrats ... See, I'm telling you I am a Democrat, I don't have it on my flyer. I am a Democrat. ... I've been a Democrat a long, long time. We don't need another pretend Democrat -- can we say Parker Griffith?"
"We must stop playing games with the lives that we serve, we must stop playing games with the economy and health care. ... You can help send the right person to Congress. Because right now we have the 7 congressional districts and as far as I'm concerned, 6 of them are Republican."
"I'm a journalist first, and an elected official, not a politician. Because my job is to work for you. And I can do that."
"I'm prepared, I'm ready. I'm strong. I'm smart, I'll do my homework. And when it's time to take the hit, I won't tuck my tail and run away from the tough decisions."
"I will vote for health care, I will vote for hate crimes. I will stand strong for the people who cannot stand for themselves. And for the rest of you, I'll stand strong for you , too. My door is always open."
"Make sure you send the right person to Congress at the right time and the time is now."
"I want to make a difference in somebody else's life, other than my own."
Shelia Smoot is running on her experience and her accomplishments. Of this field, she is probably the candidate who best understands just how the legislative sausage making process really works -- and there is some benefit in having a representative with no illusions about how Congress works. It's not pretty.
Earl Hilliard, Jr. is no stranger to the Harbert Center where the Birmingham Downtown Democrats met last Friday. "As a child I used to sit in this room and I thought I'd go into politics, then when I got a little older I thought maybe I wouldn't go into politics." Hilliard left Alabama and left politics for a while, but after a stint in California and Washington, DC, he decided to come back home, step off the sidelines and get involved again, first in the Alabama Legislature and now running for Congress.
All the Democratic candidates for the 7th congressional district spoke at the Downtown Democrats meeting on March 5th. It was a great opportunity to hear from the entire field and I have to say that all six candidates made good points. I'm not sure who I would vote for if I lived in AL-07. For the rest of the week we'll be posting video of each of the six Democrats in this race, in this order:
"Most people think because of my family lineage in politics, that it was always a definite that I'd do politics. But I kind of changed my mind and actually ran real far away from it. Went corporate with Coca-Cola, was the director of government relations with Morehouse College .. then moved back to Los Angeles to do the entertainment law thing for a while."
"I tried to run away from it, came back to Alabama ... I figured I should step off the sidelines and get involved."
Hilliard touted his accomplishments as a freshman legislator in Montgomery:
Pay increase for foster parents and foster children's bill of rights.
"We have to do what our job is, and that is passing laws, but we also have be a part of our community and be involved. It's not enough just to say we're going to be involved, we have to take the bull by the horns and we have to get involved."
"And working bipartisan, working in the Alabama State House with good men and women, that's how we've gotten things accomplished."
"I think that one of the things I bring to the table is the ability to work with everybody. I've been able to get the endorsement of the Congressional Black Caucus ... because they understand that I believe in education. They understand that I believe in health care. They understand that I believe in lowering crime, because all those things are important."
"These men and women of labor, who support us ... they understand that I'm one of them, and I am third generation union."
"We all have track records. ... I have a track record of community service ..."
"If we're going to give back, and we're taking your family's and our family's lives in our hands and making laws, we should feel the need to do that in our daily life, not only to talk about it, but to do those kind of things."
"In Congress I plan on doing things that deal with economic development, which is the number one thing in my platform, economic development."
"Now, people always ask me, well how are you going to create jobs? Every single candidate says economic development. ... There are three different things you can do for economic development on the local level."
"It's called economic gardening. ... One, you offer tax incentives and tax abatements for companies, small businesses and medium sized businesses ... to be able to grow and expand when they want to hire new employees. But also the connectivity. Putting those ... companies with other agencies that supply them and help them out."
"The other thing is actually giving them market data and research ... to small and medium sized businesses. ... If we turned a lot of our incentive efforts inside the state and support and maintain the businesses we have, we can keep them thriving and allow them to grow and expand."
"Everybody knows education is a problem. ... Make sure we streamline, make things better."
"I always tell people, look at your constituency. Look at the people you serve with, look at the people that I work with Ask about my work ethic."
Terri Sewell was unambiguous in her support for health care reform at the Downtown Democrats' lunch in Birmingham last Friday. She declared, "I will go to Congress and make sure that health care gets passed. A comprehensive health care bill that includes a public option." Sewell may not be the most polished public speaker in the field, but she came across as serious about the challenges facing the 7th District and sincere in her commitment to deal with those challenges.
All the Democratic candidates for the 7th congressional district spoke at the Downtown Democrats meeting on March 5th. It was a great opportunity to hear from the entire field and I have to say that all six candidates made good points. I'm not sure who I would vote for if I lived in AL-07. For the rest of the week we'll be posting video of each of the six Democrats in this race, in this order:
Second in our series is Terri Sewell, a Selma native, graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School and one of the only black public finance lawyers in Alabama. Ms. Sewell came back home to "work on behalf of our community to make sure that others have that same opportunity." Heaven knows, the 7th CD has long been a place where opportunity seldom knocks!
Selected quotes in italics:
"I'm running for Congress for one simple reason and that is to create opportunities and restore hope to the 7th congressional district."
"What I mean by that is rolling up my sleeves each and every day and making sure in Congress that I work, I work hard to actually bring back jobs to Alabama, I work hard to put businesses hiring again and I work hard on your behalf. It's critically important that we have someone in Congress who's a fighter, who will fight for the rights of all in the 7th congressional district, not just some."
"I came from a family of preachers, teachers and farmers who told me that the values of faith and hard work, personal responsibility and community service were the values that I should instill and move forward."
"With the help of scholarships and the Grace of God, and a whole bunch of loans, I got a chance to go to Princeton and Harvard Law School. The challenge with the 7th congressional district is that others have that same opportunity. I came back home so that I could work on behalf of our community to make sure that others have that same opportunity. And if given a chance in Congress, I will continue to work on behalf of all of the 7th congressional district."
"I'm asking for your vote because I know that I'm the candidate that can unite this whole district -- black and white, urban and rural, young and old -- behind our common vision and our shared concern. And that is that we deserve better in the 7th congressional district. We deserve better opportunities to attract industries. And we deserve better education for our children so that they can reach their God-given potential. We have to find jobs. We deserve better opportunities with health care. It should not be that the quality of the health care that you receive is dependent upon your zip code. But that is true. In 2010 in America, and in Alabama, and it's unacceptable."
"I understand what the issues are ... it's about job creation, it's the number one issue."
"I have been working ... as a finance attorney working on behalf of local authorities and helping local governments attract industries. Putting together public and private partnerships that actually attract industries which create jobs. I'm very proud of my representation of local water authorities in rural Alabama ..."
"I believe that I have the passion, the drive, the intellect, the desire, to represent the 7th congressional district. I will roll up my sleeves each and every day beause I was raised a fighter, I am a fighter and I will fight on behalf of the 7th congressional district."
"Education I believe is the best economic plan ever devised - a good education."
Sewell used her father's medical situation to illustrate the complexity of the Medicare system and the need to reduce inefficiencies and simplify the health care system.
"I will go to Congress and make sure that health care gets passed. A comprehensive health care legislation that includes a public option. It's critically important for all of this district. And do know that I will fight for that."
"We need someone who will zealously advocate on behalf of all of us. I am that person. We need leadership that's ethical. We need leadership that understands fiscal responsiblity and accountability. We need leadership that will listen."
Patricia Evans Mokolo was the surprise of the day at the Downtown Democrats' lunch in Birmingham last Friday. She was virtually unknown to me, but arrived early with a couple of her staff (it's a true grassroots campaign so they may constitute her entire staff) so I was able to speak with her one on one for a few minutes. She's a very passionate advocate for lifting people out of poverty and improving conditions in the 7th District which contains some of the poorest communities in this state and the highest unemployment rates. Mokolo is also very articulate and gave an excellent speech. Because she is a political newcomer, I didn't expect a great speech, but she surprised me.
All the Democratic candidates for the 7th congressional district spoke at the Downtown Democrats meeting on March 5th. It was a great opportunity to hear from the entire field and I have to say that all six candidates made good points and I'm not sure who I would vote for if I lived in AL-07. For the rest of the week we'll be posting video of each of the six Democrats in this race, in this order:
Patricia Evans Mokolo (below)
Terri Sewell
Earl Hilliard, Jr.
Shelia Smoot
Eddison Walters
Martha Bozeman
First up is Patricia Evans Mokolo, a Tuscaloosa native, Air Force veteran and former Obama field organizer who believes "Alabama needs a corruption-free leader in government."
Selected quotes in italics:
"This is the land of opportunity."
"My presence today is one that is unlikely to some and unexpected by others. Only in district 7 is my story born."
"I am a descendent of those who came before me from Greene County, Alabama where my mother's mother, my grandmother Maxine McCain, was born."
Mokolo told a her family's story, one of generational poverty, people living without electricity, running water, no indoor plumbing, health care -- a story all too common in Alabama and especially the 7th district.
"I know poverty firsthand. I have had a conversation with poverty most of my adult life."
"Some have a desire to work hard but can't because unemployment in America affects 18 million people. In Alabama's unemployment rate is 11%. It is even more prevalent in District 7 ..."
"We need to give companies incentives to keep jobs here in America. We need to create jobs by giving tax incentives to small businesses who hire employees at a higher rate than minimum wage."
"The truth is, my mother discovered long ago that there are really two Americas. In one America someone is complaining that they may not have enough to shop at Macy's while the other is debating whether to pay the electric bill or keep food on the table."
"In one America someone is travelling less, preserving their transportation cost while the other is having his car reposessed."
"In one America someone is living above the law while the others have to play by the rules."
"In one America mortgage companies are modifying home loans while the other is grieving home foreclosure."
"In one America someone can be seen by a doctor while the other is being denied care because of pre-existing conditions."
"We have work to do. Just as my mother rose above her circumstances, she also taught me to rise. So I'm saing today to District 7, it is time to rise. Now is the time to rise above our obscure conditions."
"I say it is time to eradicate poverty. Every person who wants to work should have the right to a job. And not only have a right to a job but the right to a decent, liveable wage. The right to equal pay for equal or comparable work. Thanks to Congress last night, for passing the Jobs Bill. Not only that, the right to adequate health care. It is an intimate, yet interconnected issue."
"I state to Democrats, when I'm elected to the office of Congress representing District 7, I won't treat it as if I'm being rewarded for service, it will be my calling to move this district forward out of the conditions by putting common sense into practice."
"It's time for our leaders to live up to a new standard, take the mask off and be true leaders as we were called to be. It's time to elect Patricia Evans Mokolo ..."
(Last chance to make your reservations ... - promoted by mooncat)
For those interested in learning more about the candidates running in Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I highly recommend the next Downtown Democrats meeting in Birmingham on Friday, March 5.
THE DOWNTOWN DEMOCRATIC CLUB -- MARCH MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT
Friday, March 5, 2010
The Harbert Center, 2019 4th Avenue North, Birmingham
Lunch served @ 12:00 (cost $15.00)
*** We will be back on the 3rd Floor for this meeting ***
Please arrive a little early so that we can get started on time!
Now let’s tackle the . . .
UNITED STATES CONGRESS
Please join us in welcoming the candidates hoping to be the next person to represent the Seventh Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. As with our last meeting, there will be several candidates speaking so therefore please take your seats as soon as possible so that we can afford each candidate as much time as our meeting will allow.
Update: We have now confirmed all of the Democratic Seventh Congressional District Candidates for our March meeting:
PLEASE RSVP by emailing downtowndems@gmail.com or by calling Judy at 822-8416. Please do this as soon as possible because we are again expecting a large crowd and need an accurate count for lunch.
Another big endorsement for Earl Hilliard, Jr. as he seeks the AL-07 congresssional seat. ALFA is definitely not a progressive institution, but they're a major player in state politics and will undoubtedly help Hilliard with fundraising.
State representative and candidate for the Congressional 7th District Earl Hilliard, Jr.will hold a press conference with several members of the Alabama Farmers Federation as well as several farmers from the Birmingham area.
The press briefing is today, February 22nd at 10:00 AM at the Jefferson County Truck Growers Association and Alabama Farmers Market, located at 344 Finley Avenue West.
Rep. Hilliard said he is looking forward to speaking with hardworking farmers from the 7th district. “The farmers of this district play a key role in putting food on many Alabamians’ tables, while also benefiting our local economies. I’m excited about listening to their concerns and hopes for the future, as well as talking about what I plan to do in Congress to help them achieve their goals.”
The Professional Fire Fighters of Alabama and the Birmingham Fire Fighters Association, Local 117 endorsed State Representative Earl Hilliard, Jr. in the race for Alabama’s 7th Congressional District.
In making the endorsement, Dale Wyatt, the State President of the Professional Fire Fighters of Alabama stated that “our organization has a strong working relationship with Representative Hilliard and we know he understands the issues concerning our union in Alabama. We’ve enjoyed working with him in Montgomery and look forward to being able to call on him in Washington.”
“The Professional Fire Fighters play a tremendously important role in our communities and I have always enjoyed working to ensure that they are protected with the necessary equipment, resources, and legislation to allow them to safely protect our families and serve our communities. It is an honor and a pleasure for me to have their trust and support,” stated Rep. Hilliard.
The Selma Times-Journal has a nice write up of Terri Sewell's formal campaign kick-off yesterday. I looked for a photo on Sewell's website or Facebook page but couldn't find one. They need to update those social media sites regularly.
“Job creation is the No. 1 issue,” Sewell told the crowd of about 75 who gathered at the Carl Morgan Convention Center to hear her speak.
Many of the people who attended know the 20-plus unemployment figures for Dallas County. They agree.
Sewell told them of her experience as an attorney, working public and private partnerships to improve infrastructure in the state. The work on infrastructure creates jobs. This experience Sewell promises to take to Congress if elected.
Jobs will be a big issue for voters across the nation this year, and especially so in a district like AL-07 where most counties now top 15% unemployment.
A souce sends recent polling by Anzalone-Liszt on Artur Davis' popularity with Democratic voters in the 7th congressional district. The poll was in the field Jan. 24-28th.
79% of those surveyed have a favorable opinion of Davis. 13% have an unfavorable opinion of Davis.
So much for the "Democrats in Artur Davis' own district don't like him" meme. But wait, there's more. Check out the racial breakdown:
Among white Democrats:
70% have a favorable opinion of Davis. 25% have an unfavorable opinion of Davis.
Among African-American Democrats:
83% have a favorable opinion of Davis. 8% have a negative opinion of Davis.
That's a fav/unfav spread of +66 for Davis in his home district, among the voters who know him best, and the spread is still +45 among white voters only. That's damned popular!
Some of us may know "the way Alabama is" but apparently white Democrats in the 7th CD didn't get the memo that Davis is supposed to be posting Obama-like numbers with them. He's very popular with all Democrats in the most Democratic region of the state. If Davis can translate a chunk of this popularity with voters who know him to voters in the rest of the state, he's on track to be the Democratic nominee and maybe Alabama's next governor. Could that be the reason he's been criss-crossing the state for over a year, talking to all kinds of groups, letting them see for themselves who he is and the way Alabama can be.
This time it's Emily's List endorsing Sewell in her effort to become the first female member of Congress from Alabama
"As a successful attorney and community leader, Terri has dedicated herself to making life better for all Alabamians. At her law firm, she worked with Alabama’s historically black colleges and universities to finance campus improvements," EMILY’s List president Stephanie Schriock said in a statement. "As a candidate, she’s focused her campaign on economic development that will create jobs and opportunity for hard-working Alabama families. Those are the qualities that will set her apart in this crowded field of candidates in the June Democratic primary."
Emily's List hasn't done a great job of picking candidates in the recent past -- or perhaps I should say they haven't done a great job of advising their candidates and helping them win. No question this endorsement brings money and resources to Sewell's campaign, though. They need to use both wisely.
We are having some real interesting discussions about AL-07. Great diaries about what the Hilliard and Sewell campaigns have been doing. As a Smoot for Congress supporter I would like to share a couple of links about this campaign.
Shelia at this point may be in third in monetary support but she has certainly been visible in the ground throughout the district. Here a couple links about her visits to Demopolis.
"We have built senior citizens centers under my leadership, community centers, new housing. We brought jobs. We've got our third data operations center going in at one of our parks, and we just got Home Depot."
Smoot said that this region of Alabama should focus on bringing in jobs that fit its area, dealing with agriculture and the waterways.
"First, we've got to have an action plan, not a piecemeal plan," she said. "Secondly, we have got to explore those jobs that we think are not attainable: 'green' jobs, technology, biotech, agribusiness and aquabusiness. You've got all the water, you've got all the trees, the soil. You can create a model that brings in jobs around those very resources."
2009 was a great fundraising year for Terri Sewell. She has led the field all year long and, although Earl Hilliard Jr. outraised her slightly in the 4th quarter, Sewell maintains a significant lead in cash on hand. She reported contributions of right at $100K in the last 3 months of 2009, expenses of $79K (a new and much improved website, among other things) and a whopping $339K cash on hand. From the campaign:
Democrat Terri A. Sewell, candidate for Artur Davis’ open seat in Congress, continues her historic run for Congress reporting raising over $500,000 in 2009. Terri Sewell continues to break every fundraising record for her race and has raised more in an off year than any women ever to run for the House of Representatives in Alabama.For 2009, Sewell reported contributions from over 1,000 people with 97% of those contributions coming from individuals.
A review of the 2009 Year End reports for the race show that Sewell has raised more than all the other candidates in the field combined and currently has a better than 3.5 to 1 COH advantage over her opponents combined totals.
“I am honored by the incredible amount of support we have received from people of all walks of life. It is humbling to see how excited these folks and many others across the district are about our campaign and the opportunity that we have to make a difference for the families of West Alabama by working with President Obama to create new jobs, improve healthcare, and reinvest in our schools.”
And it's a big improvement on her old website which was, honestly, little more than a placeholder. This one has a better candidate bio, honest to gosh "issues" ("Job Creation" is at the top!) pages, links to social media, press releases, the obligatory "contribute" button and also a button to "endorse." That one allows supporters to share their reasons for backing Ms. Sewell. It's a feature we need to see more often on candidate websites. One nit: the old web address should automatically redirect visitors to the new one.
In a statement, Terri Sewell said, “Our campaign is working night and day to reach every voter we can in the 7th Congressional District. This website allows us a wonderful opportunity to connect with these voters, let them know where I stand on the issues that matter most to them and further build on our grassroots effort.”
Up until now Shelia Smoot has had the best looking and most useful website in this race -- and there was no other worthy of honorable mention. Sewell now takes "best website" honors in AL-07, at least until the other candidates also update their web presence.
I was at a table all day handing out County Chair packets, so I didn't get to take many photos of the SDEC meeting or much afterwards - but I wanted to share what photos I did take! It was a very fun and exciting day -- and a bit overwhelming for me, personally. Not having been much involved in Alabama politics before I left, it was very fun to see so many Alabama Democrats in a room together.
Campaign season has "officially" begun! It's going to be a difficult but thrilling year, and I for one am certainly looking forward to it.
As a reminder, qualifying will close on April 2 at 5:00 PM. More information about the qualifying processes can be found here. Like mooncat, I encourage you to run for your county executive committee or SDEC in your district - I'm thinking about it and I know gradyw is running in his district too. Turn it out, LiA!
Former Selma mayor James Perkins ended his congressional campaign in Alabama's 7th district yesterday. Seven Democrats were vying for the open seat created by Rep. Artur Davis' decision to run for governor instead of re-election next year. Perkins cited a hip injury that would make a vigorous campaign difficult if not impossible. Kristopher at TWAY suggests other factors probably played a role as well:
Likely, the crowded field and deep fundraising deficit he was facing in the race led him to believe this was not going to be a smart race to continue.
In response to Perkins' withdrawal, AL-07 rival Terri A. Sewell said, "Mayor Perkins is held in high regard in Selma and throughout the 7th District. He, and his family, will be in my prayers as he continues the healing process. I'm sure I speak for many when I say that I hope Mayor Perkins will remain active in public life."
1. Vote gainst the political leanings of their district,
2. Vote gainst key Democratic party legislation, and
3. Be less valuable than a Republican in the same seat.
(Hat tip to Kristopher from The World Around You - I spotted this gem from 538 in Kris' twitter stream.)
Nate Silver explains the last point:
On the other end of the spectrum are a handful of Democrats who have negative scores. They vote with their party less often than a generic congressman from their district would, even without guaranteeing that the generic congressman is a Democrat.
In other words, these are people who potentially deserve a primary challenge -- on average, dumping them would leave the Democrats better off, even if there's some chance that they'd be replaced by a Republican.
Now, I'm not particularly inclined to agree that any Republican would be more valuable than a Democrat in Bobby Bright's seat -- largely because my personal disagreement with his votes clashes with what I consider valuable pro-Dem PR in my district. I like to think that Rep. Bright, in all his niceness, is doing his small part to convince people Congressional liberals aren't all small-minded filthy heathen baby-killers, and that's always a positive. One must take small victories where zie can.
In Griffith and Davis' seats, I find Silver's argument holds a smidge less water - I can't imagine that someone who isn't Parker Griffith in that seat would vote against the Dems as consistently as he did. I also imagine that Davis' gubernatorial bid has a lot to do with his votes this year, and his successor will be a little more friendly to the best interests of the district.
In terms of numbers, I think Artur Davis' ranking on Silver's chart is the most fascinating -- Silver puts the district as D+18, and Rep. Davis' voting record this year is a stark contrast to what would generally be considered the (admittedly, Congressional) political security of falling in line with the Democrats on even some, if not all, of this session's major issues in a district that swung that far to the Democrats.
So while you are recovering from your festivities of choice today, think it over, and let me know: what say you?
Also: if you want to help send "more valuable" Alabama Reps to Congress next year, don't forget to donate to AL-03's Josh Segall and this adorable pooch, the Send Parker Griffith Home fund, and the Democratic primary candidate of your choice in AL-07 - check the list in the sidebar. And maybe the state party too? I volunteer there, so.
Alabama State Council of Machinists President, Larry Keel (2nd from left), presents Rep. Hilliard (center) with a letter of statewide endorsement.
The Alabama State Council of Machinists and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) formally endorsed Earl Hilliard, Jr. in the 7th Congressional District race at a holiday dinner Tuesday evening.
Larry Keel, President of the Alabama State Council, said “Rep. Hilliard has impressed us with his forthright demeanor and common sense approach to addressing some of the greatest problems facing our society in today’s day and age. We are pleased that he was able to join us tonight and look forward to helping elect him to Congress.”
The Alabama State Council of Machinists represents approximately 6,000 members statewide in the Aerospace, Automotive, and Transportation industries. Their members perform functions related to construction and servicing of commercial and military airplanes, aircraft engines, missiles and rockets, aerospace electronic gear, satellites and space vehicles, and automobiles. Wow! Someone should tell Sen. Patty Murray (D, WA) we have thousands of skilled, union workers like these building things in Alabama!
Rep. Hilliard referenced the complex issues affecting trade and industry in America, stating, “In an increasingly competitive global economy there is no shortage of threats to local job security. The Machinists Union represents employees of some of the most vital industries in Alabama, and I am honored to say thanks. These hard working men and women have helped Alabama and America maintain a top position in the world when it comes to the technical trades.”
Rep. Earl Hilliard, Jr. (D, HD-60) met with U.S. Trade Ambassador Ron Kirk at the National Conference of State Legislatures' Fall Forum last week. Hilliard, who is also running for Congress in Alabama's 7th district, is the vice chair of the NCSL’s Labor and Economic Development Committee. He and other Committee members outlined state priorities to boost jobs through increased trade. Ambassador Kirk said his goal is to increase market access for America’s farmers and other businesses and to establish relationships with potential new trading partners.
“Ninety-five percent of U.S. exports are from small businesses, but that’s less than one percent of small businesses in the nation,” said Rep. Hilliard. “Ambassador Kirk wants states to get more small business to export their products because they are the ones that drive business in this country. State legislators need to be engaged in that process.”
Although the two men agreed on the need to increase international trade, differences emerged when the subject turned to football. Rep. Hilliard predicted Alabama will beat Texas by 20 points in the BCS Championship Game-- Kirk, a Texan, made no predictions, but pointed out Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy hails from Texas.
State Representative Earl Hilliard, Jr. briefly addressed the crowd at the Over the Mountain Democrats candidate forum on August 21.
He discussed his accomplishments as a state legislator representing Alabama House District 60 and explained what his prioirities would be as a Congressman representing AL-07.
Rep. Hilliard impressed me with his focus on issues and solid record of accomplishments after only 3 years as a state legislator. The video and a partial transcript of his speech is on the flip.
Most of the AL-07 candidates were at the OTM forum and we're posting the video/transcripts in alphabetical order. (Martha Bozeman's speech is here.)
Note: There's a huge amount of state and national interest in this race. Mooncat's been getting requests for information and answering questions about the race during interviews.
Please, if you have a favorite candidate in this race, do a profile on him/her. Go to an event and take some photos and video. We want LIA to be "the" place to get information during the primary.
The Professional Fire Fighters of Alabama and the Birmingham Fire Fighters Association, Local 117 endorsed State Representative Earl Hilliard, Jr. in the race for Alabama’s 7th Congressional District. 
Rep. Earl Hilliard, Jr. (D, HD-60) met with U.S. Trade Ambassador Ron Kirk at the 
He discussed his accomplishments as a state legislator representing Alabama House District 60 and explained what his prioirities would be as a Congressman representing AL-07.
