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Politicos Gearing Up in Alabama’s 2nd District

November 26, 2007 — Since US Rep. Terry Everett (R) announced that he will retire at the end of his current term, his eighth, interest in running for his seat has been high, especially among Republicans. Three GOPers have announced, Montgomery-area state Reps. David Grimes and Jay Love, and from the Dothan area, three-term state Sen. Harri Anne Smith (R).

The -- admittedly early -- favorite is Smith, 45, the sole candidate from the Wiregrass, the region in Southeast Alabama in and around Houston County (Dothan) that is named for the stiff grass flourishes there. It is the largest cohesive area in the district and probably accounts for some 40% or more of the electorate. Traditionally, the business and political establishment of this rural and small-town region have dominated the district’s elections. Everett, for example, was a newspaper publisher in Dothan, though little known elsewhere, when he was elected in 1992. Before she announced, Smith, a three-term state senator, former mayor and a banker, commissioned a poll which showed her first with 24% in a field of five potential contenders; 44% were undecided.

Smith also might benefit from being a woman in an all-male field. If she is elected, however, Smith will be the first woman on Alabama’s congressional delegation since Maryon Allen, widow of US Sen. James Allen (D), was defeated in 1978, which suggests there may be a political down-side to her gender. In her announcement, Smith stressed winning the war in Iraq, helping farmers with drought relief, and encouraging industrial development.

Grimes and Love are both from the Montgomery area and are likely to divide that area’s vote. The Republican insider says both “are good guys, but Love is working the hardest, meeting with legislators and raising money.” Nevertheless, geography is likely to work against the Montgomery lawmakers. State Rep. Barry Mask (R), recently elected to his first full term in the state House from the Montgomery area, has taken himself out of the running. 

A number of other GOPers have been mentioned, including former Christian Coalition leader John Giles, who helped spearhead opposition to a 2004 amendment removing pro-segregation provisions from the state constitution (on the grounds that the amendment’s language could cause court-imposed school tax increases); businessman Tim James, son of a former governor and a past gubernatorial candidate; and businessman David Woods. It remains to be seen whether these or others will run. The Republican filing period begins January 4, 2008, and ends April 4.

On the Democratic side, William Boyd, a candidate for mayor of Montgomery, has announced. Other Democratic possibilities include state Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks, state Sen. Jimmy Holley and state Rep. Terry Spicer. Some Democrats hope to persuade Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright, currently an independent, to enter the race. Bright has publicly expressed interest in the contest, but has not indicated whether he would run as a Democrat or a Republican. The Democratic filing period extends from March 1 to April 4.

This is a heavily Republican district -- President Bush carried it with 67% in 2004 and it’s 67% white. Talk that Democrats in the legislature would attempt a late redistricting to make the district more competitive has come to naught. Everett, who has some $834,000 on hand, has said he will provide some of it to the Republican nominee in the race to succeed him.

The party primaries will be held on June 3 and the General Election on November 4. Likely Republican.