October 2017 Group Watch: News & Views from the State House
More election news and personnel moves top the news in Alabama politics this month.
- Walt Maddox Running for Governor: Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox confirmed what many have speculated for some time: He is running governor in 2018. Maddox, a Democrat who has led the state’s fifth largest city since 2005, has 319 individuals invested in his campaign. Along with Maddox, former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb is running for the Democratic nomination. On the Republican side, Governor Kay has announced plans to seek a full term. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Birmingham Evangelist Scott Dawson, state corrections officer Stacy George, state Senator Bill Hightower of Mobile, Birmingham businessman Joshua Jones and Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan are also seeking the GOP nomination.
- Republicans & Democrats Look to Fill Ross Seat: The appointment of Senator Quinton Ross to become president of Alabama State University has created a flurry of activity to fill his now vacant senate seat for District 26. Governor Ivey set the primary for Tuesday, December 12, with a runoff Tuesday, February 27, 2018, and the general election Tuesday, May 15, 2018. DJ Johnson has qualified to run as a Republican. Five Democrats qualified to run on the Democratic ticket: Deborah Anthony, Fred Bell, David Burkette, Tony Cobb and John Knight. Knight is currently serving in the House from Montgomery, and Burkette and Bell are currently serving on the Montgomery City Council.
- Buskey Retiring: Representative James Buskey of Mobile announced he will not seek re-election in 2018, thus ending a legislative career of more than 40 years. Buskey is one of the longest current serving members of the legislature, second only to Alvin Holmes of Montgomery, who has served since 1976. When Buskey’s current term ends, he will have served 42 years in the House. Members young and not so young praise his acumen and leadership.
