AL-05: Republicans Lose Top Recruit

The GOP had hoped to convince State Senator Tom Butler (D-Madison) to switch parties and run for Congress as a Republican, but sources now say he'll sit out the race. With the filing deadline falling this Friday, Republicans are left with businessman Wayne Parker, who was defeated by incumbent Bud Cramer in 1994 and 1996. Democrats are in a strong position to hold onto this open seat with State Senator Parker Griffith (D-Huntsville).

11 thoughts on “AL-05: Republicans Lose Top Recruit”

  1. … and I hardly needed to know. Almost any Democrat is better than any Repub.

    But follow that link, this ain’t half bad:

    “Bud Cramer’s shoes are very difficult to fill … I so appreciate his encouragement.”  [Griffith] praised Cramer’s independence in Washington and said he too would be an “independent voice who will stand up for our values in Washington.”

    When asked about his legislative priorities, Sen. Griffith said he is interested in healthcare (he is a retired oncologist) — particularly in assuring “universal access” to health care — [and transportation issues].”

    He had to speak respectfully of his conservative predeccesor, especially if Cramer will help his campaign in any way. And we all want “an independent voice,” heck, I don’t even wanna see Obamabots in Congress, because I think Obama may need some prodding on some issues. What “universal access” means is hard to divine, but it has to mean, ‘Not the system (or lack thereof) that we have now,’ and that’s a good start.

  2. from Toss up to Lean Democrat retention since we’ll have a state senator vs. their chronic loser businessman.  

  3. It is great to see our toughest open seat looking to be in great shape already.  Is there any word on OR-5 recruitment while we are talking about tough Dem open seats?

  4. would have been a lot more difficult to hold onto than Hooley’s seat…

    I still think we’ll be ok there…

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