Tag: Ron Sparks

Hot on the heels of Jim Folsom’s announcement that he’ll run for another term as Lt. Gov., term-limited Ag Comm’r Ron Sparks looks like he’ll be running for the open governor’s seat:

State Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks said Wednesday he plans to hold a series of press conferences that will conclude in Fort Payne on Friday to announce his campaign plans for 2010. …

Sparks indicated Wednesday afternoon his plans are to run against Congressman Artur Davis for governor. Davis is the only Democrat who has declared a run for the top state seat so far.

“I will not run against Jim Folsom,” said Sparks, who would not elaborate on his statement.

Assuming Sparks does take the plunge (as looks likely), this sets up what could be a very contentious primary with Rep. Artur Davis. One of the reasons Sparks sat out a race against Sen. Jeff Sessions last cycle was to avoid precisely this kind of internecine battle – state Sen. Vivian Figures insisted on making what turned out to be a rather quixotic run. So I’m not sure why he’d want to get into the mix now, especially with a much more formidable opponent.

Sparks lives in AL-03, and as a several folks have suggested, it could be fertile territory for another Democratic challenge. But seeing as Sparks is holding four different press conferences around the state to announce his next move, that’s not in the cards.

Hot off the wire:

Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom Jr. today said he would seek re-election as lieutenant governor in 2010 and will not run for the Democratic nomination for governor.

“I want to continue to serve in a position of influence at this critical time,” Folsom said. “I will seek re-election as lieutenant governor.”

Folsom was expected by many to make a bid for Governor — including Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks, who himself was expected to announce his candidacy for Folsom’s Lt. Governor job this Friday. Since a Sparks-Folsom primary would be inconceivable, will Sparks change gears and run in a primary against Artur Davis for Governor? That would be a pretty tough fight for Sparks (and I’m sure he knows it), so who knows where he’ll end up in 2010.

It seems that SSP hero and Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries Ron Sparks has made up his mind on his 2010 plans — and it’ll be a run for Lt. Governor. From Doc’s Political Parlor:

Those close to state Agricultural Commissioner Ron Sparks hear that he is planning to announce next week his intention to run for Lt. Governor in 2010. One version of the story is that Sparks and current Lt. Governor Jim Folsom have discussed their plans for 2010 so as not to be competing in the same Democratic primaries.

So where does this leave Jim Folsom, the current Lt. Governor? Either retiring or making a run for the top job against Artur Davis in the Democratic primary.

Looks like we can soon dust off those Sparksmania stickers…

Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks is moving closer to a decision on which statewide office he’ll seek in 2010.

Sparks, a Democrat, said he has narrowed his options to the races for governor or lieutenant governor. He said he plans to announce his choice by mid-March.

“If I could run for ag commissioner again, I’d do it,” said Sparks, who is term-limited from running for re-election to that post. “But I do have a desire to continue serving the people of this state.”

Sparks apparently won’t wait on Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom to tip his hand. Folsom, also a Democrat, is expected to enter the 2010 race to replace Gov. Bob Riley. U.S. Rep. Artur Davis, D-Birmingham, announced his candidacy earlier this month.

Sparks ruled out speculation that he might challenge U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Tuscaloosa, who is up for re-election in 2010. Shelby’s campaign war chest – currently at more than $13 million – and his Senate seniority give him an overwhelming advantage over any potential challengers.

Brace yourselves.

We thought we’d shake things up this week by including a caption contest in our weekly thread of open banter. So let’s see what you can come up with for this photo of state Sen. Craig Johnson (D-NY):

Have at it!

(Belated hat-tip: The Albany Project)

We thought we’d add a little flavor to our open thread this week by including a caption contest.  Let’s see what you can come up with for this recent photo taken of Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks (at left).

It’s been a long week for all of us, so let’s kick back and take a breather tonight with another caption contest.  Let’s see what you can come up with for this recent photo taken of Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks (far right):

(Bumped – promoted by James L.)

And what a week it's been. 

Update (Trent): In adddition to the usual open thread banter, we're gonna throw in a caption contest. Let's see what you guys can come up with for this photo taken today of Alabama Ag Commissioner Ron Sparks:

Disappointing news:

Democrat Ron Sparks announced Tuesday that he will not challenge Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008.

Sparks, the state agriculture commissioner, said he decided not to run after talking with state Sen. Vivian Figures of Mobile, who is running.

“I believe that the best chance Democrats have to win that seat is if we are unified and avoid a primary battle,” Sparks said in a released statement.

Sparks is the second Democrat to publicly consider a campaign before opting out; U.S. Rep. Artur Davis, D-Birmingham, announced in January he would not run for the Senate next year.

Democratic primaries in Alabama have had a history of being nasty, divisive affairs in the past two decades, and it’s understandable that Sparks wouldn’t want to face Sessions with a mortal wound delivered by an opponent–or by meddlesome Republicans.  Still, this is a profoundly disappointing development.  Sparks could have made this a real race.

Race Tracker: AL-Sen

Alabama’s Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks has been pretty busy in recent weeks.  He recently returned from a trip to Washington, DC to press for disaster relief for Alabama’s farmers.  He also managed to squeeze some time in to meet with media guru Karl Struble, who helped put together a winning media plan for Lt. Governor Jim Folsom, Jr. last year, as well as meet with DSCC staff and freshmen Senators Webb and Tester for inspiration on a possible Senate bid against Jeff Sessions.  So when can we expect a decision from Sparks either way?  According to the Huntsville Times, the answer is early July:

Sparks, a two-term Democrat from Fort Payne, also confirmed that he is considering a 2008 run for the U.S. Senate seat held by Jeff Sessions, R-Mobile. He said he has received significant encouragement in Alabama and across the country to make the run and is evaluating his chances.

Sparks, 54, said that decision-making process will be completed by early July. He said he is happy in his current job, but there is a two-term limit as commissioner and he needs to seriously consider an opportunity that may come just once in a lifetime. If he does run, the reasons include his concern about the country’s budget deficit; that 48 million Americans don’t have health insurance; high gas prices; the handling and financing of the war in Iraq; poor veterans health care; and a basic unfairness in tax policy and worker pay, Sparks said.

Now that’s what I’d call a campaign of progressive populism.

Race Tracker: AL-Sen