Posted on 03/01/2006 11:59:43 AM PST by commish
When the votes were counted in the House District 31 special election Tuesday night, it wasn't even close.
Republican Barry Mask was the winner by far. Mask took 4,269 votes compared to democrat Bobby Payne's 2,981 votes. That's 59% to 41%.
In the portion of Coosa County that falls in the 31st district, Payne beat Mask with 67% of the vote. But in Elmore County, Mask won the county by 69%. Payne is longtime mayor of Tallasee, which is part of Elmore County.
When Barry Mask walked into the Elmore County courthouse his supporters went wild. And they stayed excited all evening, dancing and singing. They even called themselves the Barryettes.
Moments after winning, Mask told WSFA 12 news, "I thought this would be a tough campaign, but really and truly, it wasn't that bad. Pretty much everything they threw at us we knew they were going to. It's the only type of campaign they know how to run."
Democrat Bobby Payne was disappointed with the outcome, but said he enjoyed the campaign. His family and close friends surrounded the Tallassee mayor at his home as he watched the returns come across the screen on WSFA 12.
It was an emotional and intense night at the Payne house. Although he lost, Payne says he'll go back to serving the city of Tallassee on Wednesday.
House district 31 was previously represented by the late Jack Venable. Venable's, Ben, was at Payne's house Tuesday night. While he supported Payne, he says its the peoples' decision and his father would be happy with whomever the people chose.
Bobby Payne has two years left in his term as mayor of Tallassee. No word on whether he'll consider qualifying again and running for the house seat in the June primary.
The Dems also invested heavily in this race, this is a long time held Dem seat, and to lose it would be a huge blow to them. This race even had visibility at the national party level.
The Republicans not only took the seat, but won it in a landslide. This is a huge boost to Riley, and a serious blow to the Dems. It brings into question not only thier ability to win anything statewide, but thier ability to hold onto control of the legislature.
Riley was rightly ripped for his illfated Tax increase referendum 3 years ago, but when that went up he said "we will let the people decide. If they support this increase we go forward, if they vote it down then we have to reign in spending and get smarter at the state level."
To that end, Riley has kept his word, he has cut what he can, and what the legislature would let him, and is now leading a charge for tax cuts (in an election year though so take your grain of salt).
Bottom line though, this result shows a strength that many wondered if Riley would have, and it shows a huge Democrat vulnerability in November.
Is Judge Moore still running for the GOP gubernatorial nomination?
As far as I know he is.
Did the 10 Commandments Judge campaign for his guy in the district?
Moore will get some discussion going that needs to get going during the primary campaign, but he is so far behind Riley in the polls right now that the June election is really a forgone conclusion.
Also, the Dems running for the Nomination are eating each other alive and dropping like flies. The two that may still be standing Don seigelman (believe it or not) and Lucy Baxley both trail Riley by 10-15 points in current polls.
The Dems one hope is that Moore runs a totally vicious campaign against Riley and wounds him. That is thier only hope in November now. Unfortunately there is a very vocal minority in our party that want Moore to do just that, and it is still possible the Dems may get thier wish.
< \D.N.C. & LameStream Media mode>
Roy Moore is done. Thank God! If he'd stay out of the way Republicans might could win the Legislature in a few more election cycles.
The 10 Commandements Judge may the best thing to happen to Riley. After Riley tried that failed tax increase, the business community was fuming mad at him. Then came Roy Moore acting as "God's holy knight". Polls in early 2005 showed Riley losing to Moore. The 10 Commandments Judge's actions may have caused the business community to forgive Riley and rally around him. Last I heard, Moore is having trouble raising funds. Although there is an anti-gay marriage amendment vote in the primary, I think Riley is still going to smash Moore. Riley only needs to remind GOP voters that Moore supported the filibuster against Judge William Pryor.
"Roy Moore is done. Thank God!"
Riley plays the crowd. After trying to raise taxes,now he wants to give tax money back to us..Is it about election time,or what..Can't trust a man like that.I'll vote against the fella..
Fantastic news. There has been a lot of talk of polls in the old media. Elections are the only polls that count and Republicans rule.
Polls say otherwise. In the last 3 weeks riley has widened his lead over Baxley from 47-40 to 53-37 according to Rasmussen.
February 8, 2006--Governor Bob Riley (R) holds single digit leads over two Democrats who want his job. The latest Rasmussen Reports election poll in Alabama shows Riley leading Lt. Governor Lucy Baxley (D) 47% to 40%.
Baxley is considered the favorite to win the Democratic nomination. However, Riley is also being challenged by the man he beat four years ago, Don Siegelman. In that re-match, Riley has a nine point advantage, 49% to 40%.
February 27, 2006--Alabama Governor Bob Riley (R) holds a 16-point lead over Lt. Governor Lucy Baxley (D) and has moved over the 50% mark in terms over voter support. The latest Rasmussen Reports election poll in Alabama shows Riley leading 53% to 37% .
Riley let the people decide. He was wrong, the people were right as usual. He admitted he was wrong, especially considering Alabama's current economy.
Riley will be the first re-elected governor since Guy Hunt.
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