Six men are running for governor of Alabama on the Republican ticket on June 1. Let’s meet these candidates for governor.

[Also: a rundown of the Democratic candidates.]

Robert Bentley

• Age: 67
• Elected to state House of Representatives in 2002
• Before that, doctor, founder of Alabama Dermatology Associates, service in Air Force. Graduated from University of Alabama.
• Campaign site
• Soundbite: “I have more experience dealing with state budgets than anyone else running.”

Video: Bentley campaign ad on “no salary” pledge.

Bradley Byrne

• Age: 55
• Elected to state Senate in 2002.
• Before that, state Board of Education, chancellor of Alabama Department of Post-Secondary Education and attorney. Graduated from Duke University and University of Alabama School of Law.
• Campaign site
• Soundbite: “When I have to educate myself about a particular issue, I like to think I have the ability to do that and then make the best decisions I can.”

Video: Byrne campaign ad on pledge not to raise taxes.

Tim James

• Age: 48
• Former business owner, including Baldwin Bridge Co. and asphalt and construction firms.
• Before that, formed and operated the Escambia County Environmental Corp. with family members. Graduated from Auburn University.
• Campaign site
• Soundbite: “I’m probably best suited to be governor in tough times.”

Video: James campaign ad on English-only driver’s license tests.

Bill Johnson

• Age: 51
• Elected Director of Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs from 2005 to 2009.
• Before that, political consultant, Birmingham city council member, owner of industrial/commercial contracting company. Graduated from Spring Hill College in Mobile.
• Campaign site
• Soundbite: “As the director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, I invested a quarter billion dollars in communities across the state, so I got to know mayors and county commissioners.”

Video: Johnson introductory statement.

Roy Moore

• Age: 63
• President of the Foundation for Moral Law in Montgomery.
• Before that, chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, Etowah County circuit judge and deputy district attorney. Graduated from U.S. Military Academy at West Point and University of Alabama School of Law.
• Campaign site
• Soundbite: “I’ve always fought the special interests. I can more closely identify with the people.”

Video: Moore campaign ad with doo wop sound.

James Potts

• Age: 60
• Financial professional
• Before that, service in the Air Force. Attended five colleges.
• Campaign site
• Soundbite: “We have beautiful golf courses. We need to take the prisoners, clean up our state parks, create hiking trails, camp sites, make it a haven for recreation.”

Video: Potts answers question asking to reveal
something voters may not know about the candidate.

Charles Taylor

• Age: 53
• Salesman for Buck Taylor Manufacturer Sales Co. in Daphne.
• Before that, graduated from Auburn University.
• Campaign site
• Soundbite: “Abortion must be stopped. It is unacceptable.”

No video available

Deciding factor: It’s a two-way race between Byrne the politician and James the businessman. James’ late momentum may send it to a runoff, but it’s Byrne’s race to win.

If you’re voting in the Republican primary, who will you vote for and why? Leave a comment.

• • •

More Vote 2010 coverage.

No great overarching message can — or should — be culled from the results of Tuesday’s state primaries. Certainly not with a turnout of 38 percent.

As 6/6/(0)6 passes into history, Alabama still stands, daring to defend its rights. Losing candidates may be temporarily shaken from their world of denial by landslide defeats, but the future is wide open. Isn’t it?

What’s left to rail against in this election in 2006, 2008 and beyond? Gays are contained, for now. The Ten Commandments and the rule of law still cohabit peacefully, though out of wedlock. And godless neo-Nazis can’t become attorney general. Maybe state treasurer, but definitely not AG.

Have Alabamians managed to avoid once and for all eternal damnation?

(more…)

The contenders: Tuesday’s state primaries offered few surprises, including the top races for governor. For Republicans, Gov. Bob Riley soundly defeated ousted judge Roy Moore, while for Democrats, Lt. Gov. Lucy Baxley knocked out six opponents, including still-on-trial former governor Don Siegelman. Both Riley and Baxley benefitted not only from solid campaigns, but the virtual self-destruction of the their main opponents. Moore seemed to offer little beyond his Ten Commandments bully pulpit, while Siegelman unsuccessfully trotted out the lottery again and blamed Riley for his current courtroom tour on corruption and racketeering charges. Turnout was slightly higher than the 2002 state primaries. Great, Nov. 7 will have a sane and likely boring campaign for governor.
• Primary results [Alabama Live]

A toast: Not surprisingly, the amendment to ban gay marriage in Alabama passed overwhelmingly. Some voters in favor of the amendment cited religion as their reason. Lowndes County, however, did approve liquor sales on Sundays. Tsk tsk. If Jesus died to keep gays from marrying, he certainly didn’t die so you could booze it up on the Sabbath. Straights can drink to victory, gays can drink to better days.
• Gay marriage ban easily approved [Montgomery Advertiser]

The last line of defense: With someone like the mayor of Alabama’s largest city, you’d want only the best protecting him, right? A Birmingham cop assigned to protect Mayor Kincaid has just returned to duty after a month off. Officer William T. Camp Jr. wasn’t on vacation: He was suspended for abandoning a dying man and four victims during a shooting at a restaurant where he provided off-duty security. Camp left to chase the suspect — without calling the paramedics or the cops. Someone please get Mayor Kincaid a panic button and a helmet that says “MAYOR.”
• Officer back on job after 30-day suspension [Birmingham News]

Also:

• Losing candidates prepare to make losing endorsements
• Voters: the vote was yesterday?!
• Only 42 shopping days until runoffs

• • •

Send us your news tips.

Bob Riley for governor
1. Not crazy, for a change.
2. When the revolution comes, the revolutionaries will be shot.
3. It’s morning in Alabama.
4. Bow before your new Korean masters.
5. The second term’s the charm.
6. Shriner, I hardly even know her.
7. Robert Renfroe Riley. Renfroe? really??
8. Made Katrina his bitch.
9. Amendment One, Riley 0.
10. Will send O.J. to Aruba to find the real killers.
(more…)