Campaign Crawlers
Sweet Tea for GOP in Alabama
Conservatives aim to turn state a deeper shade of red.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Don Odom stood quietly at the back of a conference room Saturday morning at the Renaissance Hotel. Tall and muscular, with a shaved head, goatee and wire-rim glasses, Odom has never been officially involved with the Alabama GOP. The truck driver from Dothan said he hadn’t been sure whether to accept an invitation to attend the state Republican Party’s annual winter gathering.
“Used to be, I’d wake up every four years and go vote, then I’d go back home and go back to sleep for four years,” Odom explained. For the past year, however, he has been politically wide awake. He recently became chairman of the Wiregrass Patriots, one of Alabama’s Tea Party groups that have turned up the heat on politicians in the state.
According to a Gallup poll released last week, Alabama is already the most conservative state in the union, but it’s not yet conservative enough for grassroots activists like Odom. While last weekend’s Tea Party convention in Nashville was making national headlines, the real political impact of the grassroots movement was evident among Republicans who gathered Friday and Saturday in Montgomery.
“People are fired up,” said state GOP executive director John Ross, adding that his party won two special elections in 2009 and has high hopes for a breakthrough in this year’s mid-terms. Those who don’t follow Alabama politics are often surprised to learn that Democrats still control the state’s legislature, Ross said.
“The legislature is their last stronghold,” he said. “We feel like this is our shot.”
In a year that has already seen Republican Scott Brown capture the Massachusetts Senate seat held for decades by Ted Kennedy, GOP hopes are high here.
“Alabama is the reddest state in the union and we’re going to make it even redder,” state party chairman Mike Hubbard declared at Friday’s Ronald Reagan dinner, which drew a record 700 attendees at $100 per plate.
Making this red state redder means making moderate “Blue Dog” Democrats an endangered species in November. The prime congressional target for Alabama’s Republicans is Rep. Bobby Bright, whose 2nd District encompasses the Wiregrass region where Odom’s group has become a force to be reckoned with, as has the Wetumpka Tea Party, led by Eric and Becky Gerritson.
The anti-establishment mood represented by the Tea Party movement is a factor in the Republican crusade to unseat Bright, who won the 2nd District seat by a narrow margin in 2008 and whose re-election race is rated a “toss-up” by the Cook Political Report.
Montgomery City Council member Martha Roby, who announced as a GOP candidate last May, was cited by Roll Call as a recruiting success story for the National Republican Congressional Committee. Roby raised $125,000 in the six weeks after she announced her candidacy, but being the handpicked choice of the national GOP establishment may prove more curse than blessing in a year when Republicans are in the midst of a populist insurgency. Many grassroots conservatives are suspicious of the party insiders who disastrously backed Dede Scozzafava last year in the New York 23rd District special election, and whose support of Charlie Crist in this year’s Florida Senate primary sparked a sharp backlash.
Montgomery businessman Rick Barber announced last month that he would also seek the Republican nomination in the 2nd District, bringing his own Tea Party activism into the campaign. A 34-year-old former Marine sergeant and pool-hall owner, Barber was among those who challenged Bright to discuss President Obama’s proposed health-care legislation in a town-hall meeting during the congressional recess last August, an invitation that Bright repeatedly declined.
“Bobby Bright doesn’t like town-hall meetings,” Barber said Saturday in his presentation to a meeting of 2nd District Republican officials, telling the story of one August confrontation. “We got a large group of senior citizens together.… About 40 or 50 of us showed up at his office one morning. Bobby Bright was there.… He snuck out the back door — didn’t even come out and acknowledge that all these seniors had showed up to voice their concern about the health-care bill. That’s not leadership.”
In addition to owning Déjà Vu Billiards in Montgomery, which has become a regular meeting place for Tea Party activists, Barber is a computer technology consultant whose business experience informs his approach to politics.
“I’m a big believer in simplicity,” he explained Saturday, while driving to Millbrook in Elmore County to shake hands at the town’s pre-Mardi Gras parade. “Confusion is the biggest barrier to making decisions.… If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it — those are things you learn in business, and those are things practiced in the military.”
Despite Bright’s claims to be conservative, the Democrat has been “voting with Nancy Pelosi 70 percent of the time,” Barber told the district Republican officials. Promising to “take a stand” and “draw a line in the sand,” Barber said “that Blue Dog label has got to go.”
About the Author
Robert Stacy McCain is co-author (with Lynn Vincent) of Donkey Cons: Sex, Crime, and Corruption in the Democratic Party (Nelson Current). He blogs at The Other McCain.
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Jack Okie| 2.9.10 @ 1:55AM
Stacy, great article! Thanks.
Tripp| 2.10.10 @ 10:54PM
Is this article inferring that Martha Roby is somehow lacking in conservative credentials? The parallel drawn between Mrs. Roby and Charlie Crist is entirely without merit- just because the "establishment" is involved doesn't mean Martha Roby is Dede Scozzofava.
keith| 2.16.10 @ 9:47AM
I can tell you this much, the wiregrass patriots are a true, down to earth, serious about loving (and saving) our country group. Don Odom is a great leader for them because he is just as sincere and real as they come. Some may disagree with the politics, but no one can disparage their sincerity nor should they underestimate the power of motivated patriots.
We love to label groups because it makes it easy to pigeonhole them, link them, criticize them etc. yet the average American realizes the "tea party" groups are exactly what this country needs right now.
Pingback| 2.9.10 @ 6:15AM
The Army of Davids: ‘All Is Proceeding As I Have Foreseen’ : The Other McCain links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Appleby| 2.9.10 @ 6:34AM
How long until the Democrats start yelling RACISM! and HATE!
Mama is from Alabama and the article does not surprise me; Greenville was a big centre of support for President Bush, and George HW came to Alabama to hunt and fish.
jacob| 2.9.10 @ 9:25PM
It's not about racism it's about selectivity, why is it that the Tea Party only identifies with the party of NO diversity. Why? Not even one blue dog pro-life, democrat. Really? They see it as a pride thing. Check out this article
http://bit.ly/charliechoco
Clears that tea party racism up thing
BMW | 2.10.10 @ 1:21AM
It's about selectivity and not racism. It's about political allegiance and i guess, wealth
Matt| 2.9.10 @ 7:22AM
Also check out what's on Walton's Wall @
http://waltonswall.com/2010/02/09/palin’s-palm-problem/
Matt| 2.9.10 @ 7:23AM
Here is where Walton's Wall is
http://waltonswall.com/2010/02/09/palin’s-palm-problem/
Margie| 2.9.10 @ 10:44AM
Is this the same Matt Morehouse that was in the other thread desparaging and insulting both Sarah Palin, myself, and one other woman poster? You are a despicable human being. You really need to get yourself a life!
wwwexler| 2.10.10 @ 12:57AM
This clown tries to disparage Sarah Palin and he double posts! Tool.
Margie| 2.9.10 @ 11:27AM
Great article, Mr. McCain!
I am encouraged to learn of even more conservatives coming forward to join the battle for the GOP.
The GOP is having great success due to conservatives like me who are fed up with the establishment politicians. The Tea Party movement is made up of people like me, and Sarah Palin. Now, there are those who do not wish for success for the Republican Party (note Matt's lame attempt, above). These are those who want a Third Party and who are determined to paint (try to) Sarah Palin in an ugly light. Which is impossible! These Liberals will NOT succeed. Although they seem to be quite determined to undermine the Republican Party and try and split the vote. Most conservative Americans want to try and restore the Republican party, not undermine it. Like Sarah says, the party's platform is right for America~ limited government, lower taxes, a strong Military, pro business and free market enterprise.
Copyleft| 2.9.10 @ 11:37AM
One small snag, Margie... as the past several administrations have proven, the Republican Party has no interest in such a platform.
Margie| 2.9.10 @ 1:11PM
Our new resident Leftist troll joins the fray. Unlike your party, the individuals who make up the Republican party are not mind-numbed Leftist robots, forever spouting the Leftist Socialist bilge. We are conservatives who are willing to fight for the liberty that comes from God and are slowly taking back the party of conservativism, vote by vote, state by state. You are irrelevant.
Dagny Taggert| 2.9.10 @ 2:38PM
Easy there, Margie. Lefty above simply points out that "limited government" wasn't exactly a practice of the last administration. And I love Sarah Palin, but I don't think she's electable for POTUS. The notes on her hand simply (again unfortunately) underscore her "haters" arguments against her intelligence. Take a look: 1) Energy 2) budget (crossed out) tax cuts 3) lift american spirits. If I was a lefty I'd be all over that. We really need to win in 2012--let's take our time picking the right candidate.
Margie| 2.9.10 @ 2:46PM
Another idiotic imbecile.
Get a life, Lefty boy.
Dagny Taggert| 2.9.10 @ 3:33PM
Lefty Boy? I voted for Scott Brown, did you? Margie, don't confuse conservatism with the Republican party--the two do part ways from time to time. And name-calling (I just ripped leftcopy on another thread) doesn't serve to elevate your arguments one iota.
I feel like I just got hit by friendly fire......
Margie| 2.9.10 @ 4:29PM
I'm thoroughly fed up with so called conservatives taking swipes at Sarah Palin. What is your complaint about her? Oh that's right. You already said it. It's about her intelligence. Or lack thereof.
Yeah, right.
Dagny Taggert| 2.10.10 @ 9:39AM
Sarah Palin is (was) great when she speaks her mind. Lately, she sounds like she's working off the RNC's talking points list. I hate to see such a new, honest, "one of us regular folks" persona get processed and coached into party pablum. That's what the DNC does with ridiculous tag lines like "tax cuts for the rich" etc., etc. Their followers end up quoting this B.S. and losing all credibility. The farther along she goes, the more she veers from what made her so amazing back in the summer of '08. McCain jumped ahead of Obama initially, but I feel she got coached by his advisors and we lost that edge. This is about ursurping power from Obama and his BAD policies. We have to have someone who can win.
Missy| 2.10.10 @ 12:52AM
Ouch!! It wasn't so friendly, Dagny!
Good one, Margie.
barryb| 2.10.10 @ 3:24AM
I like lefties getting their eyes poked out...they hate women, they hate conservatives, they hate anyone that can win if Repubs or conservatives, they troll the alleys seeking moderates to win over, McCain's party is over..he lost and we lost...moderates are losers.Conservatives win.
Pingback| 2.9.10 @ 8:52AM
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LQQKY| 2.9.10 @ 10:19AM
The National GOP is making a big mistake with the crist-child. He is ado-nothing RINO governor who is not much liked in Florida. My wife and I, as well as many in our circle of friends will be voting for Marcus Rubio in the primary election. The GOP leadership is about to learn that we the people know more than they about what we want and what is best for us. The only reason my wife and I remain registered as republicans is to vote for Rubio after which, we intend to register as Independents.
Paul A'Barge | 2.9.10 @ 10:31AM
Um, did you forget about Harold Ford Jr?
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Nick| 2.9.10 @ 1:35PM
Yeah, that Glenn Beck is a goofy doofus, who is only interested in ratings. He couldn't possibly influence American politics, could he?
Except, according to Mr. McCain's report, Mr. Beck is influencing people.
Imagine that!
tj| 2.9.10 @ 1:57PM
This gal loves Rubio.... but LQQKY if you and your wife are going to Vote for Rubio you should at least know his first name.... its MARCO
alyeska| 2.9.10 @ 2:12PM
froDays after Sarah Palin headlined the nation's first Tea Party convention, a Rasmussen Reports poll released today shows that a generic "Tea Party candidate" would come in third in a theoretical three-way congressional contest.
m the latest edition USA Today - On Politics Section:
Pingback| 2.9.10 @ 4:12PM
The American Spectator : Sweet Tea for GOP in Alabama | americantoday links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Pingback| 2.9.10 @ 4:13PM
The American Spectator : Sweet Tea for GOP in Alabama | americantoday links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Becky| 2.9.10 @ 4:46PM
The most qualified conservative candidate in the state is Robert Bentley but he won't get elected because his campaign is being run by a kid who lies everytime he opens his mouth and that is turning most of the big money dollars away from Bentley. So, now I think this thing will go to Byrne who is not even a real conservative but he does surround himself with heavy hitters.
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@thanks for sharing
http://udtekbattery.wordpress.com/
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A Vet| 2.11.10 @ 12:40AM
Mr. McCain should do a little more research. There is no such thing as a "former" Marine. Once a Marine, always a Marine!
Soljerblue| 2.11.10 @ 1:48AM
Alabama Tea Party member here, and damn proud of it!
Cathy| 2.11.10 @ 11:22AM
Robert Stacy McCain should include Constitutional Conservative in his blogs. He is running in the 5th Cong AL against ex-Dem, now RINO Parker Griffith and a local politician who aspires to greater things. GOP playing big games with this campaign. Phillip has a compelling life story, and should be given the attention he deserves, especially in light of how crooked the other two are. What about it McCain?
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Henry Butler| 2.13.10 @ 12:02AM
An interesting piece....I look forward to a more critical examination of Alabama's candidates for Governor...but let's be honest. Tim James has done very little in his life that did not depend on his father's influence and deep pockets. There is a skunk under the bridge deal that needs to be disclosed openly and I have no doubt some candidate will discuss this at an appropriate time. Yes, he did sell the bridge because he was losing his ass on it and the who and how of that will make good copy as well. As far as Riley goes, he has overstayed his welcome in Alabama and the possibility exists that he could be prosecuted for the millions he has taken from the Indian casino interests if the right people will talk. I have no dog in this fight but it would be helpful to have an unbiased review. Finally, I am hopeful that the true conservatives in this state will not blindly follow the lead of the Republican party but insist that the Republican party follow their lead. Thank you for a well-written and thoughtful site.
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Josh1492 | 2.14.10 @ 7:07PM
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David | 2.21.10 @ 5:48PM
Great article on the influence of tea parties in Alabama. I am proud of the fact that we are "the reddest state" - I always thought that was South Carolina but they have been tilting a bit left in recent years.
I'm not sure what Cathy above is referring to with her "crooked" remark. We in the 5th district are blessed with two fine conservative candidates: Les Phillip and Mo Brooks. Both of whom have been supporters and speakers at tea party events from the very start.
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Jon B| 3.12.10 @ 9:05PM
I wonder how many people here are actually aware of the fact that the Boston Tea Party was not about high taxes? The Tea Act of 1773 made Tea from the East India company so cheap that it threatened to put colonial merchants out of business. Another reason is that the Townsend program took money made from the Tea and paid some of the colonial Governor's salaries with it: Corporate control in a sense. Yet today Tea Partiers are protesting tax cuts for 95% of Americans and the rebuilding of the infrastructure Bush gutted...Amazing hypocrisy to misuse the original tea party for a purpose directly against it's intent..Amazing. The original Tea Party's fought against a foreign corporation under cutting colonial merchants, while today's Tea Partiers unknowingly fight for corporate control of our Government against their own interests.
"The protest movement that culminated with the Boston Tea Party was not a dispute about high taxes. The price of legally imported tea was actually reduced by the Tea Act of 1773."
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