Vote in the June 3 Alabama Primary

On Tuesday, June 3, Alabama voters will select candidates for various offices for the respective Democratic and Republican parties. Voters must select a party primary to be able to vote in that party primary.
For your convenience, you may obtain a sample ballot for your county.
Democratic Sample Ballots
Republican Sample Ballots
Musings from Maytown offers the following endorsements for voters seeking to vote for candidates who support constitutional restraints on government, protection of our borders, the right to life of the unborn, and who will oppose corruption in government.
Musings from Maytown has endorsed only in statewide races and only in the Republican primary. For local offices, Musings from Maytown suggests checking with conservative organizations such as the Conservative Christians of Alabama or the Alabama Republican Assembly.
Please forward this website address to voters across our state in anticipation of the June 3 primary.

For US Senate Jeff Sessions

Alabama has a tradition of strong leadership in the United States Senate. History tells us of men like John Tyler Morgan and Cotton Tom Heflin. Long time observers remember the days of Senator James B. Allen, who would tie Ted Kennedy in knots with parliamentary procedure. In the 1980s, Alabama was represented in the halls of the US Senate by Jeremiah Denton, solid conservative and former Prisoner of War in North Viet Nam.
Continuing the tradition of conservative leadership is Senator Jeff Sessions. When the McCain-Kennedy bill came to the floor, Jeff Sessions led the charge against giving amnesty to illegal aliens. The American Conservative Union scores Sessions as one of the most conservative members of the US Senate. With a record of support for taxpayers, gunowners, and the military, Sessions shines in judicial hearings as Senator Sessions goes jaw-to-jaw with Ted Kennedy and Patrick Leahy. Senator Jeff Sessions certainly deserves re-election.

Court of Criminal Appeals Place One and Two

Two positions on the Court of Criminal Appeals will be on the GOP ballot on June 3. This court reviews criminal cases passed on from lower courts. Four fine individuals are running for Place One and three fine candidates are running for Place Two. Musings from Maytown endorses the following:
Place One-- Lucie McLemore, former District Judge in Montgomery County. Judge McLemore handled over 20,000 cases on the bench, clearing a major backlog of cases in her first year in office. Judge McLemore is an outspoken conservative, a committed Christian, and a staunch supporter of the right to life.


Place Two -- Duncan Crow, Mobile attorney with broad trial experience who actually clerked for Jeff Sessions, when Sessions was US Attorney. Crow is Asst. Attorney General for the Department of Revenue for the state of Alabama and handles all criminal cases involving this department. Duncan Crow is a long-time conservative activist with a sterling reputation in the Mobile area. As a side note, Crow is Elder at Overlook Presbyterian Church where the Youth Minister is John Killian, Jr. son of the editor of Musings from Maytown. Crow is a graduate of the University of Mobile and Cumberland Law School.

For Public Service Commission President --Matt Chancey

The Alabama Public Service Commission regulates utilities in our state. This Commission has been the focus of many charges concerning undue influence by major utilities over the decisions of the Public Service Commission. Outgoing President of the PSC Jim Sullivan has held the post since 1983 and has not had opposition for re-election since 1996. Monies raised for his campaign have been used to purchase personal items for Sullivan, all without prosecution. Current member Jan Cook has also benefited from loopholes in Alabama ethics laws that allow officials to spend unused campaign funds for personal use.
The Public Service Commission needs an honest independent voice who will challenge the status quo. That individual is Matt Chancey. Matt Chancey has in-depth understanding on the proper role and limits of government. Matt Chancey will stand up to the lobbyists for the utilities as well as answer the extreme environmentalists who would penalize investment and initiative. Matt is a committed Christian and sound conservative who has worked for various conservative candidates and pro-family organizations. He is endorsed by State School Board member Betty Peters and Senator Dwight Adams,and now by Musings from Maytown. For the past few years, Matt has traveled to Africa quite often as a representative for Persecution Project Foundation, a Christian organization dealing with hunger and genocide on the African continent. Matt's wife Jennie is a published author on family life and Christian values. Matt is qualified and committed for the office of President of the Public Service Commssion. Check out Matt Chancey for PSC as well as this video for a sample of Matt's cutting edge approach to the Public Service Commission.

State Board of Education

On Tuesday, June 3 Alabama voters in three districts will nominate candidates for the Alabama State Board of Education. The State Board of Education has involved many issues on textbooks and curriculum. Of late, the hottest issues on the State Board involve Chancellor Bradley Byrne's attempts to clean out the Two Year College system.
The two incumbent Republicans have voted for reform efforts in the Two Year College system and have worked to eliminate the practice of legislators drawing salaries. The following incumbent Republicans are opposed by candidates funded by the liberal Alabama Education Association. These incumbent Republicans deserve re-election:
District 1 ( Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia Counties) Randy McKinney
Re-elect Randy McKinney

District 3 (St. Clair, Cherokee, Cleburne, Calhoun, Talladega, Shelby, Coosa, Chilton, Elmore, Autauga) Stephanie Bell. Stephanie Bell is a committed Christian who has fought hard for values in public education. Re-elect Stephanie Bell

Results of Poll on 2008 SBC Presidential Election

The Musings from Maytown poll for SBC President ended with the following results:

Frank Cox 102 (59%)

Wiley Drake 4 (2%)

Johnny Hunt 37 (21%)

Les Puryear 10 (5%)

William Wagner 4 (2%)

Avery T. Willis 14 (8%)
This poll is not scientific. However, the poll was limited to one vote per computer. Other polls on the SBC Presidential election can be found at SBC Voices and at Southern Baptist Conservatives of Tennessee

Glasgow Rangers 2008 Scottish Cup Champions !

Today, in a hard fought battle, the Glasgow Rangers defeated Queen of the South 3-2 to win the Scottish Cup Championship. This win was especially significant when one realizes that the Rangers had to play five games in the past ten days and Queen of the South had been off for almost two weeks.
The Rangers ended up in a difficult situation due to rain-outs and also, due to their success. As the Rangers progressed in the CIS Cup, the European Cup, and the Scottish Cup, the Scottish Premier League refused to extend the season to accomodate the heavy schedule. The Rangers ended up as runner-up in the European Cup to Zenit St. Petersburg (Russia)--a team with the benefit of a league who cancelled games to give time for preparation for the European Cup final. The Rangers had won fifty-one Scottish League Championships, but finished second this year, after leading the league for most of the year.

However, the record stands that the 2007-08 Glasgow Rangers won two major Cups (CIS and Scottish) and were runner-up for the Scottish Premier League and the European Cup. Consider that the Rangers have won fifty-one Scottish Premier League Championships. Truly, as the Rangers' song Follow Follow says there's not a team like the Glasgow Rangers, no not one, and there never shall be one.
Enjoy this tune about the Famous Glasgow Rangers.

2008 Election for President of the Southern Baptist Convention

The Southern Baptist Convention is the largest non-Catholic denomination in these United States. While originally a regional body, Southern Baptists are the dominant Baptist group in a majority of states. Southern Baptists sponsor over 11,000 missionaries in North America and on international fields. In recent years, Southern Baptists have won acclaim as leaders in Disaster Relief.

Almost half of seminary students in American Protestant seminaries are enrolled in one of six Southern Baptist seminaries. All SBC seminary professors must teach in accordance with the Baptist Faith and Message statement of faith, as passed at the Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in 2000.
The President of the Southern Baptist Convention appoints members of the Committee on Committees. This committee nominates a Committee on Nominations who nominate members to the boards of the various Southern Baptist entities such as the International Mission Board, the North American Mission Board, Guidestone Retirement, the six SBC Seminaries, and the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. The SBC Presidency is important in that the nature of presidential appointees will determine the direction of Southern Baptist institutions.
Below, I have listed short biographical statements of the six individuals who intend to be nominated for the office of President of the Southern Baptist Convention at the annual meeting, June 10 and 11, 2008 in Indianapolis, Indiana. While I have previously endorsed a candidate, I have sought to be fair and balanced on this website. The candidates are listed in alphabetical order. From my perspective, all of these potential nominees are godly men who believe the Bible.
Also, on the side, you will find a poll in which you can cast your vote informally for Southern Baptist Convention President. The poll should remain on this site until Saturday, May 24. This poll is confidential and anonymous. Thank you for your interest.

Frank Cox

On February 7 of this year, the beloved Evangelist Junior Hill announced that he would nominate Dr. Frank Cox, Pastor of the North Metro Baptist Church of Lawrenceville, GA as President of the Southern Baptist Convention. North Metro Baptist is a leader in evangelism among Georgia Baptists, with hundreds saved yearly. The North Metro Church gives 13% of undesignated receipts through the Cooperative Program.
Frank Cox is a graduate of Mercer University, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and received his Doctor of Ministry Degree from Luther Rice Seminary. Frank Cox has served as President of the Georgia Baptist Convention, and was a leader on the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention. Frank Cox was a leader in the conservative effort among Georgia Baptists, as evidenced by his wide support among Georgia Baptists. Dr. Cox has preached in Evangelism Conferences across America, including the annual Pastors Conference of the Southern Baptist Convention.
A few years ago, I had the privilege of preaching alongside Frank Cox in an Evangelism Conference for the Covington Baptist Association, hosted by Tommy Fountain (now in evangelism) and the Director of Missions Larry Cummings. Frank Cox is a gracious and humble man with a heart for God and a love for people. While pastor of a large church, Frank commonly preaches at small churches. For more information, check out Frank Cox

Wiley Drake

Last August 13, 2007, Robert Bosworth, member of Buena Park Baptist Church of Buena Park, CA announced that he would nominate his Pastor Wiley Drake for President of the Southern Baptist Convention. Wiley Drake is well known for his multiple motions each year and repeated appearances at the microphone during the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention. In 2006, Wiley Drake was actually elected as Second Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Wiley Drake has an active ministry with the homeless in his home area. Brother Drake is an outspoken conservative activist, having been involved in many public issues, including serving as Chaplain for the Minutemen, a group working to curb illegal immigration. Wiley Drake was the messenger who moved to boycott Disney at the 1997 Southern Baptist Convention.
Brother Wiley broadcasts daily on Crusade Radio and even broadcasts live from the floor of the Southern Baptist Convention. One year, I had the joy of Wiley interviewing me on the floor of the Convention. Check out Wiley Drake

Johnny Hunt

Dr. Johnny Hunt of the First Baptist Church of Woodstock, GA will be nominated for President of the Southern Baptist Convention by Ted Traylor of the Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola, FL. Dr. Hunt is a graduate of Gardner Webb College in NC, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Covington Theological Seminary.
A dynamic preacher, Johnny Hunt was the featured speaker of the 2006 Alabama Baptist Pastors Conference when your editor of Musings from Maytown served as President of the Pastors Conference. Pastor Hunt has served as President of the Southern Baptist Pastors Conference. Dr. Hunt is emphasizing reaching out to younger ministers as his primary goal as SBC President. Dr. Hunt's church is a leader in evangelism, with hundreds baptized yearly. Dr. Hunt preaches to over 6,000 weekly at First Baptist Church Woodstock, a church which gives 2.2% through the Cooperative Program. The Woodstock Church annually hosts the Timothy Barnabas Conference for the encouragement and ministry to Pastors. You may check out Johnny Hunt's ministry at Johnny Hunt

Les Puryear

Pastor Les Puryear of the Lewisville Baptist Church in Lewisville, NC will be nominated for President of the Southern Baptist Convention by Dr. Dwight McKissic of Texas. Brother Puryear recently organized the Small Church Conference with a grand emphasis on helping the ministries of the smaller churches in Southern Baptist life.
I know Brother Les as one who does a Hank Williams impersonation show, where Les does the Gospel songs of Hank Williams and speaks of Gospel truth. Les is a kind-hearted brother with a desire that the small churches not be left out. You can check out Les' website at Les Puryear

William Wagner

Last September, Dr. William Wagner announced that he would be nominated for President of the Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. Fuller is a graduate of the University of New Mexico, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, had a Doctor of Missiology from Fuller Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from the University of South Africa.
Dr. Wagner served as a missionary in Europe with the International Mission Board. Upon return from the mission field, Dr. Wagner taught at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary and currently serves as President of Olivet International University. In 2004, Dr.Wagner was elected Second Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention. Desiring to identify with Pastors, Dr. Wagner is now Pastor of Snyder Lane Baptist Church in Rohnert Park, California-- a small church with fifty members.
Dr. Wagner has released a ten-point plan for his term as President of the Southern Baptist Convention. You can read more of Dr. Wagner's platform and background at William Wagner

Avery T. Willis

Avery T. Willis is best known as Author of the popular study series Masterlife. Actually, Masterlife was first used on the mission field, but this discipleship training series caught fire here in the United States, as well.
Avery Willis is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, eventually earning a Th.D. degree. Dr. Willis served three churches in Oklahoma and Texas before spending fourteen years on the international mission field. Eventually, Willis served as Vice President for Overseas Operations for the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, overseeing 5,600 missionaries in 183 countries. Currently, Dr. Willis serves as Ambassador at Large for the Avery Willis Global Outreach Center at Oklahoma Baptist University.
Avery Willis and his wife Shirley now live in Bella Vista, AR where the Willis family attends Bella Vista Baptist Church, a church with 450 members giving 16% to the Cooperative Program. The Willises have five children and sixteen grandchildren.
Dr. Willis will be nominated by Dr. John Marshall of the Second Baptist Church in Springfield, MO.
For information on Avery T. Willis you may check out his website at Avery T. Willis

Hillary Should Stay in the Race

Several times in this campaign season, news commentators have declared Senator Hillary Clinton's campaign dead and have wondered why the public burial has not yet commenced. The New Hampshire primary was to be the end of her campaign, but she won New Hampshire. Super Tuesday was to be Senator Clinton's finale, yet she actually won more delegates on Super Tuesday than did the media darling, Senator Barack Obama.
The Texas and Ohio primaries were to be Senator Clinton's Waterloo, but she won those states. The Pennsylvania Primary was to seal her fate, but Senator Clinton won that race.
Senator Obama even declared that the Indiana primary would break the tie. Well, Senator Clinton won the tie breaker. The media's response? The media is continuing the call for Senator Clinton to break down.
Imagine an Alabama-Auburn game in the fourth quarter with Auburn ahead 24-21 and the news people declare that since Auburn is favored to win, that the game should be called and Auburn declared the winner. Such is as the current Democratic race for President. Neither candidate has the required number of delegates to win the nomination. Both Senator Obama and Senator Clinton have staked a claim to be the stronger candidate in the General Election. Six primaries remain.
Why should Senator Clinton remain in the race?
1) She might actually win. Granted, the mathematics favor Senator Obama, but Senator Clinton still has an actual chance to win.
2) Many Democratic primary voters reject Obama. Even with the vast majority of pundits declaring Obama as the nominee, current polling shows that Obama is still below fifty percent support among Democratic voters in their choice for a nominee. With Obama all but crowned, the coming elections in West Virginia and Kentucky greatly favor Senator Clinton. Even Oregon, supposedly an Obama state, is close.
3) The fight remains for the Democratic platform and the future of the Democratic Party. Senator Clinton's supporters are traditional Democrats, while Obama's base tends toward the far-left. In the fight for the heart and soul of the Democratic Party, Senator Clinton should stay in the fight.
4) Only six primaries remain. Those states should be considered in determining the nominee.
Well, here I go, a long-time Republican meddling in the affairs of the Democratic Party. Frankly, most Republicans would rather face Obama than Clinton, so my motive is not to help Hillary Clinton. But here's hoping she stays in the race, at least until the final primaries on Tuesday, June 3.

Time for the Glasgow Rangers to Switch Leagues

Earlier this year, some football partisans (football with the feet, not football with the hands as we play in America) in the United Kingdom advocated that the two teams who traditionally dominate the Clydesdale Bank Premier League (commonly known as the Scottish Premier League), the Glasgow Rangers and the Glasgow Celtic, should leave the Scottish Premier League and play as members of the Barclay Premier League. If this change would transpire, the Glasgow Rangers would no longer compete in the league with Aberdeen, Dundee, Motherwell, etc. but would be playing teams such as Manchester United, Chelsea (West London), Liverpool, Arsenal, etc. You can read about this prospective move here: Rangers and Celtic Could Switch Leagues
Americans are known, internationally, for nosing in the business of other countries. However, as an American who is a proven advocate for the Glasgow Rangers, I wish to advocate that the Rangers and the Glasgow Celtic enter the Barclay's Football League at the earliest opportunity. My reasons are:
1) Each year, the Rangers and the Celtic dominate the Scottish League. The Rangers have won fifty one league titles, while the Celtic have won 41. Since the beginning of this decade, the Rangers and Celtic have placed either first or second in the league every year except 2005/06 when the Edinburgh Hearts edged the Rangers for second place by one point.
2) Rangers and Celtic each draw in the 50,000 + range at football games. Many teams in the SPL will have only a few thousand. The Gretna Football Club in the SPL often has less than a thousand fans at a home game. Certainly, the support level of the Rangers and Celtic is more in line with the leading teams in the Barclay's Premier League. The vast support for the Rangers and Celtic has lifted the entire Scottish Premier League.
3) The Barclay's Premier League is often shown on ESPN-TV here in the United States. American fans of Manchester United and Chelsea have had several opportunities to watch their favorite teams. However, Scottish Premier League games are seldom shown. In fact, the European Cup championship between Zenit St. Petersburg (Russia) and the Rangers will not be shown. Yet, leading Barclay's Premier League games are shown. The Glasgow Rangers have reputable fan clubs all across the United States while the Celtic have fans in Irish pubs across our land. These fans would have more access to their favorite football clubs if these clubs were in the Barclay's Premier League.
4) While the Barclay's Premier League is primarily an English League, teams from Wales already play in the Barclay's League, so admitting Rangers and Celtic would not set new precedent by bringing in Scottish teams.
5) Most importantly--the Scottish Premier League is rife with jealousy of the Glasgow Rangers, so much so that the league has not cooperated with the Rangers. Due to the smashing success of the Glasgow Rangers in the current season, the Rangers have made the finals of both the European Cup and the Scottish Cup. This success has caused additional games to be added to the Rangers' schedule. The Rangers management has requested that the season be extended to accommodate the dense schedule the Rangers are forced to play. This coming Wednesday, May 14, as mentioned, the Rangers will be playing the Zenit Football Club from Russia for the European Cup. A win by the Rangers would bring great honor to the Scottish Premier League. But SPL officials would not even consider a delay of the May 10 Rangers game against Dundee United, while the Russian League delayed the game for Zenit that they might be rested and prepared for this historic game.
One would think that the Scottish Premier League would appreciate a team like the Glasgow Rangers who bring attention and support to the entire league. Rather, the jealousy against the dominant Rangers is hindering an opportunity to advance the entire league.

In conclusion, the Barclay's Premier League would benefit by including an historic Scottish football power such as the Rangers or a team with a strong past such as the Glasgow Celtic. The Rangers and the Celtic would benefit financially and in honor.

Thank you Dr. Dan!

Dan and Polly Ireland

On Tuesday, April 29 I had the privilege,along with eight hundred other friends, to attend a banquet at the Embassy Suites in honor of Dr. Dan Ireland on the occasion of his retirement, after thirty years leading the Alabama Ciizens Action Program, better known as ALCAP. ALCAP is an interdenominational organization that speaks to moral issues in public life. ALCAP provides educational programs to schools, civic groups, and churches on drug abuse, gambling, alcohol abuse,school violence, and other issues. ALCAP assists local groups involved in public referendums on issues such as alcohol sales, gambling, and Sunday sales of alcohol. Prior to leading ALCAP, Dr. Dan was a well-loved Pastor across our state. Dr. Dan served two years as President of the Alabama Baptist State Convention.
Dr. Dan is best known for walking the halls of the Alabama legislature to lobby our leaders on these issues. In the role of lobbyist, Dan Ireland is in constant touch with these legislators.
At the banquet in his honor, we heard tributes from leading ministers, his own family, and state leaders including Governor Riley, Lt. Governor Folsom, and State Senator Hank Erwin. But the speech that touched me the most came from Speaker of the House Seth Hammett. In his eloquent and polished manner, Speaker Hammett spoke of Dan Ireland as a lobbyist, and commented that they had been together on some issues and opponents on some issues. But then, Speaker Hammett's voice cracked as he spoke of Dan Ireland's concern for his family in times of need. Speaker Hammett spoke of the confidence that he personally holds for Dan Ireland and the appreciation for knowing that Dan Ireland prays for the Speaker's family.
Dan Ireland receiving an award from Musings from Maytown Editor John Killian


Among those who express love and appreciation for Dan Ireland are those who have consistently opposed Dan on the issues in the legislature.The Alabama Legislature has officially designated Dr. Dan as Chaplain for the Alabama Legislature. Some who fight Dan Ireland the hardest are the same ones who personally love and appreciate Dan the most. Dan Ireland has represented his cause as a man of God who speaks forthrightly against sin, but who speaks the truth in love.
May God grant good days ahead for Dan Ireland and his wonderful wife of many years, Polly. May God continue to bless the efforts of ALCAP under the leadership of Dr. Joe Godfrey. By the way, you may wish to look at ALCAP's website at ALCAP

Jeremiah Wright vs. Martin Luther King

Unless you have lived under a rock for the past few weeks, you have heard the rantings of Jeremiah Wright, Pastor to Presidential candidate Barack Obama. If Obama fares poorly in today's primaries, you will have to chalk the losses up to the negative impact of the pubicity surrounding Jeremiah Wright. If Obama scores well, we will know that the Senator has overcome the negative publicity concerning Jeremiah Wright.
Jeremiah Wright is absolutely the wittiest, most entertaining speaker on the circuit today. If black America follows Jeremiah Wright, this support will be a stark contrast to the support given to Dr. Martin Luther King.
King built an entire movement on breaking down barriers, on urging that Americans judge not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.
Wright, however, builds a following by accentuating differences between the races. Put a white face behind his words, and the speaker would be called racist. Perhaps the Wright controversy will lead Americans toward a frank and earnest discussion of racial issues. Maybe we will come to place where we have separate worlds between black and white--and I contend that this would be the logical end of Wright's philosophy. Jeremiah Wright--love him or hate him, but you can't ignore him. In the aftermath of this presidential campaign, Wright will become a major spokesman for those issues which the media has tagged black concerns.
But the Wright legacy will be the accentuation, the emphasis of racial differences, unlike the legacy of Dr. King which led Americans to emphasize our commonalities.
Well, you just HAVE to listen to this excerpt from Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

Conservative Democrats for Obama

One of the most interesting aspects of the current Democratic Presidential contest is the trend of center/right Democrats to support the candidacy of Senator Barack Obama. Just last week, former Georgia Senator Sam Nunn joined with former Oklahoma Senator David Boren to endorse the candidacy of Barack Obama. Both Nunn and Boren were known as leaders for a strong national defense. Now, these men will serve as Senator Obama's advisors on National Security. Both Nunn and Boren had strong pro-gun voting records. David Boren was a strong advocate for the right-to-life when a member of the US Senate. These men are endorsing Obama.
This week, Blue Dog Democrat Congressman Baron Hill of Indiana endorsed Barack Obama in the all-important Indiana Democratic primary. Hill represents a conservative district in Southern Indiana. My college buddy, Michael Jones, is Democratic Party Chair for Congressman Hill's district. Michael Jones is a committed Christian, a Baptist Pastor, and an all-around good man. I mention that Mike Jones is the type Democrat who would lead that district. Hill's district is similar to North Alabama in culture and perspective. Yes, Congressman Hill is supporting Obama.
Two Democrats in the US Senate are known for their pro-life views. Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania was elected as a pro-lifer as was his father, former Governor Bob Casey who spoke out at the Democratic National Convention in behalf of pro-life Democrats. Senator Casey has been campaigning on behalf of Senator Obama.
Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska more often votes with Republicans, though he is a Democratic former Governor of Nebraska. Nelson has a solid pro-life record and has stood with President Bush on judicial appointments. Senator Nelson endorsed Senator Obama early in the campaign.
I note the silence of other Blue Dog Democrats such as Gene Taylor of Mississippi and Heath Shuler of North Carolina--perhaps the two most conservative Democratic members of Congress. One might wonder why center/right Democrats are not rallying to the cause of Senator Hillary Clinton. Consider that perhaps center/right Democrats are weary of heavy-handedness and high pressure. Resentment of the high-pressure Clinton tactics may be the reason that the party loyalist Super Delegates are now slowly moving to support Senator Obama.
Please understand that Musings from Maytown will not be endorsing either Senator Obama or Senator Clinton. In fact, Senator Clinton may be slightly less objectionable than Senator Obama. But, one must consider that Democrats who are less liberal than most mainline Democrats are moving to support Senator Obama's candidacy.

Conservative Landslide in Great Britain

Conservative leader David Cameron
Waking from sleep, the Conservative Party dominated municipal elections in England and Wales in the elections held Thursday, May 1. Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown is forced to retreat with some British pundits expecting Brown to step down as Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party. The Labour Party has held dominance in the United Kingdom since Tony Blair became Prime Minister in 1997. Labour PM Gordon Brown
The Conservative Party rise has come under the dynamic leadership of Tory leader David Cameron. Cameron is an idea man, a powerful speaker with a charismatic presence. Most importantly, Cameron communicated conservative ideals after the pattern of Newt Gingrich or Ronald Reagan. In fact, the Conservative landslide in England and Wales (Scotland and Northern Ireland have municipal elections on a separate occasion), reminded me of a time when Republicans talked about ideas, communicated to the average citizen, and swept elections, as when Reagan was elected in 1980 or when Newt Gingrich led in the GOP sweep of 1994.
The scope of the conservative landslide was huge:
* Conservatives netted a gain of 256 councilors and won control of an additional twelve councils.
* In a multi-party system, Conservatives won 44% of the national vote. Labour, which had been dominant, sunk to 24%, actually falling behind the Liberal Democratic Party who scored 25% of the national vote.
* Conservatives gained ground in traditional Labour controlled areas, including Wales, where the Conservative Party has had almost no representation.
London Mayor Conservative Boris Johnson
* Conservatives elected Boris Johnson as the first-ever Conservative Mayor of London, the UK's largest city. Musings from Maytown had a web link to the Boris Johnson campaign.
Conservatives won by communicating to the average Britisher that conservative principles are better for them. David Cameron appealed to the patriotism of Britishers with his challenge to Gordon Brown and the Labour Party for their votes in Parliament to ratify the European Union Treaty, without a vote of the people. This highly unpopular move would surrender national rights to an international body.
David Cameron and the Conservative Party made the case for more privitization and less government interference in the economy of Great Britain. While the UK is farther down the pike toward socialism than the United States, I am glad to see at least some move toward retreat from a statist economy.
As a lover of Northern Ireland and a supporter of British Unionism, what are the implications for sustaining the Union?
1) The Wales nationalist party, Plaid Cmyru lost ground in Wales. This is a good omen for Unionism in Wales.
2) A Labour defeat is good for Unionism in Northern Ireland for two reasons. First, the Labour Party has refused to organize in Northern Ireland, due to the sympathy with Irish nationalists. Secondly, Gordon Brown recently wrote an article in the London Telegraph making the case for Unionism in Wales, Scotland, and England. Never once did he mention Northern Ireland. Some pundits expect that the Labour government has no plans to defend the Union in the context of Northern Ireland.
What are the implications for the United States?
Actually, both Brown and Cameron are friends with the United States. I cannot help but take note that Gordon Brown recently met with Senator Obama, Senator Clinton, and Senator McCain. David Cameron of the Conservative Party met only with Senator John McCain. The Conservative Party, under Margaret Thatcher, was close to the Reagan Administration.
American Republicans should learn from this Conservative victory.
1.) Republicans have lost their distinction as the party of smaller government. Yet, standing against big government swept the country in 1980 with Reagan and 1994 with the leadership of Newt Gingrich. Even in statist England and Wales, talk about limiited government struck a chord with voters.
2.) Britishers are much more accustomed toward internationalist thinking than Americans. Yet, Britishers are alarmed that their nation will be subservient to the control of the European Union. Polls overwhelmingly display that Americans are wary of NAFTA, GATT, the North American Union, and the NAFTA highway. People define themselves with national identity and the push for internationalism will sink any American political party who will not assure voters that they will be defended as Americans.
Congratulations to the Conservative Party of the United Kingdom. My hope is that the Conservatives will win the next Parliamentary elections and that we will catch a glimpse of the traditions of Maggie Thatcher with David Cameron as Prime Minister.