Who will be Senator Obama's Vice Presidential Running Mate?

The news media is now focusing on the choice for Vice President on the Democratic ticket. Pundits may debate the effect of a Vice Presidential selection, but the public will not be able to evaluate the impact of a Vice Presidential nominee until after the November election. Consider those whom conventional wisdom is declaring the leading candidates for the Democratic nominee for Vice President.
Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana intensely popular in Indiana, a state which is close in the polls between McCain and Obama. The son of former Senator Birch Bayh, presumably, Senator Bayh would assist Obama in the crucial Midwest states. Bayh was a Clinton supporter and is considered a moderate Democrat. Prior to serving as US Senator, Bayh was Governor of Indiana, where he opposed new taxes and was generally considered a fiscal conservative. Senator Bayh might balance the ticket between the two wings of the Democratic Party and may make working class, white Democrats more comfortable with ticket.

Delaware Senator Joe Biden has served in the US Senate for over thirty years and chairs the influential Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Biden ran for President in 1988 and again in 2008. Biden's age and experience would deflect some criticism from Senator Obama. In his early career, Senator Biden was pro-life, but changed to a pro-choice position, although Biden did vote for the Partial Birth Abortion ban. Senator Biden is an outspoken critic of the Bush Administration. In his 1988 campaign for President, some integrity issues were raised. Biden's strength would tend to be among older Democrats and in the Mid-Atlantic states.
Senator Hillary Clinton from New York came close to winning the Democratic nomination for President. Certainly, a Clinton nomination for Vice President would serve to unite the party, would help win working class white voters, and would allay some fears of the Reagan Democrats, who may vote Republican, but tended to support Bill Clinton in 1992 and 1996. However, hostility between the Obama and Clinton campaigns would make this political marriage difficult.
Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine is popular in his home state which has not voted Democratic for President since 1964. Kaine is considered a populist Democrat who could campaign in Southern States. Kaine is Roman Catholic, a constituency where Obama is polling poorly. Kaine might fill the gaps for a constituency that Obama is not currently winning.


New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson has served in Congress, as UN Ambassador for the Clinton Administration, is presently serving as Governor of New Mexico and ran for President in the 2008 Democratic Primaries. While Richardson did not fare well, he did win the support of outstanding Democrat Dan Weinrib who describes Richardson as the most experienced, the candidate with the best resume. Richardson would help with Hispanic voters, in the Southwest, and his pro-second amendment record would allay fears of the Reagan Democrats.
Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is popular in normally Republican Kansas. Sebelius is strong on feminist issues and may help win back Democrats who supported Hillary Clinton. Considered a liberal on social issues, a woman nominee could bring excitement to the Obama campaign. Sebelius opposes capital punishment, opposed a state measure banning same-sex marriage, and is rated D- on fiscal issues by the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank. Gov. Sebelius is attractive, but not in the class of Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin (possible GOP VP nominee)
Please vote in the accompanying poll in the upper left hand side of the page and name your choice for Senator Obama's running mate.

Who will be John McCain's Vice Presidential running mate?

News sources are buzzing that presumed GOP nominee Senator John McCain is close to a selection of a Vice Presidential running mate. In recent days, columnist Robert Novak leaked a statement from a McCain aide that a selection was forthcoming this very week. Novak realized that this was disinformation in order to gain publicity for the McCain campaign. Leading candidates for Vice President include:
Rep. Eric Cantor Congressman from Virginia and Chief Deputy Whip for the Republicans in the US House of Representatives. Cantor is a social and fiscal conservative, an aggressive campaigner, an effective fund raiser. Cantor could help the McCain ticket in two areas: Virginia is a close state, perhaps with an edge to Obama. Congressman Cantor could help in the important state of Virginia. Also, as a Jewish conservative, Eric Cantor could help dislodge Jewish votes from the Democratic ticket. Jewish-Americans have historically trended Democratic, but polls show potential for inroads, due to mistrust of Senator Obama and his strong support from Muslim Americans.
Florida Gov. Charles Crist
Governor Crist would help in the all-important state of Florida. Crist made a crucial endorsement of McCain just days before the Florida primary. Considered a moderate, Crist does have high poll numbers in Florida. Crist is a single man, but is currently engaged. Crist receives high marks as an administrator and his age difference might help dull the McCain age factor in the election. Recent polls show McCain carrying Florida without Crist's help.
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin
Known as a strong leader in Alaska, has worked to lower taxes and is a committed pro-lifer. Prior to entering electoral politics, Palin was a beauty queen. Palin's Alaska connections would help with the issue of oil prices. Palin, a mother of five (including one with disability) is pro-life and acceptable to social conservatives. At the same time, a female on the ticket could bring excitement to the otherwise dull McCain campaign. On the positive side, Palin's age would help dull criticism of McCain as too old. On the negative side, Alaska should be safely for McCain, even without Palin on the ticket. Gov. Palin's good looks might draw much needed attention from the Obama campaign to the McCain campaign.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty Elected as a Republican Governor in a heavily Democratic state, Gov. Pawlenty pledged to erase a huge state deficit without raising taxes. Pawlenty has kept his word. Minnesota has known tremendous growth in business under Pawlenty's leadership. Gov. Pawlenty is a strong fiscal conservative. Pawlenty's relative youthfulness should balance McCain's age problems. Pawlenty is pro-life and would be acceptable to the social conservative. Even though Minnesota is a Democratic state (only state carried by Mondale in '84), McCain is polling close behind Obama in Minnesota and a Pawlenty VP pick could put Minnesota into play. Also, Pawlenty might help in the Mid West battleground states.
Rob Portman former Congressman from Ohio and currently trade representative for the Bush Administration, Rob Portman is perceived as helping balance the McCain ticket both geographically and age-wise. Portman is pro-life and acceptable to conservatives on social issues. Portman is from Southern Ohio and could help in the all-important battleground state of Ohio. One might wonder, however, if Portman's relationship with the Bush Administration would be a high negative. Also, one would also wonder if Senator McCain would want to be identified with the trade policies of the Bush Administration.
Tom Ridge
Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge would be a tremendous help in Pennsylvania, a close state with a large electoral vote. Ridge might help retain moderate Republican voters, those voters tagged as Obamacans by the media. Presumably, Ridge would help the McCain ticket in the industrial states. Ridge scored high marks as Director of Homeland Security for the Bush Administration. However, Ridge is pro-choice on the abortion issue, an issue of no compromise for many social conservatives. Yet, the question must be asked what most conservatives would do if Ridge were on the ticket.
Gov. Mitt Romney Former Governor of Massachusetts, Romney was runner-up to McCain in the race for the GOP Presidential nomination. Romney earned high marks in leading the Olympics when held in Salt Lake City, Utah. Romney's connections with business interests and the Mormon community would mean a great increase in fund raising capabilities for the McCain ticket. In 2008, Romney ran as a conservative. However, Romney had run for office in Massachusetts as a moderate Republican, supporting abortion rights and gay marriage. However, Romney claimed to change positions while Governor of Massachusetts and won the support of leading conservatives in his presidential run. Romney would also put the state of Michigan in play, the state where Romney's father was Governor in the 1960s. Romney would be the first Mormon nominated to a major party ticket.
SC Gov. Mark Sanford Gov. Sanford is a limited-government, low tax conservative. Sanford enjoys the support of social conservatives in his home state of South Carolina. A favorite of many conservatives, one might wonder why McCain needs to appeal to conservatives. Perhaps, a Sanford selection might appease some conservatives tempted to vote for Bob Barr, Libertarian nominee who is threatening the McCain lead in some normally Republican states. Sanford's base is the South, the area of McCain's most solid support. One might wonder what states a Sanford VP selection might bring to the table.
Do you have another possibility? If so, please leave your thoughts in the comments section. Any other pertinent comments are welcome. Also, please cast your vote in the Musings from Maytown poll for your choice on the McCain ticket for Vice President.

To Drill or Not to Drill?

This past week, readers of Musings from Maytown were polled on the issue of drilling for oil in the Alaskan National Wildlife Reserve (ANWR). The results were:
Yes, we should drill in the ANWR 42
No, we should not drill in the ANWR 11
Not Sure 3
Thank you for participating in this survey.

Politicians and Gay Rumors

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In recent weeks, Alabama-based political bloggers have been hot on the trail of rumors concerning a high ranking official in state government. The rumors centered on the stated official's alleged sexual preference and purported incidents. After two weeks of howling and accusations from some bloggers, the rumors have yet to be picked up by the mainstream news media. The more credible bloggers have retreated from the rumors, while more fringe commentators seem determined to expose this office-holder, tying his supposed homosexuality to public statements and actions that were cross-current to the gay rights agenda in political life.
At this point, no evidence has been presented to prove the accusations of homosexuality on part of this official. Some bloggers, again--those on the fringe, have claimed that this man's silence somehow gives credence to the charges. In spite of the volume of charges in the blogosphere, the charges are still without any substantiation. Please consider some pertinent thoughts on the matter:
1) In the Bible Belt, no accusation stings quite like the accusation of homosexuality. While polls show widespread national acceptance of legislation favoring civil unions for homosexual couples, public benefits for domestic partners, and allowing homosexuals to adopt children, such practices have never found strong support in the Bible belt. Until 2006, Alabama had no openly homosexual elected officials. This changed with the election of Pat Todd to the Alabama legislature and Howard Bayliss to the Birmingham Board of Education. Both of these officials represent the Southside area of Birmingham. Hence, a rumor about the homosexuality of a candidate or official would be perceived as a public scandal on a grand scale.
2) Rumors of a candidate's homosexuality seem to be the favorite way of an opponent to discredit that individual's character. This week, this editor made a mental list of prominent Alabama politicians whom I have heard accused of homosexuality. Frankly, the list of those public officials who are accused is likely larger than the list of those not accused. Conservatives as well as liberals seem to be tagged with this rumor. People with good reputations as well as those with seedy reputations are often accused with this charge. Women as well as men are often victimized with rumors of same-gender sexual interest. A political wag once commented of his political opponent " You know he's gay, don't you? Well, if he's not, he will be by the end of this campaign."
3) Jesus taught that one is to evaluate his own actions toward others by how you would be treated. Would you want your personal problems brought out by hostile individuals on the internet? In Matthew 18, Jesus gave explicit command on approaching people who are wrong. Granted, the context of Jesus' words involve wrong in the local church. Nonetheless, the accused should not be publicly humiliated without definite evidence and personal approach before the outing of that person. In the public accusation, is there no concern for the hurt to the individual's family? The one accused in the recent rumor mongering has three children at home. Should these children be so humiliated by those determining to hurt this man?
4) OK--suppose this rumor is true? Does a private sin (and yes, sex outside marriage is sin) necessarily affecting the standing in office? A man may have a weakness in this area and may give way to that weakness, yet not promote an agenda toward that sinful practice.
In conclusion (and I expect both conservatives and liberals to be mad at my statements):
* Homosexual practice is sinful, according to the Bible--and I believe the Bible!
* Homosexuals can be forgiven of that sin, like any other sinner.
* The private practice of any sin is not the same as using political force to promote that sin. Someone's private practice may not translate into a political agenda.
* People are still people! Citizens have rights. That which is done privately, and with consent, is none of my business. This does not justify the practice. On the other hand, I don't want law enforcement bugging someone's phone to find out about their personal lives. I don't want people mistreated because of personal practice.
* Rumors spread without definite evidence is a shameful and hurtful practice. Those who have spread this recent rumor ought to be ashamed and should consider how they would feel if rumors concerning their personal life was spread before the world.
* As for the official who was the object of the rumors, I do not personally know this man. I have met him twice, and commented to him that he looked like a certain country singer. I did not work on his campaign and actually voted against him in the primary. Regardless of the individual, rumor mongering is bad and gossip hurts.

Cherryholmes: In a Class by Themselves

Yesterday, my wife and I traveled from our home in Maytown, Alabama to Nashville, Tennessee to hear Cherryholmes at the annual Bluegrass Series at the Ryman Auditorium. We sat with a near-capacity crowd to hear the most exciting group in bluegrass music. From the opening song to the conclusion, the Cherryholmes family band electrified the audience with their hard-driving, super-talented brand of bluegrass.
Musings from Maytown has given great attention to Cherryholmes and their wholesome, pleasant, high-energy music. Since our last article on Cherryholmes, some honors have come to this family group. Guitarist Smash (formerly known as Skip and originally known as Simeon) is featured on this month's Bluegrass Now as Lord of the Strings. Cia Leigh Cherryholmes is nominated both for Banjo player of the year and Female Vocalist of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association. Fiddle player B.J. continues to wow audiences with his powerful playing of the fiddle and his hard-driving playing of the mandolin. While mother Sandy still serves as the spark plug of the group, young sixteen-year-old Mollie Kate is following in her mother's footsteps and is amazing with her vocals and her left-handed fiddle playing. Father Jere still holds down the bass and adds with on-stage humor. Jere still stands guard over his daughters, claiming that they are not available. To the great mix of vocals and instrumentals, add Sandy's buck dance and the entire family's Irish Step Dancing to some tunes.
Musings from Maytown emphasises that this family began as Christian home schoolers who picked up bluegrass music as grief therapy at the loss of a daughter. The heart of this editor was touched to hear this group speak and sing of salvation in Christ Jesus as part of their concert. Even their secular songs are wholesome and bring glory to God as the Cherryholmes family demonstrates the talent that God gave them while displaying tremendous family unity. Jere Cherryholmes expressed appreciation to those who prayed for them and gave testimony to God for supplying their needs.
In the realm of audience magnetism, energetic performances, and plain ol' talent, the Cherryholmes family band is in a class by themselves. This group leaves next week for a series of concerts in the United Kingdom. Already, Cherryholmes has played at the annual Celtic Festival in Scotland (the only American group invited), and have toured Switzerland, France, and Japan. For more information on this dynamic family band, check out Cherryholmes.

Bradley Walker: Alabama Boy Makin' it Big

This past Thursday evening, my wife and I attended a concert as part of the Bluegrass Series at the Ryman Auditorium. While the headliner was the Cherryholmes Band, the opening act was Bradley Walker, 2007 Bluegrass Male Vocalist of the Year. Born in Athens, Alabama Walker has endured Muscular Distrophy all of his life. However, this young man is independent, works as a Computer Programmer at Brown's Nuclear Plant, and is crashing on to the country music scene.
One must be impressed with the powerful voice coming forth from such a humble young man. In the concert, Walker gave testimony to the Gospel and presented a concert that brought the crowd to their feet on several occasions. Bradley keeps a light atmosphere in the concert, holds the attention of the audience, and wins the audience with charm and just plain vocal ability. Pictured above with his band, the sound of the musicians complements Bradley's voice. Bradley's voice reminds one of Tracey Lawrence, earlier ranked by Musings from Maytown as the finest voice in country music. Musings from Maytown is glad to commend the abilities of Bradley Walker from Athens, Alabama.

Ryman Auditorium: the Mother Church of Country Music

On May 10, 1882, riverboat Captain Thomas G. Ryman was saved at a Sam Jones revival. Sam Jones was a powerful Methodist evangelist who preached a strong message of repentance. Ryman initially opposed the Sam Jones revivals, but when he went to the meetings, he fell under powerful conviction and, as a result of his conversion, became a friend and benefactor to Sam Jones' revival ministry. In 1889, Ryman made plans to build a Union Gospel Mission in downtown Nashville to house these great revivals. In 1896, the great Chicago evangelist D.L. Moody preached a revival crusade at the Ryman Auditorium. In 1897, the Christian statesman Wm. Jennings Bryan spoke to a large crowd at the Ryman. Also, in 1897, the United Confederate Veterans (UCV) held their annual convention at the Ryman Auditorium. To hold the crowds, the UCV constructed a balcony to accommodate the crowds. Still today, the balcony is noted by a large gold-plated plaque proclaiming the balcony as Confederate Gallery.
Throughout the years, the Ryman Auditorium has hosted virtually every famous musician and speaker. But the fame of the Ryman is compounded by the fact that in 1943, the Ryman Auditorium became the home of the Grand Ol' Opry, a show of country and gospel music that is broadcast over the powerful WSM 650 AM in Nashville. For generations, thousands of home radios in the South and Midwest turned their radios to 650 AM to hear Live from the Ryman Auditorium in Naaaashville, Tennesse, this is the Grand Ol' Opry sponsored by Martha White Flour. The traditional Opry format has been for stars to come on stage with fifteen-minute sets with eight or nine artists performing in one night's performance of the Grand Ol' Opry. When those radios turned to 650 AM, they heard Hank Williams, Sr., Porter Waggoner, Patsy Cline and even to this day, all of the great names in the Country genre have performed at the Opry. The Opry still returns to the Ryman for a season each year.
The Ryman Auditorium is also known as the Birthplace of Bluegrass Music. Bill Monroe is known as the Father of Bluegrass, however the final ingredient that made bluegrass music took place in 1945, when a 21-year old musician named Earl Scruggs came to the Ryman with a five-string banjo and a three-finger roll. Shortly thereafter, Bill Monroe began to call his group the Bluegrass Boys with Earl
Scruggs as his lead singer and banjo player. Interestingly enough, Earl Scruggs has performed as part of the 2008 Bluegrass Series at the Ryman Auditorium, an event held each Summer.
This past Thursday night, Bradley Walker, honored as 2007 Male Vocalist of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association, performed at the Ryman and gave the testimony that he loved the Ryman "and all that it stands for." Walker's comments gave me great pause to consider what the Ryman stands for. The Ryman Auditorium is a center that honors the heart music of the culture that built America. Having visited Nashville on more than one occasion, this editor would recommend a tour of the Ryman Auditorium as the most interesting country music-related site in Nashville. You can find more information at Ryman Auditorium

Marchin' on the Twelfth

Each July 12, the Protestant community in Northern Ireland turns out in droves for the annual Orange Parades. The Orange Parades are directed by the Orange Order, a Protestant Men's organization who support maintaining the British Union. This year, a half-million citizens turned out to celebrate the Twelfth of July, the anniversary of the victory by King William of Orange at the Battle of the Boyne. King William of Orange defeated King James, who sought to overturn the Reformation in the British Isles. Keep in mind, that a half-million people in Northern Ireland is likely a majority of the Protestant Community in those six counties still part of the United Kingdom. The parades close with large rallies where the Gospel is preached. One of this year's parades was held at Maghera, County Derry. On program at Maghera was Dr. Paul Zahl, former Pastor at the Cathedral of the Advent (Episcopal) in Birmingham, AL. Dean Zahl is now at All Saints Cathedral in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Brother Zahl is a dear friend to both my son and me, a powerful Gospel preacher, and a real voice for the Word of God among Episcopalians. Here you will find a video of Dean Zahl with the Orangemen in Maghera. This video was made in 2006. Dean Zahl is the main spokesman in this brief, two-minute clip.

Lest anyone think that celebrating the Orange heritage is anti-Irish, please consider the following facts:
* The President of the Republic of Ireland, Mary McAleese, held a Garden party at the President's home in Dublin to celebrate the Twelfth. While the Orange Order is strongest in Northern Ireland, with hundreds of lodges, you will find forty-four Orange lodges in the Republic of Ireland, including one in Dublin. The Republic of Ireland has actually helped fund the Orange Order as part of Irish heritage.
* Remember that the Irish flag (the Tricolour) has a green bar and an orange bar, symbolizing both the Celtic and the Orange heritage on the Irish isle.
* The Orange Order, while a Protestant organization, has condemned violence and bigotry against their Roman Catholic neighbors. Miles McKee is an evangelist in America, who grew up in Maghera and not a member of the Orange Order. However, Miles insists that the Orange Order was a moderating force during the days of the Troubles.
* Each year, in the week preceding the Twelfth, a large Orange Parade is held in Rossnalagh, County Donegal, Republic of Ireland. The Irish government recognizes that many Irishmen appreciate their Orange heritage
Last year, my son and I visited Northern Ireland for the Twelfth. You will see our photograph with the banner for the Cross of St. Patrick lodge. As noted in previous articles, the Cross of St Patrick was, for years, the Irish flag and is identical to the Alabama state flag.
As loyal Americans, our family celebrates the fourth of July. But eight days later, as sons of Ulster, we stop and think of our heritage from the North of Ireland, that wonderful heritage of the Ulster-Scots.

Great Pain at the Gas Pumps

Perhaps no issue places our economy in a pinch and our foreign standing in peril, more than issues concerning oil. The price of a barrel of oil fluctuates, but consistently climbs as the downward fluctuation is always higher than the last low price.
Granted, gas prices at the pump are not going to go down quickly, but we do need to consider how we have found ourselves at the place where we are, so that we might evaluate a sound approach to the issue. Consider the following issues:
1) Primarily due to lack of tax incentives and stringent environmental regulations, we have not seen a new refinery built in the US in the last ten years. At the same time, a new refinery is built every two years in the Middle East.
2) While global sources of oil are regularly tapped, environmentalist objections have kept US oil companies from drilling in the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). ANWR oil drilling would touch only a small portion of the total area of ANWR, but would provide much needed oil for American markets. To his credit, President Bush has fought for ANWR drilling, while both Senator Obama and Senator McCain have opposed ANWR oil drilling.
3) Off-shore drilling could produce billions of barrels of oil. Yet, environmentalist pressure groups have opposed off-shore drilling.
4) Great finds of oil have been reported in the region of Montana and North Dakota, but environmental regulation and negative economic factors have discouraged investment in these oil-producing endeavors.
5) The dollar is at a low point on the international level. Even a year ago, the dollar lost sixty-percent against the British pound. This devaluing of the dollar is primarily due to wild government spending and a federal debt that is beyond management. The result of a devalued dollar is that the US dollar does not have the purchasing power overseas as in times when the dollar fared well against foreign currencies. Plainly said, the American dollar does not have the purchasing power to give American purchasers the advantage in purchasing from importers. Hence, the prices of imported oil will be higher for American consumers.
6) United States investors have not been encouraged to develop alternative means of energy. Recent developments by T. Boone Pickens may be a positive step in working toward alternative energy means.
Conclusion: the free market system works well, and if the market is unleashed, pure American initiative will solve the dilemma. Great truth will be found in the adage under socialism, a thousand bureaucrats will be hired to divide up the shortage, but in a free market, a thousand salesmen will be hired to sell off the excess.
Newt Gingrich is leading the way on a campaign to Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less. Check out his website American Solutions.

Congratulations to the Winners

This past Tuesday, Alabama Republican runoff voters selected Beth Kellum as party nominee for Court of Criminal Appeals, Place One over Musings from Maytown-endorsed Lucie McLemore by a 55-45 margin. While outspent 8--1 by Beth Kellum, Judge McLemore won the Wiregrass and metropolitan Montgomery. Ms. Kellum won virtually the rest of the state. While the editorial board of Musings from Maytown supported Judge McLemore, we congratulate Beth Kellum and,following the lead of Judge McLemore, we pledge our support in the November election against Democratic nominee Clyde Jones, a Circuit Judge from Birmingham. Judge McLemore is well-qualified and still has much to offer this state. Also, Judge McLemore does have the consolation of knowing that she won the Musings from Maytown online poll by a margin of 44-12 for a 78% margin.
In the race for President of the Public Service Commission, Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh defeated Matt Chancey by a margin of 60-40. Mrs. Cavanaugh outspent Chancey by a 2 1/2-1 margin, but Chancey still defeated her in the Wiregrass sections. Matt Chancey has already congratulated and endorsed Twinkle Cavanaugh against Lucy Baxley in the Fall election and Musings from Maytown will join Chancey in this endorsement. Brother Chancey can take consolation in that he won the all-important on-line poll at Musings from Maytown by a margin of 77-14.

Vote Tuesday, July 15

On Tuesday, July 15 Alabama voters will go to the polls to decide the primary runoff winners, who will represent their respective party in the November general election.
The Democratic Party settled all statewide races in the June 3 primary and the Republican Party settled all but two races: Court of Criminal Appeals, Place One and President of the Public Service Commission.
Musings from Maytown boldly endorses Lucie McLemore for Court of Criminal Appeals, Place One and Matt Chancey for President of the Public Service Commission.
The following articles spotlight the reasons for the endorsements. Please allow me to make the following requests:
1) Be certain that you vote next Tuesday, July 15. Polls open at 7 AM and close at 7 PM. You may vote in this runoff, regardless of your vote or non-vote in the June 3 primary.
2) Please pass the word on these two endorsed candidates. For other races, including the runoff elections for Congressional Districts Two and Five, I would suggest checking with Conservative Christians of Alabama. I know that this fine group has endorsed the same two statewide candidates as well as endorsing Senator Harri Anne Smith for Congress in District Two and Wayne Parker for Congress in District Five.
3) Please vote in this week's poll here at Musings from Maytown on the two statewide races.
Thank you and please remember to vote next Tuesday, July 15.

Elect Lucie McLemore Court of Criminal Appeals

Lucie McLemore for Court of Criminal Appeals--Best Qualfied

As a judge, Lucie McLemore...

«Has presided over more than 20,000 CRIMINAL CASES and has delivered justice in 50,000 total cases

«Has collected $1.52 million in court costs, fines, and restitution saving taxpayer
dollars

«Has been commended by the Office of the Alabama Chief Justice for "outstanding performance in case management" due to her efficiency in moving cases through the judicial system

«Has served as an Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center Commissioner
(ACJIC)
Judge McLemore cleared a large backlog of cases. In this runoff election, Judge McLemore is the one candidate with trial experience as a Judge. Judge McLemore developed a reputation as a tough, but capable and honest judge. Her expertise in criminal law would be a great asset on the Court of Criminal Appeals.

McLemore was educated in Montgomery public schools, at Huntingdon College and Jones School of Law. Before assuming the bench, she practiced law in Montgomery for 15 years.

Lucie McLemore for Court of Criminal Appeals-- The True Conservative

Lucie McLemore has every major conservative endorsement in the race for Court of Criminal Appeals, Place One. Judge McLemore is endorsed by the Conservative Christians of Alabama , the Alabama Republican Assembly, and the Citizens against Drunk Driving. Lucie McLemore has always been an outspoken conservative. In 1990, Lucie McLemore stepped to the plate to oppose Gene Reese for Circuit Judge in Montgomery County. Reese was known for the infamous Equity Funding Case, a prime case of judicial activism.
Lucie McLemore is an outspoken supporter of the right-to-life of the unborn. McLemore's opponent, too claims to be pro-life. Yet, Ms. Kellum ran for delegate to the Republican Convention as a pledged supporter of Rudolph Giuliani, the one candidate among leading Republican Presidential hopefuls, to oppose overturning Roe vs. Wade. While both candidates claim to be pro-life, obviously, the consistent pro-life candidate is Lucie McLemore.
More concerning is the endorsement of Judge McLemore's opponent by Randy Brinson. When Christian Coalition of Alabama closed operations, Dr. Brinson claimed the name of Christian Coalition and has actually used the name of Christian Coalition to support pro-gambling legislation and the infamous Bible Literacy Program which gave a twisted view of Scripture. This terrible program, touted by Brinson and the left-wing, was defeated by outspoken conservative stalwarts such as Eagle Forum of Alabama and ALCAP, led by Dr. Dan Ireland.
Dr. Randy Brinson supports gambling, the twisted Bible Literacy Program, a liberal environmental agenda, and now he supports Beth Kellum for Criminal Appeals Court. This support from Brinson demonstrates that the true conservative in the race for Court of Criminal Appeals, Place One is Judge Lucie McLemore

Matt Chancey for Public Service Commission: Obligated Only to the People

As the runoff election season began, Matt Chancey challenged his primary opponent to daily post contributions for this election cycle. Chancey's opponent ignored his requests, but this challenge speaks volumes on the differences in this race. Two incidents should cause voters to take note of who is supporting the candidates in the race for Public Service Commission President. The support base for the candidates should tell you much about how these candidates would govern in the office that regulates Alabama Utilities.
Alabama law prohibits utilities from directly contributing to candidates for the Public Service Commission. This is normally sidestepped by vendors for utility companies contributing. In the case of Matt Chancey's opponent, Drummond Coal, a primary vendor for Alabama Power Company, used Pac-to-Pac transfers to contribute to their selected candidate.
Another great concern is the fact that outgoing PSC President Jim Sullivan has endorsed Matt Chancey's opponent. Sullivan has held the office since 1983 and has had no opposition for re-election since 1996. Sullivan has continued to raise money from utility vendors. Some of Sullivan's campaign expenditures have included $115,000 to car dealerships and $60,000 in personal reimbursements, with no explanations given. Where Did Sullivan's Money Go? This individual escaped prosecution for activities that make Don Siegelman look good and Guy Hunt appeared sanctified!
Yet, on Wednesday, June 11, Jim Sullivan openly endorsed Twinkle Cavanaugh based on her political skill. Sullivan endorses Cavanaugh
I know that Mrs. Cavanaugh is a Christian lady and I would not seek to besmirch her character. But I would think that Alabama voters would prefer a candidate with no links to the utilities that the PSC would regulate and a candidate with no links to a corrupt-appearing Sullivan administration. Musings from Maytown offers a resounding endorsement to Matt Chancey

Matt Chancey for Public Service Commission: The True Conservative

For all of his adult life, Matt Chancey has worked for lower taxes, less government, the right to life, traditional family values, and the right to keep and bear arms. As a nineteen-year-old young man, Matt Chancey left his home in Enterprise, Alabama to work on public policy issues. In these years,Matt has led the charge for these conservative issues.
While Matt's primary opponent worked for Amendment One in 2003, an amendment which would have brought a record tax increase for Alabama, Matt Chancey has a consistent record of fighting for less government and lower taxes. When the Ten Commandments monument was taken from the Alabama Supreme Court building, Matt Chancey was vocal in support of Judge Roy Moore's efforts to keep the Ten Commandments monument in the State courthouse. When Judge Moore's legal advisor, Tom Parker, decided to challenge one of the justices who voted to remove the monument, Matt Chancey operated Justice Parker's campaign.
Prior to announcing for PSC President, Matt Chancey was President of the conservative Alabama Republican Assembly. Matt Chancey is endorsed by the Conservative Christians of Alabama. While his primary opponent once sought employment with the liberal Alabama Education Association, Matt Chancey worked to protect the rights of Church Schools and Home Schools.
In previous articles, I have sought to draw the line between a Republican and a conservative. The two are not necessarily the same. This race spotlights an establishment Republican and a true, bona-fide, movement conservative-- Matt Chancey.

Matt Chancey for Public Service Commission: Best Qualified

Matt Chancey is certainly the superior candidate in qualifications. At the age of nineteen, Matt Chancey left his home in the Wiregrass section of Alabama to work in the arena of public policy in Washington, DC. Matt Chancey spent the next number of years working for pro-life, pro-family, and pro-free enterprise causes. Matt Chancey has worked for Second Amendment issues, opposed tax increases, and supported conservative candidates. Matt Chancey was campaign manager for Alabama Supreme Court Justice Tom Parker, one of the leading statesmen in the US for constitutional issues. .
Matt and his wife, Jennie, have been small business owners for the last ten years. Jennie is a published author on family issues.
Matt Chancey was a founding board member of Persecution Project Foundation, a Christian relief agency serving the persecuted Church in Africa. Here you will find Matt Chancey in the swamps of Darfur.
While involved in governmental issues, one should take note that Matt Chancey is the candidate in this race who has not received his paycheck from government.
Certainly, the business-minded, conservative candidate in this race is Matt Chancey.