I'm a new contributor to the TD forum, but I'm a frequent reader. I've been following our state and local races very closely, and I'm going to make recomendations and predictions for tomorrow's election. I'd like to hear what others have to say too!
Governor (Democrat)
I recommend Ron Sparks. I predict he will defeat Artur Davis in a close race mainly because black oraganizations in the state have endorsed Sparks.
Governor (Republican)
I recommend Tim James. I predict Tim James and Bradley Byrne will head to a runoff. James will be the top vote getter.
I'm going to now focus on local races.
State Senate (Dist. 1 - Democrat)
I recommend Tammy Irons. She will soundly defeat newcomer Ryan Clayton, and will likely keep this seat for Dems in November.
State Senate (Dist. 1 - Republican)
I recomend Jerry Freeman. He will defeat tea party activist Angela Laughlin. The good doctor is the better choice for Republicans in the general election.
State House (Dist. 1 - Democrat)
I recommend Greg Burdine. Burdine and Candy Haddock will head to a runoff. Burdine is the most qualified but Haddock has some strong Union support.
State house (Dist. 1 - Republican)
I recommend Brad Holmes. This one is a toss up. Quinton Hanson has run before, so his name is familiar. He's not worked very hard for it, but he's got big money backing him. Holmes has the energy Florence needs in a state representative, and he's qualified.
Colbert District Judge (Democrat)
I recommend Polly Ruggles. I think this race, however, will be a hotly contested one sure to head to a runoff. Chad Coker, Tina Miller Parker, and Tim Milam are all contenders. It's a toss up. All are qualified - my gut tells me to vote Ruggles, but she may not be among the top two.
Lauderdale District Judge
I recommend James Hall. Hall is the more experienced, period. John Odem, however, has a bright future ahead of him - and maybe even a political future.
Lauderdale Circuit Judge, Place 1
I recommend Jimmy Sandlin. Judge Sandlin has done some really good things with family court. His innovation on the job and programs for children are to be applauded. However, something tells me Sandlin may come in third place in this three man race. I predict Billy Jackson and Willson Jenkins will head to a runoff.
Circuit Judge, Place 3
I recommend Gil Self. Judge Self, a very likeable guy, will soundly defeat attorney Janice Keeton. Self has done a goog job in the year he's been on the job.
Lauderdale Board of Education, Place 1
I recommend Sherrie Perkins. She is the most qualified for the school board. Her experience with vocational / technical education is appealing. I predict businessman Mike Palmer will be the top vote getter in this race. He may win without a runoff, or Perkins may surprise and throw it into a runoff.
Lauderdale Board of Education, Place 2
I recommend Chad Holden. Again, the educator is most qualified for the board of education. I heard him speak, and he's very impressive. I predict Holden will be the top vote getter here, but Russell Killen is going to have a strong showing. I predict a runoff here.
Colbert Sheriff
I recommend Len Gregory. This sheriff's office needs new energy! Gregory is experienced and eager. I predict Gregory will head to a runoff with Sheriff Ronnie May.
Lauderdale Sheriff
I recommend Ronnie Willis. The sheriff is in the fight of his life this year against Rogersville Chief Terry Holden. Holden is no newcomer to politics and will do well in the east end of the county. I predict when the votes are counted, Willis will squeak out a win. Willis has done some good things, and his experience AS SHERIFF makes him the favorite.
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