Breaking: Will Alabama GOP Return To Business As Usual?

You know my position on this, because I've been saying it for months. Yes, the Republicans took control of the Alabama Legislature, but that means nothing if they're going to operate in the same old ways that they've BEEN operating. It all depends upon what they DO with this opportunity.

In fact, our first indication is in. The newly elected Republicans have been meeting in Montgomery today to determine party leadership. I think these positions matter immensely, as they will certainly give us a preview as to what we can expect from the new leadership.

Personally, I think they ought to elect newer people to lead the party. If they pick the same old leaders, then the party will go in the same old direction. They must remember that it wasn't excitement with Republicans that got them this chance, it was disgust with Democrats. We don't WANT you to be the same old Republicans playing the same old games. And the best way to insure that doesn't happen is to install new leadership.

So, does it look like this will happen?


As I write this, the House meeting is still going on, but the Senate meeting is over. So, who did they choose? Unfortunately, you'll recognize the names.

The new Senate Majority leader is Jabbo Waggoner. If that name sounds familiar, it should. He's been the Senate minority leader for quite a while now. No leadership change there.

The new President Pro Tempor leading the Senate will be Senator Del Marsh of Anniston. Again, another familiar name. Marsh has been in the Senate for the past 16 years.

Still no word from the House, but this leadership doesn't inspire me with confidence about these Republicans doing anything except what they want to do.

Already, a mere two days after they won the elections, I'm hearing influential Republicans talking about how THEY took control over the state. Gone is any mention of grass-roots support, from the Tea Party or anybody else. THEY did it all themselves, and so therefore they have a mandate to do what they wish.

This feeling hasn't been expressed widely yet, but give it time. The leadership elected... well, it seems to me they would rather exercise power than trim the size and scope of Alabama government. So I have little hope of meaningful change at this point. Though I pray I'm wrong.

We're hearing rumors that Mike Hubbard will be the House majority leader... another name that should be familiar.

However, let's see what the House does, who the House chooses... but don't hold your breath for a dramatically different result.

UPDATE: Alabama House Republicans chose Mike Hubbard to be Speaker of the House. Hubbard has been minority leader and Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party for the past six years. Hardly new blood there.
http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2010/11/mike_hubbard_nominated_to_be_s.html