Question for Bud Cramer's constituents

[Syrinx]

Bud isn't much of Democrat really, though I guess he's a lot better than a true Alabama Republican.

If Bud retired, would that district go automatically Republican? Or would it be a competitive district?

I guess I could figure that out myself by going over to census.gov and looking at demographics, but it's much easier to just ask you. ;)

[nealmhughes]

1. I don't see the 5th going Republican. The only Republicans in power are mostly in Decatur

which is full of nutjobs (must be the fumes coming out of the dogfood plant). The sheriff in MadCo is a Republican, but he is very popular. Lauderdale, Colbert, Lawrence and Franklin are staunch Democratic counties. Madison City has enough "Shelby County Wannabe itis" to probably be the only likelihood of a Republican precinct in any election save the Presidential.

TVA is based in Muscle Shoals and there are 5 universities: UNA, Athens State, A&M, Oakwood and UAH in the Fifth. It has always been "progressive" and better educated than any place in Alabama outside of Tuscaloosa, parts of Bham and Mobile and Auburn. Going north on I-65 crossing Lacon Mtn. in Cullman County, one sees the entire Tennessee Valley laid out before one's eyes -- it is not merely geographically distinct, but culturally, as well. Even the accent is different.

Remember that the 5th was home to Sparkman and Heflin, and the Bankheads and Big and Little Jim are due south, as was Carl Eliott! Carl was from Franklin County and practiced in Russelville for many years before moving to Jasper.

As long as the bigwigs in Huntsville kowtow to the incumbent re: defense contracts and computer tax breaks, no problem with which party is in. Now, the Sand Mtn. and Lookout Mtn. bunch are not so loyal up in DeKalb and Jackson Ctys... but Lauderdale alone can outvote them in a heartbeat.

Susan Parker and Judge Paseur are loved here! As are Lucy, Jim and Roger Bedford and Bobby Denton. State Sen. Parker Griffith in Huntsville is a bright new star in Monkeygomery...

I think the 5th is safe for a Democrat, and I hope that Susan runs against Bud in the primaries or Bud retires to work on his Missing and Exploited Children's Center fulltime or lobby for Boeing.

[Syrinx]

2. thanks for the answer!

And for the good news. :)