The final hours are ticking off this election year and I know you have been eagerly awaiting my endorsements for the Alabama races, so here they are.

GOVERNOR: Bob Riley (R) - I know, you’re shocked, but I have seen nothing from Lucy Baxley to indicate she will change things in a positive way. Governor Riley, for all his faults, has run the cleanest and most business-like administration in decades. He deserves a second term.

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR: Jim Folsom Jr. (D) - This is the lesser of two evils. I would have much preferred another option in this race.

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 1: Jo Bonner (R) - He would get my vote simply for being the only member of the Alabama delegation who is also a member of the Substance Abuse Caucus.

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 2: Unnamed Write-In Candidate - There is no good choice here, pick someone else.

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 3: Greg A. Pierce (D)

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 4: Barbara Bobo (D) - Come on…we must have Congresswoman Bobo.

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 5: Bud Cramer (D) - Uncontested

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 6: Spencer Bachus (R) - Uncontested

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 7: Artur Davis (D) - Uncontested

ATTORNEY GENERAL: John Tyson Jr. (D) - Possibly the most important race on the statewide ballot this year. Troy King must go, he simply must and John Tyson is exceedingly qualified and competent for the post.

SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE: Sue Bell Cobb (D) - We need to start balancing out the State Supreme Court.

SUPREME COURT JUSTICE, PLACE 1: Champ Lyons, Jr. (R) - Uncontested

SUPREME COURT JUSTICE, PLACE 2: Gwendolyn Thomas Kennedy (D) - Ms. Kennedy is qualified and would be an outstanding justice.

SUPREME COURT JUSTICE, PLACE 3: Lyn Stuart (R) - If I had to keep one Republican on the court, it would be her.

SUPREME COURT JUSTICE, PLACE 4: John H. England, Jr. (D) - Return this man to the court.

SECRETARY OF STATE: Write-In Candidate of your choice - This is the ugliest choice on the ballot. Beth Chapman is a religious divider and Nancy Worley is incompetent…so sad one of them will be serving in this capacity.

STATE TREASURER: Kay Ivey (R) - Another Republican I actually like.

STATE AUDITOR: Sam Shaw (R) - Janie Baker Clarke is just scary.

COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE AND INDUSTRIES: Ron Sparks (D) - He’s too big for his britches most days, but I say keep him where he is.

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONER, PLACE 1: Jan Cook (D)

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONER, PLACE 2: Susan Parker (D) - One of the smartest candidates on the Democratic ticket…would make a great governor someday.

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, DISTRICT 2: Charlotte Kirkland Williams (D) - Another place where we need some balance.

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, DISTRICT 4: Ethel Hall (D) - Uncontested

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, DISTRICT 6: David Byers (R) - Uncontested

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, DISTRICT 8: Mary Jane Caylor (D)
**State offices up for election