The World Around You

When Terry Everett announced his intention to leave his seat open in elections next year, the free for all began. State representatives David Grimes and Jay Love immediately threw their hats in the ring, and others will soon follow. As the Advertiser indicates, State Senator Harri-Anne Smith will be a strong contender and both the mayor of Prattville and Montgomery will consider runs.

Brad Moody gets at the most interesting part of this race.

Auburn Montgomery political scientist Bradley Moody said name recognition could be an issue in the sprawling district, which stretches from Prattville south to the Florida state line.

“I don’t know anybody who is well-known throughout the district,” said Moody. “So fund-raising is going to be a critical factor.”

Absolutely, the district is so big that no one is well known throughout and raising money will be job one. It is nice to have some action in Alabama congressional politics…finally. And I agree with Rep. Artur Davis as well, this has the potential to be a very competitive race.

“Terry is a very well-liked and a very popular member of Congress and I’m certainly sorry to see him go,” said Rep. Artur Davis, D-Birmingham, who leads the recruiting effort for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “He made that a safe district for Terry Everett … and now that he’s retiring this has the potential to be one of the most competitive races in the South.”

montgomeryadvertiser.com�::� Several eye Everett’s office

Birmingham News: Everett to Retire from U.S. House

Daily Dixie: Congressional District 2 Wide Open

Doc’s Political Parlor: AL 2 Update

Birmingham Blues: Rep. Terry Everett to Retire

Left in Alabama: Everett Retires, AL-02 Will be an Open Seat in 08