[cpg35223]

Honest. Hardworking. Results-driven.

I usually am very dubious when it comes to politicians, and I didn't vote for Riley the first time around, but I have been so impressed with the man and the things he has accomplished for this state. This state, despite the current economic troubles, is in much better shape than when he found it. I shudder to think what political hack will replace him. Maybe the people of Alabama, now that we've seen what a good governor can accomplish, can aspire to better things.

It says a lot about the man that he has a 70% approval rating even among Democrats. Just my two cents.

[sedriskell]

Only one way to answer. Yes.

[zenjenn]

Tell me more about what Governor Riley has done for our state, and what problems he has fixed? I've only lived in Alabama for a year and a half.

Are any names being thrown around yet for the 2010 campaign? Does anyone anticipate an endorsement from the governor?

[cpg35223]

Well, he's cleaned up government. He's made agencies accountable. He's helped weed out the corruption in the secondary college system, a viper's brood of cronyism courtesy of George C. Wallace. He's attracted a ton of new industry to the state.

I lean Republican, but but will vote Democratic occasionally on the national level. But the Democratic Party had a 120-year-long chokehold on power in the state, with a track record for corruption, cronyism, abuse of power, and downright stupidity in this state so breathtaking that I can't imagine a sane Alabamian entrusting them with power again.

[jakabedy]

I voted for Riley twice, and I typically like to vote Democrat. I know this sounds crazy, but there is something to be said for someone who has already made his money before he enters public service. He doesn't owe a lot of favors, and it isn't a constant case of covert nest feathering for when the term is over. I find it to be a relief.

I also appreciate that he has embraced the old-school version of conservatism, before it got misappropriated by the religious right. Riley has (with the exception of gambling, which has lots of other strikes against it) tried to stay out of the fray of religious/moral issues that incite lots of furor and keep the focus off of important things like budgets and ethics (gay marriage, ten commandments, teaching of creation, etc.)

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by jakabedy

I voted for Riley twice, and I typically like to vote Democrat. I know this sounds crazy, but there is something to be said for someone who has already made his money before he enters public service. He doesn't owe a lot of favors, and it isn't a constant case of covert nest feathering for when the term is over. I find it to be a relief.

I also appreciate that he has embraced the old-school version of conservatism, before it got misappropriated by the religious right. Riley has (with the exception of gambling, which has lots of other strikes against it) tried to stay out of the fray of religious/moral issues that incite lots of furor and keep the focus off of important things like budgets and ethics (gay marriage, ten commandments, teaching of creation, etc.)

Yep. He's not a demagogue. I'm just hoping that the people of Alabama will wise up and say, "You know, that was pretty cool having a competent governor," and vote somebody like him into office in 2010.

[sedriskell]

He has been a truly great governor, and all of my Democrat friends always agree when I sing his praises. He doesn't try to act like a politician or a celebrity and he hasn't let it go to his head. He's very good at relating to the state population and making us realize that he knows what we're going through.

He will go down in history as one of the best governors of any state, I'm sure of it.

[pennquaker09]

Originally Posted by cpg35223

Honest. Hardworking. Results-driven.

I usually am very dubious when it comes to politicians, and I didn't vote for Riley the first time around, but I have been so impressed with the man and the things he has accomplished for this state. This state, despite the current economic troubles, is in much better shape than when he found it. I shudder to think what political hack will replace him. Maybe the people of Alabama, now that we've seen what a good governor can accomplish, can aspire to better things.

It says a lot about the man that he has a 70% approval rating even among Democrats. Just my two cents.

I'd like for Artur Davis to be Governor, or at the very least send Sessions back to Alabama. I like Riley, but I cannot stand Sessions.

And the state would be better if they would have let Riley raise taxes. And I imagine that things would be great if they would have passed the lottery years ago. Freaking bible beaters.

[Southlander]

Originally Posted by pennquaker09

I'd like for Artur Davis to be Governor, or at the very least send Sessions back to Alabama. I like Riley, but I cannot stand Sessions.

And the state would be better if they would have let Riley raise taxes. And I imagine that things would be great if they would have passed the lottery years ago. Freaking bible beaters.

I dunno, I get the sense that, for Davis, the Alabama governorship would just be a small, necessary step before going to the national level and leaving Alabama in his dust...and that he really doesn't give a **** about anybody but his own party.

Things would be better if the lottery had passed? I can't believe you said that with ANY knowledge of Alabama politicians.

Zenjenn, four words: George Wallace, four terms

Thank goodness, Jim Folsom has decided NOT to run for governor.

[Keeper]

I think Riley has been a good governor although I have only been here a couple of years. From what I have seen from a lottery in FL it did nothing for education except take money away and has led to over crowding and double sessions.

I hope someone runs who is as good as Riley since the legislators in AL don't appear to do anything but collect a paycheck.