Alabama Senate 2008: Introducing Ron Sparks

[tarheel-leftist85]

I would love to see a real populist Democrat run in a state like Alabama, as opposed to the usual right-wing corporate Democrat that we usually run in states lke that.

Amen.  Let's hope they don't run Erskine Bowles in NC again.  I think it would be great if Spark ran for the Senate seat in AL, but I don't expect him to win:  When Landrieu loses, Democrats (or "Democrats") will hold no seats in the Deep South.  In the Outer South, I can see us picking up two (perhaps, 3) seats.  I'm glad Sparks is proud to be a liberal--we need more people like that.

[Adlai Stevenson]

More heartwarming news:

Good news travels fast.  Ron Sparks, our potential challenger to Republican Senator Jeff Sessions next year, is already addressing questions in the local media about the recent blog buzz surrounding his rumored bid:

    Sparks was elected to his second term as commissioner last year, winning 62 of the state's 67 counties. Recently, several political blogs have begun pointing to Sparks as the leading contender to challenge Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions in the 2008 elections. Sparks acknowledged he was aware of the speculation and said he was not ready to rule anything out regarding his future political ambitions.

    "We're not taking out any possibilities," Sparks said. "The people of Alabama know my record ... and what I stand for versus the people in office now."

    Sparks said he would discuss the possibility of a Senate run with his advisors and hopes to make a decision in a "few weeks or months."

Feisty.  And speaking of blog buzz, let's take a moment to survey some of the Alabama netroots' takes on a Sparks for Senate bid.

Captain Plaid:

    Ron Sparks can serve up some genuine populism that would give him a serious shot in Alabama. If the damned consultants don't Dino him to death I really expect he could take old Jeffy out. Run Ron Run!

The Haze Filter:

    Can Ron Sparks defeat Jeff Sessions?

    I think he can if we can show enough Alabama citizens how he is more progressive for the everyday concerns of Alabamians. For me this is a beginning for my support for Ron Sparks to run against Jeff Sessions and I want to emphasize that this is nothing more than a beginning with high hopes!

Between the Links (non-partisan):

    I do, however, plan to vote for Alabama's senator in 2008, and I would rather write in my cat, "Spook E. Cat" than vote for Sessions. I don't know a whole lot about Ron Sparks except that his name is on gas pumps, but if he's at all intelligent, I'll welcome a Democrat I can vote for.

Birmingham Blues, and Doc's Political Parlor also chimed in.

Additionally, a site called Sack Sessions has just sprouted up, and they're looking to recruit local bloggers for "a collaborative effort of the Alabama netroots created to assist in the electoral defeat of Sen. Jefferson Beauregard Sessions, III (R-AL)".  Sounds like it could be fun to me!

http://www.swingstateproject.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=389

[TheresNoMoney]

I think it would be great if Spark ran for the Senate seat in AL, but I don't expect him to win

Nor do I, but he can potentially make it close, and he will also help Democrats statewide if he runs as a true populist. It will be a refreshing change compared to past Democrats running in the Deep South. 

When Landrieu loses, Democrats (or "Democrats") will hold no seats in the Deep South.

A couple months ago, I thought she was a definite dead duck, but it looks like she might keep her seat if Jindahl isn't her opponent.

[HardRCafé]

Can Ron Sparks defeat Jeff Sessions?

    I think he can if we can show enough Alabama citizens how he is more progressive for the everyday concerns of Alabamians.

Because Lord knows that's the secret to winning for Senate there.

[Small Business Owner of Any Repute]

Can Ron Sparks defeat Jeff Sessions?

    I think he can if we can show enough Alabama citizens how he is more progressive for the everyday concerns of Alabamians.

Because Lord knows that's the secret to winning for Senate there.

I know Judy Baar Topinka herself tried to advise Alan Keyes to campaign even further to the right because she knew someone as moderate as he could never carry a state like Illinois.

But what do local bloggers have to say about the race?  The Mr. Moderate Project surveyed the local netroots.

EdgarFan02: keys needed to be even more anti-pornografy when will republicans learn we gotta run far rite i hope he learns better for when he runs nxt yr

MolineMomma: quad city voters are ENERGIZED for a conservative.  hopefully we can get a REAL repubilcan in 2008 to run against durbin not like that libearl Topinka cuz I voted for Blagoyevic as a protest

Fmrrepflannagan: brownback/tancredo will sweep illinois and the GOP will pick up all house and senate seats including obama's retroactively

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

That sounds like Free Republic. I remember leading lots of Freepers saying the reason Mark Kennedy got his ass kicked was because he wasn't far right enough.

[Gabu]

Fmrrepflannagan: brownback/tancredo will sweep illinois and the GOP will pick up all house and senate seats including obama's retroactively

I think they accidentally surveyed a satirist while they were at it.

[HardRCafé]

I think they accidentally surveyed a satirist while they were at it.

At least we know the other two are real.

[Democratic Hawk]

Sparks' record as Agriculture and Industry Commissioner certainly shows promise were he to seek higher office in Alabama (be it at the state or federal level); however, where does he stand on those cultural issues that matter to Alabamians?

Either way I'd support Sparks enthusiastically against the putrid Sessions

Dave

[MarkWarner08]

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Yes.

I first learned of Jim Webb in 2004, the year when his excellent "Born Fighting" book about the Scots-Irish was published.

Anyone who claims to have known who Jim Webb was in March 2005 is either mistaken, lying, or made a game of memorizing obscure members of Ronald Reagan's cabinet.

[Cubby]

I'd love to see a Democrat back in the Senate from Alabama, a state that used to be very strong for us.

I hope you realize why it was so strong for us back then. It had nothing to do with cultural issues, taxes or foreign policy, thats for sure.