Let’s begin with the Democrats for governor.

Congressman Artur Davis rolls out his economic plan with stops across the state today. He began this morning in Montgomery with a pledge for tax credits and incentives to boost education, jobs and economic development.

Ag Commissioner Ron Sparks couldn’t escape the weekend without two more newspapers calling for further explanation of that $500,000 loan to his campaign (Montgomery Advertiser and Florence Times Daily). When asked if Sparks will further address the issue this week, a spokesman says “yes.”

Watch for a new commercial from Republican Bradley Byrne this week. Get a preview here.

In Montgomery, AlCAP and Citizens for a Better Alabama expect 1,000 to 2,000 outside the statehouse Tuesday to rally against electronic bingo. Tuesday is the latest date Sen. Lowell Barron (D-Fyffe) has suggested lawmakers could take up the vote. Remember, in the senate, 21 will be the magic number for pro-gambling forces.

Rep. Mary Moore (D-Birmingham) says she is organizing people to stage a counter event to the AlCap/CBA rally. Rep. Moore says Sen. Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro) is organizing people, too. They expect many to travel from Houston, Lowndes and Macon counties, as well.

“It will be the OK Corral in Montgomery,” she says.

On the federal level, Alabama reporters received plenty of emails from the DNC last week calling out Republican lawmakers who condemned the federal stimulus plan, but have since hit up the administration for $$$. Today, the DNC is touting a Bloomberg story on congressmen Robert Aderholt and Jo Bonner.

Back to Montgomery, Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform urge backers to contact their lawmakers. HJR 54 is in the Rules Committee this week. The measure calls for asking the people to vote on the Resolution during the gubernatorial election in November. ACCR has blasted an “Act Now” email to supporters.

Read more of Rick Journey’s blogs here.

Filed under: Uncategorized