Bill Johnson
Alabama Republican
Bill Johnson, a member of Republican Gov.
Bob Riley's Cabinet, is entering the already jam-packed field of candidates for the 2010 GOP primary to succeed the term-limited incumbent chief executive.
Johnson is a former Birmingham city councilman and was director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs until Friday, when he stepped down to prepare his bid for governor .
He is the sixth Republican candidate overall, the fourth state official and the second Riley appointee to enter the race.
Bradley Byrne, a former state senator, was chancellor of the state's two-year college system before he resigned in May to run. His candidacy announcement came between those of state Rep. Robert Bentley and state Treasurer Kay Ivey, both elected officials. The current field is rounded out by Greenville businessman Tim James, a son of former Gov. Fob James, and former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore, who now heads a religious conservative advocacy group.
Democrats in the contest include U.S. Rep. Artur Davis and state Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks.
Johnson told CQ Politics he hopes to appeal to voters as a "compassionate conservative" and would align himself with faith-based and community-based organizations.
"At certain levels, Republicans that are for low taxes and small government come off as mean-spirited and uncaring about people," he said in an interview Monday. "I believe I will stand out because I have demonstrated that it is possible for the state to partner with faith- and community-based organizations to deliver real services to people who need help."
Johnson said he wants to focus on pre-kindergarten education and efforts to rehabilitate inmates in the Alabama prison system.
CQ Politics currently rates the 2010 general election contest as Leans Republican.
To follow the 2009 and 2010 governors' races, check out CQ Politics' election map.
-- Annie Johnson
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