Sue Bell Cobb
The number of Democrats interested in running for Alabama governor is shrinking.
Alabama Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb, who had expressed interested in running for the seat being vacated by term-limited Republican Gov. Bob Riley, told local media outlets last week that she will remain on the job in the state's court system.
"I am honored to have been sought out and encouraged to run for governor by so many Alabamians from all walks of life," Cobb said in a prepared statement. "Their support has been humbling and perhaps made this decision the most difficult I have ever been called upon to make."
Cobb was elected chief justice in 2006 and is the only Democrat on the Alabama Supreme Court. State law would have required her resignation if she wanted to run, allowing Riley to appoint her replacement - most likely a Republican.
Cobb's decision, combined with an earlier announcement by Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom that he wouldn't run, has left some Democrats in Alabama searching for alternatives to the two announced candidates, Rep. Artur Davis and Ron Sparks, the state's agriculture commissioner.
Davis is seeking to become the first black governor of the state, a tough sell for any candidate in a Deep South state, while some politicos have alleged that Sparks won't be able to generate enough excitement.
Conversely, Republicans have had a tough time finding people who don't want to run. Six have expressed interest:
Bill Johnson, a member of Riley's Cabinet, announced in late June he would
enter the race. Also in the running are former State Sen. Bradley Byrne, State Rep. Robert Bentley, State Treasurer Kay Ivey, 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.
-- Annie L. Johnson
To follow the 2009 and 2010 governors' races, check out CQ Politics' election map.
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