“Rumors and Rumblings” is a weekly feature that runs each Wednesday. It includes short nuggets of information that we glean from conversations throughout the week. Have a tip? Send it here.
1. State Finance Director Marquita Davis is rumored to be in the running for chancellor of the 2-year college system. Davis has gotten rave reviews for her work as finance director and would largely be viewed as an outstanding hire. “She’s a great manager of people,” said a source who has worked closely with Davis in the past. “She’s exactly what the board needs to bring that group together.” It is unknown whether or not Davis applied for the chancellor’s position, but multiple sources have indicated that she is being considered.
2. Crenshaw County Probate Judge Jim Perdue is rumored to be considering a run for Secretary of State in 2014. The long-time Democrat is weighing a run as a Republican. “He knows he can’t win statewide office as a Democrat,” a source with knowledge of Perdue’s thinking told Yellowhammer. Perdue is well-liked but that will be a tricky maneuver.
3. ALGOP Steering Committee member Harold Sachs has been elevated by ALGOP Chairman Bill Armistead to Armistead’s Chief of Staff. He reports directly to the Chairman and oversees ALGOP staff. ALGOP’s electoral operation remains in the capable hands of Executive Director TJ Maloney.
Rumor making rounds Democrat Harry Lyon 2 drop out of chief justice race against heavily favored Repub Roy Moore. Not true ..#alpolitics
— Chuck Dean (@BhamnewsDean) July 17, 2012
Lyon said. “Only way I drop out of race is if I’m dead & you’d have 2 make sure by putting a mirror under my nose to check my breathing.”
— Chuck Dean (@BhamnewsDean) July 17, 2012
Is Sachs being paid? If so seems like a waste of $$. But the party has money to burn.
Crenshaw County Probate Judge Perdue has GOP opposition this November.
Sounds like a demotion for TJ Maloney at the ALGOP. He would do well to take his talents elsewhere.
Cliff . . . who else is in the running for the 2 year college system job?
No way to know. The application process is private. Will post if I hear something.
Chuck Dean makes an appearance in YH? Now there’s something I didn’t expect!
Not sure how I feel about a steering committee member also being an employee of the party.
That’s exactly what I thought when I first read this. That is definitely a conflict of interest. Harold is a great guy though, I’m sure he’ll continue doing an outstanding job. It’s reassuring that have TJ running the races though, need a pro there.
Somebody tell Jim Perdue that we don’t look kindly on people who switch parties for political gain. Nice guy? Great. Continue being a nice Democrat.
This is more proof that it is def amateur night at the ALGOP. I don’t think a single decision made by Armistead has not been a 100% self-serving maneuver. It just proves what happens when the malcontents and the B team take the field.
Also, I like TJ Maloney. However, it is laughable that you are “reassured” because he is running the political wing of the party. Have you actually looked at the kid’s resume? Wayne Parker, Allen Alley, Brad Zaun… Have 2 things in common: TJ and losing.
Marquita Davis would be a phenomenal hire. Fingers crossed that they get this one right. Who becomes finance director if she leaves though?
No way to know. I would like to see Deputy Finance Director Clinton Carter get a look though. We featured him in our “Power & Influence Up & Comers” list: http://yellowhammerpolitics.com/blog/power-influence-up-and-comers/
His credentials are impressive. I wonder if David Perry would be interested at all in going by to finance.