Archives
 By  Staff Reports Published 
5:36 am Friday, January 25, 2008

Locals unsure of benefits of 'Super Tuesday'

By Staff
Jason Cannon
In last year's legislative session, lawmakers moved Alabama's primary election up four months, hoping to make the state a major player in the presidential election.
With just over a week left before state voters cast their ballots, it appears the move was all for naught.
"From what we're hearing, (Republican) Mike Huckabee will probably win Alabama," Jerry Fancher, chairman of the Franklin County Republican Executive Committee, said.
"So, I guess the candidates feel like it's already decided and are campaigning elsewhere."
Alabama has historically been considered a wasteland for presidential primary contenders, due largely to the fact that the state's primary election was often held after a clear winner had already emerged.
But, Alabama's move to Feb. 5 put the state in a field crowded with states with many electoral votes and that are traditionally split between Democrats and Republicans.
Alabama traditionally votes Republican in national elections.
"I think next year, the legislature needs to look at moving (the primary) back about two weeks," Fancher said. "Let some of the larger states get theirs out of the way. I think we could get some attention then."
Brian Hamilton, chairman of the Franklin County Democratic Executive Committee, said he also believed the Legislature's intentions were good, but the results have been about the same as in years past.
"I was a supporter of the decision to move the primary to Super Tuesday," Hamilton said.
"I think the intent was good, but once so many other states moved their primaries to the same day, I think the impact has been minimal."
One complaint that Alabama voters have had over the years has been the lack of interest shown to the state by presidential candidates. That has not changed in 2008.
"I don't think any of the major candidates have shown an interest in Alabama," Hamilton said. "I don't think the move has had the impact that it was intended to have."

Also on Franklin County Times
Thorpe to play at Blue Mountain Christian
High School Sports, News, Russellville, ...
Brannon King For the FCT 
July 16, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE – Brennon Thorpe made his plans official to attend Blue Mountain Christian University and play baseball for the Toppers during a recent s...
Russellville High Class of 1967 gathers, reminisces
Columnists, News, Opinion, ...
HERE AND NOW
July 16, 2025
You can’t really go back to the good old days of high school, but you can pay them a visit now and then. That’s exactly what the RHS Class of 1967 has...
Former Cypress Lakes official to lead Guntersville State Park
Lifestyles, News
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
July 16, 2025
GUNTERSVILLE — Heath Puckett had an Auburn University degree and golf course superintendent certification in his pocket when he arrived at Cypress Lak...
European travel builds bonds across cultures
Lifestyles, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 16, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- A group of Franklin County travelers spent nine days this summer walking through catacombs, exploring castles and standing in places w...
Little Free Library welcomes readers in East Franklin
Lifestyles, News, Phil Campbell
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 16, 2025
PHIL CAMPBELL — Eleven-year-old Aiden Hall is an avid reader, but he doesn’t just want to read books. He also wants to share them, and the way he deci...
King becomes elementary curriculum director
Lifestyles, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 16, 2025
RUSSELVILLE — Molly King says every child can learn, though not necessarily in the same way or on the same day — a belief she plans to carry into her ...
New Junior Leaders begin their training
Franklin County, News
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 16, 2025
FRANKLIN COUNTY — Forty-two high school students from across Franklin County are beginning 10 months of hands-on leadership training and community ser...
Fire destroys 2-story garage, guest suite
Main, News, Russellville, ...
Kevin Taylor For the FCT 
July 16, 2025
R U S S E L LV I L L E – Jason Gist leaned against the wall of his home with a look of disgust while dozens of firefighters worked to extinguish a fir...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Stories
July 4, 2025Augusto Simon Diaz, 42, of Russellville, passed away July 4. Visitation and funeral were held at Spry Memorial Chapel on July 12 from 2pm ...
July 16, 2025
July 8, 2025Jamie Kerby Cummings, 41, of Russellville, passed away on July 8. Visitation took place July 13, at Spry Memorial Chapel from 1 pm to 3pm....
July 16, 2025
July 11,2025Julie “JuJu” Welch Black, 63, of Russellville, passed away on July 11.Graveside service was held at 1pm on July 13, at Belgreen Cemetery w...
July 16, 2025
July 9, 2025Scott Noel Benford, age 58, of Muscle Shoals, passed away on July 9. Visitation was held at Pinkard Funeral Home in Russellville on July 1...
July 16, 2025