Alabama: Dem Primary Potential

A great deal has occurred surrounding the impending 2018 Alabama Governor’s race since incumbent Robert Bentley (R) was forced to resign.  Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey (R) ascending to the Governor’s office hasn’t tempered other office seekers from declaring, probably because she has delayed in announcing whether she will run for a full term. 
 
Most of the action has been on the Republican side, since Alabama voters have voted so consistently for the party candidates in recent political history.  Last week, however, former State Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb announced that she would seek the Democratic gubernatorial nomination for what could be an open seat.  Just yesterday, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox formed a gubernatorial exploratory committee.  Should he ultimately choose to run, competition will exist on the Democratic side, too.  Already, four Republicans have come forward including state Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan and Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle.  This race, which should yield a safe Republican open seat campaign, is becoming interesting.
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