Analysis from Alabama
Media General News Service — Feb. 7
In Alabama, we heard from David Lanoue, chair of the political science department at the University of Alabama. Barack Obama won by a greater margin than he thought, in large part due to the turnout of black voters. “I think ever since Barack Obama won the Iowa caucuses and really emerged as a credible candidate, African American voters have moved in his direction,” Lanoue said.
ANALYSIS: Alabama voter turnout more than expected
Tuscaloosa News – Feb. 7
Alabama set a turnout record in presidential primary voting Tuesday, with more than 1.1 million of the state’s 2.75 million voters going to the polls, a turnout that surprised even Secretary of State Beth Chapman, who had predicted a new record, but not one of this magnitude. . . “I think Barack Obama has brought a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and energy not only to the Democratic primaries, but to the whole political process itself,” said David Lanoue, chairman of the University of Alabama’s political science department. “While he didn’t do as well as Clinton across the county Tuesday, he held his own and it looks like he will be a factor through the rest of the primaries and maybe even on to the convention.”
Clinton may lead in state’s delegates
Mobile Press-Register — Feb. 7
Despite losing Alabama’s Democratic presidential primary, Hillary Clinton could collect more delegates from the state than Barack Obama, based on an Associated Press tabulation Wednesday. . . . “I was shocked when I learned that this afternoon,” said David Lanoue, a University of Alabama political science professor. “Generally, when you win a primary by 14 points you expect to win a majority of the state’s delegates.”
Gov. Riley gives State of the State address
Crimson White – Feb. 7
Gov. Bob Riley urged legislators Wednesday to prioritize increasing pre-kindergarten childhood education and helping lessen financial strain on working families by cutting taxes. . . . William Stewart, a professor emeritus in the political science department, said he agrees that it is important for Alabama to have a balanced budget where the revenue and expenditures match up.
Education Briefs
Birmingham News – Feb. 7
A recent luncheon at the University of Alabama honored recipients of Coca-Cola’s First Generation Scholarships, which are awarded to students who are the first in their families to attend college. The honorees who were presented four-year, $20,000 scholarships are Jeffery Lee Banks Jr. of Berry; Christina Young Bryant of Elba; Xue-Zhi “Alan” Chen of Madison; Matthew Wade Clem of Elkmont; Adrianne D. Farris of Clanton; Selena LaShea Mason of Moulton; Sade J. Mays of Montgomery; Shauna R. McDaniel of Jemison; Charles Blake Myers of Hoover; Erin Linley Shirley of Winfield; Benjamin C. Strong of Cragford; and Allie Benae Thompson of Muscle Shoals.
Computer science professor receives $400,000 grant
Crimson White – Feb. 7
The problems of sharing medical knowledge over a long distance may soon become less difficult by using radio frequency identification technology, also known as RFID. Yang Xiao, assistant professor of computer science at the University, was recently awarded a $400,000 grant from the National Science Foundation’s Cyber Trust Program to research advancements in wireless telemedicine.
Month celebrates black heritage
Crimson White – Feb. 7
The first week of February is coming to an end, but the African-American Heritage Month events sponsored and coordinated by the Crossroads Community Center are just getting started.
Wireless Internet becomes UA priority
Crimson White – Feb. 7
Lakeside Lattes recently added wireless Internet to its facility, bringing the University one step closer to becoming a “wireless” campus. “The fact that the University is making wireless Internet a priority speaks loud and clear that the University is prepared to move into a more technologically advanced future,” said SGA President R.B. Walker. According to the Campus Computing Project, 51 percent of college classrooms now have wireless network access, compared to 42 percent in 2005 and 31 percent in 2004.
Learning from the PAST and passing it on
Huntsville Times – Feb. 6
Former Tide player John Croyle operates two ranches for kids John Croyle learned honesty, fairness and discipline – which he says he needed on the field – at the University of Alabama playing for the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant, and in everyday life. Croyle was a defensive end on the Alabama varsity team from 1971 to 1973. During those years, the team won three Southeastern Conference Championships and one National Championship. He played for Bryant, Alabama’s longtime head coach. He was the guest speaker at the Jan. 24 Madison Chamber of Commerce meeting. He is the founder and operator of the Big Oak Ranches in Gadsden and Springville. More than 1,700 children have lived at the ranches since they opened in 1974.