Turnout highest in state history
Montgomery Advertiser – Feb. 6
…The high voter turnout is also a possible indication that voters are happier with the candidates, said Pat Cotter, associate professor of political science at the University of Alabama. Cotter said that is especially true for Democrats. “Democrats are happy with all their candidates,” he said. “It’s a choice of the better of the best or the best of the better. It’s not a choice between choosing among the worst. “The Republicans seem to not be as enthusiastic about their choices in the sense that not all of them seem to be as equally acceptable,” Cotter added…
Huckabee, Obama win Alabama primaries
Associated Press – Feb. 6
…Obama ran strongest in counties in south and central Alabama with large black populations, while Clinton was tops in largely white counties in north Alabama. “It does show the obstacles a black candidate faces in Alabama. It shows the obstacles Artur Davis could face if he decides to run for governor,” said William Stewart, a veteran political scientist at the University of Alabama…
Huckabee makes money go far in Alabama primary
Montgomery Advertiser – Feb. 6
…William Stewart, a retired political science professor at the University of Alabama, said on Monday that it appeared likely at the time that McCain and Obama would win the Alabama primaries…
Chamber sets ’08 priorities, objectives
Tuscaloosa News – Feb. 6
The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama identified four priorities for 2008 in its annual business plan released Tuesday….
• Promote and help develop a model for a comprehensive, coordinated regional work-force system.
• Complete the ‘Culture Builds’ strategic plan, which is intended to take advantage of the region’s cultural resources to further economic development and enhance quality of life.
• Collaborate with public, private and nonprofit sectors to establish a literacy initiative in West Alabama.
• Develop strategies that take advantage of the University of Alabama’s resources to create and achieve economic and community development goals….’The chamber’s mission is to provide vision, leadership and a catalyst for economic vitality, a positive business climate and a higher level livability for Tuscaloosa County and West Alabama,’ said University of Alabama President Robert Witt, this year’s chairman of the chamber board. ‘Our 2008 business plan reflects that important mission, and we are prepared to carry it out.’
UA gymnastics program raises $265,000 for DCH Breast Cancer Fund
Tuscaloosa News – Feb. 6
A check for $265,000, raised through the University of Alabama gymnastics program, will be presented to the DCH Breast Cancer Fund at Friday night’s meet when the fourth-ranked Crimson Tide hosts No. 10 Arkansas at Coleman Coliseum…Since Alabama began its pink meet, other schools in the Southeastern Conference and across the nation have followed suit. Women’s athletic teams in other sports have also taken up the idea. “Now it’s not just the University of Alabama,” Patterson said. “It’s so many sports, so many schools, all the schools in our conference…
Beloved professor dies during break
Crimson White – Feb. 6
…Jeremy Lespi, an English professor, died on Dec. 30 after a long fight with multiple health problems. He had just turned 30…Lespi joined the UA staff in fall of 2005 and taught mostly freshman composition courses and creative writing. He also served as an editor for the Black Warrior Review. William Ulmer, director of the English department, said a replacement had been hired for Lespi, but the professor would always be remembered for his many contributions to the University…