2008 Jefferson County Commission special election
The 2008 Jefferson County Commission special election for the Jefferson County Commission District 1 is scheduled for February 5, 2008 to coincide with the state's presidential primaries. There are 5 challengers vying for the office held by George Bowman, whom Governor Bob Riley appointed to the post after Larry Langford took office as Mayor of Birmingham. The legal question of whether the position is to be filled by an appointee or by special election is in dispute. The Jefferson County Elections Commission (made up of Probate Judge Alan King, Sheriff Mike Hale and Court Clerk Anne-Marie Adams) scheduled the election and issued the ballots.
In late January a lawsuit filed on behalf of Patricia Working and Rick Eredmir claimed that the election was scheduled without enough notice for voters to research and support candidates. In a letter asking Circuit Court Judge Scott Vowell to order the ballots sealed, Alabama Attorney General Troy King questioned the constitutionality of the election. Vowell responded that he could not rule without giving the candidates a hearing. Lawyers appealed his response to the Alabama Supreme Court.
Candidates
- Kamau Afrika, a political consultant
- William Bell, Birmingham City Council
- George Bowman (incumbent)
- Orville Ifill, former public information officer for the Commission
- Eric Major, a former state representative and chair of the Jefferson County Citizens Coalition
- Fred Plump, a retired Birmingham firefighter
References
- Wright, Barnett (January 11, 2008) "Major will run for District 1 seat." Birmingham News.
- Bryant, Joseph D. (January 11, 2008) "William Bell to join Jefferson County District 1 commission race." Birmingham News
- Velasco, Eric (February 5, 2008) "State high court asked to block Jeffco commission vote count." Birmingham News