MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – The resignation of the governor, the ouster of the House speaker and the suspension of the chief justice have left Alabama Republicans to restore order after nine months of chaos. But one thing is for certain: The GOP is in no danger of losing its grip on state politics.
No Democrat has held a statewide office since 2012, and Republicans have firm majorities in both legislative houses. And the state Democratic Party’s structure is a skeleton operation compared with the GOP in Alabama.
“It’s one of the most politically conservative places and one of the most politically corrupt,” said Wayne Flynt, professor emeritus at Auburn University.
Democratic Party Chairman Nancy Worley said Republican corruption “has spread like kudzu throughout our state,” and longtime party activist Doug Jones said the door is open for Democrats to make gains.
But do the math and it’s doubtful Gov. Robert Bentley’s departure amid allegations he had an affair with a female aide almost 30 years younger will have much effect at election time. Alabama’s population is nearly 70 percent white, and an overwhelming majority of them are conservative Christians who solidly vote Republican.