Those of you who are familiar with this blog are familiar with Troy King's difficulties paying his staff. I've written repeatedly about Chris Bence, the Chief of Staff who is actually a paralegal, bringing home $104,400 a year, even though he has no training as a paralegal. Then, there is the "executive assistant" who went from an unpaid intern to making $57,000 over the course of 10 months.
Well, it turns out that this executive assistant sure plays a lot of roles, including some which may be downright unethical. A source has informed me that Troy King's assistant has gone to GOP field school and regularly receives salary even while attending political events. Apparently he was at Troy King's big fundraiser in Washington recently.
Here's the problem--the state of Alabama is paying the AG's office to fight crime and send the bad guys to jail, not for a young man to campaign for his boss. These sorts of activities have gotten public figures into trouble in the past, and it's time to demand a stop to it.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Troy and John McCain: A Match Made in...?
I suppose it's Washington season in Alabama politics. Not to be outdone by the fundraiser held for his opponent hosted by Alabama's senators, King decided to hold his own DC fundraiser with none other than Sen. John McCain. That's an interesting choice, for several reasons.
First, I don't think John McCain is exactly who to go to when your "conservative" credentials are being called into question. Many conservatives believe that Senator McCain lost to President Obama in 2008 by refusing to stand up to government bailouts and fight for traditional conservative objectives. He has long been a maverick within his own party, and his substantial loss in 2008 is definitely not a bright spot in the party's history.
Second, it's somewhat ironic that Troy King would appear with Senator McCain over a year after a really interesting interaction with the McCain campaign. As I have expressed before, I don't dabble in idle rumors or gossip. However, last year Troy King was the head of McCain's Alabama Leadership Committee. Then suddenly, the next day, all mention of Troy King's name was removed from John McCain's website. It corresponded with a series of rumors about Troy King's sexual life, along with other scandals relating to ethical violations.
I suppose all is well in 2009, and the difficulties of 2008 have been forgotten, at least in Troy's world. However, in the real world, McCain just brings back bad memories, for conservative Republicans and of Troy King's actions as AG.
First, I don't think John McCain is exactly who to go to when your "conservative" credentials are being called into question. Many conservatives believe that Senator McCain lost to President Obama in 2008 by refusing to stand up to government bailouts and fight for traditional conservative objectives. He has long been a maverick within his own party, and his substantial loss in 2008 is definitely not a bright spot in the party's history.
Second, it's somewhat ironic that Troy King would appear with Senator McCain over a year after a really interesting interaction with the McCain campaign. As I have expressed before, I don't dabble in idle rumors or gossip. However, last year Troy King was the head of McCain's Alabama Leadership Committee. Then suddenly, the next day, all mention of Troy King's name was removed from John McCain's website. It corresponded with a series of rumors about Troy King's sexual life, along with other scandals relating to ethical violations.
I suppose all is well in 2009, and the difficulties of 2008 have been forgotten, at least in Troy's world. However, in the real world, McCain just brings back bad memories, for conservative Republicans and of Troy King's actions as AG.
Troy's GOP Problem
The story on al.com this weekend screamed BREAKING NEWS, and the headline was just as damning in what has proven to be a few difficult weeks for Troy King. It read: "Republican AG King's top foes: Top GOP Figures." The story went on to summarize King's struggles in recent weeks with fellow Republicans, including Governor Riley as well as US Senators Jeff Sessions and Richard Shelby. Additionally, the bi-partisan Alabama District Attorneys Association has criticized King.
Perhaps the biggest news last week was the announcement that Senators Jeff Sessions and Richard Shelby were hosting a fundraiser and supporting King's GOP primary opponent, Birmingham lawyer Luther Strange. This is a big surprise, given that top GOP officials are often reluctant to openly endorse candidates in a primary. Sen. Shelby then followed suit by cutting Troy's opponent a $25,000 check.
Now, Troy King has downplayed this. He has noted that he cares more about the people out in front of Wal-Mart instead of in Washington. On behalf of all those Alabamians who frequent Wal-Marts, let me say this: just as we send Troy King to Montgomery, we also send Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions to Washington. Both of our senators have received the votes of Alabamians because they have represented the conservative issues people care about. Just think for a moment about Sen. Sessions' stands in the Senate against irresponsible immigration reform and in favor of greater fiscal discipline. What about Senator Shelby's work to oppose the federal bailout which was so unpopular throughout the nation? We sent these men to Washington because we respect their judgment. Senator Sessions is himself a former prosecutor and Attorney General of Alabama. He has the experience to understand that office, and he clearly seems to believe that it would be better-served under new leadership.
Troy King can spin the news any way he wants, but he can't spin the fact that this has been one difficult week to be Troy King.
Perhaps the biggest news last week was the announcement that Senators Jeff Sessions and Richard Shelby were hosting a fundraiser and supporting King's GOP primary opponent, Birmingham lawyer Luther Strange. This is a big surprise, given that top GOP officials are often reluctant to openly endorse candidates in a primary. Sen. Shelby then followed suit by cutting Troy's opponent a $25,000 check.
Now, Troy King has downplayed this. He has noted that he cares more about the people out in front of Wal-Mart instead of in Washington. On behalf of all those Alabamians who frequent Wal-Marts, let me say this: just as we send Troy King to Montgomery, we also send Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions to Washington. Both of our senators have received the votes of Alabamians because they have represented the conservative issues people care about. Just think for a moment about Sen. Sessions' stands in the Senate against irresponsible immigration reform and in favor of greater fiscal discipline. What about Senator Shelby's work to oppose the federal bailout which was so unpopular throughout the nation? We sent these men to Washington because we respect their judgment. Senator Sessions is himself a former prosecutor and Attorney General of Alabama. He has the experience to understand that office, and he clearly seems to believe that it would be better-served under new leadership.
Troy King can spin the news any way he wants, but he can't spin the fact that this has been one difficult week to be Troy King.
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