James camp responds to Johnson rumor

By Jennifer J. Foster

Published: October 29, 2009

I received a statement a few minutes ago from Brett Hall, communications director for Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim James. Hall is responding on James’ behalf to rumors I noted in this week’s column—that GOP candidate Bill Johnson, who has been an increasingly vocal and frequent critic of Gov. Bob Riley, may be attacking Riley’s record on James’ behalf in exchange for a position in a James administration.

Here’s the statement:

This concerns recent rumors that Tim James and those connected with his gubernatorial campaign are somehow connected with statements from Bill Johnson. These rumors are false and without any basis in fact. Bill Johnson has in recent weeks has publicly criticized Governor Bob Riley. Tim James doesn’t share in those sentiments expressed by Mr. Johnson, nor has he in any way, shape or form encouraged those comments.

Governor Riley has admirably served the people of Alabama. Like the two terms of former Governor Fob James, the Riley administration remains untainted by scandal.

Republican gubernatorial candidates would do well to support Governor Riley in the final year of his administration, as his popularity serves as an example to the people of Alabama that electing a Republican governor in 2010 would continue ethical and honest government.  In light of yesterday’s conviction of Democrat Mayor Larry Langford of Birmingham, along with convictions of several other Alabama Democrat officials in 2009, people are especially sensitive to the importance of ethics in government.

For what it’s worth, I noted in the column that the best way to refute these rumors would be for James to state clearly that he would not offer Johnson a role in his administration, and for Johnson to say that he wouldn’t accept one if it was offered.

You see the James statement in its entirety above. To date, I haven’t heard anything from the Johnson camp on the rumor.

In other news, James has decided to sign the Madison County gas tax pledge we have discussed here over the past few weeks. More on that later.