May 23, 2013
Alabama Democratic Party Blasts Calhoun Party Switchers
MONTGOMERY, AL --The Alabama Democratic Party today lambasted four former Calhoun County Democratic officials, including Probate Judge Alice Martin and License Commissioner, Barry Robertson after they announced their switch to the Republican Party earlier this afternoon.
While the matter of choosing a political party is a personal prerogative, it is disingenuous and unfair to voters for officials to unexpectedly announce a party switch halfway through the term they were elected to serve. Judge Martin and License Commissioner Barry Robertson have long had the staunch support of Calhoun County voters and ran as Democrats in their previous elections.
Circuit Court Judge Brian Howell won election in 2006 against a Republican opponent, and County Registrar Carolyn Henderson was appointed to the Calhoun County Board of Registrars by Democrat Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks. Her position will require her to be reappointed by his Republican successor John McMillan or another Republican official, such as the State Auditor or the Governor.
Calhoun County Democratic Party Chairwoman Sheila Gilbert said, “It’s incredibly unfortunate that these officials, with the possible exception of one, could not be bothered to call and discuss their decisions to switch parties with me before announcing it to the press. “I had to wonder if they were afraid I would try to talk them out of giving up their years of service as Democratic officeholders and the trust and support Calhoun County Democrats had placed in them."
The Alabama Democratic Party and the Calhoun County Democratic Party reaffirmed their commitment to finding strong candidates to run in each of these elected offices in the upcoming elections.
“We have a number of great Democrats in Calhoun County who would be well-qualified for each of these offices,” said Gilbert. “We look forward to taking on these new Republicans at the ballot box next year.”
