Buying Time—2010: Alabama
Analysis
Alabama was one of the first states to experience runaway spending and negative advertising in judicial elections, and has become the most expensive: from 2000-2009, candidates for Alabama’s supreme court raised $40.9 million — more than double the next state. For the decade, Alabama ranked second in spending on TV ads (with $15.6 million spent on airtime). Only Ohio ($21.3 million) saw more spending on TV ads in the last 10 years.
Incumbent Tom Parker (R) beat challenger Mac Pearsons; Incumbent Michael Bolin (R) beat Tom Edwards (D); and Kelli Wise (R) beat Rhona Chambers (D) for the seat vacated by Patricia Smith.
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Leading up to the November 2010 election, the Brennan Center released real-time reports on television advertising in state Supreme Court elections, presented here at “Buying Time — 2010.” These reports continue the groundbreaking analysis first conducted in 2000 examining the sponsorship, content and costs of televised state Supreme Court campaign ads.
Return to the Buying Time homepage.
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October 30, 2010- Worse Shape
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Mac Parsons is going to do the best thing for the people of Alabama.
October 30, 2010- Criminals
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Mac Parsons is "good to good people and bad to bad people."
October 30, 2010- Remember Tom
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An ad from Mac Parson's campaign says Tom Parker wants to revoke a woman's right to vote.
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October 26, 2010 – Fight
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Rhonda Chambers says her work has given power to the victims of child abuse.
October 22, 2010 – The Conservative Minute
A radio advertisement from Tom Parker's campaign promotes his conservative credentials and attacks Federal Judge Virginia Phillips.
October 22, 2010 – Alabama Story
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Mike Bolin was taught conservative values.
October 22, 2010 – Sleep Safe
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Kelli Wise will ensure that law will protect from injustice.
October 22, 2010 – Conservative Leaders' Loyalty
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An Alabamians for Conservative Leaders ad says that the two most senior Republican Justices are supporting Democrats.
October 22, 2010 – Politicize Courts
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The Center for Individual Freedom supports Kelly Wise and Mike Bolin.
October 20, 2010 – Meet Tom
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A Mac Parson campaign ad claims Tom Parker doesn't pay his taxes.
October 20, 2010- Get Ready
October 18, 2010 – Money Changers
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Tom Edwards says "take the for sale sign off our court."
October 15, 2010 – Hard Work
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Mike Bolin learned early about hard work.
October 15, 2010 – Traditional Values
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Kelly Wise has interpreted the law, not created it.
May 28, 2010 – Assembly Line Justice 2
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Tom Parker advertisement.
May 26, 2010 – Do Anything
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Bolin ad questioning Cary's judicial and conservative credentials.
May 26, 2010 – Bolin is a Hypocrite
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Cary accuses Bolin of hypocrisy, says he took money from liberal lawyers and oil companies.
May 26, 2010 – BP Oil
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Cary accuses Bolin of selling out to oil companies.
May 26, 2010 – Clean Up
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Cary says he's not a politician, will clean up system.
May 25, 2010 – Constant Attacks
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Bolin ad questioning Cary's judicial and conservative credentials.
May 25, 2010 – Assembly Line Justice
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Tom Parker says he will not be a rubber stamp.
May 24, 2010 – Parker Defends Constitution
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Tom Parker says he will defend the Constitution.
News
EDITORIAL: A Supreme Court Justice’s Disgusting Campaign, The Anniston Star, October 28, 2010.
Editorial: PAC Money Makes It Seem Justice Is For Sale, Birmingham Press-Register, October 27, 2010.
Jennifer Foster, Slander Alleged In Ala. Supreme Court Race, October 26, 2010.
Alabama Supreme Court Candidate Calls Opponent Tom Parker 'Lazy,' The Associated Press, August 24, 2010.
The Anniston Star Editorial Board, Our Judicial Mess, The Anniston Star, Anniston Star September 17, 2010.
Bob Martin, The Alabama Scene, The Hartselle Enquirer, September 16, 2010.
Birmingham News Editorial Board, Our View: It's No Surprise That Voters In Both Parties Are Suspicious About The Connection Between Campaign Donations And Judicial Rulings, Birmingham News, September 16, 2010.
John Archibald, Justice Is Not Blind, But Alabama Seems Pretty Dumb, Birmingham News, August 08, 2010.
Eric Velasco, Alabama high court hopefuls spend big in off-year, The Birmingham News, June 07, 2010.
Dana Beyerle Montgomery, Supreme Court rivals spar over last-minute contributions, Tuscaloosa News, May 27, 2010.
Brendan Kirby, Republican incumbents cruising against challengers in state Supreme Court races, [Mobile] Press-Register, June 1, 2010.
John Archibald, Justice Is Not Blind, But Alabama Seems Pretty Dumb, Birmingham News, August 08, 2010.