Perdido Elementary School 4th Graders

After a little rest over the weekend, I got to make one of my favorite types of speeches on Monday. It was a talk about the Alabama Supreme Court and our state court system to students in the 4th grade who are studying Alabama History. I spoke to three classes of 4th graders. They were so well-behaved and are such good listeners. This school is a very small rural school located on the Baldwin/Escambia County line. It is special to me because it is the first school where my mother taught when she returned to work when I was in the sixth grade after 12 years as a homemaker. My mother loved that school and always said the sixth grade students she taught there were among the very best she ever taught. As another aside, my husband's grandfather, Baldwin County Probate Judge Ramsey Stuart, who was also a contractor on the side during his years as Baldwin County Sheriff, built the original Perdido School. (It burned a number of years ago and they now have a beautiful new school.) I take props when I speak to students -- my robe, a picture of the current Alabama Supreme Court, and a small statute of Lady Justice which my husband, George, gave me when I first became a judge in 1989. I talked about the Court, why judges wear black robes and what color judges used to wear, why Lady Justice carries a set of balance scales and a sword, and why she is blindfolded. Equal Justice Under Law is the theme of this speech. What fun!!!

Missed Event

I missed an event I really wanted to attend -- the Chilton County Golf Tournament. A small accident in Huntsville caused me to miss it. Thank goodness no one was hurt. All of us candidates are on the road so much. I've heard of a few other minor accidents and close calls. Please keep us all in your prayers for safety in our travels.

Madison County Men's Breakfast at the Order of Eagles Lodge

Elbert Peters is the President of the largest men's breakfast club in the state. It meets monthly at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge in Huntsville. Typical breakfasts in the past have had 200 plus attendees. This breakfast being so close to the primary was huge. I believe there were 300 plus attendees. I was disappointed Governor Riley wasn't there to speak (but I well understand scheduling conflicts on the campaign trail) but Roy Moore was there and gave a good speech. Lot's of candidates were present and there was plenty of time for shaking hands and passing out literature. I really love Huntsville. I was thrilled to see old friends. I got to sit at the Head Table between former Chief Justice Perry Hooper and Representative Howard Sanderford. A receiving line is the official closing protocol.

Last Editorial Board Meeting

My last Editorial Board Meeting prior to the primary was with the Huntsville Times. They were a very cordial group. More questions this time than in 2000. Because I'm staying in Huntsville for an event tomorrow there's time for a little shopping, work ( the Chief Justice reaches me by phone to discuss some cases), more work ( I've got lots of cases I brought with me to read), and a little rest.

Geneva County Executive Committee

I worked most of the day on General Conference "clean-up" and new writings for circulation to the June Conferences. I picked Kelly up from school, dropped her off at home with George and Tucker, grabbed my bags and headed to Geneva to Carol's Steak and Seafood for the Geneva County Executive Committee meeting. Carol's served a delicious fried catfish buffet with my favorite -- cheese grits. Barbara Ann Hamic, the Chairman, ran a very organized meeting. They have some hotly contested local Republican Primary races. After I spoke I was asked about having attended Auburn and Alabama. I explained I love both and that I believe attending both makes me "ultimately politically correct" in Alabama. Geneva County reminds me so much of my home county, Escambia County. Both are on the Florida line and have just a few small towns or cities. Like Escambia County a few years back when the oil and gas boom became a drizzle, Geneva County is presently experiencing difficult economic times. They have great people, however, and I know that they like Escambia County will persevere and make a great come back.

Summer Evenings

Shepard is working 10 hours a day and then has an hour drive home. When he gets home (amazingly) he and Tucker go into town to the Wellness Center to work out. When they get home we have supper together. Tonight it's a light supper because I'm so tired -- Chicken Taco Salad. The kids and I love it. George is not so pleased. He's a "meat and potatoes" kind of man. I say his mother spoiled him.

Campaign Countdown

It is less than two weeks to the June 6th Primary. My television commercials are up statewide and the radio commercials are up as well. The Countdown is on.

General Conference and Oral Argument

Wednesday was a busy day for the Court. We had another very businesslike General Conference and we also had Oral Argument for one case in the afternoon. We try to accommodate the attorneys and parties and try to get cases heard as promptly as possible. I hope we will not make this a routine practice. I prefer having Oral Argument on a separate day. I like to have the time after General Conference to do the "clean up" work that is necessary with my staff -- returning materials to the other Justices' offices, re-circulating corrections and additions to opinions and getting opinions to the Reporter of Decisions Office for reading or to the Clerk's Office for release. Also, we normally only have one week between General Conference and the next month's Circulation Deadline so there's already a hectic week ahead.

American Idol Fan

O.K. I admit it. I'm an American Idol fan. Actually I'm a huge Taylor Hicks fan. I didn't get to watch it Tuesday night because of campaigning. Friends taped it for me though and I will watch it. I was so exhausted on Wednesday night I watched the hometown visits (Hurray for B'ham and Hoover) but fell asleep before the singer going home was announced. I had to get up very early and rush out to the street to get the Mobile Press-Register to see if Taylor was still in. I knew he would be but I just had to know for sure. I've always thought he would win and I became absolutely convinced of it when Chris was sent home. Taylor represents Alabama so well. I'm sure we're going to have another Alabama American Idol. Go Taylor !!!

Up Early

It is General Conference day and we are not only having G.C. but we are also having Oral Argument in the afternoon. I have already been reading special writings and memos. I've also been catching up on my blogging.

Federalist Society and Coffee County Executive Committee Meeting

Brownie and I headed for Montgomery for final preparations for General Conference. There are always lots of special writings and memorandums concerning cases to read just before G.C. I attended the Montgomery County Federalist Society where Justice Bernard Harwood spoke about the behind the scenes going-ons surrounding Franklin Delano Roosevelt's "Court Packing Plan". In the afternoon I headed to Enterprise for the Coffee County Executive Committee Meeting. The group is lead by Al Patterson, son of former Governor and Judge John Patterson. It was great seeing the ladies from the Coffee County Republican Women's Club one of the largest and best clubs in the State Federation. It is the home club of Virginia Howard, State Federation of Republican Women President. Robin Foy is their program chairman and I will have the privilege of speaking to that group in June. More about their tremendous leadership then...

General Conference Votes

I have finished almost all my General Conference votes. There are some I have read but have my staff doing a little bit of extra research for me before I enter my votes. I attended Eastern Shore Republican Women in Fairhope. The State Auditor candidates were the speakers. We have four incredibly qualified candidates for this office. It will be hard to decide who to vote for. All four would make great state officials and should make all G.O.P'ers proud.

Mother's Day

Saturday, Kelly and I went shopping for graduation gifts and a Mother's Day gift for George's mother. I lost my mother to cancer 18 months ago. It amazes me sometimes how deeply I still feel her loss. Saturday shopping for Mother's Day was harder than Mother's Day itself although it was bittersweet. It was wonderful having the whole family together in church, and I enjoyed being taken out to lunch at the Banana Docks Cafe in Mobile. The afternoon was a quiet time of rest. Much needed rest. A very busy week is ahead.

Having the Boys Home

It is wonderful having the boys home for the summer. Shepard is working for a large construction company in Orange Beach. Tucker is working for George as he has done since he was 5 years old. Kelly is getting used to having to share her parents’ attention again but she enjoys having her brothers home as well. I'm having to adjust my cooking (the limited amount I get to do) again from cooking small meals for three to very large meals for five including two still growing boys.

Montgomery County Campaign Countdown

The Montgomery County Executive Committee held its Campaign Countdown event on May 11 at the RSA Activities Center. The Center was packed with state and local candidates and their supporters and Republicans interested in getting to know their candidates. Most candidates set up booths with their campaign materials available for interested persons to pick up. My booth was decked out in red, white and blue bunting and balloons. A large banner hung over the booth. I had the opportunity to meet many new voters. The barbeque meal was prepared by the RSA Food Services Division headed by Ed Xides. Mr. Xides is the former owner of the Elite Cafe and a friend of George's family. The Elite will always hold a special place in my heart because when George and I were newly married and living on College Court in Montgomery, we had a standing Friday night date for dinner at the Elite. Every time I see Mr. Xides it brings back very fond memories. George and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in March so those memories are old but very special.

Supreme Court Bible Study

The Supreme Court has a Bible Study each Tuesday morning at 7:00 A.M. It is open to all employees in the Judicial Building. It was begun by Chief Justice Nabers when he was appointed to the Supreme Court. We have teachers from all different denominations and they teach on a biblical passage of their choosing. We also pray for the leaders of all levels of government, the members of our military services, and individuals with needs who are brought to the attention of the group. I don't get to attend every week because I'm not always in Montgomery on Tuesday mornings but I have been able to attend a lot during this past year because the campaign has resulted in me spending the night in my Montgomery apartment more often. I thoroughly enjoy the Bible studies. They have been especially inspiring and encouraging to me during the campaign. They have also provided great stories and background information that I have used in teaching my Sunday School class back home. They are a great way to start a new day.

Winston County Executive Committe

Sarah and I had a lovely drive through the Sipsey Wilderness Area from Decatur to Double Springs. We arrived early at the Winston County Courthouse, a beautiful old stone courthouse. It reminds me of the original Baldwin County Courthouse in Bay Minette (although it was brick). Harold Sachs ran a most efficient meeting which was important because they have so very many local candidates. They had a packed courtroom. I was the featured speaker but other candidates were given 3 minutes to speak. Several of the folks who were there had seen my commercial. (It had just gone up that day). Bonnie Sachs is the strong woman behind the man in charge. They are certainly a complimentary pair. Winston Countians serve homemade goodies as refreshments half-way through their meeting. Some of the ladies packed me and Sarah a to-go bag of goodies. It was a long drive back to Birmingham to drop off Sarah and then on back to Montgomery. It was 11:30 P.M. before I got back. It was a very long but very satisfying day.

Lagniappe Café

Sarah and I had some time to kill before heading to Winston County and wanted to get a very late lunch and find internet access so I could catch up on my blogging. I’m sorry I get behind and have to catch up. Court work comes first and there are campaign activities which also have priority. I write the blog entries “in my head” contemporaneously with events and then just have to wait until I have time to get them on paper. Tom Wright, the Editor of the Decatur Daily, gave us directions to the Lagniappe Café. We spent several hours on the internet and had a delicious lunch. I had the Santa Fe Chicken Wrap and Sarah had a Turkey Melt. Our hosts were most gracious. I highly recommended this as a stop if you are ever in Decatur.

Decatur Daily Editorial Board

I enjoyed my visit with the Decatur Daily Editorial Board. As I told them, it was much more pleasant than my visit in 2000. It was very conversational. They were interested in what I considered my most significant case. It’s one I didn’t write the majority opinion in but a very important one nonetheless. We call it the “Baby Sam case”. Custody cases are always very important to me but this one dealt with issues that will affect many cases in the future. They were also interested in the timeliness of opinions, technology within the Court and the value of oral argument. They’ve been writing news articles based on their Editorial Board Meetings with candidates so we’ll see what they write.

Back to North Alabama

It was another early morning -- into the office in Montgomery to pick up cases going from Division to General Conference to read. Then it was off to Birmingham. I took some big signs to the storage unit in Hoover and then picked up Sarah. She seemed to have rested up from the Straw Poll. We headed off to Decatur.

Welcome Home Tucker and Shepard

Shepard arrived home Saturday night late and Tucker arrived on Sunday afternoon. It is great to have them home. It means changes, of course, in the household. They’ll be working this summer, leaving very early in the mornings and getting home in the afternoons. Hopefully, they’ll have time to play some golf and maybe even help with the campaign.

Shelby County Straw Poll!!!

I was up and off to Shelby County on Saturday morning. It took 3 ½ or 4 hours to reach the Old Baker Farm outside of Harpersville where the Fair was held. It was a beautiful drive. Driving the back roads of this state has been one the true joys of this campaign. Rural Shelby County reminds me of what Baldwin County was like when I moved there 23 years ago. My, times have changed. Sarah and Scott already had our booth set up with a table and tent. We had bottled water for the attendees as well as candy for the children. There were lots of young families there with many children in strollers. It was fun visiting with folks. The best part was the Straw Poll results. I beat my opponent 2 to 1 in votes (190 to 95). I received the fourth highest vote total of all the candidates on the ballot. It was a long but happy drive back to Bay Minette. I arrived in time to help Kelly get ready for her first semi-formal Cotillion dance. She wore a pretty pink dress with a fluttery hem and a few small pink roses in her hair. This is one of the real pleasures of being the mother of a daughter.

Division Vote Deadline

I had completed my voting earlier in the week because I knew it was going to be a very busy week for me. Nevertheless, 10:00 A.M. on the Friday Division Vote Deadline is a hectic time. Everyone checks the votes on their cases. Staffs prepare cases which have passed conference with five concurring votes for release or review by the Reporter of Decisions Office.

Steelwood Fundraiser

For several weeks the campaign staff has been working on a Baldwin County fundraiser. We have waited until now to do this because of the devastation to our county and neighboring counties and states by the hurricanes of last year. Baldwin Countians have been so generous in sending aid to those in need. Finally, the county is getting back to normal. Bob Wills, Allan Chason and Dr. Barry Booth were key sponsors and helped with recruiting hosts for the event. We ended up with more than 100 couples and organizations as hosts. Not all responses were received in time to make it on the host list on the invitation, so we had two large boards with all the names of hosts posted in two locations at the party. Steelwood is a beautiful location and the weather was perfect. It was sunny, but there was a wonderful breeze. We were able to enjoy the indoor dining room as well as the “outdoor ballroom.” Sunny Corte assisted with selecting flowers for the event. It was fabulous to see so many friends and supporters. I was able to share some great news with them about the campaign. It was great to just relax with friends. The fundraiser was a huge success.

Law Day 2006 Escambia County, Alabama

Each year the Escambia County Bar Association celebrates Law Week in a unique fashion. They bring all the seniors from the five High Schools in the county to the Escambia County Courthouse in Brewton for a Law Day Program and to participate as jurors and spectators in two actual criminal trials. Two schools come on one day and three schools on the next. Charles Godwin of Atmore is the Chairman of this event. He is the most organized person I know. I have been one of the guest speakers for the past five (?) years. Usually I get to speak on the day the students from my alma mater, Escambia County High School, attend. This year’s theme was Separation of Powers which happens to be the topic of one of the speeches that I often give to civic clubs so it was perfect for me. This program has been recognized by the Alabama State Bar and the American Bar Association for promotion of respect for the law and civic responsibility. It is a pleasure to participate each year.

Pig Out in the Park

My Kiwanis club has an annual spring fund raiser – Pig Out in the Park. Due to my work and campaign responsibilities I am not able to do too much this year. Kelly and I did go help season the 150 Boston Butts we are barbequing and helped get the first 50 or so on the grills. (We have six huge grills on a trailer -- Grillzilla.) Between the sale of whole Boston Butts and barbeque sandwiches we made approximately $1,800.00 for our annual scholarships for high school seniors. It is a fun and worthwhile project.

Mobile Press Register Editorial Board

Wednesday I met with the Mobile Press Register Editorial Board. It was a good meeting. They were very interested in my thoughts on Alabama's capital punishment statutes and judicial override of jury recommendations of death or life without parole. I am a supporter of capital punishment. I also believe there are many positives to our capital punishment scheme. Having prosecuted and tried capital cases as a trial judge and having considered numerous capital punishment issues as an appellate judge, I felt I had a lot of experience and expertise to share with them.

Division Vote Week

Monday was a normal work day in the Bay Minette Office. Few days are routine anymore. I often have to read briefs and writings at night, in the wee hours of the morning and on weekends. Tuesday I was off to Montgomery. Our cases for oral argument have been rescheduled due to conflicts of the attorneys, but we had a court meeting. In the afternoon I met with the Editorial Board of the Montgomery Advertiser. Then it was home again.

Alabama Federation of Women's Clubs Convention

Approximately 200 women from all over the State of Alabama assembled in Orange Beach for the Annual Convention of the Alabama Federation of Women's Clubs. Geneva Messer of Ariton, Alabama presided. We had great speakers including First Lady Patsy Riley and Alexis Jones, Miss Alabama 2006. Volunteer efforts of all sorts were recognized and rewarded with awards in various categories. These busy ladies are the "worker bees" of numerous communities across the State. They are also my dear friends. I have been a member of a women's club for more than 20 years. It has been one of the truly rewarding experiences in my life. When giving speaches, I often use the quote, "Service to others is the rent we pay for being alive." I don't know who said it first but I believe it.

Speaking to Home Folks

The Baldwin County League of Women Voters and all six of the Baldwin County Chambers of Commerce sponsored a political forum at Blakely State Park. The forum was for state and local candidates and Republicans, Democrats and one Libertarian spoke. It was a late afternoon event because of no electricity. Although it was billed as an "On the Stump" rally we actually spoke from a gazebo. It was early enough that I was able to eat dinner with George and Kelly before driving to Orange Beach for my next event.

Home Again

Wednesday morning. Home again. Lots of work to do from the Bay Minette office. It's good to be home with George and Kelly. I'm already counting the days until Tucker and Shepard come home from college for the summer.

Morgan County Executive Committee Meeting

From Birmingham, it was off again to just outside of Decatur for the Morgan County Executive Committee meeting. This was one of the best attended, most enthusiastic groups I have spoken to all year. Adonis Bailey, their program chairman, was a great hostess. Luther Strange, candidate for Lt. Governor, and I were the speakers. Lots of members carried my yard signs home with them to put up. You can tell its getting close to the primary. It was a long drive back to Montgomery. In a little over 24 hours, I have been from Montgomery to Dothan to Montgomery to Anniston to Birmingham to Decatur and back to Montgomery. Such is the life of an (itinerant) politician.

Anniston Rotary Club

After spending the night in my Montgomery apartment, I headed north in the morning to speak to the Anniston Rotary Club. It was great to visit with a law school classmate, Brenda Smith Stedham. I spoke on "Separation of Powers – It’s an Alabama Thing". As always, I enjoyed answering questions from the audience. It is always interesting to see what is on their mind. I responded to questions about eminent domain, the Alabama Constitution of 1901, and expungment of criminal cases. Afterwards it was off to Birmingham to meet with the Birmingham News Editorial Board.

Houston County Executive Committee Meeting

On Monday, I headed to Montgomery to work. Thursday is the Circulation deadline for Division and General Conference cases. This week of each month is busy mostly with writing and editing Stuart cases for both conferences. In the evening I headed to Dothan for the Houston County Executive Committee meeting. It was well attended. There were four speakers: myself, Judge Mark Anderson, Roy Moore, and Glenn Murdock. They were very efficient, but with four speakers, the meeting ran over their usual one hour time period. I spoke not to long ago to the Houston County Republican Women. Many of those same ladies were present. It was great to see Patsy Morgan, Joyce Long and Martha Foy. These ladies and their spouses were true pioneers in Republican politics in Alabama.

Indoor Picnic

From the Republican Assembly, I was able to scoot over to Riverchase to an indoor picnic with members of my sorority, Gamma Phi Beta. It had rained the night before (a real blessing in our near drought conditions) so inside was perfect. I was able to visit with friends from college and with two of my mentors, Elise Berthon and Norma Zimmerman. (As an aside, Norma is the mother of United States Olympic Pairs skater, John Zimmerman.)

Alabama Republican Assembly

The Alabama Republican Assembly held its endorsement convention on Saturday, April 22 at the Wynfrey Hotel in Birmingham. This Republican group has labeled itself the "Republican Wing of the Republican Party". I enjoyed talking with this group of conservatives. We agree on almost all issues. I didn't tell them everything they wanted to hear but I told them the truth. They are owed the honesty of every candidate. Real Republicans are not a bunch of "yes people."

Mobile County Landowners’ Association Forum

This forum was the first I’d been to that had both Democratic and Republican candidates speaking. They started at the top of the ballot and worked down. It was one and one-half hours after they started that I got to speak. My Democratic opponent spoke before me and my Republican opponent spoke after me. It was the first time I had seen Alan Zeigler in 26 years -- since I finished law school. There were at least another 50 candidates scheduled to speak after me.

General Conference

This was our first General Conference since the qualifying deadline (General Conference is when all 9 justices meet and discuss cases before the Court). Everyone was very businesslike. This was a heavier conference than we have had in a long time. We pushed hard and worked through into the afternoon. A little clean up and my cases will be gone -- to the Clerk’s Office for release or to the Reporter’s Office for her review. I headed back home in the afternoon. It was actually a pleasure to cook supper and enjoy it with George and Kelly. I actually like campaigning. I just hate the time I am away from my family. I don’t know if it will be easier or harder once the boys get home from college for the summer. George will have twice as many to cook supper for on the evenings I’m away. It’s a good thing he’s a good cook!!

Vote Deadline

I made it. Barely. I got my last vote entered just before the 10:00 A.M. deadline. After that, it was back home to Baldwin County. There were a few special writings and memorandums to be read in preparation for General Conference. The Forum tonight was in Foley. It is great to be back home (or almost) for a forum. There were few statewide candidates present for this forum. It is well attended though because the Baldwin County Commissioner and Sheriff’s candidates spoke.