Tom Butler has been caucusing with the Republicans in the Alabama state Senate for several years now. IMHO, he is staying out of the AL-05 race for 2 reasons:

1) Since he can't roll over his Alabama Senate campaign funds (about $180K) there's no way he can compete financially with Parker Griffith (an actual Democrat).
2) There's a good chance he would lose in the Republican primary and, even if he won, he knows this district is leaning Dem despite the GOP spin about what a great pick-up opportunity it is.

At Left in Alabama, we have speculated on whether the Republicans would choose Butler, the Nouveau Republican over Heritage Republican Wayne Parker, an insurance agent and 2 time loser to Bud Cramer. The GOP's best prospects were Madison County Commissioner Mo Brooks and state Sen. Arthur Orr. They both bowed out early -- apparently the opportunity didn't look that good to those experienced local pols.

Posted at April 3, 2008 12:31 AM in response to NRCC Now Trying To Recruit Democrats As Candidates — And Failing

What a pleasant surprise! As long as we're talking dream scenarios, I'd like to see Rob Riley called to testify before the committee. Jill Simpson has already provided testimony and records showing she had contact with RR and I wonder how much he would deny under oath.

Posted at March 27, 2008 12:53 PM in response to House Panel to Seek Hearing with Jailed Alabama Ex-Gov