Alabama Official Gives GOP a Six-Pack for ’10 Governor Primary
Alabama Republican Bill Johnson , a member of Republican Gov. Bob Riley ‘s Cabinet, is entering the already jam-packed field of candidates for the 2010 GOP primary to succeed the term-limited incumbent chief executive.
Johnson is a former Birmingham city councilman and was director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs until Friday, when he stepped down to prepare his bid for governor .
He is the sixth Republican candidate overall, the fourth state official and the second Riley appointee to enter the race.
Bradley Byrne , a former state senator, was chancellor of the state’s two-year college system before he resigned in May to run. His candidacy announcement came between those of state Rep. Robert Bentley and state Treasurer Kay Ivey , both elected officials. The current field is rounded out by Greenville businessman Tim James , a son of former Gov. Fob James, and former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore , who now heads a religious conservative advocacy group.
