Posted on October 10, 2005 at 3:45 p.m.

WHAT:

Former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore, once known as the “Ten Commandments Judge,” and Alabama Governor Bob Riley will go head-to-head in the 2006 Republican primary for governor. University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) political communications expert Larry Powell, Ph.D., is available to provide insight and analysis of the race and how the candidates communicate and connect with voters.

WHO:

Powell is a pollster and an expert on the methods politicians use to communicate with the public. He is co-author of Political Campaign Communication: Inside and Out (2003). Powell has conducted numerous opinion polls. In addition, he has worked as a press secretary, speechwriter and communications consultant for dozens of political candidates. Powell is a professor and interim chairman of the UAB Department of Communication Studies.

DETAILS:

“Only one Alabama governor, George Wallace, has ever been elected to the governor’s office and served two full times,” Powell said. Former Governor Guy Hunt was elected twice, in 1986 and 1990, but was forced out of office due to an ethics scandal. Former governors Fob James and Don Siegelman were defeated in their bids for a second term. James served one term from 1994 to 1998. Siegelman was defeated by Riley in a close race in 2002.

“Governor Riley’s failed tax reform campaign of 2003 may prove to be a stumbling block for him,” says Powell. Riley’s tax proposal generated strong opposition, with some of the strongest coming from his own party, Powell said.

“Moore’s controversial stand on the Ten Commandments made him popular among religious conservatives,” said Powell, “and their support can be critical in a Republican primary.” Moore’s problem is that he could be viewed as a one-dimensional candidate, Powell said. “The Ten Commandments and anti-taxes will be Moore’s strategy for winning.”

MORE:

Powell has been quoted in numerous national publications, including The Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Newsday, USA Today, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, PR Reporter magazine, as well as by the Associated Press.

CALL:

For interviews, contact: Gail Short, UAB Media Relations, at (205) 934-8931 or gshort@uab.edu.