November 13, 2003

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore was removed from office today for refusing to obey a federal court order to remove his Ten Commandments monument from the state courthouse. The following UAB experts are available for comment.

Larry Powell, Ph.D. — Powell is a pollster and an expert on political communications. He is currently writing an article on what he calls the “Pharisee Effect” in politics. Powell says politicians who use religion as an issue can make the mistake of taking the issue too far.

Powell is co-author of the book Political Campaign Communication: Inside and Out (Allyn and Bacon). In addition, he has worked as a press secretary, speechwriter and communications consultant for dozens of political candidates. Powell is a professor in the UAB Department of Communication Studies.

Sam Webb, J.D., Ph.D. — Webb is an attorney and an expert on Alabama’s political history. He is co-editor of the book Alabama Governors: A Political History of the State. He also is author of the book Two Party Politics in the One Party South: Alabama Hill Country, 1874-1920. Webb is an associate professor in the UAB Department of History.