Admiral Senator? It Could Happen…

Everybody’s convinced Tommy Tuberville is going to run for Governor. Everybody, that is, except me.

Yesterday I made my feelings known about all the “will he, won’t he?” speculation. I even quoted Shakespeare, as I am wont to do.

But, just for the sake of argument, let’s assume that Coach does give up his Senate seat to run for Governor. He’ll have to do that, because you can’t run for two races at once (thank God!) and both are up this cycle.

That makes the Governor’s race Tuberville versus Ainsworth versus…everybody else. There’s nobody who even comes close to being able to compete in that race that’s on the radar right now. Stay home, save your money, buh bye.

It also throws the Senate race wide open, which makes it the most interesting one to think about right now.

On the Blue side, some have mentioned Doug Jones. I don’t think that’s likely. He had his chance and blew it. His Obama-Biden roots are too deep to not be used against him, and after he lost the last time by 20 points…nope, I can’t see it.

There’s Kyle Sweetser, who has a nice commercial, and about as much chance as the proverbial snowball.

Here’s the kicker for the Democrats—Nick Saban is rumored to be interested in a new job, and might run with a D after his name.

I know, I know; I find it hard to believe myself, but more than one person I trust has mentioned this to me. So, let’s at least consider it.

If Saban wants it, he’ll get the Dem nomination, and the National Dems will open the money floodgates WIDE for the general election. That turns the November race into a true election, not a formality, and could have a ripple effect up and down the ballot.

Could have…but probably not.

And who will be the Republican nominee? Without Tuberville, it becomes a free-for-all. Marshall, Strong, Ledbetter and a half-dozen other names have been tossed out. All possible, all with some name recognition and money, all with reasonable bios…and no clear advantage right now.

There’s one more name I’ve heard that made me stop and think: Rear Admiral W. Kent Davis (Ret.).

If you’re a Veteran, or follow Alabama politics at all, you know the name. For years, Davis led the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs as its Commissioner, and by report ran it well. Then, he and Governor Ivey’s office had a disagreement (allegedly) about corruption and ethics and actually spending money the way it was supposed to be spent—to care for Veterans. One sketchy bill and some legislative arm-twisting later, the Governor now appoints the Commissioner, and the Admiral has a lot of time on his hands.

Adm. Davis’ resume is impressive, to say the least. Retired Rear Admiral, combat deployments, lawyer, Department of Homeland Security, Center for Domestic Preparedness, Director of Economic Development then City Manager for Anniston, lives in Montgomery, married with two kids—one at Alabama, one at Auburn. His resume is still up (for now) on the AL Department of Veterans Affairs website. You might want to download it while you can. Just sayin’.

Adm. Davis would be the Dark Horse to end all Dark Horses if he gets into the Senate race…and I’m told he’s definitely interested. He’s recently been to DC to talk with “some people” about the race, and his supporters here in Alabama think he’ll do well with the voters.

As with every other candidate, there are lots of unknowns. But, with an open Senate seat, who can say just what will happen?

Could Alabama have an Admiral Senator? It’s happened before—remember Jeremiah Denton?

It could happen again.

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