Former Alabama Lieutenant Governor Jere Beasley has endorsed Artur Davis’ gubernatorial bid and will serve as chair of Davis’ campaign. Davis, A Democrat, currently serves as a U.S. Representative in the 7th Congressional District of Alabama.

Former Lieutenant Governor Jere Beasley will chair Artur Davis' gubernatorial campaign.

Beasley served as Lt. Gov. under George Wallace from 1971-1979, and was acting governor for 20 days in 1972 after Wallace was shot. He ran for Governor in the 1978 campaign, but failed to make the Democratic primary run-off. He has since worked as an attorney with the firm Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C.

From the Monday press release (which you can read here):

“Throughout my involvement in Alabama politics over the years, I have witnessed Governors of all stripes; Republican and Democrats, liberal and conservative, but the best Governors had a definitive leadership quality.  I see that in Artur Davis and that’s why I’m proud to Chair his campaign for Governor,” Beasley said.  “I believe in Artur Davis’ ability to lead and bring people together to attract jobs and transform our state to unlock its full potential. He is the right man for the job, and I know that he can and will be Alabama’s next Governor.”

Artur Davis, U.S. Representative for Alabama's 7th Congressional District, is running for Governor with Jere Beasley's help.

Besides an extensive knowledge of Alabama politics, Beasley might bring some important political clout to Davis’ campaign–Danny over at Doc’s Political Parlor suggests that Beasley, as an attorney, might bring Davis some support from Alabama trial lawyers. That could discourage an indecisive Sue Bell Cobb, Alabama’s Chief Justice and the only Democrat on the state Supreme Court, from running against Davis. Danny writes:

The best battles are the ones you don’t have to fight, and this endorsement at this time may be considered a preemptive strike aimed to discourage Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb from entering the Democratic primary race. Trial lawyers supported Cobb in a big way in her bid to become Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb, and Beasley’s support for Davis (presumably accompanied by the support of other trial lawyers) gives Cobb one more thing to think about as she considers whether to step down as Chief Justice and run for governor.

However, Danny reported Tuesday that members of Cobb’s staff are looking for new jobs, possibly suggesting that she wasn’t fazed by Monday’s announcement (although those staffers could have been looking for new employment before that announcement).

(Source: Doc’s Political Parlor)