Ricky Pledges to Run a Clean Campaign

"Just because his backers will throw mud doesn't mean that he and I have to. There are just too many important things to work on here in Calhoun County to let the old politics as usual in Montgomery and Birmingham come and take over," says Whaley.

Since the runoff last week, Whaley has been attacked by the Birmingham operatives of the Alabama GOP with falsehoods by mail, automated calls, and radio stating he is in the pocket of Montgomery special interests. Those "special interests" are in reality his fellow teachers and support persons who work in our schools.

Whaley now understands that many of these attacks were launched with the knowledge that he was in the general election.

"Those Birmingham boys knew that there wasn't going to be a runoff and they hid that fact from our local officials for a while. I guess they felt they could take a free shot at me, and they didn't mind they did it at the expense of Calhoun County taxpayers. It is typical of folks who do not care about us, and certainly typical of the Birmingham types who do not think the rules apply to them."

"I'm an old ball coach, and I've seen some trick plays in my time. Now I know how they operate I'll be ready," says Whaley. "That Birmingham crowd should have to pay restitution to the county. A yellow flag will not be enough."