Alabama: suit asks for ouster of Riley's appointee
The Birmingham News reports: A Fairfield man asked a federal court Wednesday to remove newly appointed Jefferson County Commissioner George F. Bowman from office and to block Gov. Bob. Riley, who made the appointment, from interfering with a Feb. 5 election to fill the District 1 seat.
Fred Plump's request for a preliminary injunction is a continuation of his Nov. 16 lawsuit, which contends Riley lacks the authority to name a replacement to the seat left vacant when Larry Langford became Birmingham's mayor.
Riley named Bowman, 59, a retired two-star general, to the commission on Nov. 21.
Plump's suit said Riley is attempting to enforce procedures that have not been approved by the Justice Department under the federal Voting Rights Act. Plump's suit said the process of appointment of a commissioner by the governor prevents blacks in majority black jurisdictions from electing candidates of their choice. -- U.S. court asked to remove Jeffco commissioner appointed by Gov. Riley, let election proceed- al.com
Disclosure: Jim Blacksher and I represent Mr. Plump. The recent pleadings are available on my other website.