Don't expect Alabama's governor or legislature to present another new tax package like the one soundly defeated in 2003, says University of Alabama political expert Dr. William Stewart.

"Governor Riley will not take the lead on any new tax packages in 2004 after being burned so badly by the voters' overwhelming rejection of his September 2003 tax and accountability plan. Instead, the legislature will propose some 'band-aid'-type measures to bring in a modest amount of revenue," said Stewart, UA professor emeritus of political science.

"Essential state services will, however, continue to be badly underfunded throughout 2004. Alabamians will continue to favor 'economical' government despite the fact that the attempt to starve government will only ensure that the state will continue to rank at or near the bottom in terms of most quality of life indicators," Stewart said.

At the national level, Alabama will once again be in the Republican column in the 2004 presidential election.

"George W. Bush will prevail handily in Alabama," he predicts.

Stewart also predicts there will be no change in Alabama's congressional delegation. "Roy Moore will decide not to try to unseat Alabama's senior U.S. Senator Richard Shelby and Shelby will be overwhelmingly reelected against only token Democratic opposition in November 2004.

"All seven members of Alabama's U.S. House delegation (5R, 2D) will also be re-elected. None will be seriously contested either for their primary nominations or in the general election."

"At the state level Republicans will continue to do well, especially in judicial elections. As a result of November 2004 balloting the Alabama Supreme Court will have nine Republicans and not a single Democrat," Stewart said.

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