“Back home, however, Governor Bob Riley will face more acrimonious relations with the Democrats in the state legislature, and the legislature itself will be wracked with significant intra- and inter-party battles,” predicts Dr. David Lanoue, professor and chair of The University of Alabama political science department.

“The Democrats, interpreting the 2006 elections as something of a victory, at least compared to their showing in recent years, will be more emboldened in their willingness to do battle with the governor,” Lanoue adds.

“Lt. Gov. Folsom will be a much more visible player in day to day politics than was his predecessor, Lucy Baxley,” Lanoue says. “The new lieutenant governor will be positioning himself for a run at the top job in 2010. On the Republican side, Attorney General Troy King will attempt to keep his own name in the news for the same reasons.”