Alabama Democratic Party chairwoman Nancy Worley being sued
Newly re-elected Chairwoman of the Alabama Democratic Party, Nancy Worley is being sued by another member of the state party. Susan Cobb, chairwoman of the Marion County Democratic Executive Committee, is suing Worley for allegedly removing her from the party’s website and restructuring the committee, effectively removing Cobb from office. “June 5, 2018… Cobb received a call from Worley asking where the returns from the primary election were. Cobb had never been instructed by the Party nor Worley, it was her job to communicate to the Party the results of the primary races,” the lawsuit reads. “Cobb rightfully asserted to Worley that the probate judge was certifying the returns to the Secretary of State, and as such, she was not aware she had to personally certify the returns to the Party.” In the week after the August 11 Democratic party election, where Worley was re-elected as chairwoman, Cobb’s name was removed from the party’s website. When she contacted Worley to inquire why this was the case, Worley told her she did it at her own discretion because Cobb failed to properly certify the primary election returns. “Worley purportedly plans to hold a re-organization meeting, claiming that the Marion County Democratic Executive Committee does not exist; Nothing within the Alabama Democratic Party bylaws allows such an ouster, nor provides for replacement in this manner,” the lawsuit continues. Cobb’s lawsuit also seems to hint that Worley removed Cobb after she “vigorously opposed Worley’s re-election,” instead backing Montgomery attorney Peck Fox for chairperson. Worley has served as the party’s chairowman since 2013, and faced an uphill battle for re-election earlier this month as several members of the party; including U.S. Sen. Doug Jones backed Fox. “This party needs to build,” Jones said before the committee’s vote. “We need change. And the only way to get change is to have change. I think it’s time to move on. There’s a lot of energy we’ve got to capture. And I think Peck is the best person to do that.” Despite his best efforts to sway the committee, Worley bested Fox 101-89.
Nancy Worley re-elected Democratic Party chairwoman
Nancy Worley has been re-elected as chairwoman of the Alabama Democratic Party, narrowly defeating a challenger who was backed by U.S. Sen. Doug Jones. The party’s executive committee on Saturday voted 101-89 for Worley over Montgomery attorney Peck Fox. Jones, the only Democrat in statewide office, nominated Fox for the chairmanship. He said the party needs change, Jones said the party must begin to provide fundraising and candidate support in 2018 or will keep the status quo of one Democrat in office. The meeting put party divisions on display. Worley has been supported by Joe Reed, the leader of the influential Alabama Democratic Conference. Reed also controls a substantial number of committee votes. Worley has been chairwoman since 2013. She said the party has reduced debt and fielded more candidates. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Nancy Worley to face challenge for Democratic Party chair
As Alabama Democrats head into what they hope will be a period of rebuilding, some are seeking new party leadership. The Alabama Democratic Party executive committee meets Saturday in Montgomery to elect a chairperson. Longtime chairwoman Nancy Worley will face a challenge from Montgomery attorney Peck Fox. Once dominant throughout the Deep South, Democrats had been obliterated from statewide office in Alabama until last year’s election of U.S. Sen. Doug Jones. Buoyed by Jones’ victory, Democrats are looking to the 2018 elections with newfound optimism. “I think it’s important that we have a party that has a functional infrastructure, the ability to raise funds, the ability to organize field operations to provide help and support to our candidates and county committees,” Fox said. “If we miss this window of opportunity, I don’t know when the next one will be.” Worley has served as the party’s chairwoman since 2013 and is seeking another term at the helm. “During the time I have served as chair of the Democratic Party, we have substantially reduced the party’s debt, fielded more candidates than we have had in decades, elected a Democratic U.S. Senator, held regular board meetings with financial reports at each, and reorganized some county parties,” Worley said in a statement. Both Worley and Fox are political veterans. Fox worked for the late Sen. Howell Heflin in Washington and for Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom. Worley is a former Alabama secretary of state and served as the party’s vice-chairwoman. Fox likely faces an uphill battle. Worley has been supported by Joe Reed, the longtime leader of the influential Alabama Democratic Conference. Reed also controls a substantial number of committee votes. Reed did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment. However, House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels said Friday that, “now is the perfect time for a transition.” “On the heels of Doug Jones’ election and with the number of candidates running for office, more than any time before these candidates need a strong party, a stronger party,” Daniels said. The Democratic Party has been roiled by tension and criticism about its direction and finances in recent years. A reform group has sought to strengthen and diversify the party. In 2016, then-House Minority Leader Craig Ford penned a letter saying the party was on” life support” and urged Worley and Reed to step down. The party’s previous party chairman resigned in 2013 to create a new group to assist Democratic candidates. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
