What will election results mean for Riley's future?

MONTGOMERY -- A win by Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Jim Folsom Jr. would make it hard for Republican Gov. Bob Riley to seek national office, political experts say.

Anne Permaloff, political science professor at Auburn University in Montgomery, said there are "persistent rumors'' that Riley is interested in vice president "if he makes himself available.''

Rumors were fueled last week when Arizona Sen. John McCain, a possible Republican presidential candidate in two years, appeared with Riley at a campaign function.

Other appearances and rumors may follow.

"I'm sure the governor will accommodate whatever happens,'' said Republican Party Chairman Twinkle Andress. "We've had a lot of presidential candidates coming to Alabama.''

After winning a second term Tuesday, Riley didn't discuss his political future. Earlier, however, he insisted it will involve his Clay County farm and raising cattle and grandchildren.

Riley was asked about the vice presidency Monday.

"There has never been a conversation about that with anyone,'' Riley said. "I mean, seriously, there are no plans to do anything like that. (McCain) hasn't (asked), and I doubt very seriously that he would.''

Some Riley supporters displayed "Riley for President" signs after his victory speech in Birmingham on Tuesday night.

It would be easier for Riley to seek the vice presidency or other office if he could have turned his office over to Republican Luther Strange rather than Democrat Folsom, because a governor who leaves office is succeeded by the lieutenant governor.

In unofficial vote returns Tuesday night, it appeared that Folsom, a former lieutenant governor and governor, was headed to victory in the lieutenant governor's race against Strange. It would be almost politically impossible for Riley to turn the governor's office over to Democrats, who could stay alive in gubernatorial races for a generation.

When told that Riley did not deny an interest, Permaloff said "a smart politician never says no when offered another slot, political position or chance to step up.''

She said, with Strange behind him, Riley could "talk about the fact there is a team effort in place and (Riley's) policies would continue.''

Riley said it will take a second term to fulfill his plans.

"But now we've built a foundation. If we build off that foundation right now, Alabama can literally lead this country and there's no reason not to do it,'' he said.

Riley will need the Democrat-led Legislature to give him successes that could gain him national attention. He gained a measure of attention in October when the Wall Street Journal called him a "tax-cut convert'' Republican who appeared headed to success in "an otherwise bad year for Republicans.''

"I have gone through four years with the lieutenant governor being part of the opposition,'' Riley said. "If you had more Senate and House members that really do want to do right for this state, it would make all the difference in the world.''

Dana Beyerle can be reached at (334) 264-6605 or dtb12345@aol.com.