Exit Stage Right for Rep. Terry Everett

This shows why it is a good thing for Alabama that Rep. Terry Everett, R-Enterprise, and my former newspaper publisher at Gulf Coast Newspapers, has decided not to seek reelection to his District 2 seat in Congress this year. It also shows why he has no chance to be governor, as he recently hinted he may have an interest in joining that race in 2010.

If he ever had “it,” he has obviously lost it.

He told a Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast crowd recently that a group of Southern Democrats endorsing Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright does more harm than good for “conservative” legislation.

Everett glanced toward Bright, sitting a few feet away, while he scoffed at “Blue Dog Democrats” — a group of mostly Southern Democrats from conservative districts.

“I don’t think they have ever passed a bill,” he said, “They say they make bad bills better, but for every good thing they do, I can give you 15 ways they hurt.”

After the speech, Bright said he was stunned by Everett’s comments.

“He put me in my place,” Bright said pointing back at the stage. “That is why we need term limits, right there.”

Hat tip to LeftInAlabama.com and the Montgomery Advertiser.