Alternate State Capitals: Alabama

[Del Tachi]

Auburn
"The Lovliest Village on the Plains"

Population (city):  56,908
Population (metro):  147,257

Although the smallest of the cities under consideration, Auburn is the fastest growing metro area in Alabama and the 19th fastest in the nation.  The presence of Auburn University makes the city important to the economic wellbeing of the entire state.  Its close location to the Georgia state border means that selecting Auburn as capital may push the State of Alabama towards a political and economic outlook more like that of its eastern neighbor.

Birmingham
"The Magic City"

Population (city): 212,038
Population (metro):  1.1 million

As Alabama's largest city and metro area, Birmingham seems to be the most "natural" choice for state capital.  Its location on two major Interstates (I-20 and I-65) and central location make it not only an important commercial and industrial center of the state, but of the entire South.  Despite its apparent advantages, relocating the capital to Birmingham would put additional strain on the city's already stressed infrastructure. 

Huntsville
"Rocket City USA"

Population (city):  183,739
Population (metro): 430,734


Historically an important Appalaichian trading post on the Tennessee River, the city of Huntsville is now the economic hub of North Alabama due to its role in the aerospace and defense industries.  The Huntsville area draws in well-educated, highly skilled workers from all over the United States and has the lowest poverty rate of all the cities under consideration, thus making it arguably the most cosmopolitan metro in Alabama.  However, its relative economic independence and unique demographics put Hutsville at-odds with "downstate" interests rather often, a potenially insurmountable challange.   

Mobile
"The City of Six Flags"

Population (city): 194,822
Population (metro): 413,936

Beginning its turbulant history as the first territorial capital of French Louisiana, the city of Mobile has flown under six different flags since it was founded in 1702.  Now North America's twelth-busiest seaport, Mobile is often considered Alabama's "second city" only behind Birmingham.  The city's main advantage as capital would be its historical signifigance and remarkable French Creole styled architecture.  However, like Huntsville it is not centrally-located and its position on the Gulf Coast makes it particular vulnerable to hurricanes.   


Tuscaloosa
"The City of Champions"

Population (city):  93,357
Population (metro):  233,389

As home of the Alabama's largest university, Tuscaloosa has played an important role in Alabama's history and development.  Named one of the "50 Best Cities for Small Business" in 2009, Tuscaloosa has a reputation as a politically conservative and business-friendly city.  It also serves as the primary economic hub of the West Alabama region.  However, the city's current economy is dominated by the University and mixing statehouse politics and campus politics may prove to be a detrimental combination in a city as inshrined in its allgiences as Tuscaloosa.

Poll open for 48 hours.

If no majority is reached, a run-off between the top 2 finishers will be held.

Happy voting. 

[Miles]

Auburn and Tuscaloosa.

[morgieb]

Went Birmingham and Huntsville.

This is a very Australian way of thinking but I feel the state capitals should be the state's major city.

[Flake]

Mobile and Auburn

[Deus Naturae]

Auburn and Tuscaloosa.

[Del Tachi]

Voted Mobile and Auburn.

I'm really surprised that Birmingham is apparently not getting very much love. 

[NewYorkExpress]

Birmingham and Mobile

[traininthedistance]

Just Birmingham.  State capitals should be central, historically important, and large enough to have room for all the various bureaucracy and support staff that governmental functions need.  Birmingham is the only alternate to Montgomery that makes any sense whatsoever.

[RedSLC]

Birmingham is both the largest city and is closest to the center of the state's population.

[Dereich]

Tuscaloosa is the best city in Bama Pawwwl. Roh Tahde.


I already miss college football

[Gass3268]

Birmingham and T-Town

[ElectionsGuy]

Birmingham and Mobile

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Tuscaloosa

[Asherzeleg]

Tuscaloosa. Combined college towns and capital cities tend to be quite pleasant (Madison, Austin, etc.)- even if it is Alabama.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

Tuscaloosa. Combined college towns and capital cities tend to be quite pleasant (Madison, Austin, etc.)- even if it is Alabama.

Don't forget Tallahassee .

[TNF]

Birmingham and Mobile

[nolesfan2011]

Birmingham is both the largest city and is closest to the center of the state's population.

this

[Del Tachi]

Vote now.  Poll closes soon

[Del Tachi]

Looks like Birmingham and Mobile will be heading to a run-off.