1994 Alabama Gubernatorial Election:
Governor Jim Folsom Jr. (D) - 50.1%
Former Governor Fob James (R) - 49.5%
Over the next few years, Folsom would try to govern to the left of his stubborn state. Critics of his takedown of the Confederate flag were enraged by his attempts at making the Alabama prison system fairer. The legislature shot down most of his proposals regarding cultural issues, but okayed bills that would reform the tax code and put more money in infrastructure. After instituting a state lottery on the suggestion of Lt. Governor Siegelman, Folsom turned nationwide to give his thoughts on the Lewisnky scandal. His impassioned defence of Clinton won him plaudits from many Democratic operatives and even the President himself. Just as presidential speculation began, Folsom was mooted for high office, but not president. Many saw him as an Attorney General, or a Vice President. However, his retirement from the governorship in 1998 confirmed that he would be seeking the big one.
He announced to a big crowd in his home town of Montgomery, Alabama. He talked at length about his father's efforts to repeal the poll tax in staunchly segregationist Alabama, as well as his own record as governor. He refrained from mentioning either candidate (VP Gore and Senator Bradley) but he brought up and praised President Clinton at certain points in the speech. It was a very good day for Folsom's campaign as they rolled out their slogan, named A Smart Vision.
