Sherer will run for re-election; poll worker bill sent to governor

State Rep. Tommy Sherer, D-Jasper, said Thursday afternoon on WIXI-AM's "The People's Viewpoint" that he will run again for re-election to a third term in 2010. No Republican opposition has emerged, but a Republican indicated at Thursday's Walker County Republican Party meeting that that person will make an announcement this year for Sherer's seat. That Republican did not want to make a public announcement at this time. Sherer's announcement is the first that a Walker County legislator will run for re-election, as state Sen. Charles Bishop, R-Arley, announced he will not run. (Republican Greg Reed has announced he will run for the seat.) The status next year of state Rep. Ken Guin, D-Carbon Hill, is uncertain at this time.

Meanwhile, Sherer also announced that his long-suffering poll workers bill passed the Legislature and has been sent to the governor. That was confirmed on the state Legislature's Web site. The statewide bill essentially allows poll workers, who have worked 14 hours in one day at a poll site, to have a split shift. The poll worker would still have to undergo training, but would only work maybe six hours, Sherer said. He has worked for several years to get the bill passed. Sherer said the bill would also have to be cleared by the U.S. Justice Department, but no problem is expected.