Hey, that's a great idea. Let's do it.
It's way too early to latch on to the muck being tossed around by Alabama's gubernatorial candidates. That's especially the case on the Democratic side, where U.S. Rep. Artur Davis and state Agriculture Secretary Ron Sparks long ago ramped up the political rhetoric.
Nevertheless, one of the many things coming from either Democratic camp hit home this week. Davis is making cost savings a campaign issue, and he's labeled the elimination of no-bid state contracts a top priority.
Money means a lot in these trying days, but it's not everything.
In government, the illusion of hanky-panky is a troublesome, problematic sight. And no-bid contracts still exist in state government for a limited number of professional services such as doctors and lawyers, Davis points out. Their elimination should be welcomed in Montgomery.
Gov. Bob Riley has cast light on much of state government. For that, he should be commended. Let's hope Alabama's next governor retains that commitment. Ridding the state of shadowy, questionable practices must be a priority — election year or not.
