Jay Love speaks at Republican National Convention

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Republicans gave an Alabama congressional candidate a coveted speaking slot at their national convention Thursday, a sign that they are worried about losing the tight race to replace retiring incumbent Republican Rep. Terry Everett.

Jay Love, a state representative from Montgomery, is locked in a tight race with Democrat Bobby Bright, the mayor of Montgomery, in Alabama’s 2nd congressional district that runs from the center of the state to Dothan.

In the short speech, Love did not name his opponent directly but argued that Bright, a conservative Democrat, would be allied with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s “ultra-liberal agenda.”

“Like John McCain, my campaign in Alabama is about protecting our values and fighting for the conservative heart and soul of America.  It’s a fight I welcome and one we can and must win,” he said.

Bright’s campaign could not be reached for comment Thursday.  Bright has been endorsed by conservative “Blue Dog” Democrats in Congress, opposes abortion and supports gun ownership.

Political analysts say they expect this year to be another tough one for congressional Republicans, who lost control of the House and Senate in 2006.

National economic trends and Bush’s unpopular presidency are working against Republicans, and the retirements of dozens of veteran Republican lawmakers like Everett—and only a handful of veteran Democrats—are further complicating matters for the party.

What’s more, a flood of newly registered Democratic voters attracted by Barack Obama’s candidacy could put some seats in play that generally are considered to be safe for Republicans, analysts say.

Love was one of several GOP congressional candidates in tight races who addressed the convention Thursday night.

“They wanted to highlight a handful of congressional candidates across the country.  My district is going to be a competitive race, and they wanted to make sure they highlighted my race,” he said in an interview after the speech.

Love said he hoped conservative enthusiasm for Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin would stir up the district’s conservative base and keep the seat in Republican hands.

“The energy coming out of this convention, with her addition to the ticket, is going to reenergize Republicans and conservative independents, so I’m hopeful about the fall election,” he said.

Sean Mussenden can be reached at 202-662-7668 or