5 JUN 08: REED AS IN MISDEED?

Uh-oh - the Russell County District Attorney wants to review Tuesday's primary results. Wouldn't it be ironic if the numbers for U.S. Senate candidate Vivian Figures didn't add up?

But another Democratic primary race seems to be on the prosecutor's mind. WRBL reported Wednesday the District Attorney plans to subpoena the District 4 Commission results - the four-way race where Ronnie Reed won a majority. When Pastor Johnnie Robinson doesn't even make the runoff in a "Bible Belt" county, that's suspicious.

It turns out 80 percent of Ronnie Reed's votes in Tuesday's primary came from absentee ballots. C'mon, folks - he's been pardoned for that burglary conviction. You didn't have to dash for the Mississippi line after voting for him.

Russell County Democratic Chair J.W. Brannen said the casting of 200 absentee votes in a primary is NOT unusual. But he admitted one candidate receiving 200 votes is unusual. And if we learn all those votes were cast by members of Reed's "New South Coalition" chapter, that might also qualify.

Ronnie Reed tried to stay above the buzz of rumors Wednesday, saying his expunged burglary conviction should NOT have played a factor in Tuesday's Russell County Commission race. Plenty of voters apparently agreed - as Larry Screws may join Reed on the commission, so they can compare defense attorneys.

To quote Ronnie Reed about his pardoned felony burglary conviction from the 1970s: "We've all done something, whether we pleaded guilty or not." There's a lot of truth in that statement. But some of us thankfully didn't go beyond a speeding ticket.

There's something else to keep in mind, with this review by the Russell County District Attorney. Results from the primary election were not released until very late in the evening, well after the 11:00 p.m. news began -- and some races had only four precincts. If things went that slowly for the primary, the November vote count might last until Thanksgiving.

And besides, less than 15 percent of the eligible voters went to the polls in the Alabama primary. If the Russell County Courthouse staff can't handle that in a timely fashion, maybe they should bring in another group that can - the ticket-takers at Garrett-Harrison Stadium.

Meanwhile, Georgia Rep. Sanford Bishop told Wednesday's Ledger-Enquirer it's time for Democrats to unite behind Presidential candidate Barack Obama. Hmmmm -- is this a subtle message to Bishop's wife? The Hillary Rodham Clinton supporter?

E-MAIL UPDATE: When the title says "PC Utilities," I tend to think it's an offer for a computer security package. But then I looked more closely....

Did I miss the PC waterworks manager giving up the fight? He was going to get folks from all over to evaluate the way he ran the office after being asked by the city manager to resign.

Here's a job posting

Glad you had a safe trip.

We missed the end of the fight as well, because it happened while we were on the road. The Phenix City Utilities Department confirmed to your blog Wednesday that Greg Glass left the director's office 27 May. So now we can officially say it - the Glass broke.

The Ledger-Enquirer reports Greg Glass "retired" from Phenix City government, at age 60. Of course, the decision followed a demand to resign from City Manager Bubba Roberts. There's probably a big difference in that wording - a difference in pension money, that his banker can count.

But Greg Glass may have left a Utilities Department filled with problems. The Phenix City Finance Director claims an outside audit is needed, because Glass violated all sorts of city and state rules. And since it's no longer Glass's house, he feels free to throw stones.

We have one other e-mail, which we insist is NOT a paid commercial message:

Richard,If you like true Italian food you have to try the Villa Nova on Veteran's Parkway by Marvin's Market..The Nocera family opened the original here in the 50s. This re-opening is the same great recipes..

You need to name your car,or does it already have a name..suggestions.. Chug-a-Lug,Road Warrior,and even Richard's Rocket...

I've tried the Villa Nova once or twice - only at that other location. It's the one at Fourth Street and Second Avenue, where the drive-through lane is always busy on Saturday evenings. And the only "Italian food" people seem to buy there are bottles of wine.

But c'mon now -- "Richard's Rocket?!" If you were behind my humble Honda going up a hill, you wouldn't be calling it that. So many drivers have passed me over the years that a better name would be "The Little Engine That Could."

Transportation tops our look at other Wednesday news....

+ METRA Director Saundra Hunter revealed the bus service is pursuing a grant, which could allow for extended hours. Buses would run past 8:30 p.m., and all the way to midnight -- which could change the aroma on downtown trolleys dramatically.

+ WLTZ reported a new study shows arts programs provide about 600 full-time jobs in Columbus. This total apparently includes the Springer Opera House - which makes me wonder if the researchers counted all the alleged ghosts.

+ Golden Park turned into "Camp Catfish," with an 11:00 a.m. baseball game for busloads of children. The Columbus Catfish responded by sinking Savannah 2-0, to break a 12-game losing streak. This was especially good news for the youngsters who have trouble counting past ten.

+ Atlanta pitcher John Smoltz announced he'll undergo season-ending surgery. Smoltz hopes to come back next season, as he turns 42 - if someone would kindly give him Roger Clemens's home phone number.

+ Instant Message to Georgia Power: You should not charge any summer electric rates until today. The last several days should NOT count, because it's not officially summer until the National Hockey League finals end.

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BURKARD BULK MAIL INDEX: 849 (+ 28, 3.4%)

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