Probate judge seeking state senate seat
By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
With time running out as Morgan County's probate judge, Bobby Day has decided to make a run for the District 3 State Senate seat that will become open next year with the retirement of Tommy Ed Roberts (D, Hartselle).
"My age (72) will not allow me to seek another term as probate judge when this term runs out in January 2007," Day pointed out. "But I'm not ready to go home and sit down and spend my time surfing the television channels. I feel like I still have something to give as a public servant."
Day said he will qualify for the office as a Democratic Primary candidate at the proper time, probably in late February 2006.
"I had no idea this office would become available," Day stated. "Had he (Roberts) decided to seek reelection, I would not be an opponent of his.
"I have made personal contacts with voters in those parts of Madison and Limestone counties that lie within District 3 and have received assurances of strong support," Day added. "My plan is to continue a concerted effort there to gain name recognition well in advance of the election.
"Through the years I have had the privilege of getting to know many Morgan County residents on a first name basis and have developed a strong working relationship with them. I will rely heavily on their encouragement and support in this campaign," Day stated.
Previously, Dr. Angelo Mancuso of Decatur, a Democrat and a former state representative, announced his plans to run for the office. Attorney Arthur Orr of Decatur has announced he will qualify as a Republican candidate.
Day is serving out his fifth six-year term as probate judge. He was elected to the office in 1976 after rising to the top in a field of nine candidates in the Democratic Primary. Since then, he has not been opposed by a candidate from his own party and only in his bid for a second term by a Republican candidate.
Day was born and raised on a farm in the Cotaco community. He attended Cotaco School through his junior year in high school and graduated from Ryan High School after attending classes there for a year. He served in the U. S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps for three years, during which time he was attached to the 1st Marine Division in Korea.
Following his discharge, he was employed at Wolverine Tube and was an agent for Liberty National Insurance Co. for 14 years before running for political office.
He and his wife Maye have three adult children and seven grandchildren.
