Endorsements
Taken from The Birmingham News – August 13, 2000
Party Stars - Turnham chosen by 2000 Alabama Presidential Delegates As One of Five Rising Party Stars - "Delegates answering the surveys listed a host of up and coming stars they said should boost the party's prospects. Among the ones most mentioned: House Speaker Seth Hammett; former First Lady Marsha Folsom; Treasurer Lucy Baxley; former congressional candidate Joe Turnham; and Stephen Black..."
Taken from The Montgomery Advertiser – October 15, 1995
Nice Guy Leads State Democrats - "I was not the least surprised to learn that he is a Sunday School teacher, president of his civic club, and active in Habitat for Humanity. He's a nice young man, the sort you would like to have as a neighbor."
Taken from the Opelika-Auburn News – March 26, 2002
"Joe Turnham is seeking to replace Riley as congressional representative for the 3rd District, which includes Lee County. I've known Joe since he was knee-high to a grasshopper, and he has his head on his shoulders and would, in my opinion, represent our area's best interests better than any other person I know."
Taken from The Anniston Star – November 1998
Close Losers - Thomas and Turnham - "The race for the 3rd Congressional District featured a good incumbent, Rep. Bob Riley, against a well-qualified challenger, Joe Turnham. The choice was a pragmatic congressman...and an idealistic man who would have spoken to the needs of the working class makeup of our region...it would be a shame if Joe Turnham faded into the wilderness, for he could be a fine leader himself someday. Turnham is intimately familiar with many of the important issues that concern our area...Now that Turnham and Thomas are better known to us, they can expect to do better in the future."
Taken from The Anniston Star – November 5, 1998
Describes Joe as "...an idealistic man who would have spoken to the needs of the working class makeup of our region.
Added, "But it would be a shame if Joe Turnham faded into the wilderness, for he could be a fine leader himself someday. Turnham is intimately familiar with many of the important issues that concern our area..."
Taken from The Montgomery Advertiser – December 6, 1998
Turnham served Democrats well - "The good news was that Democratic candidates on the state and local level fared far better than anyone could have dreamed they would when Turnham took over as chairman of the party three years ago."
"He (Joe) had reason to be pleased. When Turnham was picked as chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party in December 1995, it was in shambles. Democrats had been pummeled by the Republicans in the 1994 election."
"Turnham is becomingly modest about his role in this dramatic turnaround, but the satisfaction in his voice is hard to conceal."
Taken from The Anniston Star – March 22, 1999
"Now Auburn resident Joe Turnham is making a go at bringing all these groups together (over 100 environmental groups) under one name...It is a great idea and probably should have been done a long time ago."
Added, "But it is nice to dream about a group representing the good of Alabama outgunning the groups that represent the good of themselves."
Taken from The Auburn Bulletin – April, 3 1999
Turnham blends politics, environment - "His political experience has taught him voters are concerned about the environment."
Taken from The Birmingham Post Herald – January 14, 2000
Environmental Gets Legal Push - "Joe Turnham has done something that should help. He has formed the Alabama League of Environmental Action Voters, called AlaLEAVs, to unite about 120 groups and their 50,000 members...that will help protect the state's natural resources."
TURNHAM RECEIVES MULTIPLE ENDORSEMENTS – 5-03-02
The Joe Turnham for Congress Campaign has received virtually every base endorsement possible thus far in this democratic primary campaign. The campaign has been endorsed by the following orgainizations thus far: 1. The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) 2. Central Alabama Construction and Trades Council 3. Union of Needletrades Industrial Trade Employees or UNITE Southern Region. 4. Sierra Club 5. Central Alabama Labor Council 6. Northeast Alabama Labor Council 7. Mid-state Labor Council 8. Friends of the Earth Political Action 9. Alabama New South Coalition
ALABAMA DEMOCRATIC CONFERENCE ENDORSES TURNHAM – 5-19-02
Joe Turnham has received the coveted endorsement of the Alabama Democratic Conference (ADC). The ADC is the Black Caucus of the Alabama Democratic Party and its reach and influence covers every county of the third congressional district. In fact, this endorsement is usually a precursor to a candidate's success in a democratic primary. This endorsement coupled with the Alabama New South Coalition endorsement has solidified Joe Turnham as THE CHOICE of African-American leadership in East Central Alabama. Some pundits believe that CD-3's turnout could be as high as 50% African-American voters.
ALABAMA UAW ENDORSES TURNHAM – 5-21-02
The United Auto Workers of Alabama representing thousands of working families in and around the third congressional district have overwhelmingly endorsed Joe Turnham in his race for the U.S. Congress. This endorsement will mean funds and logistical support, namely votes for Joe in June. The auto industry is a big part of Alabama's economy and Joe is proud his fellow citizens have given him this show of support by their formal endorsment.
DFLA Letter – July 25, 2002
Dear Mr. Turnham,
Thank you for taking the time to contact us and for your willingness to work with Democrats for Life. It was so nice to talk to you about Pro-Life Democrats and the common goals we share. We truly appreciate you commitment to protecting life and we look forward to working with you on many issues.
Democrats for Life of America is filling a void that has existed for a very long time. Over the past 20 years, Pro-Life Democrats have been abandoning the Party simply because of the abortion issue. Our goal is not only to bring them back, but also to send a strong message that you can be pro-life and a Democrat. We believe that the Pro-Life movement within the Democratic Party is on an upswing and we are going to work hard to build on that momentum.
If we work together we can bring the Democratic Party back to its roots. Historically, the Democratic Party has led efforts to protect those who need assistance. From underprivileged children to those with disabilities, Democrats have been their voice. It only makes sense that we also speak for unborn children and others impacted by life issues.
As our organization grows, we will support, financially and otherwise, Pro-Life Democrats across the nation - not only our elected officials, but also Pro-Life leaders like you who are seeking public office. Leaders like you who put their principles above party politics and remain vigilant to their ideas will lead the way for more Pro-Life democrats to seek office. As we move forward to achieve our mutual goals, please do not hesitate to call on us if we can be of assistance on any matter.Sincerely,
Kristen Day
Executive Director
LCV NAMES TURNHAM AN ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPION – 8-07-02
The League of Environmental Action Voters (LCV) named Joe Turnham (D-Auburn) to its targeted list of Environmental Champions, the finest pro-environment candidates running in the nation's toughest congressional races. Turnham recognizes the environmental and economic challenges facing eastern Alabama and his record shows that he knows how to meet them. "Joe Turnham has a proven record of fighting to strengthen eastern Alabama's economy and improve its environment," said Betsy Loyless, LCV Political Director. "LCV will work hard to send Joe Turnham to Capitol Hill where he can continue his work protecting eastern Alabama's environment and creating jobs for its citizens." Turnham recognizes that environmental issues are integral to the economic future of the 3rd district. Turnham's pragmatic approach seeks to improve the environment of eastern Alabama communities and create jobs at the same time. He has worked to hold the government accountable for PCB contamination in Anniston and help citizens hurt by it. He also helped found the Alabama League of Environmental Action Voters (AlaLEAVs) to bring the combined influence of Alabama's environmental community to bear on the shape of environmental and public health policy in Montgomery. Through AlaLEAVs, he built an effective coalition with the business community to pass a bill to return abandoned industrial sites to productive use.
CARPENTERS REGIONAL COUNCIL ENDORSES TURHAM – AUGUST 2002
Joe Turnham has been endorsed by the Regional Council of Carpenters of Alabama. The Carpenters are an active part of Alabama's building trades. The Carpenters have given the maximum allowable gift to Turnham and are heavily involved in seeing that Joe Turnham is elected to Congress. The members of the Carpenters locals of Alabama are hardworking men and women who contribute to the economy and well being of Alabama. They are involved in fostering high performance craftsmenship in construction and set the pace for workplace safety and drug-free work areas. Joe is proud to join Carpenters in Alabama in a campaign to lift the value of the American worker and to celebrate the ethics of hard work and good stewardship. Thanks Carpenters! You help build America.
NURSES, POLICE OFFICERS ENDORSE TURNHAM – September 26, 2002
The Joe Turnham for Congress Campaign is getting more endorsements from the most respected professions in America as the American Nurses Association along with the Police Benevolence Association endorse Turnham. Joe's understanding of the needs of these professions along with his devout respect for the role they play in American society played a role in the endorsement process. Joe's strong stance on the rights of law enforcement and nurses to have due process and adequate working conditions were well noted. As Rogers announces special interests corporate endorsements from Washington DC, Joe garners the trust of true Alabama heroes.
F.O.P. AND FIREFIGHTERS ENDORSE TURNHAM – 10-5-02
America's heroes are endorsing Joe Turnham for Congress as the Firefighters and Fraternal Order of Police join the dozens of other working Alabamians that want Joe Turnham to be their Congressman. While Mike Rogers announces another Washington DC PAC endorsement, Joe is pleased to announce that the fire and police officers of the third district support his campaign for congress. People that protect and serve others in civil service support the real public servant in this race...Joe Turnham. Formal announcements of these critical endorsements will be coming soon.

