News-Record.com

It’s less than a week before the elections and two things that could qualify as a state-level October November surprise have popped:

• Former state Rep. Michael Decker has identified Jim Black as one of the people who bribed him to switch parties. Those who have thought the worse have thought this all along, but this is the first time someone has come out and said it.

  Update:From Speaker Jim Black's office:

  "I never gave, promised or offered anything to Michael Decker to get him to switch parties or for his vote, and I'm appalled that he said something different today," Speaker Black said. "He was asked numerous times by reporters and people in his district in 2003 and 2004 why he switched parties and why he supported me for speaker, and it's unfortunate that he's saying something totally different and completely untrue now."

  Below is a statement from Ken Bell, attorney for Speaker Black:
  "As Speaker Black has testified, Michael Decker informed the Speaker of his intention to vote for him. Many individuals are able to testify that Michael Decker decided all on his own to vote for Dr. Black as Speaker in 2003 because the Republican Party insulted him and Decker despised his party's leaders.

  "Jim Black neither gave, promised or offered Michael Decker anything for his vote. After Decker told the Speaker he intended to vote for him, Speaker Black offered to help Decker raise funds for what was sure to be a tough re-election campaign, just as he would do for any member of his caucus. Michael Decker's testimony today and the things he has told the government as part of his plea agreement are simply not the truth."

• The state has delayed its scheduled release of test score results, which are expected to show a roll back in improvements. Yes, we knew the results were going to be sub par already, but parents don't have their child's school information yet. Could that be a favor from a Democrat-controlled school system to Democratic legislative candidates running as education-friendly? Republican legislative candidates certainly think so.

  Update:John Locke sees a conspiracy.

  UPDATE: Well, somebody smelled a political miscue: the state has released the ABC data. So one of our two surprises now goes by the wayside. Except, now the data itself might turn voters. You gotta love the silly season.

Is this enough to turn the tide for the GOP? That’s what we’ll be trying to figure out today.