BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Candidates are beginning to line up in Birmingham to replace Larry Langford as mayor of Alabama's largest city.
An attorney who finished second to Langford in 2007 announced his candidacy on Thursday. Patrick Cooper said the city has gone through what he calls a great storm. He cited crime, employment and schools as key issues affecting the city.
The head of Greater Birmingham Ministries, Scott Douglas, previously said he was a candidate. But the city's interim mayor, Carole Smitherman, has yet to say whether she will run.
Langford was convicted on 60 felony counts in a bribery scheme and removed from office last week. A special election to replace him will be held on Dec. 8.
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