Alabama Gov.'s Slavery Blunder

Riley Restores Slavery Statement To Confederate History Decree

(AP) 
"To me, the members of the Black Caucus, and the majority of black citizens of Alabama that would be a disgrace," he said.

For many years, Alabama governors have signed proclamations designating April as Confederate History and Heritage Month. When Riley became governor in January 2003, he used the same proclamation as his predecessor, Democratic Gov. Don Siegelman.

It contained a paragraph that says "Our recognition of Confederate history also recognizes that slavery was one of the causes of the war, an issue in the war, was ended by the war, and slavery is hereby condemned... "

Broxton and others in Confederate heritage organizations said they had complained to the governor that the paragraph was historically incorrect.

"It leaves the impression that slavery was the total cause of the war and that's untrue. It was more about tariffs and taxes," said Benjamin Hestley, chief of heritage defense for the Alabama Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

Hestley and others were pleased when they received copies of the proclamation that Riley signed March 18, which deleted the slavery paragraph.

Broxton said restoring the language will hurt Riley if he runs for re-election next year and faces former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore in the Republican primary.

"Roy Moore will get all of the Confederate vote for governor," Broxton predicted.