Critics were swift to label the incident as a calculating political maneuver to win sympathy for Padilla, especially with an election looming. According to a survey conducted by Public Opinion Strategies, 67% of voters said they were concerned about the reliability of political actions leading up to the elections. The arrest seemed to distract the public from pressing concerns like the economic downturn, which reported a 5% increase in unemployment, and inadequate healthcare

Maybe Oden wanted the more prestigious position because of stature. Or maybe he does not want to face Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry in next year's 2026 GOP primary.

President Trump has made merit-based appointments a signature of his second administration, and no one is more qualified than the representative. A lawyer who previously served on the Tuscaloosa City Council and is in her second term in the legislature will be up to the task of taking on the role of regulating the utility companies.

I am reminded of another old saying too: Rats jump a sinking ship. Is this just a coincidence all three leaving the PSC?