I called around for reaction to the unflattering comments UAW Ron Gettelfinger made this morning about Alabama’s auto industry.

Gov. Bob Riley shot back:

“Alabama’s automotive assembly plants are models for efficiency and cost effectiveness for rest of the nation and the world—and we are proud of that. Every state I know of, including Michigan, has incentives to attract major economic projects, so that’s obviously not the issue.  The real reason companies keep locating in Alabama is the quality of our workforce and the exceptional products they make. With all due respect to Mr. Gettelfinger, great workers making great products is a proven recipe for success in Alabama—and it doesn’t require a bailout.”

Did you miss all the fun this morning? You can read the blog post I did immediately after the conference here, read the New York Times article about the conference here and/or see the video for your very own self here (the portion regarding state incentives for automakers begins at 3:32).

Incidentally, I spoke by phone earlier with Alabama House Minority Leader and State Rep. Mike Hubbard, who also chairs the Alabama Republican Party. His reaction boiled down to a general belief that it is Gettelfinger’s union—and the $70/hour pay rates they have managed to squeeze out of the Big Three—that is “choking the life out of” the domestic auto manufacturers.

I expect a formal statement from Hubbard later today.

Also, I am awaiting reaction from U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, who, as ranking member of the Senate Banking Committee, has had a lot to say about this bailout—and none of it has been positive. I expect that his reaction to Gettelfinger’s comments will be similarly ... um, disapproving.

I have also invited Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Joe Turnham to weigh in. I’ll let you know what I hear from him.

As I said this morning, Gettelfinger has picked a fight with this issue that he’s simply not in a position to win. You don’t save your own hide by tearing up someone else’s hide. I’m pretty sure Gettelfinger’s comments today will not do much to endear him to the lawmakers who hold his members’ fates in their hands.