A federal lawsuit? In Alabama? Never!

The federal government sent Alabama $41.3 million and told the state to set up a statewide voter registration database by Jan. 1. Secretary of State Nancy Worley didn't have the database set up by Jan. 1. This week, the feds sued, which is the kind of thing that happens when you don't obey federal election mandates.

Worley blamed a host of culprits who aren't her, including local election officials and corporate intellectual property disputes. Then she called the lawsuit "a mixed blessing."

Have I mentioned yet that Ed Packard, a knowledgeable and veteran election official, is running against Worley in the Democratic primary? Because if I haven't, I should.