Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Joe Turnham announced today that former President Bill Clinton will headline a spring Jefferson-Jackson Celebration on behalf of the state party on Friday, April 20 in Birmingham.

As the only two-term Democratic President since Franklin Roosevelt, President Bill Clinton remains a highly popular former president with over 59 percent of Americans saying they still hold him in high regard. Clinton is one of the world's most sought after speakers having addressed dozens of groups in every corner of the world since leaving office and is one of the world's most recognizable figures.

"The Alabama Democratic Party is deeply honored and appreciative to President Clinton for giving us this opportunity to celebrate together, raise funds, and build our party infrastructure in order to help build a better Alabama," Turnham said. "When President Clinton left office we were at relative peace in the world, our economy was strong and budget surpluses were projected for the next decade.

"Yet President Clinton's work as a private citizen since leaving office is equally impressive as his Clinton Foundation has helped millions suffering in the HIV/AIDS epidemic through afforable drug availability in places like sub-Saharan-Africa," Turnham said. "He also has joined with former President George H.W. Bush in raising funds worldwide to assist the tsunami-stricken people of Asia."

This will be former President Clinton's first appearance at at a party-sponsored event since leaving office in 2001.

The evening event will feature a private kickoff reception at 5:30 p.m. with President Clinton of the "New Alabamans," a group of special donors that pledge $1,000 annually to underwrite party activities. The reception will be followed by a dinner 6:30 p.m. Clinton will deliver the keynote address.

Tickets for this event are $150 each. Space is limited so interested parties should contact the party office in Montgomery at 334-262-2221 or order online at AlaDems.Org.