Primaries Could Decide Many Alabama Races

Campaigns are in full swing with candidates out shaking hands and ads running swarming radio and TV.

This will be the last campaigning that many will have to do.

 

Like the race for state house district 76 where incumbent Thad Mclammy is facing Tracy Larkin. 

No Republicans are running for that seat.

 

And political analyst Steve Flowers says there isn’t much motivation for parties to challenge their rival party’s incumbent.

 

“It’s tough to beat an incumbent because they garner all the money and have name identification. The races that are contested that are interesting are the open seats. You’ll have some challenge races that will be interesting. I’m told the numbers are very tight on the Whatley race in East Alabama, Senator Whatley is in a tough race,” said Flowers.

 

He says there are only about 8 open legislative races across the state, including the race for State Senator Bryan Taylor’s seat. He doesn’t expect many seats or offices to shift parties this year.

 

Some people around Montgomery say they’re disappointed by the few candidates on the ballot this year.

 

“I think that there should be more folks running for office, that there’s not enough competition and more people ought to put their hat in the ring,” said voter Jackie Wingard.

 

But Bob Goldberg says as long as the candidates are focused on doing their elected duty, it’s ok for the races to be decided before the November general election. 

 

“I don’t think that’s too bad considering whether the other party, republican or democrat, has a person who’s capable of getting votes and being able to serve the way his constituency wants him to serve,” said Goldberg.