For Alabama Republicans, a Special Opportunity (Updated)

Posted By Josh Goodman | July 14, 2009

Republicans appear to have a good chance of picking up a seat in the Alabama House of Representatives today, thanks to a Democratic scandal and the G.O.P. candidate's fundraising edge. The Huntsville Times has the details on the race in Northern Alabama's District 6:

Democrat Jenny Askins and Republican Phil Williams will face off in a special election to fill the state House that Rep. Sue Schmitz, D-Toney, was forced to vacate when convicted of fraud charges in February. The winner will serve just one year.

Williams, an entrepreneur who raised a campaign war chest topping $150,000, has largely campaigned on ethics reform. His largest contributor has been the Alabama Republican Party.

Askins, a member of the Madison County Board of Registrars who has raised $28,000, has largely campaigned on non-partisan issues of road and school improvements.

Earlier this year in special elections, Alabama Republicans picked up a Democratic-held state Senate seat, but Democrats held onto another state Senate seat.

Update: Doc's Political Parlor confirms that Williams is the favorite:

Tonight we'll know the results from today's HD 6 special election where Democrat Jenny Askins and Republican Phil Williams vie to replace ousted Democrat Sue Schmitz. Folks who have seen AEA's polling last week say that it shows Askins closing within single digits of Williams, but I don't know anyone on either side who wouldn't be surprised if Askins wins.

Her campaign has been low key, she has been outpaced in fundraising, and even some Democrats have been surprised that she had not maintained a higher profile in the race.

Josh Goodman

Josh Goodman is a former staff writer for GOVERNING..

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