Alabama U.S. Senate Race

Race of the Day

Alabama U.S. Senate

July 27, 2008

100 Days Until Election Day

Status: Republican Incumbent
2004 Presidential Result: Red State (South)

Outlook: Safe Republican

First elected in 1996, Republican Jeff Sessions is one of the most combative and staunchy conservative in the U.S. Senate. Democrats, particularly those who frequent liberal blogs had held out some hope that he would be opposed in 2008 by a Congressman or later by statewide Cabinet officer, Ron Sparks.

However, Sparks quickly ruled himself out several months ago rather than to face a primary opponent, even though she would have been considered a heavy underdog. So now, the Democrat nominee to oppose Sessions is State Senator Vivian Davis Figures, an African-American, who easily defeated two little regarded opponents in a recent primary.

In a conservative state such as Alabama, a Democrat would be considered an underdog in a statewide federal race, even if the year could be a tough one for Republicans. A heavy turnout of African-Americans in the state, voting for Presidential candidate Barack Obama could help Figures to a certain extent, but in the end, her figures are very unlikely to add up. Sessions has a very hefty lead financially and polls have shown well over the 50. percent threshold and leading his opponet by over 20 points. Thus, consider it practically a given that Sessions will still be a Senator in the next session of Congress. (Expect all sorts of horrible puns on a daily basis.)

Sessions campaign link:

http://www.jeffsessions.com/

2008 U.S. Senate races predicted: 0D, 1 R
Predicted Senate balance of power thus far: 39 D, 27 R