In the tight race to win the GOP nomination, Republican Senate hopefuls pitched their last-minute pitches Monday to primary voters in the tight race to fill the seat vacated by Richard Shelby.
The three top candidates in Tuesday's primary -- U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks and former Shelby aide Katie Britt, and veteran Mike Durant -- concentrated their efforts on Republican strongholds north Alabama to try and sway undecided voters and counter a flood of negative attack ads.
A fractured field increases chances that the primary will be held on June 21, unless one candidate wins more than half of the vote.
Brooks was at Huntsville's rally with Ted Cruz, Texas senator. He is trying to overcome the harsh criticisms of former President Donald Trump and his decision to withdraw his endorsement. Trump initially supported Brooks, who was a major champion of false claims that the 2020 elections were stolen. But Trump withdrew that endorsement in March. He cited Brooks' poor performance and accused Cruz of being "woke" for saying that it was time to focus on the upcoming elections and move on from 2020.
Brooks wants to prove that he can still win.
Brooks, a north Alabama congressman, has been a six-term representative. He is relying on his strong relationship with Alabama voters. Brooks stated that Mo Brooks is a safe choice if you are looking for a conservative.
Cruz stated that the race will determine which Republican red-leaning states will send to the U.S. Senate.
"This race will determine whether we have a conservative who is proven to stand up and fight for our country and take the lead. Cruz stated that we need warriors when you consider the madness in Washington.
Durant, who is a veteran of the military and a business owner with no political experience, was given a folded U.S. Flag by Ashlie Combs, a supporter, during a stop at a barbecue joint in Birmingham's suburb of Homewood. Combs, who was a former military truck driver, and interpreter, said Durant inspired her to join the military.
"I am the non-career politician. I have combat veteran experience and business owner experience. I am in it for the right reasons. Durant stated that he is in it to serve. Durant said, "I'm not in this because I've always aspired for this." Actually, politics is not something I enjoy. We need people like me in Washington.
Durant was subject to a barrage of negative ads, which he claimed distorted his views about gun rights. Durant claimed he wants voters to be able to see past the millions of dollars spent on, "lying attacks ads."
Durant stated, "I'm going ask the people in Alabama to see that and come to vote for me."
Britt was the chief of staff to Shelby before he headed the Business Council of Alabama. He is a traditional Republican who is known for his ability bring federal funding and projects home to his home state.
Brooks wants to win after a resurgence following a war of words between Trump and Brooks. Trump has not endorsed any other candidate since he withdrew his support in March, after their relationship ended.
Britt organized an afternoon event for Cullman. Britt was the chief of staff to Shelby before he headed the Business Council of Alabama. He is a traditional Republican who is known for his ability bring federal funding and projects home to his home state.
Britt stated that while his experience would allow him to "hit the ground running", she would bring a new perspective to Washington.
"People want fresh blood. They want something new in the United States Senate. Britt stated that they want it from the top," Britt told The Associated Press in an earlier interview.
Lillie Boddie, Florence's small business owner Karla Mc Dupriest of Mobile, and Jake Schafer are also on the ballot.
