For several years leading up to the 2010 census count, the national projections were that Alabama would lose one of our seven congressional districts and drop to six. When the count was taken, we surprised ourselves, and the nation, by keeping our seven seats in the United States Congress.
Therefore, the Legislature’s task in drawing our seven congressional districts was relatively easy. Except for some tweaking here and there because of growth in Madison, Limestone, Lee, Shelby and, especially, Baldwin counties, and the loss of population in the Black Belt, our congressional district lines were kept basically the same as they have been for the past few decades.
We essentially have six of our seven districts that are safe Republican seats. We have one dedicated majority-minority, African-American Democratic congressional district.
That Democratic seat is held by U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell. She has been in that seat for over a decade and has become a respected leader in the Democratic House leadership.
The Democrats are in the majority, which makes her a powerful member of the House. However, most political experts and polling indicates that this year’s election will bring a swing of 30 or more Republican seat pickups or takeovers, thus making the Republicans the majority party. This will be beneficial for Alabama since six of our seven seats are held by Republicans. It will be particularly beneficial to folks in the 4th District, who have Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) as their congressman.
Aderholt is the most senior member of our delegation and is the ranking Republican on the House Appropriation Committee.
U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Anniston) is also gaining ground in seniority. He is a ranking member of the Armed Services Committee.
U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Jefferson) represents the suburban areas of metro-Jefferson, Hoover and Shelby. It is considered one of the most Republican House districts in America.
We have two freshmen Republican congressmen, who are finishing their first two years in the House. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) represents the coastal first district of basically Mobile and Baldwin counties. He has taken to Congress like a duck to water.
Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) represents the 2nd District made up of the Wiregrass and the fast-growing Pike Road area of Montgomery, as well as the populous counties of Autauga and Elmore.
All six of the aforementioned incumbents will be reelected without opposition.
The only excitement in congressional politics in the Heart of Dixie will play out in the 5th District. This Huntsville-Tennessee Valley seat is currently held by Mo Brooks, who has opted to run for the U.S. Senate, thus leaving a seldom-seen open congressional seat contest.
There are six Republicans vying for this open 5th District seat. The contestants are Dale Strong, Paul Sanford, Casey Wardynski, Harrison Wright, Andy Blalock and John Roberts.
Strong, the Madison County Commission chairman, appears to be the strongest candidate. He is far outdistancing the field in polling and fundraising. Some say that he could eclipse the field without a runoff.
The most ardent challengers will be Sanford, a former state senator, and Wardynski, a former Huntsville City Schools superintendent. Wardynski has done a good job fundraising.
There will be a large turnout in this congressional race. In fact, this Huntsville-Madison-Limestone Tennessee Valley area of the state will more than likely have the largest percentage turnout in the state.
Not only is there an open congressional seat, but Brooks is the local candidate for the open U.S. Senate Seat, and Wayne Reynolds, a popular incumbent Republican state school board member, will also be on the ballot with token opposition.
In addition, the only hotly contested Republican state Senate race between Tom Butler and Bill Holtzclaw is in the Madison-Limestone area.
There are also three open hotly contested state House races, including filling the seats of Speaker Mac McCutcheon and…