Rep. Parker Griffith, a Democrat-turned-Republican, was beat soundly by Madison County Commissioner Mo Brooks in the GOP primary in Alabama's 5th congressional district last night.
While Griffith's party switch was welcomed by Washington Republicans, Alabamans were clearly more skeptical of his motives. And even though Griffith spent more than $50 per vote, the voters' mistrust proved to be too much.
Brooks narrowly avoided a runoff, beating Griffith 51% to 33%. Brooks will be the favorite heading into the general election where he will face off against political consultant Steve Raby (D).
Griffith became the fourth incumbent congressman to lose his seat in a primary, following in the footsteps of Rep. Alan Mollohan (D-WV), Sen. Bob Bennett (R-UT), and fellow party-switcher Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA).
Meanwhile in the 2nd district, Montgomery City Councilwoman Martha Roby, the GOP establishment favorite, will face off against Tea Party-backed businessman Rick Barber in a July 13 runoff. The winner will take on freshman Rep. Bobby Bright (D) in November.
In the 7th district, attorney Terri Sewell (D) will face Jefferson County Commissioner Shelia Smoot (D) in a runoff as well.
And over in Mississippi, "Young Gun" GOP establishment favorite state Sen. Alan Nunnelee narrowly avoided a runoff in the 1st district, defeating former Europa Mayor Henry Ross and former Fox News analyst Angela McGlowan (who was backed by Sarah Palin). Nunnelee will take on Rep. Travis Childers (D) in the general, which I currently rate as a Tossup.
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