Many GOP Voters Still Undecided on Senate Candidates
The forum Sunday was at a firearms training facility in Trussville, so it wasn’t surprising as the candidates took questions from the audience that shots rang out in the background. Four candidates attended at the GOP Senate forum: incumbent Sen. Luther Strange, Bryan Peeples, Randy Brinson and Congressman Mo Brooks. They wanted to win votes. But as they hashed out issues from abortion to concealed carry laws, many voters left undecided.
Doug Atkins, a retired 9-1-1- operator from Hueytown, realizes the clock is ticking; the special Senate primary election is a week away on August 15th. But for him, it’s still between two candidates: former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore or Congressman Mo Brooks.
Moore wasn’t at Sunday’s forum. A campaign representative said he instead attended a religious rally in Mobile put on by several churches in his honor. Atkins said if Strange makes a run-off, he’s voting for the other candidate—whomever it is. “Senator Strange, I just, there’s just something about him that I would trust somebody else,” Atkins says.
Judy Pate, who owns a cleaning business in St. Clair County, walked into the debate almost sure she was going to vote for Strange in the primary. And she still might. “But after hearing all the candidates, I’m hearing new things that I didn’t know about them, so I’m not locked in,” she says.
Now that she’s heard from more candidates, Pate is keeping her options open. She was especially enamored of Randy Brinson, a gastroenterologist and former head of the Alabama Christian Coalition. Brinson was a virtual unknown to her prio to Sunday. She says over the next week, she has a lot more research and praying to do.
She isn’t the only one with plans to devour information on the candidates over the coming week. Michele Boyd, of Alabaster, says she was impressed with all four candidates present, and one who wasn’t: Alabama Senator Trip Pittman. She’d heard him in an interview last week. “I was disappointed he wasn’t able to be here today, so there are some things I still want to research,” Boyd says.
Looking to get to know the candidates better yourself? Here’s a link to the candidate profiles produced by BirminghamWatch.
Talk therapy is up, and use of psych meds without therapy is down, a study finds
A study from the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that psychotherapy is becoming more accessible to people. The study looks at trends in mental health treatment from 2018 to 2021.
Why Israel plans to limit life-saving aid into Gaza. And, Diddy’s trial begins today
Israel's cabinet approved a plan to limit the way life-saving aid is distributed in Gaza. And, Diddy's trial begins today wth jury selection.
Jury selection in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sex trafficking trial begins today
The trial for the rap mogul, who faces criminal charges for sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transporting to engage in prostitution, is underway. Opening statements are slated for May 12.
NIH cuts baby ‘Safe to Sleep’ team. Here’s what parents should know
For three decades the NIH has led 'Safe to Sleep,' helping parents reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related injuries. The NIH cuts come as cases have been rising.
A Soviet probe orbiting Earth since 1972 will soon reenter the planet’s atmosphere
Kosmos 482 has been orbiting the Earth for decades. It's still unknown if the craft will fall to Earth intact or burn up upon atmospheric reentry.
‘Tailoring Black style’ is the theme of the 2025 Met Gala. Here’s what to know
Expect to see a focus on menswear: jackets, trousers, suits, hats, and maybe a cane or two.
