Tuesday's outcome in the first congressional district Republican primary could be used in textbooks to demonstrate the tribalism of Alabama politics.
While many expected the major distinction between U.S. Reps. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) and Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) to be ideological in their head-to-head match-up, it was not. It was geographic.
Moore topped Carl by more than 3,000 votes or three percentage points, 51.5%-48.5%, in Tuesday's primary election.
Although Carl dominated in the coastal parts of the district, Moore's overall effort was bolstered by a dominant showing in the Wiregrass counties that were part of his soon-to-be former congressional district.
The two incumbents were forced into the match-up after a map drawn by the Alabama Legislature was rejected and replaced by a federal three-judge panel last year.
"I am grateful to God, my family, the voters, my staff and the many dedicated volunteers and supporters who made tonight possible," Moore said in a statement provided to 1819 News late Tuesday. "I am excited about getting to work for the people of Alabama's First District. My wife Heather and I spent thousands of hours traveling the new district and getting to know the wonderful people who are fighting for the same things we are — small government, our constitutional freedoms, fiscal responsibility and a secure border. The First District can count on me to hold the line and be their true conservative voice in Washington."
Moore will be a heavy favorite against Democratic nominee Tom Holmes, who did not have an opponent in the Democratic primary on Tuesday.
Jeff Poor is the editor in chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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