The race for State Senate District 34 is heating up with claims of dark money and nefarious push polling.
Former State Sen. Rusty Glover (R-Semmes), who is running against businessman Doug Harwell, took to social media to respond to what he said are false claims about his record.
"In past campaigns, I've been blessed to have opponents who exhibited honesty and integrity," Glover said.
However, Glover said this campaign took a turn after he saw a "push poll" meant to "trash" him as a candidate.
The polls included accusations that Glover voted for a bill that took $80 million from the state's education fund to cover a $200 million shortfall, that he voted to increase his own pay by 62%, that he is weak on the Second Amendment, that he did not support expanding Alabama's Stand Your Ground law and that he was soft on crime. The poll then asked whether, if the election were held today, the participant would vote for Harwell, Glover or Brett Easterbrook.
Easterbrook is not in the race but took to social media to support Glover.
“The push polling being ran by Doug Harwell in Senate District 34 is an absolute lie,” Easterbrook posted on Facebook. “Doug Harwell is not polling well in this race and he has turned to trash like this.
“To be clear, I’m not a candidate for Senate District 34 regardless of what the push polling says,” Easterbrook continued. “Qualifying deadline has passed and I DID NOT qualify to run. Doug Harwell knows that and for him to put trash like this out to attempt to hide who is behind the push poll says a lot about who he is.
“VOTE RUSTY GLOVER FOR HONESTY AND INTEGRITY.”
Glover said the "push poll" was a tactic used to plant doubt.
"If a candidate will scheme to deceive the voters in a campaign, that candidate will also 100% scheme to deceive his constituents if elected to office," Glover stated.
Harwell said the poll was not done on behalf of his campaign, and he was not aware of it until Glover's video.
"I know my campaign didn't do it. I do know that," Harwell told 1819 News. "Once he made his video, I inquired. Any poll would come by me. I would have input into questions, so I didn't have any input or didn't even know about it."
Glover continued in the video, saying he tried to give Harwell the "benefit of the doubt" even after being warned that the campaign against him could turn negative.
"When my current opponent made exaggerated claims about his candidacy and mailouts, even claiming to be the outsider when he was in fact receiving 85 to 90% of the Montgomery lobbyist money, I remained silent," Glover said. "When he made the decision to receive the largest amount of gambling money by any candidate in the state for Alabama Legislature and also received money from a dark PAC, from a Virginia mysterious PAC money, I didn't attack."
Glover told 1819 News he was referring to campaign contributions to Harwell from SV&B PAC, a group that has reported major contributions from the Sports Betting Alliance, out of Arlington, Va. Those contributions were confirmed through the Alabama Secretary of State's website.
Harwell said he met with a group from SV&B PAC and discussed his role as a businessman and a Christian conservative. He said he stands by his position, giving Alabamians the chance to vote on a lottery, gaming and sports betting. He emphasized he would only vote for a "good bill" that provides for safer communities, better infrastructure and better schools. He also wants to see more mental health facilities and more funding for the district attorney's office.
Another group from Arlington, Va., the American Conservative Fund, sent mailers supporting Harwell. The mailers call him "A leader that delivers" and "A proven fighter."
The American Conservative Fund is funded by Win for America to the tune of $500,000, according to filings with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). FEC records show Win for America is entirely funded by DK Crown Holdings, Inc., the corporate entity for DraftKings.
Glover said support from a sports betting company is suspect.
It is important to note that the American Conservative Fund mailers are independent of campaigns, allowing candidates to distance themselves from special interests.
Harwell said he saw the mailouts but said his campaign had nothing to do with them. Moreover, he was unaware that the American Conservative Fund received money from sports betting interests.
"I don't have any control over that," Harwell said. "You know, who puts money into that campaign, it has nothing to do with me. I mean, I don't know how somebody can say, I'm doing it because it's not me. If they got a problem, they probably want to call them and say, 'Why are you doing that?' You can call and ask me what we do with the money that we collect or that people donate to my campaign because I have to be accountable for that."
Harwell said he felt the "attack" was personal, and he wanted to continue focusing on a positive campaign.
"It's hard for me," Harwell added. "I mean, I'm just being honest. Nobody's ever done that to me. You know, not openly on Facebook, said all that. I mean, I've been in office on the school board, and people are going to say things, and I get all that. But just to say those things, he didn't, you know, he attacked me in my opinion, but for what reason?"
Glover said he had no choice but to speak out and let the people decide.
"The voters of Senate District 34 have a very clear choice on what kind of man they would have representing them," Glover added. "I ask for the trust that you've given me in the past. I hate doing a video like this. I have never done anything like this before, but the actions of today have left me with no other choice. I promise to represent you with honesty, hard work and integrity if I have the honor of serving you again."
SEE ALSO: Fmr State Sen. Glover vows to keep honest, conservative values in District 34 comeback bid
Harwell provided the following statement in response to Glover's Facebook video:
“In response to my opponent's baseless comments, I would like to set the record straight. First, I am the only outsider in the race for Senate District 34.
Unlike my opponent, I have not run for office eight different times since 2002. I am not a politician looking for the next job. I am offering myself up for public service, and I hope the voters believe I am the right man to serve them in Montgomery.
Secondly, my campaign has received broad support from many different individuals, Coastal 150, business leaders, and others, because they want conservative, business-minded leaders in office. Also, let’s remember that my opponent has accepted countless donations from PACs during his career in politics.
On gaming, I am in favor of giving people the right to vote. Alabamians want to settle this issue once and for all, whether they are for or against it. And I trust the people. As your Senator, I will make sure any proposal that goes to the ballot benefits our schools and communities.
Finally, my campaign had nothing to do with the poll in question, but it is obvious that my opponent is trying to distract from his record because he cannot defend it. I am going to run my campaign on the issues and the facts. This campaign is not about my opponent or me; it is about who is best to represent you.
On May 19, I am asking for your vote and support because I know I am the best candidate to fight for you in Montgomery.”
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