MOBILE — With 76 days remaining before the General Election, Alabama's second congressional district Republican candidate, Caroleene Dobson, opened her Mobile campaign headquarters Wednesday night.
Supporters packed the Pinebrook shopping mall off Airport Boulevard.
Dobson addressed the crowd, saying Republicans have a better shot at winning the newly drawn congressional district now more than ever. However, she said it would take a village and asked anyone who could help knock on doors.
"We are very concerned about where our country is headed, and that's why I got in this race," Dobson said. "Not to advance a political career, not to bolster my ego, not to continue some family political dynasty — because I don't have one — because I want to fight for Alabama families like yours and like mine."
Dobson, an attorney born and raised in Beatrice in Monroe County north of Monroeville, said she has spent her entire campaign traveling the district and getting to know its people.
"I have spent every day working hard in this district, learning so much about the incredible industries that we have in this district," she said. "Austal and Airbus here in Mobile; K.W. Plastics in Troy, the nation's largest plastics recycling company; Pitts Trailers in Pittsview in Russell County."
"Which if you see a tractor-trailer with log trucks on it anywhere in the U.S., there's about an 80% chance that that trailer was made in Pittsview," she added.
Pete Riehm, who previously challenged State Sen. Vivian Figures (D-Mobile), the mother of Dobson's opponent, Shomari Figures, said Dobson is the most qualified candidate. He claimed Shomari Figures doesn't live in the state.
"She understands what she's talking about and she shares the conservative values that South Alabamians have," Riehm said.
"And she's from South Alabama, born and raised," he said. "She's one of us … She is the best candidate. The other other guy, he lives in D.C."
Figures worked in Washington, D.C. under the Obama and Biden administrations. He returned to Alabama to run for the Senate.
Republicans point out an important part of the race is to keep GOP control of the House.
"It's important about the balance of the Congress," Riehm said. "It is razor thin, and we cannot afford to lose this seat."
Dobson said during her speech, "It is highly possible that control of the U.S. House of Representatives comes down to this race. It is also so important here we are in District 2, at the cusp of so much opportunity, that we have someone who is advocating for the people of Alabama's second congressional district."
Dobson thanked supporters for opening up their homes, businesses and churches to her. She closed the event in prayer.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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