By By Kerry Whipple Bean
publisher
Friday is the deadline to register to vote in the special election primary for Senate District 22, a race that while not raising a lot of attention is raising a lot of money, at least for two of the candidates.
The election will replace the late state Sen. Pat Lindsey, who died in January.
Three Republicans face off in the primary to be held April 14: Greg Albritton of Evergreen, Judy Belk of Citronelle and Danny Joyner of Brewton. The winner of that race will face state Rep. Marc Keahey, the only Democrat in the race, in the general election.
Probate Judge Emilie Mims said a primary runoff, if necessary, will take place June 2. If there is no runoff, the general election will be June 2.
According to the first campaign finance reports filed last month, Keahey and Albritton have raised the most money, with Keahey vastly outdistancing the competition. He reported raising $177,300, with $50,000 coming from A-Vote, the Alabama teachers political action committee. Keahey’s report includes several donations from PACs, including the Alabama Propane PAC, Alabama Power Employees PAC and the North Alabama Leadership PAC.
As of early March, Keahey had only spent about $15,000 of his campaign war chest.
Albritton, whose report does not include any PAC money, has received donations mainly from individuals and businesses. He reported raising $31,500.
Belk reported donations of $10,000, with money coming from businesses and individuals and $5,000 from the Alabama Restaurant Association.
Joyner did not file a campaign finance report. A spokesman in the Alabama secretary of state’s office said candidates do not have to file a report 45 days before the election unless they have reached a $10,000 threshold, either in donations or expenditures.
Among the candidates:
Joyner
Joyner is currently the CEO of Safety & Security Consultants Inc. He said economic development is key to his campaign.
Belk, who is involved in developing assisted living facilities in the region, said she is familiar with the issues that face the Senate district.
Albritton
Albritton, a former state representative, said he would fight for conservative values. “I have proven that I will fight against higher taxes, will fight to protect our family values, and will do everything in my power to bring more jobs and industry to our communities,” Albritton said.
Keahey
Keahey has been endorsed for the office by Lindsey’s two children. “I will work to improve education, create and secure more economic opportunity and insure that law enforcement is given the tools they need to keep our communities safe,” Keahey said.