Rep. Spencer Bachus (above) faces a primary challenge from state Sen. Scott Beason in Alabama’s 6th district. While Beason hasn’t raised much money, he’s received backing from a super PAC, and an ethics investigation also poses a problem for the incumbent.
On the Democratic side, 9-term Rep. Bennie Thompson, the ranking member on the Homeland Security Committee, faces Greenville Mayor Heather McTeer. McTeer struggled to raise money but contributed about $150,000 to her campaign last week, on top of earlier personal loans, according to FEC records. But Democrats don’t think she has much of a shot.
“I think Congressman Thompson, his leadership in the Delta is solid. He’s been faithful to the folks down there,” said Democratic consultant Burns Strider, who is a Mississippi native deeply familiar with the South. “I think he’s fine. I don’t think McTeer can pose a credible challenge.”
That’s likely the case for all the challengers today, but given the low regard in which Americans hold Congress and its Members, the possibility for an upset exists.
Polls in both states open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. CDT.
A man from Kentucky attends a Tea Party Patriots rally on the West Front of the Capitol to protest the IRS' targeting of conservative political groups.
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