Democrat Marilyn Lands wins Alabama special election
The candidate defeated Republican Teddy Powell and replaces former state Rep. Dave Cole, who pleaded guilty last year to tax fraud.
Democrat Marilyn Lands won special election in Alabama Tuesday. The candidate defeated Republican Teddy Powell and will occupy the seat in the state House of Representatives that previously belonged to Republican Dave Cole, who pleaded guilty last year to tax fraud.
Access to abortion: Decisive for Lands' victory in Alabama?
Lands managed to defeat Powell in the middle of a state debate on abortion and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Lands is in favor of both issues, which, as she noted in statements picked up by The Hill, may have given her the victory. She claims that citizens of Alabama are not in favor of the state Supreme Court temporarily suspending IVF services or legislation against abortion:
In fact, for Heather Williams, chairwoman of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC), these results (Lands won 63% of the vote compared to Powell's 37%) demonstrate the "political earthquake" that could develop during the national elections:
Teddy Powell, Republican candidate and member of the Madison City Council, acknowledged his defeat and congratulated Marilyn Lands, for whom he wished "the best," in statements reported by Alabama Daily News: