During the first two weeks of May, the Alabama Political Reporter asked its League of Influentials to weigh in on upcoming Republican statewide elections. The Influentials are a roster of lawmakers from both parties, political analysts, members of the media, lobbyists and consultants that span the political spectrum.
The survey finds Gov. Ivey with a narrowing lead, a surprise in the attorney general’s race and Billy Canary of the Business Council of Alabama leaving sometime before hell freezes over and other prognostications.
Results in the June 5 primary for the Republican governor’s race, APR‘s Influentials project Gov. Kay Ivey will lead the field with 52 percent, followed by Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle at 24 percent, rounding out the field are Evangelist Scott Dawson pulling 16 percent and State Senator Bill Hightower with eight percent.
What will the vote percentages be for each of the GOP gubernatorial candidates on Election Day?
Tommy Battle: 24 percent
Scott Dawson: 16 percent
Bill Hightower: 8 percent
Kay Ivey: 52 percent
In the Republican lieutenant governor primary, Public Service Commission President Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh tops the pack with 52 percent, according to APR‘s Influentials forecast. State Rep. Will Ainsworth garners 34 percent, and State Senator Rusty Glover trails at 15 percent.
What will the vote percentages be for each of the GOP Lieutenant Governor candidates on Election Day?
Will Ainsworth: 34 percent
Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh: 52 percent
Rusty Glover: 15 percent
In the Attorney General’s challenge, former Attorney General Troy King and current appointee, Steve Marshall, are within strike distance of each other with King holds a 4 point lead at 35 percent to Marshall’s 31 percent. Former U.S. Attorney and AG Chief Deputy Alice Martin pulled 22 percent, with Chess Bedsole coming in at 12 points.
What will the vote percentages be for each of the GOP Attorney General candidates on Election Day?
Ches Bedsole: 12 percent
Troy King: 35 percent
Steve Marshall: 31 percent
Alice Martin: 22 percent
As for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Tom Parker walks away with 71.88 percent to appointed Chief Justice Lyn Stuart’s 28.13 percent.
Who wins the GOP Primary for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?
Tom Parker: 71.88 percent
Lyn Stuart: 28.13 percent
APR also asked its Influentials about any surprises in the Republican primary and, overwhelmingly, they saw the opportunity for an upset in the attorney general’s race with 46.88 percent seeing a stunning finish to the hotly contested election.
As for other potential surprises, the Influentials see small percentage in the GOP Supreme Court Chief Justice Primary at 18.75 percent, in the GOP Governor Primary 15.63 percent and a 9.38 percent in the GOP Lieutenant Governor Primary.
Which statewide race do you think will be the most surprising in the results on June 5?
GOP Governor Primary: 15.63 percent
GOP Lieutenant Governor Primary: 9.38 percent
GOP Attorney General Primary: 46.88 percent
GOP Supreme Court Chief Justice Primary: 18.75 percent
GOP Supreme Court Associate Justice Primary: 0.00 percent
APR‘s Influentials believe embattled Business Council of Alabama CEO Billy Canary will be replaced after the June 5 primary, with 18.75 percent thinking he will remain as the organization’s chief until after the November general election. The same number, 18.75 percent, project his departure when hell freezes over.
When does Billy Canary depart BCA?
After the Primary Election: 62.50 percent
After the General Election: 18.75 percent
After hell freezes over: 18.75 percent
A break down of Influentials who participate in this poll are as follows:
What best classifies you and your role?
Lobbyist/association: 25 percent
Legislator: 18.75 percent
Political Consultant: 37.50 percent
Other elected official: 6.25 percent
Media: 12.50 percent
All answers are received anonymously, and not even APR‘s staff can identify who participated in the survey.
