MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Business Council of Alabama’s Progress PAC on Tuesday announced its endorsement of Scott Ortis, a Birmingham businessman who is challenging incumbent Sen. Dan Roberts in the Republican Primary.
The contest has quickly turned into one of the most-watched legislative races of the cycle with less than three weeks to go until the May 19th election.
“Scott Ortis has spent his career serving others, first in the classroom, then in healthcare and as a successful business owner,” said Kevin Savoy, ProgressPAC chairman. “He knows how decisions made in Montgomery impact real people and real businesses, and we’re proud to support his campaign as someone who will bring that practical, results-driven approach to the legislature.”
BCA’s support for Ortis also comes with serious financial backing. Progress PAC on Tuesday contributed $25,000 to Ortis’ campaign. That’s on top of almost $110,000 worth of in-kind contributions in the form of advertising and door-to-door campaigning.
Roberts has key endorsements and financial support of his own. The Alabama Association of Realtors announced its endorsement of Roberts on Tuesday, which came with a $20,000 contribution from its PAC. The Alabama Farmers Federation is also supporting Roberts and has contributed more than $14,700 worth of in-kind advertising. The Alabama Trucking Association, the Alabama Association for Justice and the Medical Association of the State of Alabama are all also supporting Roberts.
The two campaigns are spending heavily on advertising as the race enters the homestretch.
In the month of March, Roberts spent more than $366,000 on campaign advertising. In that same period, Ortis spent just $47,000. But Ortis has ramped up his advertising in April, spending $221,000 the week of April 20 alone. That does not include the $110,000 from BCA.
At the moment, Roberts maintains a cash on hand advantage with $271,353.96 compared to Ortis’ $163,051.