By TODD STACY, Alabama Daily News
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – A new survey commissioned by the Alabama Forestry Association shows Mike Durant and Katie Britt gaining ground in the race for U.S. Senate, while Congressman Mo Brooks slips from what had been clear frontrunner status.
The poll, first reported by Yellowhammer News’ Dylan Smith, was conducted by McLaughlin and Associates, a firm that has conducted extensive survey research in Alabama and on behalf of former President Donald Trump.
Among 500 likely Republican voters, Durant was the choice of 33.8%, with Britt winning 32% and Brooks 17.6%. According to the poll, 16.6% of voters remain undecided.
IF THE REPUBLICAN PRIMARY ELECTION FOR U.S. SENATE ON TUESDAY, MAY 24TH, 2022 WERE HELD TODAY AMONG THE FOLLOWING CANDIDATES, FOR WHOM WOULD YOU VOTE?
| Candidate | % |
|---|---|
| Mike Durant | 33.8% |
| Katie Britt | 32% |
| Mo Brooks | 17.6% |
| Undecided | 16.6% |
Asked who would be their second candidate of choice, 25.6% said Durant, 19.8% said Britt and 14% said Brooks.
The survey was conducted on March 10-13.
The new poll comes after a recent barrage of advertising has changed the status quo in the race. Inside Alabama Politics recently reported that, as of last week, Durant’s campaign has spent $1,970,864 in television and radio advertising to date. A pro-Durant super PAC called Alabama Patriots PAC has spent almost as much on TV and radio supporting Durant with $1,820,595. That’s total positive spending of more than $3.7 million.
The Britt campaign was second in television and radio spending at $919,515. There are two pro-Britt super PACs running ads promoting her candidacy. Alabama Christian Conservatives Fund had spent $239,540 in pro-Britt ads and Alabama Conservatives Fund had spent $1,179,604. That brings total pro-Britt TV and radio advertising to $2.3 million
The Brooks campaign had spent just $45,160 on TV and radio advertising as of last week. However, Brooks is bolstered by multiple supportive PACs, including the Club for Growth Action PAC that has spent $1,748,281 and the School Freedom Fund that has spent $376,993, all boosting Brooks. That puts total pro-Mo spending at $2,125,274 on TV and radio. Alabama Futures PAC, which exists to oppose Brooks, has spent $1,438,809 in negative attack ads against Brooks.