Paul Sanford Comments on the Results; Vows to Fight Special Interests’ Influence
03/04/2009

Paul Sanford issued this statement Wednesday afternoon:

"Needless to say, I am honored to be advancing to round two in this contest and wish to thank all who embraced our cause throughout this primary race. Although we were outspent by a margin of nearly five-to-one, our message of committed conservative leadership resonated with the voters throughout District 7.

"My congratulations go to Sam on his well-run primary campaign. To the four other Republicans who offered themselves as candidates in this important election—Mary Scott Hunter, Roger Richardson, Allan Rhodes and Peter Wright—it has been a pleasure campaigning side-by-side with each of you. I know personally the sacrifices your families made and the exposure they had to handle. I appreciate the respectful race each candidate took to heart.

"I am aware that 48 percent of the primary voters yesterday chose candidates who did not make the runoff, and I will be appealing to them in these next few weeks, asking them to consider my candidacy to send a true fiscal conservative to Montgomery. It is time we take away the influence of special interest groups in Alabama Politics—this race is no exception. Regrettably, two candidates in the primary received a disproportionate amount of contributions from special interest PACs outside of our district—both candidates came in first for their respective Parties. The politics as usual in Montgomery by special interest groups is influencing our District at a level that makes me uncomfortable. This race is about finding the candidate to best serve the people in District 7, not the special interest groups in Montgomery.

"The runoff election will be April 21st, and I will work hard to earn the trust and vote of the people of Madison County."

Paul Sanford, a Huntsville restaurant owner and candidate for the Alabama Senate in District 7, will be in the runoff election to be held on Tuesday, April 21st. In yesterday’s primary election, Mr. Sanford received 23 percent of the vote and will face personal friend Sam Givhan, who received 29 percent of the vote. The winner of the April Republican runoff will face Democrat Laura Hall in the June 9th special general election.