The Alabama United States Senate field got less crowded after Secretary of State John Merrill decided he would drop out and leave the field at six legitimate candidates on the Republican side.
In order of latest public polling, the following candidates remain:
- Jeff Sessions
- Tommy Tuberville
- Bradley Byrne
- Roy Moore
- Arnold Mooney
- Stanley Adair
There are six individuals in this race, but only three have a legitimate shot at securing this nomination: Sessions, Tuberville and Byrne.
Roy Moore is damaged goods; the state of Alabama is over him.
The other two candidates are completely irrelevant to this election, and nothing I have seen out of either of them shows that they are willing or able to change that perception and become a factor.
What the state needs is a vigorous and idea-filled GOP primary where the candidates with a legitimate chance, via name ID and polling, are battling it out.
Merrill realized there was no benefit to the state or himself to continue in this race. His exit allows his supporters and those who were thinking about supporting him to choose a more likely candidate.
It is time for the other also-rans in this race to get out as well.
Dale Jackson is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 7-11 am weekdays on WVNN
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