Huntsville School Board member David Blair announced earlier this week that he will be challenging State Sen. Paul Sanford, R-Huntsville, in the Republican primary in Alabama Senate District 7. But according to polling data obtained today by Yellowhammer News, Blair is facing an uphill challenge against a popular incumbent.

A poll conducted by McLaughlin and associates, a nationally-known public opinion research firm commissioned by Alabama 2014 PAC, shows Sanford receiving over half the vote, even in a three-way race between him, Blair and former Congressman Parker Griffith.

“Senator Sanford receives 54% of the vote, followed by Parker Griffith who receives 14% and David Blair who receives 8%,” the polling memo states. “One in four (24%) remain undecided. It is important to note that even in a three-way race, Senator Sanford is over 50%.”

Sanford’s job approval rating is also very strong. 57% of Senate District 7 voters approve of Sen. Sanford’s job performance, while only 11% disapprove.

Sanford is no stranger to crowded races. He overcome a packed field to win the seat in a 2009 special election. The seat had previously been held by Parker Griffith, who left it open after being elected to Congress. Over the last several years, Sanford has beaten back numerous big names in north Alabama politics, including Mary Scott Hunter, Sam Givan, Jeff Enfinger and Laura Hall.

Also worth noting in the poll is just how unpopular Parker Griffith is in the district.

“Parker Griffith is widely unpopular,” the memo states bluntly. “Griffith has a two to one net negative opinion rating, with 27% holding a favorable opinion of him and 55% holding an unfavorable opinion of him. There is significant intensity on the negative side, with 43% holding a ‘very’ unfavorable opinion of him.”

The McLaughlin poll surveyed 300 likely Republican primary election voters in Alabama’s 7th State Senate District and has a margin of error of +/- 5.7%.

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