MONTGOMERY, Alabama (AP) — The two Republicans running for Alabama’s redrawn 2nd Congressional District faced off in a debate that aired Monday ahead of next week’s runoff elections.
Dick Brewbaker, a businessman and former state senator, and Caroleene Dobson, an attorney and political newcomer, are vying for the Republican nomination in the April 16 runoff. The winner will face the Democratic candidate in the closely watched November elections.
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In this undated photo provided by Dobson to Congress, Caroleene Dobson poses for a photo in Alabama. Dobson is running for Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District seat. The two Republicans running for Alabama’s redrawn 2nd Congressional District faced off in a debate ahead of the April 16 runoff. Dick Brewbaker, a businessman and former state senator, and Dobson, a lawyer and political newcomer, are vying for the Republican nomination. (Courtesy of Dobson for Congress via AP)
Dobson and Brewbaker traded verbal blows in the debate as Dobson criticized the legislative votes Brewbaker had taken on taxes and business regulation. Brewbaker responded that Dobson repeatedly lied about his background.
“We don’t need to send a retired career politician,” Dobson said in his opening remarks. “If they send me, I will support President Trump against the left.”
Brewmaker said that “everything he’s said about my record” has been a distortion. “As a car dealer, believe me, I know a lot more about the effect of regulation on small businesses than a Texas lawyer.”
Dobson, who grew up in Monroe County, lived and practiced law in Texas before joining the Maynard Nexsen law firm in 2019.
The Democratic candidate will be decided in an April 16 runoff between Shomari Figures and state Rep. Anthony Daniels.
Democrats aim to flip the once-reliable GOP congressional seat in the Deep South. Republicans are seeking to keep the seat with control of the U.S. House of Representatives at stake.
The 2nd District was redrawn last fall by a federal court to increase the percentage of black voters after judges ruled that the state’s previous map likely violated the Voting Rights Act.
Dobson and Brewbaker expressed similar views on support for tax cuts, opposition to gun control measures, border security, reducing government spending and increasing U.S. energy production. They also touted a number of GOP hot-button issues, such as restrictions on transgender athletes.
Dobson attacked Brewbaker on some of his legislative votes, and Brewbaker responded by saying he was misrepresenting his record.
“My opponent voted for the largest tax increase in Alabama history. I have shown that I will fight the taxes tooth and nail,” Dobson said.
Brewbaker said it was “another lie from my opponent.”
“All the votes that she calls tax increases, were for putting local initiatives on the ballot so Alabamians could vote, which is the way democracy is supposed to work,” Brewbaker said.
Brewbaker said he had a proven track record in Montgomery that included allowing charter schools and other school choice options and getting legislation passed requiring insurance companies to cover autism therapy.
“We need someone who understands how the system works and who has proven that he can stop legislation that makes government bigger while making a smaller government more responsive to the needs of its citizens,” Brewbaker said.
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Brewbaker led the March primary, earning 37% of the vote to Dobson’s 24.76%. A primary runoff is required when no candidate receives more than 50% of the primary votes.
The debate at the Congress was sponsored by WSFA and WALA. The two stations will also air a debate Tuesday night between Figures and Daniels.
