Alabama Democratic Party

Born in a little town in Marshall County, Williams, the Republican nominee, helped create and sell one high-tech company and then started another, Synapse Wireless. That background enabled him to spend $37,000 of his own money in the primary. With contributions, he spent a total of $58,000 or $69 per vote.

Askins raised just $8,000 or about $17 per vote. But she said Williams' money could hurt his campaign to represent northwest Madison County's District 6 House seat. The election is July 14.

"Voters know when they're being bought," said Askins. "And they don't like that."

Still, Williams nearly doubled Askins vote total in the primary, 838 to 469.

Williams said his background provides him with negotiating skills that will be valuable in Montgomery. And he said his financial independence allows him to remain beyond the reach of special interests.

"We're up to the challenge to fight the special interest money she's going to have," said Williams, adding he would accept money from farmers or certain business groups. "But I would not work with AEA or any kind of gambling interest in Alabama. I don't need their money."

In the Democratic primary, Askins received a $5,000 check from Your PAC, which is backed by a collection of gambling interests. She returned the money. However, she did accept $2,500 from the AEA, or Alabama Education Association.

"I need the support of educators. Teachers are as important as anybody in my district. If educators and teachers believe I'll do a good job, that's not a bad thing," Askins told The Times. "Is he not supporting education?"

Rex Cheatham, local director for AEA, said about 2,000 retired and active educators live in District 6, which includes Monrovia, Toney and west Huntsville.

"It's so disappointing that a candidate would not realize the importance of public education and educators," Cheatham said. "Education and business go hand in hand. One cannot succeed without the other."

But Williams says he is aware of the role of education in Alabama. And he takes exception to legislators who work for public entities, such as the two-year-college system, and also serve in the Legislature.

Williams said his message remains unchanged from the Republican primary.

"We need ethics reform in Montgomery," he said. "Double-dipping should be illegal."

He said no legislators should earn a paycheck working for a state entity, such as a school. He would also work to outlaw PAC-to-PAC transfers that allow all sorts of special interests, from both sides of the aisle, to obscure the source of contributions.

Askins said she wouldn't object to ending PAC-to-PAC transfers, but she would have to look into possible prohibitions on double-dipping.

Williams, who emerged from a crowded Republican field without a runoff, carries the support of Right on Huntsville, a group of conservative professionals, and local farmers.

"He supports keeping taxes low and is a strong advocate for accountability," said Rex Vaughn, president of the Madison County Farmers Federation.

Askins has the support of both local black caucuses, the New South Coalition and the Alabama Democratic Conference. She's also the chair of the Madison County Democratic Women's Division.

But Williams may hold an additional edge based on earlier voting patterns.

"The primary turnout suggests that core Republicans are simply voting at higher rates than Democrats," said Jess Brown, political science professor at Athens State University.

In part, he said, that could be because Democrats are letting Republicans dictate the debate on ethics reform, providing a possible road map for the 2010 elections. "They better find a way to punch back," said Brown of the Democrats.

Williams, who won more votes last Tuesday than her two Democratic opponents combined, said the district is evenly split along party lines, but is starting to change.

"I think it's definitely leaning Republican, and it's because of what's going on at the national level," Williams said. "I'm talking about a government that is out of control, that is printing trillions of dollars out of thin air."

Tommy Williams, a former history professor at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and a political observer, noted that suburban growth in District 6 could increase the percentage of Republican voters.

"But you've got to remember that Sue Schmitz was a Democrat and she was pretty strong out there and she had some strong opposition," said Tommy Williams, predicting a tight race that comes down to small-town, door-to-door campaigning.

Schmitz, the former representative, stepped down after being convicted in February of accepting pay from the state while doing little or no work. A teacher and a Democrat, Schmitz first lost to Republican Lee Jorgenson in 1994, but came back to beat him in 1998.

The state redrew the district lines in 2000. In 2002, Schmitz widened her margin over the Republicans, winning 58 percent of the vote against Shawn Fargerson.

But the district's built-in Republican votes were evident in the last race.

In 2006, Schmitz received 64 percent of the vote. The remainder, nearly 4,000 votes, went to John "Tony" Stiles, a Republican who didn't put out signs, attend forums or give interviews.