By Associated Press
Jacksonville, AL – Republicans hope to take a step toward their goal of winning control of the Alabama House this year in a special election for a Calhoun County House seat.
Voters go to the polls Tuesday to fill the House seat vacated by the death in October of Democratic Rep. Lea Fite of Jacksonville. Democrats hold a 60-44 advantage in the House and hope to expand that lead with a win in the district that includes much of Calhoun County.
Republican K.L. Brown, a Jacksonville funeral home owner, faces Democrat Ricky Whaley, a school teacher, and independent Carol Hagan.
A GOP win would narrow the Democrats edge in the House to 60-45.
The winner will face re-election in November, when Fite's term expires.