In that second dataset, the former Auburn coach held a narrower advantage of 47% to 44%, well within the margin of error. That research also revealed Tuberville was 11 points underwater against Jones in Madison County, home to Huntsville, the largest city in Alabama. There are a few reasons we are seeing the most competitive race in the state since 2002.

These men, products of the New Deal and Square Deal, of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his successor Harry S. Truman, benefited from these populist programs. By bringing electricity to the mountains, stabilizing corn prices on the farm, creating fair labor standards for the men in the mines, and bringing old-age pensions to maw and paw, the economic security created a safety net, hammering home the idea that Democrats championed the working man.

The endorsement comes at a crucial time. Privately, GOP insiders speaking on condition of anonymity expressed concern that Sparks holds an edge, with polling showing the race in a dead heat.