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‘I don’t even know who the other guy is,’ Rep. Dale Strong says of his Democratic opponent
“I don’t even know who the other guy is, to be honest with you,”
That was U.S. Rep. Dale Strong’s response to a question before the ribbon cutting of Auburn’s new research laboratory at Cummings Research Park about how his reelection campaign is going.
The Monrovia Republican is facing Democratic nominee Andrew Sneed in his bid for a third term representing the 5th Congressional District.
Strong told AL.com that he is focused on letting people know what he’s accomplished since being elected to Congress in 2022.
“I’ve given a lifetime of service to this community as an EMT, volunteer firefighter,” he said. “I think my record speaks for itself. I’ve made everything better, no matter whether it’s been at the local level or in Congress. You look at it, serving on the Appropriations Committee and vice chair of Commerce, Justice and Science, I think the people of the 5th District appreciate what I’ve done, and I think I’ve got a proven record.”
Among his accomplishments included securing $4 million in funding for the $30 million Auburn University Applied Research Institute Laboratory.
Sneed, a business owner and plumber, had been among those critical of Strong for not holding public town halls. The congressman has held telephone town halls by invitation. He said Tuesday that he would make announcements about campaign events soon.
Sneed is taking part in a series of town halls of which his campaign said Strong was invited to participate in. Strong’s campaign has said he would not be participating. Sneed held one of the town halls in Scottsboro on Monday.
Sneed’s upcoming town halls:
Wednesday, Aug. 26, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Decatur, Turner Surles Venue, moderator Mike Ball
Wednesday, Sept. 9, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Athens, Athens State University McCandless, Hall, moderator TBA
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Huntsville, Bob Harrison Center, moderator Kenny Anderson.
Strong has a large fundraising advantage over Sneed in their general election contest.
Strong reported to the Federal Election Commission that he had $1,424,334 cash on hand on June 30 compared to Sneed’s $169,719. But Sneed has outraised Strong during two quarters of the current election cycle.