Both (R) US Senators Sessions and Shelby are so well funded no average candidate has a chance. Democrats lose by 50-60%.
After the election of Barack Obama, this state went all the way red. For the first time since Reconstruction, we have an all-Republican State House and Senate. Every state-wide office is now held by Republicans. Both Senators. All but one (Terri Sewell) in US House. Terri Sewell represents a congressional district set up in Alabama for black representation. She is a big D Democrat and I am proud that she represents my party in Washington.
It's hard to be a Democrat. A few years ago, we had a couple blue dogs. But after President Obama moved into the White House, Alabama won't even tolerate blue dogs. Lately, Democrats down here have been voting for the worst Republican where they can, especially in Republican primaries. That's how we got Beasley for governor (AKA Mr. Burns) and not one of the other 2 crazy wingnuts in the race...or not voting at all.
And it's getting worse! Redistricting has been court-approved. We got a few remaining real Democrats, like Joe Hubbard, who don't even have a district anymore!
Now, Joe Hubbard is running for State Attorney General.
We'll see if any life left in the Alabama Democratic Party (or whatever it calls itself now).
But that's why no one running against Sessions.