The Evening Star (October 22, 1946)
Alabamans voting today on Sparkman’s successor
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama (AP) – Democrats of Alabama’s 8th congressional district voted today to choose between State Sen. Jim Smith of Tuscumbia and County Judge R. E. Jones as a nominee for the seat being vacated by Rep. Sparkman.
Judge Jones, a veteran, who was re-elected to the Jackson County judgeship while in service, led a field of seven in the first primary September 24. He polled 6,077 votes to 5,217 for Mr. Smith and a combined total of 15,488 for the other five candidates.
Mr. Smith carries the endorsement of the CIO Political Action Committee and of leaders of the AFL and Railroad Brotherhoods.
Mr. Sparkman, majority whip in the House, has been nominated to the Senate seat of the late John H. Bankhead. He previously was renominated to the House in the May Democratic primary and will resign the House seat after the November election.