The survey conducted July 22nd shows Bentley with a 3 to 1 edge among independents.

Similar to an Alabama Senate survey released yesterday, if you think the economy is improving you’re more likely to support the Democrat. If you think the economy is declining, you back the Republican.

Fifty-seven percent approve of the job Bob Riley is doing as governor.

Read more of Rick Journey’s blog here.

Republican Sen. Richard Shelby comfortably leads Democrat William Barnes (59% – 29%) in the latest Rasmussen Reports survey.

Shelby enjoys 91% support from Republicans and a “four to one” lead among independents.

Rasmussen finds only 9% rate the economy good or excellent.

Read more of Rick Journey’s blog here.

Republican 2nd District Congressional nominee Martha Roby says she’s ready to bring “real conservative change” if elected.  She faces one-term Congressman Bobby Bright, a “blue dog democrat” from Montgomery in the November general election.

During this week’s Newsmakers program on WSFA 12 News, Roby outlined her position on several key issues including healthcare, immigration, agriculture and the military.

The Montgomery City Coucilwomansays she feels “the wind is to our backs” when it comes to the Republicans repeating the 1994 sweep of congress.  Roby says if the Republican Party wins a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives and more seats in the U.S. Senate, there could be a push to repeal the Obama administration’s healthcare reform legislation.  But, says as long as Mr. Obama is in office, he would likely veto the legislation.

On the subject of immigration reform Roby believes something must be done quickly. “We must secure the borders with fences, virtual fences or troops,” said Roby. ” Whatever it may be.”

“Our southern border poses a real nattional security threat,” Roby said, “and that should be a priority along with enforcing the laws we already have.  This shows a lack of leadership (by the Obama administration) in enforcing laws already on the books.”

When asked for the basic difference between her candidacy and her opponent, former Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright, Roby said, “This is not a popularity contest between Bobby Bright and Martha Roby.  This is a choice of whether you want more of the Obama administrattion and Nancy Pelosi’s agenda.  If that’s the case then that’s a vote for Bobby Bright.” 

She continued saying, “But if you’re ready for real conservative change in our state and in our country, that that is a vote for Martha Roby.”

When it comes to fund raising and campaign spending, Roby says her campaign raised more than $500,000.  Roby said, “every cent raised and every cent spent is an investment towards November.”

You can watch each of the four segments of this week’s Newsmakers program by click on the links below: