Democrats see lesson from Alabama win: Compete everywhere

FILE: National party Chairman Tom Perez praised voter turnout efforts that produced an unusual coalition of black voters, white liberals and some Republicans. (Photo: tomperez.org)

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Democrats are celebrating an upset Senate victory in Alabama as proof of momentum heading into the 2018 midterm elections.

National party Chairman Tom Perez praised voter turnout efforts that produced an unusual coalition of black voters, white liberals and some Republicans.

Democrats say they hope to replicate the efforts to House, Senate and governor’s races in 2018.

The Democratic Party, Jones’ campaign and independent groups all had widespread get-out-the-vote operations.

Jones was helped by scandals surrounding his Republican opponent Roy Moore. But Democrats note that the Alabama result continues strong turnout trends for their candidates in 2017 elections.

Alabama also is much more conservative than many electorates that will decide next year’s outcome, so Democrats in many states and districts won’t necessarily need a Republican disaster to win.