Conservative policy analyst defeats state lawmaker in GOP runoff for Alabama House seat

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Conservative policy analyst Gary Palmer has come from behind to defeat state Rep. Paul DeMarco in the Republican runoff in Alabama's 6th District congressional race.

With 53 percent of the precincts reporting Tuesday, Palmer led DeMarco with 62 percent. He was far ahead in all six counties in the central Alabama district.

The results are a turnaround from the primary, when DeMarco easily outdistanced Palmer and five other candidates.

Both men portrayed themselves as committed conservatives who would oppose President Obama on issues including health care and federal spending.

But Palmer picked up key endorsements and contributions after the primary and benefited from a shaky debate performance by DeMarco.

Palmer founded the conservative Alabama Policy Institute more than two decades ago. He will face Democrat Avery Vise in November.