Long-time incumbent Bachus faces opposition

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - Under ethics investigation in Washington and opposed by a challenger whose name is known across central Alabama's 6th District, U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus faces his toughest electoral test in years in the Republican primary election on March 13.

Bachus' fight for an 11th two-year term in office highlights a state congressional ballot that guarantees all but one incumbent will have partisan opposition in the general election in November.

While Bachus typically cruises through primary season, this year he is opposed for the GOP nomination by three challengers including state Sen. Scott Beason, who has gained national notice for sponsoring Alabama's toughest-in-the-nation law against illegal immigration.