I noticed an hour ago that State Senator Jim Preuitt had not yet qualified with the state Democratic Party. I got the answer as to why just a moment ago when the GOP confirmed and posted to their website the qualification of Senator Preuitt as a Republican. This is another big pick-up for the Alabama Republican Party and inches them that much closer to a majority. The split is now 20-15 in favor of the Democrats with a number of what look to be competitive races in November.