Confederate monuments stir emotions, but 'generally not a voting issue' in Alabama

Democrat Walt Maddox's latest TV ad is meant to showcase his relatively conservative views on gun control and abortion.

But when it comes to Confederate monuments, Maddox draws a line. The Tuscaloosa mayor and gubernatorial hopeful is looking to separate himselffrom his November 6 opponent, Republican Gov. Kay Ivey.

Maddox believes the fate of Confederate symbols are best left to the decision-making of local governments, and not through a controversial state law backed by Ivey. Few issues on the campaign trail in Alabama have as much power to differentiate Democrats and Republicans.

But a recent online poll of AL.com readers placed Confederate monuments nearly last among the 18 biggest issues facing Alabama this campaign season.

Scholars believe the issue has already had its time in the media spotlight, resonating mostly during the primary campaign season after Ivey released a controversial TV ad embracing a relatively new state law that protects symbols of the Confederacy.