Arrington Endorses Sparks for Governor of Alabama
October 21st, 2009 |
| Glynn Wilson |
by Glynn Wilson
KELLY INGRAM PARK, Ala. — Sending a clear message that Rep. Artur Davis will not garner all the African-American vote in Alabama’s upcoming Democratic primary next June, former Birmingham Mayor Richard Arrington endorsed the candidacy for governor of Agricultural Commissioner Ron Sparks on Wednesday on a sunny fall day in downtown Birmingham in front of the historic statue of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Both Sparks and Arrington said it was not about race, but about “leadership.”
Arrington said he was “proud” to stand in that historic spot and endorse Sparks, calling him one of the strongest leaders in the Alabama Democratic Party today.
“I feel we must support a candidate with the ability to win the election. After all, if we don’t win, how can we change anything?” Arrington said. “I honestly believe he will be the next governor of Alabama.”
Sparks also said he was proud to stand across the street from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the historic 16th Street Baptist Church and be recommended for governor by Arrington, Birmingham’s first African-American mayor, who he called one of the most important leaders in Alabama political history.
“This man is one of Alabama’s greatest leaders and has been for over 30 years and it’s an honor for my campaign to receive his endorsement,” Sparks said.
Arrington, who made history in 1979 by becoming Birmingham’s first black mayor, said it is his belief that Ron Sparks is the only candidate in the race for governor with a plan to deal with Alabama’s economic crisis.
“Our nation, state, and communities are facing one of the most difficult economic crisis of our lifetimes,” Arrington said. “People are simply looking for help — looking for leadership. All Alabamians face these problems — not just some. We need a governor that can bring people together — urban and rural, black and white, rich and poor. Ron Sparks is the only candidate for governor that can do that.”
