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.”
The upcoming race for Governor will be the most important any of us can remember, he said.
“The next Governor will be forced to grapple with issues of a historically unprecedented magnitude. We need a leader that has a real plan and the courage to address these tough issues,” Arrington said. “I believe that person is Ron Sparks and that plan is his platform.”
Arrington said Sparks’ record as a proven statewide candidate is a critical factor in the upcoming election. Sparks has been elected statewide twice. In the last election he carried 62 out of 67 counties and was the leading vote getter among all Democrats on the ballot
“The Mayor is right,” Sparks said. “Times are tough and the people want answers.”
This governor’s race is bigger than any one person, Sparks said.
“The next governor has to bring people together and have real solutions to the tough problems facing all Alabamians,” he said. “That’s why I proposed the Lifestart Lottery Program to make sure all our children have a chance at a better education.”
That’s why he said he’s proposed to tax and regulate “all these casinos and bingo halls you see popping up.”
“Doing that means I can create revenues to address the state’s financial crisis without raising taxes,” he said.
He thanked the mayor, and said, “with your help, we will take our message to every corner of this state and bring people together for a better, stronger, Alabama. Joining our team today is a major step in bringing together all Alabamians behind our campaign plans. Thank you again, and let’s get to work.”
Agricultural Commissioner Ron Sparks with former Birmingham Mayor Richard Arrington in downtown Birmingham’s Kelly Ingram Park
View a video of the entire press conference in QuickTime format at this link.
Comments
Powered by Facebook Comments
Tags: Alabama Governor's Race, Richard Arrington, Ron Sparks
October 21st, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Is Arrington getting ready for a political comeback himself, I wonder? Could he win the mayor’s chair for another term after being out of office quite a few years now?
October 21st, 2009 at 8:22 pm
According to my sources, he considered it, but has no plans to run now. He is beloved, unlike certain other politicians who spend a fair amount of time in downtown Birmingham.
October 21st, 2009 at 9:00 pm
This shows clearly that Artur Davis has lost the respect of the progressive African American community here, and as I understand, in Huntsville.
Arrington also hinted at the understanding that Davis will drive enough Democratic voters out of the party’s legislative campaigns to turn the state legislature Republican.
Indeed, some feel that Davis is being put up to run by his old boss’s husband, Bill Canary of the Business Council of Alabama, which certainly funds Davis heavily.
It is important that Arrington brings with him people who know how to organize and to work campaigns. He remains a formidable power in Birmingham.
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:22 am
Dr. A. is not running for mayor, we have one LPL. HE, Dr. A., ONLY DIRECTs CAMPAIGNS NOW.
Jack u r so right on the pros AA.
WE DO KNOW WHAT THE REAL DEAL IS WITH AD.
October 22nd, 2009 at 6:31 am
Mornin’ Frank. Give ‘em hell on the radio, and tell ‘em where to get the news, right here at LocustFork.Net…
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:38 am
Very interesting. I don’t believe Mayor Arrington speaks for all progressive African Americans in the state of Alabama. In fact, if Mayor Arrington was really strong enough for a comeback, then why is it that he couldn’t get all of the city council folks he endorsed elected. Furthermore, I believe Congressman Artur Davis is the real deal for Alabama. And if we won’t our great state to move beyond being 49th for everything that is good and 1st or 2nd for everything that is bad, then we need to make a radical change of the guard. I am sick and tired of more of the same. Ron Sparks is a nice person, but right now, he is offering the same old things. Nothing new or innovative. However, in everything that I have said, I want to make sure it is clear that African Americans are diverse in opinions and are able to vote and think for themselves..even in the state of Alabama. So, don’t think for a minute that Arrington or Reid can speak for African Americans.
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:47 am
Davis looks like the best chance ever to elect a Black governor. Why is the Black leadership avoiding him? Or is Davis avoiding the Black leadership that seems to have a political death wish?
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Paul, I agree with you. And I will add, I think Davis is also the best chance to advance Alabama to greater heights African American or not.
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:22 pm
My direct dealings with Davis lead me to different conclusion, but everybody’s entitled to their opinion : )
The point of the lede of the story is to dispel the conventional wisdom — especially if you are stuck in the Newhouse-Advent-al.com mentality — that Davis has the black vote all locked up. Even the New York Times owned Tuscaloosa News reported that.
In my experiences talking to people all over the state, that is the presumption — except for where you find strong anti-Davis sentiment in the black community, in downtown Birmingham, Montgomery and the Black Belt.
People don’t seem to find Davis charismatic, like Obama, and he doesn’t seem to be running as a progressive, but kowtowing to moneyed special interests.
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Glynn – you are right that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But to be honest, neither did President Obama have 100% of the black vote/support. And as for charismatic, I do believe a certain presidential campaign back in 2000/2004 when we went with the more charismatic candidate and were stuck with an AWFUL 8 years. So, I’d rather have someone who is intelligent, forward thinking and one who has had experience outside of Alabama that can likely take us to the next level. And, why are we so focused on the African American vote. This state is full of all cultural backgrounds, but the majority is white. So, we need someone who will be governor for all the people of Alabama and want to see us all move forward.
The problem with Alabama and most of the south, we are stuck in Black and White. Can we move forward…and for black people who are not for Artur Davis or Obama, that’s fine too. We all have opinions. But, don’t attempt to tear either of them down because they may seem things differently.
Finally, Glynn – it is interesting, that you have direct dealings with Congressman Davis and have come to a different conclusion. Well, I have had direct dealings with Congressman Davis as well and what my conclusion has been is that he cares about the state of Alabama and have some progressive ideas that can work to move our state forward. Clearly with his background and accomplishments, he didn’t have to come back to the state of Alabama.
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:27 pm
This story talks about moving beyond race, and shows photos and video of a dramatic presentation of that fact. I don’t see anyone torn down in this story. It’s just event coverage of the Arrington-Sparks endorsement. Pretty straight stuff if you ask me.
Davis doesn’t answer questions on the phone or e-mail. He doesn’t want to be covered? OK by me. Reporters are usually assigned to cover one candidate anyway. I was ready to cover Folsom, but he decided not to run…
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Gotcha. Not referring to this particular story of tearing Artur down. And I’m not so sure if the story focuses on moving beyond race. I know that Mayor Arrington refers to moving beyond race, but the comments on the thread talks about race. That’s where my comment is coming from. I understand you were assigned to cover Sparks. However, you made a personal comment about your dealings with Davis. I’m only responding to that and the other comments on here. Most comments seemed to be one-sided. Just offering a different perspective.
Great dialogue! And good article. Just not so sure that Arrington speaks for all African Americans in the state of Alabama.
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Oh and one more thing. Frank Matthews is really good about saying pretty awful, unproven things about Congressman Davis.
October 22nd, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Nobody said Arrington speaks for everybody, and no one said Davis speaks for everybody, or that Joe Reed does or Paul Hubbert either, or Milton McGregor or…
We ain’t exactly united at this point then, wouldn’t you say? As a people or a party?
October 22nd, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Divided we fail. Remember Lincoln?
You going to the party in Homewood tonight?