Davis Stops by MCDC Before Heading Back to Washington, D.C.

U.S. Rep. Artur Davis, D-Birmingham, stopped by the city of his birth Monday, to chat with folks from the Montgomery County Democratic Conference.

Davis wanted to share a little of his vision for the state and to ask for the prayers and votes of the MCDC members. While he didn't pick up an endorsement Monday night, (the Alabama Democratic Conference will make that decision as a whole), he left knowing he had the support of one of the state's most powerful politicians -- state Rep. John Knight, D-Montgomery.

Knight, who is chairman of the MCDC, said that it is important to have people in office who are sensitive to the problems of the people and he believes that Davis is the candidate who has that sensitivity. Knight, who once was a candidate for Congressional District 7 when Montgomery was in that district, said there is no question that Davis is qualified for the job.

"I've known him for a number of years and he would be a great person to lead the state," he said. "He has prepared himself for this."

Knight said Davis has the acumen and the political savvy to be able to reach across the aisle and get things accomplished. It's a high compliment coming from Knight, who has had some success working with Republicans, even to the point of carrying legislation for current Gov. Bob Riley. Knight said he's also proud that he is alive at a time when the state has an opportunity to elect a black man to the office of governor.

"And he's not running because he's black," Knight said. "He's running because he's qualified."

State Rep. Thad McClammy, D-Montgomery, said while Davis would be a first for Alabama, black men running for governor and winning isn't unprecedented and he believes like Knight that Davis can win because he's qualified for the job.

"He's not running to waste time," he said. "He's serious about winning. He came to win, and the time is right and history is on his side."

Davis said he's been making the rounds having been to Mobile for several meetings and speaking engagements. He also made some fundraising calls on Monday, the first day candidates for state office could begin raising money. He heads back to Washington on Tuesday.

-- posted by Markeshia Ricks