Obama Ally Launches Bid for Ala. State House

Davis would be state's first black governor
By Marie Morris,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 6, 2009 4:08 PM CST
Obama Ally Launches Bid for Ala. State House
This Aug. 27, 2008 file photo shows Rep. Artur Davis, D-Ala., at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.   (AP Photo)

US Rep. Artur Davis, a close ally of President Obama's, launched his long-rumored campaign for governor of Alabama today, the Birmingham News reports. "I believe the poet was wrong when he said that the past is the light that will guide our feet," said Davis, who would be the state's first African-American chief executive if his bid succeeds.

Like Obama, Davis, 41, is a Harvard-educated lawyer who was raised by a single mom. Today's announcement drew a mostly white crowd, which could bode well for his chances in 2010, the AP reports, though he said he plans to focus on economic issues. "If you don't fixate on race, all the other issues that people want to hear about will come to the forefront," Davis said.
(More Artur Davis stories.)

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