Artur Davis is still Going Strong in Race

When Congressman, Artur Davis announced that he had plans of giving up his seat in Congress to run for Governor of Alabama, people thought that he was crazy. There were plenty of people who doubted Barack Obama, but he did not give up his seat to run for president. Davis is betting his political career on becoming Alabama’s governor. Right after he won his re-election bid in the 7^th Congressional District of Alabama, Davis began his race.

Exactly one year ago, Artur Davis officially announced his candidacy in the 2010 Alabama Gubernatorial Election. From the gate, he was the leading candidate. This was only because of the fact that he was the only candidate running. The odds were and still are stacked high against the young congressman. Despite anything being possible, Alabama is a Republican state and has been for some time. Before the Civil Rights Movement, it was a Democratic state, but it was led by George C. Wallace, one of the most racist politicians ever.

After the era of Wallace, the Democratic Party took a sharp turn, which left Alabama behind. In the time since the presidency of Ronald Reagan, Alabama has been reliably Republican. Even in this day and age, there are not many black people that are willing to travel alone in the state if they are not local. No one knows how Alabama is better than Artur Davis; he was born right in the middle of the George C. Wallace era. But, after watching his colleague, Barack Obama, win the presidency, he is feeling good about his chances.

However, despite the fact that Barack Obama was able to defy odds and become the first black president, he still was unable to win Alabama. As a matter of fact, Alabama went for John McCain in larger numbers than they did with George W. Bush. Alabama has been a conservative, racist state for years; people have come to terms with this. However, the most successful Democratic politician in the state is Artur Davis. He has never lost an election.

Because he was the first candidate to put his hat in the ring, Artur Davis has been the biggest name in the race. Early in most elections, the first candidate is the most popular one. But, usually as the primaries near, they fizzle away. As it currently stands, the primaries are only five months away. Other Democratic candidates have entered the race, but they are having trouble against the underdog Davis. His messages have crossed party lines and his moderate stance has attracted many independents.

Many political pundits expected Artur Davis’ numbers to begin their decline when 2010 rolled around, but they have actually gone up since the New Year came. Now, with the primaries only five months away, Artur Davis seems poised to win the Democratic nomination. With the way things have gone lately, Davis may end up becoming the first black governor in the history of the state of George Wallace. Racism now, racism forever, until Artur Davis came through?