Davis Eyeing Gov Race
It's never too early to plan. Rep. Artur Davis, an Alabama Democrat widely seen as a rising star in Democratic politics, is beginning to consider a governor's race when Bob Riley is term-limited out in 2010, according to the Times Daily. "I'm taking a very hard look at governor in 2010," Davis said.
Davis, who is African American, would be the state's first non-white governor, and he would likely face an uphill race: In 2006, just two of seven statewide offices went to Democrats, when Lieutenant Gov. Jim Folsom Jr. and Agriculture & Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks won their races. Davis is one of two Democrats out of a seven-member House delegation. Alabama has one of the highest African American populations in the country, at about 26% of the state's population.
Davis also hinted he may consider a Senate race, as well, if Sen. Richard Shelby decides to step down. His $700,000 cash on hand number would immediately make him a top-tier Democratic candidate.