(AL-GOV) Did Artur Davis' "no" vote hurt him?

[Clio the Leo]

Ron Sparks endorsed for governor of Alabama by two historically black Birmingham political groups
By Joseph D. Bryant -- The Birmingham News
May 13, 2010, 3:30PM

Two historically black Birmingham political groups are supporting Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks for governor, shunning the state's first major black contender for the office.

Both the Jefferson County Progressive Council and the New Jefferson County Citizens Coalition Thursday announced their endorsement of Sparks for governor after U.S. Rep. Artur Davis failed to meet with them.

Both former Birmingham Mayor Richard Arrington, president of the New Jefferson County Citizens Coalition, and Emory Anthony Jr., president of the Progressives, said they didn't endorse Davis in part because he didn't seek the endorsement of black political organizations.

"Artur just doesn't get it," Anthony said, also citing Davis' vote against the federal health care overhaul.

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2010/05/ron_sparks_endorsed_by_two_his.html

Background....
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=433&topic_id=211462

[Jennicut]

1. Where did he think his support was going to come from?

I hope it hurt him.

[Clio the Leo]

3. Those opposed to HCR....

... apparently he forgot he had to get through the primary first.

The blogger who Tweeted this to my attention thinks he'll lose the primary...

http://twitter.com/downwithtyranny/status/13979312270

... but I couldn't find anything to support this notion so I didn't post the thread title as such. We shall see.

As a native Alabamian, I'd love to see an African American in the Governor's mansion ... but not one who's proven to be ... as we say ... "agin' us."

[Jennicut]

7. I just shake my head and wonder why some Dems don't think about the primary first.

I do wonder if it will cost him. He doesn't seem like he has been a conservadem in the past, more centrist or center left but I just don't get his health care vote. Against it or for it, certain people in Alabama will never vote for him.

[bluestateguy]

2. He doesn't get it

He thinks that voting no will appease white Alabama conservatives. But they despise him because of his race. Not votes will change that.

[Clio the Leo]

4. Yep. Exactly what I said at the time.

You have to dance with who brought you.

[QC]

5. Davis has always been right wing, complete with DLC membership card.

Ron Sparks, on the other hand, is a genuine progressive.

This is a smart move. Sounds like it's time to send Ron a few bucks.

[jody]

6. Davis understands the positions he must take to win election in AL. Out of State citizens

who oppose Davis apparently support Republican candidates for AL governor.