Ron Sparks endorsed for governor of Alabama by two historically black Birmingham political groups

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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