Mobile’s first African-American Mayor, Samuel L. Jones today endorsed U.S. Rep. Artur Davis – a man who could potentially become the first African-American to hold the office – for Governor of Alabama. Jones noted Davis’ leadership ability, experience, and positive vision for Alabama’s future as he issued his first ever endorsement in a statewide campaign.

“I think that’s what we need in our state,” Jones said. “I don’t just think that Artur Davis can win, I think he can lead. I don’t just think Artur Davis can get elected, I think he has the potential to be one of our greatest governors.”

Both Jones and Davis are Democrats. Davis currently serves on the Committee of Ways and Means and the Committee of House Administration on top of acting as Alabama’s seventh congressional representative, which spans from Birmingham to Tuscaloosa.

Jones noted Davis’ willingness to help Mobile regardless of the fact that Mobile is outside of the area he represents. Davis has helped represent and aide Mobile in economic growth ventures both in Montgomery and Washington D.C., Jones added.

Davis cordially accepted the mayor’s praise and spoke of a call he received from Jones roughly four years ago when he was considering the run for the city of Mobile’s highest office.

“Some say Mobile is not ready,” Davis recalled Jones telling him. “Some say Mobile will take this step one day,” Jones continued.

“Mobile’s past did not dictate its future,” Davis said.

Davis is running against Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks for the Democratic ticket.

“Something is stirring,” Davis continued as he hit talking points he will undoubtedly use in his campaign, including the KC-X tanker bid. Davis also said he would work to improve Alabama’s lagging economy, especially in comparison to neighboring states.

Davis can help the Mobile area specifically with his ability to forge coalitions on a state level, Jones said of his endorsement.

“His ability to forge coalitions will undoubtedly help us here in Mobile,” Jones told Lagniappe. “He’s the person I trust to do that.”

“Our best days are coming,” Davis promised.

Romney backs Ivey

Earlier in the day former Massachusetts Governor and 2008 Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney endorsed Alabama State Treasurer Kay Ivey’s campaign for governor.

Ivey chaired Romney’s campaign in the state. Both are Republicans.

Romney cited Ivey’s experience and conservative values as reasons why he thinks Alabama’s treasurer would be the best Governor of Alabama.

“Having been a governor myself, I know she’s got the experience and vision to do a good job. Some candidates may talk about being a conservative, but Kay Ivey is the real thing. I’ve seen her stay true to her conservative principles as State Treasurer, and I know they will guide her as governor of Alabama.”

Ivey noted the beginning of Romney’s leadership in Massachusetts came at a time of great economic hardship and he turned his state’s economy around.

“I will do the same in Alabama,” Ivey said.

Ivey faces six Republican opponents in receiving her party’s nomination for governor, including state Rep. Robert Bentley of Tuscaloosa, Montrose lawyer Bradley Byrne, businessman Tim James from Greenville, former Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs director Bill Johnson, former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore and James Potts of Bibb County.