Politicians stump at Labor Day rally

TUSCUMBIA - On a day set aside to honor America's workers, jobs were a hot topic Monday morning at Spring Park.

Democratic candidates for local, state and national office took turns at the microphone for short speeches during the annual Labor Day political and labor rally at the park.

In a year before the 2010 elections, candidates also spent a great deal of time wandering through the crowd, shaking hands and campaigning.

It is apparent from the speeches that the nation's recession and lost jobs are at the forefront of the minds of many candidates.

Artur Davis and Ron Sparks, Democratic candidates for Alabama governor, set the tone.

"In the last 12 months, tens of thousands of our neighbors and our church members have lost their jobs in the state of Alabama," said Davis, U.S. representative for Alabama's 7th Congressional District. "It is unacceptable that one out of 10 people in this state who could be working are unemployed."

Sparks, Alabama's agriculture commissioner, said taxing Alabama workers is not the solution to the state's economic woes. He supports taxing gambling as a more viable plan.

Sparks added the state has provided a great deal of incentives to land major plants in Alabama. "If we're going to use Alabama money to bring plants to Alabama, we're going to use Alabama workers in those plants," he said.

U.S. Rep. Parker Griffith, D-Huntsville, whose 5th Congressional District includes northwest Alabama, said Monday's event is a "celebration of people and celebration of labor."

Griffith is in his first term in Congress. "America is going through some tough times," he said, adding that he believes better times are ahead for northwest Alabama.

Susan Parker, running for re-election to the state's Public Service Commission, said there are major issues in the nation, and energy is among them.

"Energy is the next arena in America that we must address," Parker said. "We need energy policies to protect Alabama jobs."

Parker believes nuclear energy is the key to the future of energy and jobs in the state.

Local legislative candidates spoke of the importance of the 2010 election for Democrats, at a time when state Republican Party members are raising a great deal of campaign funds.

"This next election cycle is very important," said state Sen. Roger Bedford, of Russellville. He said Republicans want to gain the majority in the Legislature.

"We are really going to need your help to fight that," Bedford said.

Bernie Delinski can be reached at 740-5739 or bernie.delinski@TimesDaily.com.