Ron Sparks, Alabama Governor 2010

Ron Sparks

Ron Sparks, now in his second term as Alabama's Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, was born and raised in Fort Payne, Alabama, where he learned the value of hard work from his mother and grandmother. His mother and both of his grandmothers worked in DeKalb County sock mills, and he began working in a sock mill while still in high school.

After graduation from Ft. Payne High School, Sparks enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, in which he served as a member of the Honor Guard and in Search and Rescue. While serving in the Coast Guard, he received numerous commendations and letters of merit, including the Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service in the Performance of Duty with Operational Distinguishing Device for saving passengers of an overturned sailboat from turbulent waters.

Ron Sparks - Alabama Governor Democrat Candidate 2010

On April 3, 2009, Ron Sparks announced that he would run for governor of Alabama. He handily defeated Congressman Artur Davis in the Democratic primary on June 1, 2010 by a margin of 25 points. Tensions over Davis' opposition to President Obama's healthcare reform legislation led black organizations and voters to turn to Sparks.

Ron Sparks has taken an agressive pro gambling pro lottery position and has the apparent backing of the gambling interests.
Sparks supports the Obama healthcare reform and the public option, opposes charter schools, supports the Stimulus, and advocates an educational lottery and gaming tax for pre-kindergarten and college scholarships.