Published: January 26, 2008 08:53 pm            

Democrat candidate holds meet and greet

“We need Fields!” was the rallying cry of supporters for Democratic candidate James Fields Saturday morning.

A pre-election meet and greet at the contestant’s Cullman headquarters spilled into the streets when political enthusiasts held high “Honk for Fields” signs aimed at 2nd Avenue motorists.

The supporters are seeking votes for Fields in Tuesday’s special election to fill the state’s House District 12 congressional seat vacated in August by Democrat Neil Morrison.

Jana Shelton, local co-chair of the party, said the election has electrified area Democrats.

“The response has just been overwhelming,” she said. “There has been more energy going on with our party through this campaign than we have ever had.”

Shelton added, “We’re expecting a victory; it’s going to happen.”

The party leader has plenty to optimistic about; a dinner fundraiser held Thursday at the Cullman Civic Center garnered a turnout of more than 300 contributors.

“It was great,” said Jo Burrow, treasurer of the Cullman Lady Democrats, which sponsored the $15-per-plate fundraising dinner. The event, which featured speeches from Alabama Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom and state Democratic Chairman Joe Turnham, cleared over $4,000 according to Burrow.

Despite the Democrats’ current boost in confidence, Fields said he hopes the party’s recent political passion will not subside before Tuesday’s election.

“It is not over,” Fields said. “We will continue to work very hard for the remainder of these three days to get people out to vote.”

Fields said he even encourages those who favor Republican candidate Wayne Willingham to cast their ballots.

“If they decide they want to vote for my opponent, that’s fine; just get out and vote.

“The struggles that people went through to vote and for us to just sit at home and not take advantage of that, I think we’re doing our ancestors and injustice,” Fields said.

        

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