It’s coming on near the end of politicking season, and ironically, one of the poorest regions in the state has yet to see either of the gubernatorial candidates make a pass through here in the latter days.

Democratic nominee Ron Sparks gave Selma and Dallas County the nod earlier in the campaign. He appeared once at the St. James Hotel on Water Avenue to talk about how casinos would help impoverished counties. He participated in a debate with then-opponent Artur Davis. He came to city hall to give money in his official capacity as agriculture commissioner to police for video mics.

We have yet to see a public appearance in Selma or Dallas County by Dr. Robert Bentley.

And it would probably profit them very little to come this way this late. However, by passing by the largest city in the Black Belt, the candidates have spoken volumes.

Obviously, they do not care about this rural, impoverished portion of the state, where a large chunk of people are over the age of 50; where U.S. Hwy. 80 still has not been four-laned all the way; where unemployment is highest; where the nation has given the OK to dump hazardous waste in a landfill.

That the candidates haven’t spent much time here stings, but is expected.

The most cause for pause rests in the fact that the only candidate who had a plan for helping the Black Belt pull up to the rest of the state is no longer in the race. Davis planned satellite offices to help with job re-training and economic development. He reached out to the Black Belt — and to Selma and Dallas County.

Although Davis did not make the cut, he realized something very important the other two candidates should keep in mind: A state is only as strong as its weakest counties.