U.S. Rep. Artur Davis still has a lot of work to do. That’s why he’s running for re-election.

Davis, who held his campaign kickoff at Bloch Park on Saturday, spoke to a crowd of supporters beneath a canopy as well-wishers enjoyed hot dogs on the hot April day. &uot;When I first ran for office, I said I didn’t want to be here forever, but I did want to accomplish several things,&uot; Davis said. &uot;I think this job is being done better than ever before. One of the hallmarks of a congressman is to bring people together. That’s a claim not everyone can make.&uot;

Davis pointed to several of his accomplishments since taking office, including gaining $500,000 for a youth development center in Selma, $300,000 for the development of Craig Field Industrial Park and $14 million toward the expansion of Highway 80. &uot;We don’t just have to make promises to people,&uot; Davis said. &uot;We can talk about our accomplishments.&uot;

Davis pointed to his staff as an essential part of his office. According to Davis, the district he represents is so large that a staff is vital to serving his constituents. &uot;I’m thankful for my staff,&uot; he said. &uot;We have a wonderful staff.&uot;

If re-elected, Davis said he and his staff would continue working on the district’s economic development as well as the area’s level of healthcare. &uot;We’ll help new local development projects as well as growing businesses,&uot; Davis said.

Concerning Selma’s crime rate, Davis said he would continue to steer people toward various resources. &uot;Some people are going to break the law because they want to, but others do it because of aimlessness,&uot; Davis said. &uot;We’ve got to give kids something to do. That’s why we got $500,000 for a Selma youth center.&uot;

Davis noted that last summer he facilitated programs that brought children to the Birmingham-based McWane Center as well as the Birmingham Zoo. &uot;That’s an example of filling some of the void that exists for these children,&uot; Davis added.

Davis listed a number of reasons people should re-elect him, including several acts he sponsored. Since he took office, Davis has sponsored an act that assists people in purchasing homes. Last week he sponsored a bill that will help the steel industry. Last year he helped restore funding to several black colleges. &uot;We feel very, very good about this campaign,&uot; Davis said. &uot;Our goal is not just to win, but win an overwhelming victory. We’re going to win it with over 70 percent of the vote.&uot;

Before concluding his speech, Davis told the crowd about his experience leaving Washington D.C. on Friday. It was about 4 p.m. and members of Congress were trying to get airplane rides and discover who their opponents were. &uot;For the people I serve, a crisis isn’t getting on a plane,&uot; Davis said. &uot;It’s about getting a job. It isn’t about your opponents; it’s about medicine. I want residents of the Black Belt to know that they finally have a champion. We’ll stay in this office for as many years as we need to get this job done.&uot;

After speaking, Selma City Council members Bennie Ruth Crenshaw and James Durry spoke in favor of Davis. &uot;The reason we’re here is because it’s a new day,&uot; Crenshaw said.

Durry agreed. &uot;Congressman Davis has made a difference in the Black Belt,&uot; he said. &uot;I’m proud to have him in our district.&uot;