DAVIS SET FOR JANUARY START DATE: Congressman-elect set to be sworn in January 7th
By: William Parker

With less than a month before he is sworn in as the next representative for Alabama's 7th District, Congressman-elect Artur Davis is ready to get to work.

During the past year, Davis has seen his title shift from "political upstart" to Democratic congressional nominee, and now congressman-elect in what many term the most surprising upset in this year's political cycle. The 35-year-old double Harvard graduate is now set to be sworn into the US House of Representatives January 7th.

Davis followed up his shattering defeat of Congressman Earl Hilliard in the June 25th primary run-off with a 93 percent victory during the fall vote on November 5th - the largest of any congressional candidate in the country who drew opposition this year.

"We definitely see the November vote as a referendum for change and a ratification of the June 25th results," Davis said. "People who could have skipped this race because of the presumed outcome made a conscious decision to vote for this candidacy, and I'm very humbled by their support. The next task is to get to work on their behalf."

Some would say that Davis is already working as the congressman for the district having rolled out an aggressive agenda this fall of regional research and program development. "We know we have a lot of work to do, and there was no point in waiting until I was sworn in to get started," he said. "We have kept up quite a busy pace this fall."

The Montgomery native, noted for his quiet and eloquent speech delivery, has quickly become one of the more sought after speakers throughout the state of Alabama. The calendar has filled rather quickly with addresses to groups including Leadership Birmingham, the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, as well as churches and community groups throughout the region and country.

In addition to the overwhelming victory this fall, other highlights included the dreaded House Office Lottery held during the Freshman Orientation Session just after the election. Davis' luck continued to shine as he drew number three out of 54 and along with it the opportunity to select one of the larger offices in the Cannon House Building.

Davis also had a chance to return to that hallowed halls of Harvard University for a congressional policy orientation. "It was good to be back since I had not visited since my law school graduation. I had a chance to absorb and appreciate more than I did when I was a student - and more time," he said.

With the majority of his staff hired and on board, now the mad dash is underway to find office space, purchase equipment and furniture for the district offices as opening day rapidly approaches. Davis is confident the people will be pleased and excited with what his team has to offer.

Commenting on the team he has assembled, Davis noted that "we have put together a really energetic and creative group of people who understand the challenges we are facing. Those challenges deserve innovative thinking when it comes to serving the people and solving their problems, and I'm very happy with the group we have assembled."

Directly along those lines, Davis is set to roll out several initiatives early next year that directly address the problems he discussed during the campaign: access to good jobs and quality healthcare. Research conducted by the Davis Transition Team brought to light the need to provide more information to regular people at the grass roots level and to empower them with information and a seat at the table in developing their communities. "Our focus isn't piecemeal. We are considering a comprehensive quality of life agenda that involves entire communities in the decision making process. We have found that that is one of the best ways to ensure their support of a project or program."

Anticipation is high and the outlook is bright for Davis' tenure in Congress, but he says he is ready for the challenge. "The best way to extend this honeymoon period with the people is to give them the kind of representation they deserve. My team and I look forwarding to serving in this most coveted position."


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