Democratic Candidate for Gov. Parker Griffith Loses Election

by WAKA Action 8 News

Democratic candidate for governor Parker Griffith knew he was an underdog in the race but hoped to pull off a victory. But it was not to be, and Bentley was declared the victor shortly after the polls closed. 

Parker Griffith’s campaign to be Alabama’s next governor is over. And it didn’t end with a victory. Griffith says he knew winning the governor’s race would be a long shot and says he believes Alabama voters were trying to vote against President Barrack Obama.

“Voters were voting from a national standpoint, not what Alabama needed,” he says. “I dont think there’s a voter in Alabama that thinks Alabama is doing well.”

Griffith thanked his supporters at a watch party in downtown Huntsville, which wasn’t much of a party at all. The room stayed empty most of the night and even after Griffith arrived, only a few of his family members and supporters came out. He says he believes the democratic party in Alabama must become relevant again.

“I’ve said over and over again, the current super majority is 100 percent white, 95 percent male and they do not represent Alabama. They may temporarily, but the current party does not look a thing like Alabama.”

As for if he plans to stay in politics, Griffith says don’t rule him out.

“Our young people who are doing well are leaving,” he says. “We have a young brain drain in this state. We are an unhealthy state but we have solutions and we will rise to the occcasion. And I’m hopeful that I can be a part of that.”

Parker Griffith tells us he believes Robert Bentley ran a good campaign and he says he hopes he can work with him on some issues affecting the state.

Griffith says he believes he would have doen better if he had entered the race earlier. He qualified to run just before the deadline in February.