Alabama’s Democratic nominee for governor, Ag Commissioner Ron Sparks, predicts “one of the most civil campaigns in the history of the state of Alabama.”

This morning on FOX6 Good Day Alabama, Sparks congratulated Rep. Robert Bentley on securing the Republican nomination in his runoff contest with Bradley Byrne (watch Byrne’s concession speech).

Be honest.

Three months ago, unless you were directly involved in the Bentley or Sparks campaigns, you didn’t see this as the general election matchup.

Sparks says he and Bentley did.

He says they discussed their chances several times during the many gubernatorial forums.

Sparks says he would prefer not to go negative, but will defend himself in the Fall campaign.

“I dont believe Dr. Bentley will go negative, but I certainly believe the leadership of the party would like to do that,” Sparks says.

As for the Republican nominee, Bentley says “Im not going to go negative against my opponent. We’re going to talk about real issues and I believe that’s what Ron Sparks will do also.”

“He has a little more liberal views… we’ll sort that out.”

Bentley also expects Republicans to unite behind him after a runoff campaign that saw many high-profile Republican office holders publicly back Byrne.

“I’m a healer… we’re going to unite the party again.”

Read more of Rick Journey’s blog here.

Filed under: Elections