Bernie Sanders making first Alabama campaign stop with 'Future to Believe In' rally
By Kelsey Stein
Birmingham, AL
Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is coming to Birmingham next week. Though this marks his first visit to Alabama, his campaign has seen increasing grassroots support across the state.
Sanders, a senator from Vermont seeking the Democratic nomination, will hold a "Future to Believe In" rally at Boutwell Auditorium on Monday, Jan. 18, at 7 p.m. , with doors opening at 6 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but attendees are encouraged to RSVP. Admission is first come, first served.
Sanders will be joined by former Ohio Sen. Nina Turner and noted author and activist Cornel West to discuss the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. in Birmingham.
"We are excited to have Bernie celebrate MLK Day in the great state of Alabama," said Kelvin Datcher, the Alabama state director for Sanders' campaign. "Thousands of Alabamians have already contributed to and volunteered for the Sanders campaign, and for them to have a chance to hear Bernie's vision for building an American economy that focuses on our middle class is phenomenal."
Sanders' platform focuses primarily on issues like income inequality and access to health care.
Last July, about 300 people attended the first Alabama for Bernie Sanders meetup in Birmingham. They focused on how to effectively spread the word of his candidacy and share the messages of his campaign statewide.
In December, Sanders announced plans to open state campaign headquarters in Birmingham and additional offices in Montgomery and Selma. They have also launched campaign efforts on college campuses across the state and used social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Reddit to reach out to younger voters.
Alabama primary voting takes place March 1.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the current Democratic frontrunner,has visited Alabama twice. Sanders staff members have said Clinton's name recognition has partially fueled her popularity, which could become less advantageous as Sanders' following grows.
The state has also played host to former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, Dr. Ben Carson, Senator Ted Cruz, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, Ohio Governor John Kasich, Senator Rand Paul, Senator Marco Rubio, Donald Trump and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker (who has since dropped out of the race).
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