Sparks Outlines Platform

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - State Agriculture Commissioner Ron
Sparks is unveiling a major part of his platform in his Democratic
campaign for governor.
      Sparks' campaign says he will announce plans Thursday morning to
guarantee advanced education for every child, reduce taxes,
increase funding for Medicaid and education, create a disaster
relief fund for agriculture, and eliminate illegal gambling in
Alabama.
      Sparks' announcement is scheduled for his Montgomery campaign
headquarters at 11 a.m.
      Sparks faces U.S. Rep. Artur Davis of Birmingham in the
Democratic primary in June 2010.
     
      (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)