More than 150 supporters and elected officials gathered at the Carneal Building Thursday to support Rep. Darrio Melton (D-Selma) and his re-election campaign.

In his campaign kick-off speech, Melton said he was excited to see so many passionate supporters from District 67, ready to move forward and better Selma and Dallas County.

“Imagine with me a 67th legislative district in which every child gets a world class education. Imagine a Dallas County where every child who comes through out school doors can come back home and build a business here in Dallas County,” Melton said. “Imagine with me a Dallas County where our senior citizens don’t have to choose between groceries and buying prescriptions. Imagine with me a leader who will stand up and fight the Republicans who are trying to take us back to 1901.”

Local elected officials joined Melton to offer their endorsements, including District Judge Bob Armstrong, Dallas County Probate Judge Kim Ballard and Orrville Mayor Louvenia Lumpkin.

“He’s a man of integrity, he does what he says he will do and he’s a great public servant,” Armstrong said. “I think he’s done a great job. I couldn’t endorse or be behind anybody any stronger.”

Ballard told the audience although he originally didn’t support Melton when he ran for office in 2010, he is proud to offer his endorsement for 2014.

“Darrio is always successful,” Ballard said. “For anything that affects Dallas County, Representative Melton has always supported it 100 percent.”

Overall, Melton said the event was very successful and he was glad to visit with friends, family and supporters.