There was no altar call, but the meeting began with a prayer and ended with a request for one. And had Artur Davis been so inclined, he likely could have passed the plate in between.

Davis, the Democratic candidate for the 7th U.S. Congressional District, was in Selma Thursday to address local civic and economic development leaders at the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce.

It was his fourth visit to Dallas County since his June 25 runoff victory over Rep. Earl Hilliard. He vowed that it would not be his last.

He confirmed that he would be maintaining a congressional office in Selma, adding, &uot;I think you’ll be pleased with the access you have.&uot;

Speaking in an area beset by a 34 percent poverty rate, Davis wasted no time getting to the heart of his message.

Davis called the Edmund Pettus Bridge &uot;one of the greatest symbols we’ve ever had in this country.&uot; But he added that Black Belt residents are tired of political leaders who &uot;play the race card at every opportunity.&uot;

He noted that no one group could lay claim to the attainment of full voting rights in this country, that it was achieved by both black Americans and white Americans working together.

He acknowledged that it won’t be easy.

For too long, Davis said, Dallas County and the Black Belt in general have functioned as little more than an economic anchor around the neck of the rest of the state.

Davis said one of his first priorities will be to introduce an initiative to help children living in poverty. He said that for far too many children in the Black Belt today, the only hot meal they get each day is the one they get at school.

He closed by asking those gathered for their prayers. &uot;I ask you to pray for me,&uot; Davis said. &uot;This job is a big job. There are some big needs that need addressing. Please ask the good Lord to give me the moral courage to do what’s right and to see those who have been unseen for too long.&uot;

Davis faces Libertarian nominee Lauren McCay in the general election in November.