By Coy O&8217;Neal

The Selma Times-Journal

Following Sen. Barack Obama&8217;s win in the South Carolina Democratic primary and a Birmingham rally that drew over 11,000 attendees, Selma Democratic constituents weighed in on what it all means for the Obama campaign in Alabama.

Jackson attended Sunday&8217;s Birmingham campaign rally, where Obama addressed the issues of education, healthcare, higher wages, the war in Iraq, and the treatment of veterans.

Jackson the rally had a rock star-like atmosphere. The arena was full and people stood outside in a line that stretched over a mile, Jackson said. &8220;You had a cross-section of people-whites, blacks, Asians, Latinos, men, women,&8221; Jackson said. &8220;People were excited and they were waving signs.

More than 135 members of Ellwood Community Church loaded up in cars, vans and buses and headed to Birmingham to attend the rally. Gary Crum, pastor of Ellwood, said he was literally fighting back tears during the event, and the campaign is different from any other he has seen.

Selma Mayor James Perkins, Jr. attended the rally and said it&8217;s about time someone gets up and speaks the truth about issues.

As chairman of the Dallas County Democratic Executive Committee and vice president of the National Conference of Black Mayors, Perkins cannot endorse a particular Democratic candidate yet.