Last year, a couple of presidential hopefuls visited Selma to woo the crowds and walk across the bridge during Jubilee, the anniversary of the march from Selma to Montgomery.

Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton now are touching base with voters in hope of getting votes Feb. 5 to push them closer to being the Democratic Party&8217;s standard bearer in the November general election.

Obama returned to Alabama on Saturday to deliver his message to crowds in Birmingham. At least 135 people from Selma took a bus to Birmingham to hear the candidate speak.

While Clinton hasn&8217;t returned to the state recently, she has placed strategic telephone calls and has staff planning meetings to talk about their hopes for this country&8217;s future.

Former Sen. John Edwards is expected to make a brief speech in Huntsville today to drum up support for his campaign.

Additionally, Republican hopeful and former Arkansas Gov.

Mike Huckabee appeared at Samford University over the weekend with Alabama Gov. Bob Riley to draw support for his campaign.

It&8217;s certain in the days that follow before Tuesday&8217;s vote, Alabama will host several more candidates that want votes to push them over to the winner&8217;s column during the convention.

Alabamians should take the opportunity to study these candidates closely and listen to their messages, then check behind the rhetoric to determine the candidate and the party that best represents their perception of what the leadership for America should be.