Former U.S. Attorney Doug Jones looking to be Alabama's next Sen - WSFA.com Montgomery Alabama news.

Former U.S. Attorney Doug Jones is running to be Alabama’s next Senator.

“I have a history of leadership. I have a history of service,” Jones said.

Jones spent years in Alabama as a U.S. attorney for the northern half of the state, most notably prosecuting KKK members for their role in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing.

Jones decided to get into the race to bring Democratic issues back into focus, especially while Republicans are caught in their own issues.

“It was time to offer a different voice, a straight-talking voice. Not one going on behind closed doors; a transparent voice,” Jones said.

Jones said the goal for his campaign is to focus on issues like raising minimum wage and healthcare, issues Jones refers to as “kitchen table issues.”

“When you start looking at issues they are not going to be looking at a Republican Party or a Democratic Party. They are going to be looking at the issues that mean the most for them and their families,” Jones said.

One of the biggest challenges facing the former U.S. attorney, is the fact he is a Democrat in a state that is widely Republican.

Jones said not everyone will agree with him on issues, but he wants to focus more on where Alabamians share common ground.

“I think people have more in common with each other than they have differences,” Jones said.

If elected, Jones said he would work to make sure the ongoing healthcare debate would be held in the open. He said while the Affordable Care Act will need adjustments, he is not for a full out repeal. He said the continuing healthcare debate has turned into a political football.

Jones will have an uphill climb to win the U.S. Senate seat, but he believes he has the right credentials to win the Democratic nomination and beat a Republican nominee.

“They will see the track record that we have, and what we can bring and what I can bring in terms of leadership to the United States Senate, that I believe is badly needed,“ Jones said.

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