Democrat Bobby Bright said there are three issues facing Alabama and the nation as he prepares for a Nov. 4 election against Republican opponent Jay Love.

“No. 1 is the economy, No. 2 is the economy, and No. 3 is the economy,” said Bright, who spent Tuesday morning campaigning in Greenville for the 2nd Congressional District seat, which Rep. Terry Everett (R) will vacate at the end of this year.

Bright visited the county courthouse and city hall; spending time with Greenville Mayor Dexter McLendon, before joining host District Attorney John Andrews at the Kiwanis Club for lunch.

“It’s been absolutely wonderful,” said Bright about the response he received in the Camellia City Tuesday. “It’s very encouraging.”

Bright, serving his third term as Mayor of Montgomery, said he prided himself on promoting a positive image during his campaign. In July he asked Love to sign a pledge to run a positive campaign, which the latter said was a publicity stunt.

Also, quirky “I’m a Bright Republican” signs have irritated the Love camp, which claimed Bright is trying to confuse voters. Bright has said the sign idea came from hundreds of Republicans who have said they will vote for him.

“We’re seeing support across party lines,” he said. “I think people are tired of negative politics and I will not spend one red cent on negative advertising.”

The national Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has purchased advertising time on behalf of Bright, which he said he had no control over. The ads, he said, appear without his endorsement.

As for the economy, Bright said he advocates fiscal responsibility in Washington D.C.

“The same issues which are affecting us on a national level are affecting Alabama,” he said. “And the big one is the economy. We have got to get it turned in the right direction.”

Bright promotes the need for a balanced budget and points to his success in Montgomery in creating a $30 million rainy-day fund.

“The economy is going to up and the economy is going to go down,” he said. “Right now, in Washington, if there is extra money Congress is going to spend it. We need to look at building up reserves to prepare for times like these.”

The 2nd Congressional District is comprised of 16 counties, including Butler.