Republican Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley and his Democratic opponent, Parker Griffith, faced off Thursday in back-to-back campaign speeches.
Griffith took repeated jabs at Bentley as he addressed county commissioners' annual convention in Orange Beach.
Griffith called Bentley a failed governor who hasn't addressed the state's struggles with education, health care, prisons and unemployment. Griffith said Bentley lets fear of the tea party dictate his policy decisions.
Bentley said Alabama is accomplishing great things despite national economic struggles. Bentley says the state has announced 60,000 new jobs, including the coveted Airbus plant, since he took office. The Republican governor praised his administration's road and bridge program and handling of natural disasters.
Bentley did not mention Griffith in his 20-minute speech.