One day after winning a historic victory as Alabama's new Democratic senator, Doug Jones addressed the media and in passing mentioned what he might do to help the state with a significant economic development project.
Taking questions from reporters in Birmingham this afternoon, Jones responded to a question about whether his campaign had set a precedent for Alabama politics. Jones said he hoped so. It allowed him to hit a theme he mentioned several times during the conference - and the campaign - about the two parties finding "common ground."
He said he had received calls during the day from "both sides of the aisle."
"I got a call earlier about maybe trying to get involved in helping... involving the Toyota plant," Jones said. "Those are those bipartisan efforts that I think that we can do going forward together."
It was a rare comment by a (soon-to-be) state official on the drive to bring another auto manufacturing plant to Alabama, rumored to be one of two states left in the running for the project.
Toyota and Mazda first announced their plans in August for the plant, which is projected to be operational by 2021. Toyota will build the Corolla there, while Mazda is expected to produce crossovers. Both companies reportedly want an incentive package of at least $1 billion to get the sought-after factory.
A decision on where it will be built is expected early next year.
Alabama economic development officials have said next to nothing about the project, citing policy to not comment on possible pending projects. Gov. Kay Ivey, earlier this year announcing an expansion at Mercedes-Benz's Tuscaloosa plant, said the state would welcome "any automotive producer that wants to locate here."
Some analysts said Alabama's chances may have been diminished if Jones' opponent, Republican Roy Moore, had won the race, due to allegations that the ex-judge behaved inappropriately with teenage girls when he was in his 30s.
Nevertheless, Jones said it is incumbent for both parties to work together, as "folks want things done."
"Nothing should be taken for granted by Republicans, and certainly nothing should be taken for granted by Democrats," he said. "They should put their best foot forward."