One of the candidates running for the Democratic nomination to be Alabama’s next Governor thinks a couple of his opponents were too scared to show up at a forum and debate him in person.

The Alabama Democratic Conference hosted a gubernatorial forum for the Democratic candidates Wednesday at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in Birmingham.

Dr. Will Boyd, JaMel J. Brown and Yolanda Flowers were the only three candidates to attend the event, while Doug Jones, Chad “Chig” Martin and Nathan “Nate” Mathis were no-shows.

Brown, who describes himself on social media as a pastor and activist, called the candidates who decline to attend the forum “chickens.” He then placed a stuffed animal that looks like a chicken on the table in front of their seats to “represent” them.

“I thought tonight was going to be like a fun night for me, but Doug Jones and Chad talked about me on social media about they’re not scared to debate me,” Brown said. “So I had a pretty good feeling they wouldn’t be here today. So this chicken is for Chad “Chig” Martin and Doug Jones, and whenever they don’t attend a democratic form, I’m bringing that chicken to represent them. So I thank you all for inviting me to come.”

A poll from Cygnal has U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) leading Democrat Doug Jones 53% to 34%, with 13% undecided in a November general election matchup.

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee