Gary Pearce posted on December 20, 2006 15:04
Democrats nationally and in North Carolina are zeroing in on Senator Dole in 2008. She is vulnerable – to the right opponent.
Beating an incumbent Senator is tough. I learned that working for Jim Hunt against Jesse Helms in 1984 and for John Edwards against Lauch Faircloth in 1998.
Democrats need a tough, well-funded opponent who will tell voters the truth behind the plastic façade:
- Dole is a creature of Washington and the Watergate, not North Carolina;
- She comes to North Carolina rarely – and then only for highly scripted photo ops;
- She proved in her TV appearances this fall as Chair of the Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee that she cannot handle herself in tough, face-to-face exchanges.
Governor Easley will not run. He’s positioning himself to be Barack Obama’s running mate.
So here’s a suggestion: Recruit one of the General Assembly’s bright and experienced female legislators.
There are several possibilities. Pick your favorite.
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