This Too Shall Pass
May 4, 2012 - by
A Democratic TAPster offers the thoughts below on how quickly things change in politics:
“Just a few days ago Stuart Rothenberg had a column in Roll Call pondering whether President Obama and the Democrats have made a big mistake focusing on North Carolina as part of the 2012 campaign strategy. Given what has come to light the last few days, he might want to reconsider. But perhaps, maybe not?
“For sure, the events of the last three week should be a reminder to political handlers, pundits and prognosticators that the real truth is that in campaigns: What seems to be today can very quickly fade to what used to be.
“Three weeks ago North Carolina Democrats were praying — yes they do that — for something, anything, to get off the TV screens and front pages the intra-party bickering over executive director Jay Parmley’s resignation amid accusations of sexual harassment and calls for party Chairman David Parker to step aside. State GOP Chair Robin Hayes was quick to add fuel to the firestorm, saying: “They should have been more forthcoming about covering up issues recently about misbehavior, bad conduct and lack of leadership.”
“Hayes has been a bit quieter in the last couple days, and who can blame him. The Democrats troubles have seemingly evaporated amid revelations of extra-marital sexual affairs among lobbyists and the top taxpayer-financed advisers to GOP House Speaker Thom Tillis. Our friend Carter Wrenn might be conjuring up images of Roman orgies in the Legislative Building — if it could be connected to Paul Coble (or if it were the Democrats).
“The collateral damage, even as Tillis’ has tried to act quickly to quell the scandal, might hit the top of the GOP ticket in the state. Pat McCrory has made it a mantra to promise to reform the political and governmental ‘culture of corruption.’ He has cozied up to Tillis, a fellow Mecklenburg County politician, in his battle to ‘clean up Raleigh.’ It rings a little hollow in light of the most recent revelations and provides plenty of ‘now wait a minute’ response from the Democrats.
“The collateral damage, even as Tillis’ has tried to act quickly to quell the scandal, might hit the top of the GOP ticket in the state. Pat McCrory has made it a mantra to promise to reform the political and governmental ‘culture of corruption.’ He has cozied up to Tillis, a fellow Mecklenburg County politician, in his battle to ‘clean up Raleigh.’ It rings a little hollow in light of the most recent revelations and provides plenty of ‘now wait a minute’ response from the Democrats.
“Even more, it could haunt Tillis’ not-so-veiled permanent campaign for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Democrat Kay Hagan. If Tillis can’t surround himself now with folks who can withstand the temptations that come with power in Raleigh, what’s going to happen if he gets to the big-leagues power and money in Washington?
“Should Tillis and the Republicans be worried? Should the Democrats be gloating? Let’s just wait to see what happens in another three weeks.”
This Too Shall Pass
May 4, 2012/
A Democratic TAPster offers the thoughts below on how quickly things change in politics:
“Just a few days ago Stuart Rothenberg had a column in Roll Call pondering whether President Obama and the Democrats have made a big mistake focusing on North Carolina as part of the 2012 campaign strategy. Given what has come to light the last few days, he might want to reconsider. But perhaps, maybe not?
“For sure, the events of the last three week should be a reminder to political handlers, pundits and prognosticators that the real truth is that in campaigns: What seems to be today can very quickly fade to what used to be.
“Three weeks ago North Carolina Democrats were praying — yes they do that — for something, anything, to get off the TV screens and front pages the intra-party bickering over executive director Jay Parmley’s resignation amid accusations of sexual harassment and calls for party Chairman David Parker to step aside. State GOP Chair Robin Hayes was quick to add fuel to the firestorm, saying: “They should have been more forthcoming about covering up issues recently about misbehavior, bad conduct and lack of leadership.”
“Hayes has been a bit quieter in the last couple days, and who can blame him. The Democrats troubles have seemingly evaporated amid revelations of extra-marital sexual affairs among lobbyists and the top taxpayer-financed advisers to GOP House Speaker Thom Tillis. Our friend Carter Wrenn might be conjuring up images of Roman orgies in the Legislative Building — if it could be connected to Paul Coble (or if it were the Democrats).
“The collateral damage, even as Tillis’ has tried to act quickly to quell the scandal, might hit the top of the GOP ticket in the state. Pat McCrory has made it a mantra to promise to reform the political and governmental ‘culture of corruption.’ He has cozied up to Tillis, a fellow Mecklenburg County politician, in his battle to ‘clean up Raleigh.’ It rings a little hollow in light of the most recent revelations and provides plenty of ‘now wait a minute’ response from the Democrats.
“The collateral damage, even as Tillis’ has tried to act quickly to quell the scandal, might hit the top of the GOP ticket in the state. Pat McCrory has made it a mantra to promise to reform the political and governmental ‘culture of corruption.’ He has cozied up to Tillis, a fellow Mecklenburg County politician, in his battle to ‘clean up Raleigh.’ It rings a little hollow in light of the most recent revelations and provides plenty of ‘now wait a minute’ response from the Democrats.
“Even more, it could haunt Tillis’ not-so-veiled permanent campaign for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Democrat Kay Hagan. If Tillis can’t surround himself now with folks who can withstand the temptations that come with power in Raleigh, what’s going to happen if he gets to the big-leagues power and money in Washington?
“Should Tillis and the Republicans be worried? Should the Democrats be gloating? Let’s just wait to see what happens in another three weeks.”