Archives

Categories

Brad and Vernon Debate

By Carter Wrenn October 19, 2006

Vernon Robinson’s been know to stretch a fact when it comes to heated political rhetoric. But the other night at their debate Congressman Brad Miller beat him hands down. Miller said, “Mr. Robinson, most people think I’m most offended by your insinuations about my sexual orientation or your saying my wife and I can’t have…

Wal-Mart and the City Council

By Carter Wrenn October 19, 2006

Two of Mayor Meeker’s allies on the City Council, Russ Stephenson and Thomas Crowder, cast the only votes against building a new Wal-Mart in southeast Raleigh. Why? In a sense the answer is ideology. Councilmen Stephenson and Crowder are two politicians who have an ideology. They want to convert Raleigh into a patch-work of neighborhoods…

They’re singing my song

By Gary Pearce October 19, 2006

Wake County Republicans may not walk the walk, but they’ve learned to talk the talk when it comes to top issues: Schools, jobs and health care. This week I’ve seen ads by Paul Coble, running for county commissioner, and Nelson Dollar, running for N.C. House. And their issues are right out of the Jim Hunt…

Behind the Curtain

By Carter Wrenn October 18, 2006

One way to think of the world of politics is as a small, unique universe with rules of its own. One of the rules – in this strange world – is it is legal to say almost anything in a political debate. Under the rules, politicians may paint their virtues a little bigger than they…

The Lottery Trial and the Elections

By Carter Wrenn October 18, 2006

How will the ‘pay to play’ scandals impact Democratic candidates this election? In most years, the answer would be a lot. But this year, there are several trends that may change that. First, we Republicans have our own foibles to explain. Second, if the polls are correct, nationally, the war in Iraq is the dominant…

The Best Way to Win?

By Gary Pearce October 18, 2006

Wake County school bond supporters say the bonds are “the best way to pay.” But is that message enough to win? Bond supporters were smart to hire Democrat Brad Crone and Republican Ballard Everett to run their campaign. Brad ran a smart campaign against school bonds some years ago. His slogan was: “There’s a better…

Is Rove’s 72-hour Plan a Myth?

By Gary Pearce October 17, 2006

I’m looking forward to this year’s election not just because there will be a Democratic sweep, but also because it will destroy the myth of Karl Rove’s 72-hour voter-turnout machine. While most Republicans expect to lose the House and hold the Senate by only one seat, The Washington Post reports that Bush and Rove are…

School Bond Prospects No Better

By Gary Pearce October 16, 2006

The Wake County school bonds are winning the elites but losing the voters. Supporters have organized an impressive list of business backers. But that has not impressed voters. No poll has shown more than 45 percent of Wake voters supporting the bonds. And the bonds will not pick up undecided voters. That means 45 percent…

School Bond Fight

By Carter Wrenn October 12, 2006

Opponents of the school bond have run the first ad. Instead of supporting the billion dollar bond the Chairman of the County Commissioners, Tony Gurley, and Mayor Charles Meeker support, they endorse a smaller $650 million bond, which would not require a tax increase. They also support using the county’s hotel/motel tax to help schools.…

Categories

Archives

Recent Articles

Political Shots Fired

By Gary Pearce April 28, 2026

The political sniping began even as chaos still reigned at the White House Correspondents Dinner. My…

Obama 48-Trump 39

By Gary Pearce April 26, 2026

A new nationwide poll shows that, if they could run against each other in 2028, Barack…

“Conservative Successes”?

By Gary Pearce April 23, 2026

Senator Phil Berger was out of touch with voters in his district – and suffered the…