How did David Young suddenly emerge as the leading candidate for Democratic Party chair? Here’s the story from one party insider:

Governor Perdue was supporting David Parker, a long-time party activist who has wanted to be chair for years. But Chairman Jerry Meek didn’t like being told what to do. He reminded the Governor that he beat then-Governor Easley’s pick for chair four years ago.

Perdue made a strategic retreat. She and Meek agreed to back Young. Perdue called Parker, and he agreed to step aside.

The Governor didn’t need that fight now. That’s another smart move in what has been a remarkably successful launch for her administration.

She also did a good job Thursday night handling a live interview with WRAL at the big party fundraiser for her birthday. The reporter was primed with tough questions about whether the fundraiser would pay off her loan to her campaign. She said no (at least, I think she said no) after disarming the reporter: “Where’s my gift?” She smiled throughout, looked unruffled and escaped unscathed.

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