North Carolina – Democrats
Playing by House Rules
What would have happened two years ago if then-Speaker Joe Hackney had ordered Capitol police to clear away a group of Tea Party demonstrators on the second floor of the Legislative Building? Republicans no doubt would be in high dudgeon over such high-handed action. The Tea Party would be in a frenzy over “police-state…
Read MoreMedia Blitz
Bill Faison got a rude welcome to statewide politics. The N&O story about his ex-wife’s divorce allegations – published the day Faison filed – was like blitzing a rookie quarterback on his first play of the season. The divorce apparently dogged Faison’s race against David Parker for state party chair – and cost him…
Read MoreA Little Gunpowder
One thing’s for sure: If Dan Blue runs for Governor it’s going to make the Democratic Governor’s Primary a lot more interesting. Interesting, first, because of mathematics. Because over 40% of the Democratic voters are African-Americans and Senator Blue would be the only African-American candidate. Interesting, second, because of history. Because Obama proved…
Read MoreMoore’s Choice
In some ways, no candidate is better positioned for the now wide-open Democratic governor’s race than Richard Moore. He’s a smart, charismatic candidate with enough personal resources to be an instant front-runner. Moore has strong credentials. He was Governor Hunt’s Secretary of Crime Control and Public Safety. He was state Treasurer for eight years.…
Read MoreCharging for the Exits
The exodus of Democratic legislators stampeding out of Raleigh multiplied again Tuesday when three more Democrats (Linda Garrou, Jennifer Weiss and Edith Warren) announced they’re not running for reelection. Granted, Democratic House and Senate candidates face plenty of tough challenges – new districts, empty campaign coffers, befuddled leaders. Plus, over the past year they’ve…
Read MoreSince 1953
Congresswoman Sue Myrick generated a bit of excitement Monday in Charlotte, saying she’s not running for reelection; — excitement for Democrats as this time it’s a Republican (instead of Governor Perdue or Speaker Hackney and two Democratic Congressmen) who’s not running. Excitement for Republicans because now there’s an open seat in a district that has…
Read MoreTwitter Patter
Just before the game last night, Bob Etheridge – or @Etheridge4Gov – tweeted: “Who are you all pulling for in the big game tonight? Both UNC and Duke are good teams, it will be a close one – that’s for sure.” Someone shot back: “bob, gonna need you to take a stand on this…
Read MoreBob Etheridge and Reason
Last week when former-Congressman and newly-announced-candidate-for-Governor Bob Etheridge was asked if he would support the Constitutional Amendment banning gay marriage he said that decision was in the people’s hands and he was 100% for whatever the people decided because the people were always right. Yesterday, Etheridge lost his faith in the people. He announced…
Read MoreWarp Speed
It’s always easy to forget how fast things can change in politics. Then they do. Two weeks ago, the governor’s race had settled into a predictable story line: “Governor Perdue in a tough race for reelection against the same opponent she beat four years ago.” Today that story has disappeared. All the buzz…
Read MoreBob Etheridge’s Vision
Bob Etheridge stepped to the podium, grasped the microphone and intoned solemnly, ‘This is a defining moment in history’ – then the next words out of his mouth were he’s running for Governor. Because, he added, as the son of a Harnett County tenant farmer he understands North Carolina’s ‘journey.’ Where on earth…
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