One Term By Choice

A long-time friend and supporter of Governor Perdue said something surprising the other day: She might decide not to run again.
 
Like everybody else, I’ve assumed that Perdue – like Governors Hunt, Martin and Easley – would automatically seek reelection.
 
Suppose she doesn’t. Suppose she looks at her situation this way:
 
“I’ve got a tough fight ahead. I have to start raising money and organizing a campaign now. I’ll have to deal with potential opponents, a tough legislature and investigations of me and my campaign.
 
“What if I decide instead to spend my last two years doing what I think is right. Veto any bill I don’t like. Go out as a principled fighter and leader, not just another politician. Go out on my own terms, unlike most politicians. Then go make a lot of money and enjoy life. And stay alive to run for something another day – or get a nice federal job.
 
“That’s not a bad life choice.”
 
How does that shake up politics the next 19 months?
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Gary Pearce

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One Term By Choice

A long-time friend and supporter of Governor Perdue said something surprising the other day: She might decide not to run again.
 
Like everybody else, I’ve assumed that Perdue – like Governors Hunt, Martin and Easley – would automatically seek reelection.
 
Suppose she doesn’t. Suppose she looks at her situation this way:
 
“I’ve got a tough fight ahead. I have to start raising money and organizing a campaign now. I’ll have to deal with potential opponents, a tough legislature and investigations of me and my campaign.
 
“What if I decide instead to spend my last two years doing what I think is right. Veto any bill I don’t like. Go out as a principled fighter and leader, not just another politician. Go out on my own terms, unlike most politicians. Then go make a lot of money and enjoy life. And stay alive to run for something another day – or get a nice federal job.
 
“That’s not a bad life choice.”
 
How does that shake up politics the next 19 months?
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Gary Pearce

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