As she moved ever closer to achieving her dream of becoming Governor, Bev Perdue suffered from what George Bush called – in another context and in a line he surely didn’t understand – “the soft bigotry of low expectations.”

Maybe it was because she’s a woman. Maybe it was her reputation as ambitious, a demanding boss and an unreliable ally. Maybe it was her shaky debate and interview performances.

But now, her Cabinet selections have exceeded expectations – and won surprised and surprising praise.

Her team is generally viewed as solid, experienced professionals. I’ve blogged about Gene Conti and her public-safety picks. Britt Cobb is a consummate manager at DOA. Lanier Cansler, despite media sniping about his lobbyist-consultant past, knows DHHS. And he’s a Republican. People who know Dee Freeman says he has the balance DENR needs.

So let’s give Bev praise where it’s due.

Cynics snipe that the credit goes to her transition team: Zach Ambrose, Don Hobart, Norris Tolson and Norma Houston. But Bev picked them, too.

When the campaign looked bad, Governor Hunt said her administration would be better. He may be proven right. Raleigh insiders may have underestimated Bev.

After all, she brings more Raleigh experience to the Governor’s Office – 22 years – than any Governor since – when? Ever?

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