The first campaign I worked in was Jim Hunt’s first race for Governor in 1976. Jimmy Carter was the Democratic candidate for President. He carried North Carolina, and we had the national political wind at our backs.

That was the last time.

Every presidential year since then, I have watched – and tried to help – Democrats in North Carolina avoid being drowned by a sinking national ship.

So it’s mind-boggling to hear Democrats openly hoping that Obama will pull Bev Perdue and Kay Hagan to victory.

Democratic strategists are concerned and puzzled by the relatively weak polling numbers Perdue and Hagan are showing. Especially in what is supposed to be a big Democratic year.

But the strategists say they are hopeful that Obama will get at least 45 percent – maybe even 47 or 48 percent – of the vote in North Carolina. That will give Perdue and Hagan a boost, they suggest.

Wait a minute. Democratic campaigns in North Carolina are hoping that a Democratic presidential tide will lift their boats to victory?

The mind reels.

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