Charlotte Observer Endorses Hagan, Goodwin, Wood and Atkinson

I mentioned earlier in the week that the CharO had endorsed Kay Hagan for Senate. They did have kind words for Jim Neal.

Mr. Lassiter and Mr. Staley lack the money and political stature to put together a convincing case for the nomination. Mr. Williams has performed outstanding public services in fostering programs serving low-income residents of Robeson County, but it's Mr. Neal who comes closest to mounting a challenge to Sen. Hagan for the nomination, though he, too, is hampered by lack of money for advertising. He is bright, energetic and would follow a progressive agenda, including an orderly withdrawal from Iraq.

Sen. Hagan's experience as a lawyer and in five terms in the state Senate have prepared her well to serve in the Senate. As co-chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee she has been responsible for drawing up the state's $20 billion budget. She has been a vigorous proponent of education and children's health insurance programs and wants to promote renewable energy in the Senate. She also supports an orderly withdrawal and a political end to the Iraq war. Kay Hagan is uniquely qualified for the Democratic nomination for Senate.

Today I saw that there were a few more endorsements, so I thought I would include them all here.

Congratulations to Wayne Goodwin on his endorsement.

Mr. Goodwin served four terms in the state House of Representatives, where he amassed a record that made him one of the best young legislators in Raleigh. He wants to focus on keeping insurance rates fair and low, fight legislative efforts to water down the insurance office's watchdog authority and beef up investigation of fraud, particularly by unlicensed companies. His firsthand knowledge of the insurance department, his track record there and his relationships in the legislature can make him a capable, effective -- and independent -- commissioner. We recommend Wayne Goodwin.

Congratulations to Beth Wood, candidate for State Auditor.

But Beth Wood exemplifies the background, training, energy and leadership most needed in the auditor's office. She has 15 years of auditing experience and has worked in both the state treasurer's and the state auditor's offices. While in the auditor's office she redesigned the agency's internal training program, worked to make employee evaluations meaningful rather than pro forma and has good ideas for monitoring taxpayers' money and examining how state agencies spend it. We recommend Beth Wood for state auditor.

Finally, congratulations to June Atkinson.

Mr. Davis' accomplishments as an educator have won him state, district and national recognition. He has served on the state Board of Education and on the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Yet Ms. Atkinson has done a satisfactory job, and there's no good reason to replace her. She's a former classroom teacher who directed the Division of Instructional Services at the N.C. Department of Public Instruction before winning this seat. She has applied that expertise as superintendent. We recommend June Atkinson.

Endorsements for Governor, Lt. Governor and other Council of State offices are coming up soon.