Who Should I Recruit to Defeat Dole?

Submitted by Jerry Meek on

Hey, everyone. The 2008 elections have already begun. And, already, I need your help. It's not clear at this point that Elizabeth Dole will actually run for re-election. She's been widely criticized for her performance as Chair of the NRSC; she's shown that she has little to no interest in what happens to North Carolina or its citizens; and, let's face it, her performance on the pre-election episode of "Meet the Press" was painful to watch.

But, even if she does run, we can beat her. So, who should I recruit to take her on? Don't limit yourselves to politicians. Are there good businesspeople or community leaders out there who share our vision and can win?

I'm looking forward to your thoughts.

Comments

Great question, Jerry.

Submitted by James on

And thanks for opening it up to "all comers." The short list around here has been:

1. Either Bev Purdue or Richard Moore (convince one of them not to run for governor).

2. Jim Hunt

3. Mike Easley

Brad Miller popped up in a discussion yesterday, too.

But I like the idea a lot of expanding the conversation and am very happy you posted this. We'll keep it at the top for awhile so all can pile on.

Congratulations again on a kick-ass election! All the best to you and your excellent staff.

Brad Miller is fantastic

Submitted by kismet on

He's my "Fantasy Senate" pick, for sure. He has a certain Feingoldish appeal.

Thanks for asking, Jerry

Submitted by Todd on

My list, in no particular order, would include:
-Bev Perdue
-Elaine Mashall
-Jim Hunt
-Bob Etheridge
-Terry Sanford, Jr. (wild card candidate)

We need someone with good name recognition, ability to raise a TON of money, no skeletons rattling around in the closet, and who will not run away from the 'Democrat' label, like Harold Ford did.

This is a winnable race, but it will be tough, dirty, and expensive. And will probably end up about 52-48, one way or the other.

Ringer to defeat Dole

Submitted by dharma on

ERIN KUCZMARSKI!
She was in the State House from 1992 to 1994 and was defeated by Russell Capps. She's intelligent (a Chiropractor), ambitious, excellent Democrat and very good looking. She has all the assets to win a state Senate election and has the ability to run circles around Liddy in a debate. I promise this is our champion race horse! She was Brad Miller's seatmate in the House.
Meet the new NC Senate candidate! Liddy will look like stake fish next to Erin!

Good looks aside,

Submitted by James on

that name is gonna be one tough sell.

What's a "stake fish"?

Some good stuff in here

Submitted by Bluer Than Blue on

Most Importantly,

1) Don't run away from being a Democrat. Harold Ford did not gain any votes from supporters of the Confederate Flag- they were never going to vote for him, no matter what, for reasons that are skin-deep. Rather, Ford lost the "abstentions" of thousands of Progressive voters who simply could not bear the thought of voting for him and left their votes blank for the Senate.

2) Brad Miller is a fantastic candidate.

3) Is Dean Smith really a bona fide Democrat? I'd think some TV commericlas from him would be as valuable to the Party as him running himself.

Big Mike?

Submitted by KCogburn on

After his showing at Vance-Aycock I have to say that Mike Easley could be the person to back in the '08 Senate race. Though he showed up late, he was awesome! I have never seen the Governor give a speach like that. If he can keep up that type of energy he is the person to get behind! Plus he's one of the largest vote getters in state history...so people must like him.

It's funny you should say that...

Submitted by Robert P. on

it was immediately after Jim Hunt stopped speaking at the inaugural Sanford-Hunt dinner that I turned to my neighbor and said "We need him to run against Dole." He had tremendous energy and power in his voice, an orator in a world of soundbites.

I'm not against Mike, he is my number one choice because:
1. He can win.
2. He could serve for a long time.

CountryCrats - my thoughts, my blog.

Jesus Swept ticked me off. Too short. I loved the characters and then POOF it was over.
-me

My list

Submitted by Blue South on

Jim Hunt

Bev Perdue a distant 2nd (I would rather her be Governor).

NOT Mike Easley. Any more land deals come out in the papers and I am going to start asking that he not run for any office again.

HelpLarry.com

"Keep the Faith"

Cubby for Governor 2016!

Submitted by Oliver Queen on

You know you wanna!

I always wanted to be the avenging cowboy hero—that lone voice in the wilderness, fighting corruption and evil wherever I found it, and standing for freedom, truth and justice. - Bill Hicks

gag

Submitted by Blue South on

If given the choice of being shot or running for anything i will buy a gun.

HelpLarry.com

"Keep the Faith"

Dole

Submitted by Paul Falduto on

How about Elaine Marshall?

As long as

Submitted by Blue South on

She could get the funding I think that would be a great option.

HelpLarry.com

"Keep the Faith"

PS

Submitted by Blue South on

But, even if she does run, we can beat her. So, who should I recruit to take her on? Don't limit yourselves to politicians. Are there good businesspeople or community leaders out there who share our vision and can win?

This comment right here is everything that is right with North Carolina Politics righ tnow.
Why not Dean Smith? (even if I do bleed State Red)
I cant think of any rich successful businessmen who are Democrats, but I am sure others can.

HelpLarry.com

"Keep the Faith"

In that same vein...

Submitted by Robert P. on

is Bill Friday too old to run?

How about Mel Watt, I would love to see him run and stir the base?

CountryCrats - my thoughts, my blog.

Jesus Swept ticked me off. Too short. I loved the characters and then POOF it was over.
-me

dont get me wrong

Submitted by Blue South on

I love Mel Watt.
But I dont think he could beat Dole statewide. Now, if she decides not to run then he might have a great shot, but I kinda doubt it.

HelpLarry.com

"Keep the Faith"

I personally asked Mel Watt that question

Submitted by Betsy Muse on

when Artur Davis was in town. I've posted his answer before and will do so again. He likes being a progressive. He gave me a certain, absolute, no ifs ands or buts - "NO". He says to represent this state and everyone in it he would have to move to far to the right and he doesn't want to do that.

Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.



***************************
Vote Democratic! The ass you save may be your own.

Another thing

Submitted by Blue South on

Look at everything else he is in charge of.

HelpLarry.com

"Keep the Faith"

Three suggestions...

Submitted by Christopher on

1) Jim Hunt

2) Jim Hunt

3) Jim Hunt

That has a sweet sound

Submitted by Leslie H on

I'm late to the conversation, but if you can get Jim Hunt, he's #1. Elaine Marshall would be an excellent choice. And I think she'd be a great North Carolina Senator. Richard Moore would be a good choice for the same reason. Then again, I wouldn't mind seeing Easley run for Senate. He could beat Liddy, too.

"They took all the trees and put them in a tree museum Then they charged the people a dollar 'n a half just to see 'em. Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got till it's gone? They paved paradise and put up a parking lot."

Dennis Wicker

Submitted by Mensor on

Talent, experience,and focus (small business, education & training) that is dormant and should not be.

Dole really was embarrassing

Submitted by yedi on

Dole really was embarrassing on MTP. Tim Russert shouldn't have to chastise a sitting senator like a three-year-old to let everyone have their chance to talk.

Would Gov. Hunt run for public office again? That would be my first choice. If not Hunt, what about Roy Cooper?

If everyone else we have mentioned turns it down...

Submitted by Robert P. on

then Jerry and Easley should sit down Perdue and Cooper and let them know it is stupid to both run for Governor. If Beverly Perdue runs for Senate, wins, serves a couple turns, she is still plenty young to run for President or to be someone's VP candidate.

Same for Cooper of course. And, he would be on the perfect tract to get nominated as Attorney General in 2012 by Democrat going into second term. ; )

CountryCrats - my thoughts, my blog.

Jesus Swept ticked me off. Too short. I loved the characters and then POOF it was over.
-me

BTW...

Submitted by Robert P. on

I was the first to suggest Jim Hunt, so don't take my absence of his name as anything OTHER than complete support.

Might I suggest you print out this page and mail it to Gov. Hunt?

CountryCrats - my thoughts, my blog.

Jesus Swept ticked me off. Too short. I loved the characters and then POOF it was over.
-me

Not a chance

Submitted by Jerry Meek on

Thanks, but I'm having too much fun working behind the scenes.

We'll give you until the next round.

Submitted by Robert P. on

Figure new Dem governor in 08, terms not up until 2016.
Figure new Dem Senator in 08, two terms not up until 2020.

You have that long to enjoy your life behind the scenes.

: )

CountryCrats - my thoughts, my blog.

Jesus Swept ticked me off. Too short. I loved the characters and then POOF it was over.
-me

I concur

Submitted by Oliver Queen on

nt.

I always wanted to be the avenging cowboy hero—that lone voice in the wilderness, fighting corruption and evil wherever I found it, and standing for freedom, truth and justice. - Bill Hicks

I posted this Wednesday Morning

Submitted by AndrewJacksonDem on

I say Bev Purdue!!!!!

Tar Heel Democrats are riding a high wave of emotion this morning as Democrats have picked-up seats in the state legislature, state senate, and are sending a Democratic majority to the United States Congress. The victory was hard-fought and a slight rest for the party politicos is well deserved.

Any political junkie will tell you that planning for the next cycle begins the day after the last cycle ended. This morning I began to think of 2008 in the Old North State and came up with an idea I feel needs consideration. In 2008 all state-wide offices will be up for election and first-term Senator Elizabeth Dole, suffering a major defeat last evening as RSCC chair, is up for re-election. Democrats face a situtation where two rising stars desperately want to occupy the Governor's Mansion (Treasurer Richard Moore and Lt. Gov Bev Purdue). This contest promises to be nasty and could divide the party.

My suggestion to state party chair Jerry Meek is to work like hell to get Purdue to run against Dole in the Senate race. Dole is vulnerable and the right person can defeat her. Bev Purdue is that person, she is popular, well groomed and would represent North Carolina well in Washington, while allowing Moore a clear path to the Governor's office. This would prove to be a win-win for the Democratic Party.

I thinkk you are correct but we could reverse it too.

Submitted by Kensun on

I have met Beverely some time last year and was totally captivated by her. I tink she would make a brilliant Governor. If she were to run for Governer then we could have Moore run against Dole. I really don't all that much about Richard Morre but think he would be a great Senate Candidate.

The dream candidate

Submitted by TarGator on

Would be Hunt.

I am a Cooper fan also, but it looks like he seems intent on keeping the AG position.

All others on the list are good candidates.

Outside the box

Submitted by TarGator on

I realize that most of the people above are the same people that Jerry has already considered. If we want to go outside the box:

Elizabeth Edwards: Hillary was Senator after being first lady; why cannot Elizabeth do it while first lady?

Sarah Parker: Having just won the chief justive seat this is probably not the time, but at some point she could move from the judiciary to another elected position.

Meeker: He might be more of a regional star, but he needs something after his term as mayor.

I've been trying to think outside the box...

Submitted by Robert P. on

these were great ideas. I'm glad you thought of them. In the Sarah Parker vein, Patricia Timmons-Goodson would be another possibility. But, again, just elected.

CountryCrats - my thoughts, my blog.

Jesus Swept ticked me off. Too short. I loved the characters and then POOF it was over.
-me

I like Meeker personally,

Submitted by surffisher on

I like Meeker personally, but even as a progressive Raleighite, I've been disappointed by his Mayoral record. He sure can check bullet points off his list of "priorities", but his follow-through leaves a lot to be desired. Also, I don't think he has the charisma to win statewide (remember Erskine Bowles...twice?).

He'll kill me for this, but

Submitted by James on

what about John Atkins. John is one of the finest, smartest and astute business leaders I've ever know. He's a progressive Democrat, through and through, plus he's an architect - a profession dedicated to solving problems.

see

Submitted by Blue South on

Now we have someone to replace Moore. I like it.

Also, the reason everyone is looking inside the box is that Dole is going to take some serious name ID to defeat. Otherwise the person will spend so much time and money building up ID that it will be almost impossible to get around her lies.

HelpLarry.com

"Keep the Faith"

Bev Perdue for Governor

Submitted by Pat Anthony on

I've heard Bev Perdue speak about her vision for North Carolina, and would love to see her as our next governor. How about Perdue for Governor and Richard Moore for the Senate?

That's my pick, too.

Submitted by James on

Bev would be a kick-ass governor. I don't agree with her on several things, but all in all, she would be just what the doctor ordered right now, in my opinion.

I like Hunt

Submitted by crowbar317 on

as well.

I have two

Submitted by twain on

I like Hunt as an option. I also have to admit Congressman Etheridge would be a good pick. He's my congressman and is quite good for NC. However, I'd hate to lose him around here.

I'd love to hear more about Etheridge.

Submitted by James on

I don't know much about him and would like to know more, especially from someone in his district. All I get are third-hand opinions.

More on Etheridge

Submitted by twain on

Etheridge has run a state-wide race and won. He was Superintendent of Public Schools for two terms before becoming our congressman in 1997. He just smashed his opponent for Congress last week with about 66% of the vote. He's rather moderate, but I think that would bode well for him here in NC. He was (and I believe is) a small farmer and works with agricultural issues in the House.

I must admit what I really appreciate about him is how NC-based he is. If you live in his district, you will see him at most major events or just getting lunch somewhere. He lives in NC and commutes to Washington, unlike many (Liddy comes to mind).

I will confess again he's moderate, and some of us may want someone more to the left, but I think he's both honest and willing to listen. He is certainly dedicated and responsive. And, he's a hell of a lot better than the senators we have now. Using both his experience with education and his experience withe agricultural issues, he could really connect with many voters.

I personally do not trust

Submitted by bajadudes on

I personally do not trust Etheridge, not since he sided with Dole on the military commissions bill and voted with republicans to suspend habeas corpus. That for me is an unforgivable vote. What on earth was he thinking?

AKA the torture bill. here is how it broke down in NC:
North Carolina
Nay NC-1 Butterfield, George [D]
Aye NC-2 Etheridge, Bob [D]
Nay NC-3 Jones, Walter [R]
Nay NC-4 Price, David [D]
Aye NC-5 Foxx, Virginia [R]
Aye NC-6 Coble, John [R]
Aye NC-7 McIntyre, Mike [D]
Aye NC-8 Hayes, Robert [R]
Aye NC-9 Myrick, Sue [R]
Aye NC-10 Mchenry, Patrick [R]
Aye NC-11 Taylor, Charles [R]
Nay NC-12 Watt, Melvin [D]
Nay NC-13 Miller, R. [D]

Jerry my vote for what it's worth is Jim Hunt.

Regards,
Max in Raleigh

Dennis Wicker, too

Submitted by twain on

I just saw the Dennis Wicker comment. He's from my neck of the woods too, and I must admit he'd be good.

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