Elaine Marshall: Voters In North Carolina Like To Pick Their Own Candidates

and if she wins the primary I'd be excited to vote for her in the general.

I do have to question a tactic that both her & Kenneth took of e-mailing their listservs about Cal Cunningham joining the race. I mean she said in that video you shared that one of her strong points was name recognition, but thanks to Elaine & Kenneth there isn't a democrat in the state that doesn't know about Cal.

I know when volunteering for Jim Neal for Senate, we'd never mention Hagan's name when phone banking, we stayed focused on how we are better than Dole so as to only build our own name recognition. And I've known other campaigns to use the term "my opponent." This early in the race, making sure that all of Elaine & Kenneth supporters know about Cal may not have been the best move for their individual campaigns.

But that is one good thing about primaries I guess, it can build name recognition for all the candidates, such that whoever the winner is, they can take on the republican incumbent, which is a goal I think we can all unite behind at the end of the primary.

Elaine's feisty style is going to win her points. Strong push back with grace and good humor. It's easy to see why she's been successful.

Look, everyone, we have three super candidates that are vying for Burro's seat in the U.S. Senate in NC. I have to agree with Marshall that it is a bit presumptious for the DSCC to "annoint" him (in her words) at this point. To me, if they are favoring his candidacy, it is because he is seen as "most electable" against Mr. Missing (Burr) at this point. I cannot fault them for that, to be honest (but then, I'm a Cal supporter admittedly)and I like that they see Cal as the frontrunner in this contest. But, they should let some time pass first and let the electorate take a look at all three (at least all three) and form an opinion on their own before they show an undue amount of support for any of those running.

As I have posted here before, there seems to be support on BlueNC for all three candidates, so I ask that even though the DSCC looks like it already has a "favorite", we do what we can for the candidate of choice and make this a fight worth fighting and maintain civility while doing it.

Yeah, that is easy to say for a Cal fan, but it is said nonetheless.

Dear Friend,

The last few days have been pretty busy in the Cunningham household -- but I wanted to write you a quick note to tell you about the response we've had in the few days since the announcement.

Elizabeth and I are overwhelmed by the support we've received from across the state. I feel truly humbled and amazed by the tremendous outpouring of support for our entrance into this race.

Thank you.

And I am now more certain than ever that together we can build a grassroots campaign that WILL bring North Carolina the change we deserve.

The local and national press response has been tremendous. But it is the personal votes of confidence from our neighbors and fellow North Carolinians that have meant the most to me.

I wanted to share a few with you -- so you could see what your fellow supporters are saying about the campaign:

"Congratulations. You don't know what a relief this is for disabled veterans in North Carolina." (Joseph, Richlands, NC)

"GO, CAL, GO!!!" (Erin, Chapel Hill, NC)

"Cal Cunningham is North Carolina's future. We can't afford to not have him running against Burr." (Jesse, Boone, NC)

"I'm so glad to hear this!! You've made my day. I look forward to working with you." (September, Statesville, NC)

The excitement for this campaign, and for the promise of North Carolina's future, grows stronger with every person we reach. So, now we just need to reach more!

Keep this groundswell of momentum moving throughout our state -- take a moment to tell your friends about the campaign now. Please forward this email to your friends and family, asking them to join our team at www.CalforNC.com.

It is only because of your support that this race became possible. And only your continuing enthusiasm will make victory in 2010 attainable. Together, our best days are truly, truly ahead.

Thank you for everything.

Sincerely,

Cal Cunningham
Candidate for U.S. Senate

Got this e-mail today, I've signed up for all 3 candidates listservs. This one seems to stay positive, not mention other candidates, and not engage in any attacks. I like that.

but North Carolina voters don't give a rat's ass if some outside organization tries to influence our elections. The money pays for spiffy tv commercials, and the voters gobble them up. You can't afford a tv commercial? You ain't going to DC.

These jabs at Cal are beginning to piss me off. Elaine and Kenneth need to focus on what they can offer as candidates, not point their fingers at Cal or the DSCC. That ain't gonna put no butter on the bread, if you know what I mean.

I would be shocked if the DSCC pours millions of dollars into NC before the primary. I'm glad they got Cal into the race. It provides a wealth of quality candidates, I just wish they would run a cleaner primary. The winner of the primary should come out with fantastic positives and be running very close Burr. I'm really tired of Elaine constantly going on the attack. If she keeps attacking the DSCC and wins the primary, does she expect them to throw funds at her then? Does she expect Burr not too make an issue of it? For being such an experienced campaigner, she is making a lot of rookie mistakes IMO.

Elaine Marshall is doing what she is doing because someone she respects is telling her that this is the way to go.

She is not being advised correctly.