Electability versus Likability in the Lt. Governor's race
Submitted by Robert P. on Thu, 01/10/2008 - 11:27am
Okay, it is time to come out of the Lt. Governor's closet. I have narrowed my choices down to two candidates. Of those two, I feel one is better poised to win the primary election, while I find myself more comfortable with the strong progressive history of the other. I'll give you two guesses who is who and any guesses that start with "Dalton" don't count.
Right, Hampton Dellinger and Dan Besse. On the issues, I don't know that the two officials are all that much different. I do know that Dan Besse has been more outspoken in our medium on the issues that matter. As I write this in ScribeFire I glance up to see a comment from Dan in Anglico's "Dear Governor Easley: Just Say No" thread.
It's well past time for us to support comprehensive, medically accurate health and sexuality education in our community teen pregnancy prevention programs and in our schools.
"Abstinence-only" too easily becomes "ignorance-only". We need instead the approach better known as "abstinence-based" or "abstinence-plus". Yes, encourage young people to postpone sexual activity, but recognize the reality that almost everyone will eventually want and need accurate information on contraceptive methods as well. That's the way to protect the health and future of our young people.
As usual, Dan is plain-spoken in his progressiveness. He doesn't try to hide it behind anything, he doesn't try to soften his opinion in case it is used against him later. Hampton was a regular contributor here for awhile, but I think he might have begun shying away from the site after he was called out by Dan in the thread "Hampton Dellinger Urges Walter Dalton to Reconsider Debate Refusal". On the issues, he usually seems to be on the right side. His issues page includes Senior Care, being #1 at something in addition to business climate, Dix 306, opposing the OLF, and raising the compulsory school age. All good positions. Here he speaks out against the OLF.
The Navy's proposed site for the Outlying Landing Field threatens both of North Carolina's proud traditions. It not only puts our servicemen and servicewomen at unnecessary risk, it also violates our commitment to the environment. It threatens thousands of acres in and around the Pocosin National Wildlife Refuge, an area whose natural treasures are rare and valuable. And it does so while simultaneously exposing military pilots to unnecessary hazard. The Navy's own experts believe it is almost inevitable that "bird strike" will cause a plane crash at the proposed OLF. The serious threats posed to the environment and wildlife is reason enough to oppose the Navy's siting. The risk to the lives of American soldiers makes the Navy's plan simply unacceptable.
There are times when we must make hard choices about balancing competing concerns. This is not such a situation. The answer here is very simple: We must (and we can) find a better location for the OLF. We, as North Carolinians, can accommodate the Navy as we have the Air Force, Army, Marines, and Coast Guard. Protecting the environment can go hand in hand with military development as it has many times in the past. But endangering pilots, poisoning waterfowl, and sacrificing thousands of farmland acres — some of which is used to grow corn which can be converted into ethanol and other biofuels — upsets not just the balance of nature itself, but the balance that hardworking North Carolinians have struck with nature.
Let me end with a short story, a true story — one which many of you may remember — which illustrates the dangers of the unnecessary "collision" between man and nature that results from the Navy's plan. At a December 2005 flyover near the site of the proposed OLF, in front of stunned spectators, a Super Hornet fighter jet banked sharply at the last second to avoid a disastrous collision with a flock of the tundra swans which call the area home. I can think of no better representation of the dangers posed by the Navy's proposed site than this near-tragedy.
Dan Besse has a long history of focusing on progressive issues like natural resources, health care, education, and energy. I can't really give you a "taste" of his positions, because they are so diverse! His health care page for instance, doesn't have some general language about health care, it lists off this:
1) We must ensure that all North Carolinians have access to health care. It must be a priority to make certain that North Carolinians have lifelong access to affordable, high quality, comprehensive health care. We should make a commitment to reaching this goal as rapidly as possible.
2) We must continue to expand access to North Carolina Health Choice for Children. The most recent reports show that, despite the increased number of children receiving coverage through this good program, the percentage of North Carolina children with no health care coverage has also increased.
3) We must follow through with the creation of a high-risk insurance pool. Many thousands of North Carolinians who have special high-cost conditions are in need of affordable health care opportunities.
4) We must develop more opportunities for small businesses and non-profit organizations to join in cooperative health insurance coverage pools. The ever-rising costs of health insurance are making it more and more difficult for small employers to maintain health care coverage for their employees. We must work to reverse that growing trend.
5) We must intensify our efforts to reduce infant mortality and low birth-weight among babies. We must address the disproportionate impact of these problems on our minority communities. As part of this effort, we must use education and health care to strengthen our efforts to reduce teen pregnancies.
6) We must mandate access to emergency contraception upon request. Hospitals and pharmacies should either make this important medical service available in-house, or provide an immediate referral to another local, accessible source. In particular, hospitals should include information on this option as a part of their assistance and counseling for rape victims.
7) Health coverage should provide equal access to mental health services. Mental health needs are health care needs, and should be fairly treated as such.
8) We must develop steps to counter the problem of continuing rapid inflation of health insurance premiums. The state should investigate the causes of this inflation to determine what steps are necessary to counter it, such as state-provided relief for counties from the high and growing costs of Medicaid coverage. We also should look at means to address the high cost of prescription medications in particular. The new Medicare prescription drug program is not addressing this issue successfully; state leadership will be an important part of kick-starting real solutions.
9) We must promote the expansion of preventive care and wellness programs. Such programs hold the potential to improve public health and control health care costs.
At the same time, Dan Besse has one big disadvantage over Hampton Dellinger.
| Candidate | Money Raised |
| Walter Dalton | $590,945.12 |
| Hamp Dellinger | $512,629.43 |
| Dan Besse | $102,499.34 |
These are the latest numbers, and they are from mid-2007. So, perhaps there has been some dramatic shift. I doubt it. Dan Besse did win the North Carolina Progressive Democrats endorsement. I guess we will see how important that group is when we look at the fundraising numbers. How much did the group help Dan bring into his campaign? In a conversation I had with a Democratic official one time, I learned that most Council of State elected officials have a name recognition of about 5% or less - even Jim Long who has been in office since the first Reagan administration. So, when we look at the PPP December Tracking Poll:
It raises the question, come primary time, what will influence those 65% undecided voters? The answer is, in my mind - Money. Media buys, road signs, bumper stickers, the whole deal. Those thing raise name recognition in the short term, as well as a good groundgame. That takes money. The more money you have, the more people you can reach. The more people you reach, the more votes you get. Point, Dellinger.
Oh, have I mentioned that Dalton is absolutely NOT an option for me, so I am looking for the candidate to beat him?
So, I am left with a candidate that I like more based on the stands he takes and the conversations I've had - Besse; and, a candidate that is more likely to keep up with Dalton at the cash register, which gives him an upper-hand in the electability department - Dellinger.
What to do?
Well, I'm going to wait. After all, we have this great debate series coming up and that is their whole purpose. I can't make the Asheville debate, so I guess I'll be waiting to hear their opinions at a later event. Part of me finds this very unsatisfying. Usually I am able to figure out who I support pretty early, but this time I am really up in the air.
Also, a note about Pat Smathers. I like Pat. I hope that whomever wins this election keeps Pat in mind as it comes time to hand out key appointments on state boards. Pat was one of the first candidates, after Larry Kissell, to engage BlueNC. In fact, Pat actually used BlueNC as his official blog. I will not be supporting Pat Smathers this election, but I don't begrudge anyone who does.
Subscribe to our feeds!
Anyone else looking forward to these debates?
One of the pitfalls of childhood is that one doesn't have to understand something to feel it. - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Jesus Swept ticked me off. Too short. I loved the characters and then POOF it was over.
-me
Besse
I like Hampton Dellinger very much and would be happy to support him if he is the candidate.
Dalton, no, not so much. Totally immersed in the establishment. I have nothing against him but I have nothing FOR him, either. And he doesn't represent a progressive point of view -- far from it.
In my heart and soul, I think Besse would be the best man for the job. He has a solid record of achievement, has worked hard to push against the tide that usually drowns liberals out before they've made it this far, and has done so without benefit of a fat account. In fact, while, again, I like Dellinger, there is a piece of me that feels he's almost had it too easy. Prominent family, lots of political friends etc . . . . I ain't holdin' it agin' him but it does contribute to a sense that Besse has worked harder longer and has done more to earn my trust.
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing
-Edmund Burke
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing
-Edmund Burke
I understand your point of view.
I'm pretty evenly split between these two candidates right now. I would support either of them, like you said. The debates will be very important for me to see/hear.
One of the pitfalls of childhood is that one doesn't have to understand something to feel it. - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Jesus Swept ticked me off. Too short. I loved the characters and then POOF it was over.
-me
Besse
I have no problem with Dellinger's positions, but all of the text I've seen from him looks like it's written by a consultant. And, I can't help it, but the fact that he lives in Durham/Chapel Hill and has never sniffed any kind of local politics makes me less likely to support him.
The combination of Besse's experience, his local work, his positions, and his sense of humor and the time he's spent here makes me lean heavily towards him.
I really like Smathers as well, but perhaps you're right -- state boards may be the home for him.
I don't think you can do both.
I love OrangePolitics.org, the brain-child of Ruby Sinreich. BUT, you have to really keep up or else you are left feeling out in the weeds. I think it would be hard to focus on state politics, national issues that effect the state like the OLF, and the latest zoning battles over Lot 5.
One of the pitfalls of childhood is that one doesn't have to understand something to feel it. - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Jesus Swept ticked me off. Too short. I loved the characters and then POOF it was over.
-me
On the fund raising issue...
Maybe we ought to hold a fundraiser around here for Besse. I can't do it in the next month, but maybe some time in the spring...
I'll say this.
After I decide on a candidate, I would be happy to help organize a phone banking. I've gotten some experience at that lately.
One of the pitfalls of childhood is that one doesn't have to understand something to feel it. - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Jesus Swept ticked me off. Too short. I loved the characters and then POOF it was over.
-me
I really like Hampton Dellinger
...but my primary vote is going to Besse at this point. I sure wish we didn't have to choose between Dellinger and Besse and I know Smathers is right up there for most of you. Sadly, I haven't met Pat Smathers yet, so I'm doing my best to keep an open mind.
Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.
***************************
Currently lacking a witty signature.
Dan Besse is my choice
I like the fact he has been out there the longest, he has been really seeking support of activists, he has a progressive record and I think he could beat Dalton in a run-off (I´m assuming it will be Dalton v. someone else in a run-off).
I don´t dislike Dellinger and would support him over Dalton if those two made the run-off, but what I don´t like is that he was set to run for AG when it appeared Cooper would run for Governor (in fact, I believe he had already announced that he was running for AG) but then switched to LG after Cooper decided to run for re-election instead.
That strikes me as "office shopping" and personally, I never liked that.
office shopping
I don't think it was office shopping that prompted the change of heart. It was more of a respect for what Cooper had done in the office so far.
"jump in where you can and hang on"
Briscoe Darling to Sheriff Andy
“We are the party of Roosevelt. We are the party of Kennedy. So don't tell me that Democrats won't defend this country. Don't tell me that Democrats won't keep us safe.” ~ Barack Obama
I agree.
Dellinger was a successful man who decided it was time to jump into the elected official arena. As Dan has pointed out, he isn't an elected official. Roy Cooper decided not to run for Governor because of the other people running, he also decided not to take on Elizabeth Dole for whatever reason, so if anything it seems like cooper was office shopping.
But, at that point, Dellinger is faced with the prospect of taking on a very good, very well-respected Roy Cooper; or, he can run for the vacated Lt. Governor's seat with lots of backing from family/Raleigh friends and connections.
I don't see anything wrong with that.
One of the pitfalls of childhood is that one doesn't have to understand something to feel it. - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Jesus Swept ticked me off. Too short. I loved the characters and then POOF it was over.
-me
Great post, Robert.
The way I see it, we're going to have a governor who represents old-school North Carolina politics. Moore, Perdue, Smith, Orr and Graham are all consummate insiders. If McCrory runs, we'll have another insider in the race from the Chamber of Commerce party.
That makes me really want an outsider for LG - so we can get moving toward a new beginning in state politics.
You've nailed the issues and the analysis perfectly as far as I'm concerned.
Tolerance ends
It's interesting how the Governor's race has failed....
to capture anyone's imagination. I'm sure as the election gets closer that will change a bit, but still, I would have thought that folks would be more interested at this point - 31% undecided isn't that high I guess. Maybe it's just me.
: )
One of the pitfalls of childhood is that one doesn't have to understand something to feel it. - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Jesus Swept ticked me off. Too short. I loved the characters and then POOF it was over.
-me
it's a difficult choice to make
If we keep going with "electability" vs. the person who truly represents what we believe in -- will we ever get someone in office who truly represents us? Anyone can be "electable" if enough people believe in the candidate and vote for him or her.
I have met all 4 candidates. I believe I have made my choice, but I will be attending the Jan 24 Fayetteville State debate - and I believe all 4 will be there. I will be looking to see how well they all handle themselves in a situation together, instead of just pressing the flesh. I *think* I'm bringing some teens from a debate team with me, too - so be on notice, candidates. They'll be watching for mistakes and misdirections. :) You can't get a thing past them.
Be the change you wish to see in the world. --Gandhi
__________________
"My darling girl, when will you understand that 'normal' is not necessarily a virtue. It rather denotes a lack of courage." - Alice Hoffma
Linda is right
There's no such thing as A Safe Election Year for Progressive NC Democratic Candidates. Likewise, there's no such thing as A Safe Year to Vote My Conscience.
When forward thinking liberals (yes, I'll use the word here) hedge their bets in a primary because they perceive that a candidate who shares their beliefs might have a tough time against a conservative in the general election, you've busted the platform we're all standing on.
When you're alone in a voting booth and you sacrifice your vote to cynicism, you're hobbling progress.
Please note that's a Hemingweightian "You". We've witnessed enough conscientious wailing and knashing of teeth around here on the state of the Edwards campaign to know that BlueNC don't run to the campaign with the highest poll numbers, or away from the candidate of conscience. That's why I've always posted here with confidence in support of Dan Besse. There has simply never been a doubt in my mind that the man I've had the opportunity to watch in action here in the Piedmont is the progressive we need on the Council of State.
And I'll admit it: Dan may have a tough time raising millions upon millions of dollars from the organizers and activists, the public health care providers and the poverty and environmental lawyers that are the base of his support, but those folks are state wide and they are organized for Besse.
Because when your career is steered by your conscience, you vote for the guy who has done the same: Dan Besse has made public interest issues his life. His whole life.
Besse All the Way
I'm more of a "head" voter than a "heart" voter, but my support for Besse runs both ways:
"Head" vote:
- Experience. He's been a local elected legislator for 6 (more?) years
- He's run for elections before, he knows what it takes (especially in defeating a right-winger for his first city council term)
- Outside of "Raleigh" (this also has a mix of "heart"): I want someone who isn't "entrenched power" or part of their organization. I want someone who will remember me after they are elected. I want someone who's running on the basis of accomplishing something, not to add another line to their resume and set themselves up for the next elected office
- Statewide experience: Besse's continued and past work on state environmental boards. He's worked with the state executive agencies, he's gotten real things accomplished, he's not afraid to say what he thinks ... but when he says it, he's informed and will ask you for your opinion
- Local experience: All politics is local, and it helps if that's where you started. I look forward to further information coming out about what Besse has done in Winston-Salem ... I think every community, no matter how large or small, is concerned about "growth" issues, and Besse has faced those...
"Heart" vote
- Progressive voice. Wouldn't it be nice to have a "Democrat" to vote for? And Besse isn't just about saying Democratic red meat lines to a crowd ... he tells you what he's done about it in the past and what he'll do in the future
- Real issues (mix of "head"). Besse sends out a press release a week, it seems like, talking about his thoughts, experience, and vision for various state issues, great and small
- Likeability. Anyone can talk to Besse, and he can talk to anyone. Whether it's the governor or a farmer from the county, I don't think Besse changes who he is depending on what a person's position, title, income, age, race, sexuality, etc. is...
I'm big on experience, proven vision, and "straight talking," so that's why Besse has my vote.
Lt Gov Info and Links
Candidates for Lt. Governor
Dan Besse
Walter Dalton
Hampton Dellinger
Pat Smathers
- - - - -
Thomas Jefferson said you always get the rulers you deserve.
- - - - -
http://twitter.com/Jerimee
That's great, is it on your website?
One of the pitfalls of childhood is that one doesn't have to understand something to feel it. - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Jesus Swept ticked me off. Too short. I loved the characters and then POOF it was over.
-me
ncdp.org
en-see-dee-pee dot org
http://ncdp.org/2008+North+Carolina+Democratic+Candidates
- - - - -
Thomas Jefferson said you always get the rulers you deserve.
- - - - -
http://twitter.com/Jerimee
New PPP tracking poll
Pat Smathers 9
Walter Dalton 9
Dan Besse 8
Hampton Dellinger 7
These numbers are hilarious, granted. Though if you recall last months numbers:
Pat Smathers 10
Walter Dalton 12
Dan Besse 6
Hampton Dellinger 8
Only one guy has gone UP: Dan Besse.
I wonder how MSNBC would cover it?
THESE NUMBERS ARE SHOCKING! I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO MAKE OF THEM! EVERYBODY ELSE IS TOTALLY TANKING BY LIKE... ONE AND TWO POINTS!!!! A THREE POINT DROP FOR DALTON! IS THIS CURTAINS FOR THE REPUBLICRAT FROM RUTHERFORD COUNTY?
No, given Besse's progressive leanings, msnbc.....
wouldn't even mention him.
One of the pitfalls of childhood is that one doesn't have to understand something to feel it. - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Jesus Swept ticked me off. Too short. I loved the characters and then POOF it was over.
-me
given his progressive leanings,
they're the only MSM outlet that would cover him, besides NPR. :)
Be the change you wish to see in the world. --Gandhi
__________________
"My darling girl, when will you understand that 'normal' is not necessarily a virtue. It rather denotes a lack of courage." - Alice Hoffma
Hampton Dellinger on the Lt. Governor's Race
I've enjoyed and learned much from reading BlueNC discussions, both of my race and of the leading political and policy issues of the day. And I’ve really appreciated the kind words about my campaign.
The demands of running statewide are intense and have kept me from posting recently, but I’ve continued to promote my progressive agenda across the state. For example, my call on the Division of Air Quality to reject the pending permit request for a coal-fired plant is available on my campaign home page -- www.HD08.com.
The stakes are definitely high. I’ve been working in North Carolina campaigns for more than 20 years -- including volunteering for many candidates seeking local or legislative offices such as Bill Bell for Durham Mayor and Yvonne Johnson for Greensboro; Phillip Graham for Durham School Board; Ty Harrell, Deborah Ross and Ed Ridpath and many more for the General Assembly -- and I cannot name another statewide race where a major Democratic candidate has positions on major issues as conservative as Walter Dalton’s.
The details are available at http://www.hd08.com/differences/index.html but here is the short of it: I’m pro-choice, he has not been; I support the ban on executing the mentally retarded, he voted against it; I’ve been a leader on environmental issues and oppose the pending request for one new coal plant, he has cast anti-environmental votes (such as opposing major clean air legislation in 2001) and wants two new coal plants; I oppose major new tax breaks for billboard sign owners and homebuilders, he’s championed them.
In addition, I’ve called for compensation for the victims of forced government sterilizations, proposed a comprehensive plan to assist seniors (lauded by Wilmington’s Star-News as “attractive,” “sensible,” and “admirably specific”), and made achieving greater social and racial justice a centerpiece of my campaign.
And I don’t just have progressive views; I have a track record. I stood up to BlueCross/BlueShield when it sought to convert from non-profit to for-profit without setting up a charitable foundation. I challenged agribusinesses denying migrant workers fundamental protections, fought banks ready to foreclose on North Carolina textile miles and creditors willing to bankrupt the NAACP, took on the management company that refused to treat public transit workers fairly, opposed slaughtering houses and manufacturers polluting our air and water, criticized one state agency that sought to permit a rock quarry adjacent to the Appalachian Trail and sued another poised to waste millions of dollars in taxpayer money overpaying for office supplies.
Because of my years being a leader on tough issues, the state AFL-CIO gave me an award "in recognition of [my] concern for and work on behalf of working families in North Carolina," I’ve been endorsed by the 10,000 member state chapter of the Communication Workers of America, and I have the backing of civil rights icon Dr. John Hope Franklin, along with the Democratic mayors of Chapel Hill, Durham, and Pittsboro.
While I haven’t seen as much of Mr. Dalton on the campaign trail, I’ve been to many events with Dan Besse and Pat Smathers and have enjoyed getting to know them both.
I’ve met many of the North Carolinians on this thread and look forward to meeting you all in the coming months. And, as an update to Jerimee’s thread, folks are welcome to contact me at (919) 306-3065.
Warm regards, Hampton
I stand corrected on the local politics issue
Sorry for the misunderstanding, and thanks for the correction.
Edit
Fixed your links and deleted the duplicate MTB comment. Thank you both for commenting.
Thanks for all the kind words.
In between other campaign work today, including driving to Brevard and back to talk to local Democrats there, I've enjoyed following this discussion, and I very much appreciate your consideration.
I won't try to repeat my stump speech here, but any of you are welcome to email me at danbesse@danbesse.org or call me at 336-722-1674 if you have any questions about my record of service, my issue positions, or my proposals for using the lieutenant governor's office to create positive change for our state.
Thanks!
Dan
Dan Besse
Democrat for Lieutenant Governor
www.danbesse2008.org
Dan Besse
On the advice of counsel, this and all other blog posts are "to the best of my knowledge", "in my opinion", and "void where prohibited by law".