Endorse today, vote tomorrow
Submitted by James on Wed, 04/16/2008 - 8:29am.
Well, folks, tomorrow is a very big day: Early voting starts.
I'm sure there have been other primary seasons with all the drama of this cycle, but ever since Al Gore invented the interTubes, We the People get to see everything up-close and personal. On some levels, it's not a pretty sight. Sort of like making sausage. But to paraphrase the incomparably incompetent Donald Rumsfeld, you go to the voting booth with the candidates you have.
Truth be told, we have some great candidates at all levels of government this year. So if you don't mind my asking, who are you voting for, and why? This is the official BlueNC endorsements thread. And this is how you find out where you can vote, starting tomorrow.
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The Boss
Endorses Obama.
yessiree
Obama is the President for me
Endorsements
As an Iraq veteran, as a former Army officer, as a student of the law, as someone who has seen politics, government, and the process up close and knows what it takes to make real change, as someone who wants a better North Carolina, a better United States, and a better world, I hereby endorse:
Hillary Clinton for President
Dan Besse for Lieutenant Governor
June St. Clair Atkinson for Superintendent of Public Instruction
Wayne Goodwin for Insurance Commissioner
Decisions, decisions, decisions
President - still undecided
Governor - Perdue, because Moore hasn't given me a reason NOT to vote for her.
Lt. Governor - Dan Besse, because he's the best man for the job.
Senate - Jim Neal, because I want a straight-talker with Progressive values representing North Carolina.
NC Senate - Moses Carey, because Ellie Kinnaird has given me reasons NOT to vote for her, specifically her silence of the immoral Senate budgets that she has voted for time and again over the last half-decade.
US House - David Price
NC House - Joe Hackney
Labor Commissioner - Robin Anderson, because she's running against Cherie Berry
Superintendent of Public Instruction - June St. Clair Atkinson, because she deserves a full-term to show us what she can do.
Endorsements
President - Obama
Governor - Perdue
Lt. Governor - Besse
Senate - Neal
NC Senate - Kinnaird (Robert, have you forgotten Ellie's powerful speech and sole vote in the Senate against passage of the Budget just a couple of years ago)
Treasurer - Cowell
Super of Education - Davis
Comm of Labor -- Anderson
Comm of Insurance -- Goodwin
Court of Appeals (Tyson Seat) -- Ruth
Court of Appeals (Wynn Seat) -- Wynn
Auditor -- Beth Wood
Thanks, Mark
I especially appreciate you getting those judges covered.
I believe that was 2000.
The only reference I've seen to her speech was where she said the cuts to medicaid were immoral and she wouldn't vote for it. I found it in a google cached webpage, but didn't save it, I should have because now I can't find it anywhere.
If you have more recent quotes that Google can't find, where she stood up against the last two budgets, I would be grateful. But, given that she voted FOR them, I doubt those quotes exist. I'm not jumping up and down for Moses, I'm casting a protest vote. I'm also annoyed at her for getting back into the race when her anointed successors chose not to run. Smacks of aristocracy to me.
Too many decisions
President - Barack Obama
US Senate - Kay Hagan
US House - Brad Miller
Governor - Richard Moore
Lt. Gov. - No Idea
Auditor - Beth Wood
Treasurer - Janet Cowell
Commissioner of Insurance - Wayne Goodwin
Labor - Robin Anderson
Public Instruction - June Atkinson
NC Senate - No idea, but leaning toward Josh Stein
jjsmith -- a shameless plug for your vote
If you want to meet Jack Nichols before you decide on NC Senate 16, he has a meet & greet in University Park tonight, and other events coming up over the next week -- there's a list at www.JackNichols.org. Or, tell me where you live & I'll send him to your house while he's canvassing this weekend. :)
I won't be around much this weekend
I'll be at the NC State spring game Saturday. I'm also embarassed about the current condition of my lawn, so I'm not too sure I want people looking at it. My big thing is, I don't know what seperates Jack from Josh and vice versa.
If given the chance to talk with them, I will more than likely make my vote based on who will be the biggest advocate for NC State University.
Well, you support Brad Miller
and he has a Jack bumper sticker on his car.
Um...
that's actually Esther's car. I am great friends with Jack and have been for more than 25 years. I practiced law with him for a couple of years in there. But I also have a very high opinion of Josh.
I know it is Esther's car.
I was going to correct it. She also has a Brad Miller bumper sticker. Are you for him?
On balance.
There are strengths and weaknesses, but generally I'm for him.
Congressman, you just made my day.
Some of my friends got together and started a blog about technology and change. IT is pretty good.
jjsmith
My view is that they might very well vote the same on many issues. Jack has a unique capacity & passion to lead on local issues because of his local government experience. He's got a depth of understanding on things like education and growth, and what role the legislature needs to play to support the ability of local government to address the issues. He is, arguably, a wonk. I hope he gets a chance to talk with you directly. If you get tired of yard work by Sunday afternoon, come by Roanoke Park in Five Points for an ice cream social.
Knowing Jack Nichols
I have nothing against Josh Stein, but my support for Nichols comes from a look at his record, which is impressive, the experience he brings to the table, which is extensive, and more fundamentally, the fact that he is such a rarity -- a true soul with genuine integrity. This isn't to say anything negative about Josh, who may also be a great guy, but I know Jack(hate those signs!), and know he would be a great asset to progressive interests.
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing
-Edmund Burke
I know Josh
and your suspicion is correct -- he is a great guy. I'm envious of those of you have the opportunity to send someone with such a strong history of public service to the N.C. Senate.
Josh has received the endorsements of EqualityNC, labor, NARAL and SEANC just to name a few. These aren't just fair-weather associations either. I know Josh has earned their support because of the years he has stood next to them fighting for the interests of working people, choice and against discrimination.
GO JOSH!
Jack's record
Wanted to mention Jack’s endorsements: NC NOW, State Employees Association of NC, Wake Chapter of NC Association of Educators, NC PBA, among others. So, I guess everyone has to make up their own mind about this race if they live in the district. :)
I can’t speak to Josh’s record on fighting discrimination. Jack has written affirmative action policies for public agencies, and has litigated race and gender discrimination cases for individuals throughout his career. He marched for the ERA and co-founded Planned Parenthood in Wake County, at a time when those things were not necessarily popular, even among some progressives. More info at www.jacknichols.org.
I Want to Vote, But...
I thought I'd be ready to vote on the first day of early voting, but it's pretty clear, as I think about who I'm "endorsing" that I've still got work to do in terms of researching candidates.
There are only two races that I'm firmly decided on: President (Obama) and State Treasurer (Cowell). At this point, it'd take Jesus himself (no, not you, the real one) to convince me to vote otherwise.
I'm leaning in the Governor, Lt. Governor, Insurance Commish and NC Senate, but relatively undecided on the rest. More work to do before I can feel comfortable stepping into the voting booth.
While I'm at it, though, can I just acknowledge how awesome the new State Board of Elections site is? A drastic improvement.
----
There are people in every time and every land who want to stop history in its tracks. They fear the future, mistrust the present, and invoke the security of the comfortable past which, in fact, never existed. - Robert F. Kennedy
It is awesome
I'd struggled through using the old one for so long that when I went there I thought I was at the wrong site.
Good luck figuring out your selections. I think I'm going to do predictions because I think there are a few races I won't decide on until the last minute.....well....there are at least two.
Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.
I won't be voting
Thanks to the Bush regime I won't be voting.
I'll make sure plenty of folks vote in my place though.
Left on 49
This is infuriating
- - - - -
Obama, Perdue, Neal, Dellinger, Goodwin
I'm voting for Obama, Perdue, Dellinger, Goodwin, and Jim Neal...
On an aside note, I encourage everyone to vote for Jim Neal for US Senate. He is a straight talker and passionate speaker.
Kay Hagan's refusal to do a debate on TV and, being a COMPLETE HYPOCRITE on the issue makes me appreciate Jim Neal even more.
Here is what I mean about Kay Hagan being a hypocrite...
Kay Hagan has refused to do a TV televised debate with Jim Neal on the grounds it would be unfair to the other candidates. In fact, on April 11th, Kay Hagan's campaign released a press statement saying "we do not feel comfortable participating in a debate where some of the candidates were excluded."
http://www.kayhagan.com/press/hagan-campaign-on-wtvd-debate
Yet on April 13th, 2 days later, she participated in this non-televised debate in Orange county where the 3 other candidates were not invited.
So she says she doesn't "feel comfortable participating in a debate where some of the candidates were excluded," but 2 days later she does it anyway.
What gives????
If she truly believed in what she had said, she wouldn't have shown up at the Orange county debate. But she did anyway, and had no qualms doing it.
So Kay Hagan, why the flip-flop?
Truth is, I think Kay Hagan is SCARED TO DEATH of a TV debate with Jim Neal one-on-one, and is saying anything she can to get out of it.
Everyone at Blue NC should demand a live TV debate between Kay Hagan and Jim Neal.
If Kay Hagan is too afraid to do so, how will she fare against debating Elizabeth Dole?
Voting Early in Winston
US CONGRESS NC-05: ROY CARTER
And...
President: Obama
Senate: Jim Neal
Governor: unsure (I have not lived in NC long and this race has been the hardest for me to make a decision on...)
Lt. Governor: Dan Besse
It is not enough to understand, or to see clearly. The future will be shaped in the arena of human activity, by those willing to commit their minds and their bodies to the task. RFK
Looks like fun...
Remember, Robert, Joe Hackney and David Price don't have primary challengers so they won't be on the ballot. Otherwise, I'm planning on voting for (apologies to those who don't vote in Orange County for the listing irrelevant to you)...
President - Obama
US Senate - Neal
Governor - Moore
Lt. Governor - Besse
Auditor - Aikens
Comm of Insurance - Goodwin
Comm of Labor - Anderson
Super of Education - Davis
Treasurer - Cowell
NC Senate - Kinnaird
Orange Co Comm (AL) - Pelissier
Court of Appeals (Tyson Seat) - Ruth
Court of Appeals (Wynn Seat) - Wynn
District Court 15-B - Vernon
Land Transfer Tax - STRONGLY For
I really need to see that sample ballot.....
I guess I thought they would still be on the ballot.
Here is Orange County D1.
My ballot.
Here's who I'm voting for
President: Barack Obama
US Senate: Jim Neal
US House, 6th Dist.: Jay Ovittore
Governor: Richard Moore
Lt. Governor: Dan Besse
Auditor: Fred Aikens
Insurance: Wayne Goodwin
Labor: Mary Fant Donnan
Public Instruction: Eddie Davis
Treasurer: Janet Cowell
Guilford County bond referenda: Yes on all except Jail Bonds
my picks
Pres. - Obama
Gov. - Bev Perdue (for all the reasons above)
Lt. Governor - Hampton Dellinger
Senate - Jim Neal
NC-18 - Sandra Spaulding Hughes
Treasurer - Janet Cowell
Auditor - Beth Wood
Insurance - Wayne Goodwin
Labor - Robin Anderson
Public Instruction - June Atkinson
Bruce Springsteen for Obama
today here.
I guess the working-class hero decided it was time to talk to his bitter, small town suds and guns homeys...
That's awesome, isn't it?
And since Bruce is playing in Charlotte on Sunday the 27th, perhaps Barack will rock with him then..?
Be the change you wish to see in the world. --Gandhi
Pointing at Naked Emperors
Well you know I have tickets
maybe I could live-blog? LOL
Dude - just enjoy the show!
And tell us about it when you get back.
Be the change you wish to see in the world. --Gandhi
Pointing at Naked Emperors
Put the blackberry down!
How can you throw the horns or flick a bic lighter if you've got blackberry claw-hand syndrome?
I don't have a crackberry
I'm not important enough.
I'm not ready to vote for Governor yet.
but I can tell you these:
I have not decided the Governor's race, nor have I researched the judicial races. So I won't be voting tomorrow. I'll probably wait until May 6, because I like to have that excitement.
Be the change you wish to see in the world. --Gandhi
Pointing at Naked Emperors
Most here will not like mine but
President: Clinton
Senate: Hagan
Governor:Purdue
Lt Governor: Dalton
US House: Ivester
Ins. Com.: Goodwin
Auditor: Wood
Pub Ins: Atkinson
Treas: Weisel
The Democrats did not field any candidates for State House or Senate in my districts.
almost forgot
Court of Appeals Sam Ervin IV, grandson of the best elected offical this state ever had.
Kristen Ruth
I urge you to take a look at her candidacy for the Court of Appeals. She would be great. I know little about Sam IV, though I hear good things. But having appeared before Kristen and having met her numerous times on the campaign trail this year, I can tell you she is dynOmite.
"Hampton Dellinger would make a great Lieutenant Governor." - Al Gore.
Sam IV is a great name, you have to admit ;-)
In all seriousness, however, I think it's pretty clear that I'm voting for Jim Neal, and I'll leave the rest of my ballot to your imagination.
It certainly is
We'll not see the like of young Sam's grandaddy again.
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing
-Edmund Burke
Clever!
Be the change you wish to see in the world. --Gandhi
Pointing at Naked Emperors
Sam
Get Off the Wall, decIde! Live Dangerously. Make a CAll. IT's EaSy!
"Hampton Dellinger would make a great Lieutenant Governor." - Al Gore.
ah, the MODERATE :)
It's great of you to come out and be honest about who you support, even though it goes against the grain of many BlueNC bloggers. I admire that immensely.
Just curious here, MODERATE
Why Weisel?
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing
-Edmund Burke
although
I was a big fan of Harlan Boyles and I do not think he ever truly be replaced, I admired Weisel race against him and I think he is the best one for the job.
okey dokey
Just so you know that Janet Cowell is actually the best person for the job. I mean, you know, just setting the record straight here.
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing
-Edmund Burke
My picks
President: Barack Obama
US Senate: Jim Neal
US Congress 13: Brad Miller
Governor: undecided. Sigh.
Lieutenant Governor: Dan Besse
Auditor: Beth Wood
Commissioner of Insurance: Wayne Goodwin
Commissioner of Labor: Robin Anderson
Supt. of Public Instruction: June Atkinson
Treasurer: Janet Cowell
NC State Senate 16: Josh Stein
Court of Appeals: James Wynn
Court of Appeals: Kristin Ruth
District Court Judge 10: Mark A. Perry
www.markturner.net
Over here in Guilford County
President: Not sure yet
US Senate: Jim Neal
Governor: Beverly Purdue
Lt Governor: Dan Besse
NC House: Alma Adams
NC Senate: Katie Dorsett
Insurance Commissioner: Wayne Goodwin
State Auditor: Beth Wood
Pub Insruction: June Atkinson
Treasurer: Janet Cowell
North Carolina. Turning the South Blue!
Yet another endorsement from Guilford County!
http://jimnealforsenate.com/press-releases/jim-neal-wins-greensboro-endo...
Hampton Dellinger and Anna Worley
President: Barack Obama
US Senate: Undecided. I think Kay has been treated unfairly, but I don't like her answer on telcom immunity.
US Congress 13: Brad Miller
Governor: undecided. Convince me why I should vote for one over the other in a way that does not insult the other, and you get my vote.
Lieutenant Governor: Hampton Dellinger - You know where I stand on this one, and I will have more to come soon.
Auditor: Aikins - a VERY impressive first time candidate
Commissioner of Insurance: Wayne Goodwin
Commissioner of Labor: Robin Anderson
Supt. of Public Instruction: June Atkinson
Treasurer: Weisel
NC State Senate 16: Glad I don't have to vote in this one. Josh Stein and Jack Nichols are both good men.
Court of Appeals: James Wynn
Court of Appeals: Kristin Ruth
District Court Judge 10: Anna E. Worley I went to law school with Anna and she is "Aunt Anna" to my kids. She is as smart a person as there is running anywhere for anything. She is thoughtful, diligent, hardworking, smart, and a dedicated Democrat. She is board-certified in family law and is a certified family court financial mediator. She would bring a judicial temperament and a sharp mind AND THE ABILITY TO SPEAK SPANISH FLUENTLY to the District Court bench.
"Hampton Dellinger would make a great Lieutenant Governor." - Al Gore.
We agree on something!
Since we have a Perdue
Since we have a Perdue supporter, I will share my perspective.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Q6GuJRTfgnU
http://youtube.com/watch?v=hzw5d2DITKE
http://youtube.com/watch?v=W_gE52Btm5g
http://youtube.com/watch?v=eyF1X7d1bTc
I think these video's display Moore's amazing intellect and his strong understanding of our economy as well as his progressive ideals. And these are mostly related to his role as State Treasurer, rather than as a gubernatorial candidate. I think you should hear him speak for himself :)
I remember someone telling me that the best way to get a feel for politicians in Washington is to watch c-span and hear them speak. You can tell a lot about a candidates intelligence and their views from listening to them speak about issues candidly.
This is one about his role as Secretary of Crime Control and Public Safety and the floods:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Cj_dweZx8_U
Happy to oblige.
Shining light on Bev Perdue's education positions
http://bluenc.com/shining-light-on-bev-perdues-education-positions
More light on Bev Perdue's education positions (Part 2)
http://bluenc.com/more-light-on-perdues-education-positions-%282%29
Last light on Bev Perdue's education positions (Part 3)
http://bluenc.com/last-light-on-perdues-education-positions-%283%29
I saw TONS of Aikins signs
I saw TONS of Aikins signs in Wilmington recently. The African American community is supporting him big time. I think he's from Wilmington and he is very well respected among people who know or have interacted with him. I'm surprised no one on here (besides you) has publicly come out for him, though... Maybe I'll switch, I really like that guy :)
My endorsements
Democrats
Republicans
my picks
President - Obama... 'nuff said.
US Senate - Undecided... I like Neal but think Hagan has gotten undue criticism.
Governor - Moore 1000%... intellect, honesty, and great policy proposals. And the other option stinks.
Lt. Governor - Besse
Commissioner of Insurance - Goodwin
Commissioner of Labor - Anderson
Super of Education - Davis
Treasurer - Cowell
That's what I've got so far...
Scary, NCDem123
Our picks are identical -- except that I'm going to vote for Neal for US Senate.
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing
-Edmund Burke
I'm honestly torn with these
I'm honestly torn with these two. It's terrible. I have never met Kay herself but I met her son, who I must say, is a fantastic surrogate for her, and he REALLY impressed me. Neal impresses me, as well. I do have small worries about his lack of experience, I suppose, which is my biggest reservation about him. For Hagan, its telecom immunity, obviously. I'm confused!
The experience issue sort of
cancels itself out for me.
On one hand, I don't want somebody who wields little or no influence representing me.
But on the other hand, I believe a whole lot of the issues that are causing many Dems to get disgusted with the Party have to do with people having "too much" experience. Pragmatism's fine, but some compromises are simply too much.
I'm getting really tired of hearing, "That's the way things work", especially when I know that's not the way things are supposed to work.
Not a problem in US Senate.
With the rules of the Senate, I don't think this is a problem.
So Far
So GOOD!
Hey you....I need to get you my new email addy!
Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.
As I have recently ended a five year stint as
county chair, I hesitate to openly endorse any democrat over another. I do not like the current trend within the NCDP for party officials to endorse in contested primaries.
I will therefore take the easy way out and say that in the Person County Commissioner race (three seats open, five dem. candidates) I will be voting for ME .... and two of the other candidates. :)
Have fun folks.
Person County Democrats
Question on the Labor race
Is the John Brooks who is running the same John Brooks who stands up at every SEC meeting and has something to say about everything?
"jump in where you can and hang on"
Briscoe Darling to Sheriff Andy
yes
"Hampton Dellinger would make a great Lieutenant Governor." - Al Gore.
Ha!
I don't know if I know him, but I do KNOW him.
question on Labor, Auditor and Superintendent
Can folks enlighten me on the Labor Commissioner race?
I haven't been following closely, but was leaning heavily to Mary Fant Donnan -- with John Brooks coming in close behind for sentimental reasons. (I always respect John, PR Latta and Harris Johnson when they speak up at state exec. mtgs; clearly I have a soft spot for principled curmudgeons.) Now all these Anderson supporters have me confused!
I'm also up in the air about Auditor and Superintendent. (Anyone?)
Excepting those three races, I'm in complete agreement with Jason Baker, gboroyoungdem and Linda.
A little info
I highly recommend that you check out Robin's website. We also have a live blog from a few weeks ago you should check out, and I have posted most of our press releases and such here.
Robin has been endorsed by the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the Raleigh-Wake Citizens Association, the Simkins PAC from Greensboro and the NC Academy of Trial Lawyers... Along with a bunch of great people here (Thanks Everyone!)
I will also post our bio video again:
"Keep the Faith"
Anderson
I neglected to add her to my list because I wrote on her behalf earlier. I should have noted:
Robin Anderson for Labor Commissioner
A sharp, solid, dedicated woman.
consultant for Anderson
Is Nexus Strategies consulting for Anderson?
I know they are working for Dalton(Lt Gov), Young(State Treasurer), and Stein.
Just curious who else they were consulting for in the primary
They are not
n/t
"Keep the Faith"
No...Anderson has this amazing, dynamic, brilliant
man helping run the campaign. :D
Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.
Crowbar Endorses
Yeah, I'm late, but most regulars know this already.
Obama
Moore
Besse
Neal
Carter (NC-05)
Can't vote in NC
Although I wish I could, I'm really a Virginian who already cast her vote for President (Hillary), but I wanted to endorse Chuck Stone for NC Senate in the 5th District.
Crossing the street tomorrow to vote for
Obama
Jim Neal
Roy Carter (though I can't vote for him; I'm proud to live just across the 5th District line in Mel Watt's 12th--until one of us moves on from here)
Bev Perdue
Dan Besse
Beth Wood
Wayne Goodwin
Robin Anderson
Eddie Davis
Janet Cowell
James Wynn
Kristin Ruth