Eighth Congressional District

As happens occasionally with me, I will take off my hat as candidate and speak as an observer of the political process.

Though what I am about to say applies to the 8th Congressional District, it applies just as equally across North Carolina.

Here goes:

This election cycle has the most fervent, most passionate political activists in 40 years.

Perhaps it is mere coincidence that 40 years matches the time period oft-relied upon in the Bible to signify “a long time,” but I respectfully contend that America – including North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District – has returned from a 40-year hiatus in the political desert.

And this political passion is not all among Democrats.

Eighth District Democrats parachuted (an apropos verb for the district that’s home to Fort Bragg) into Cabarrus County for the district’s annual convention this past weekend.

Last week and then again last night you may have been watching UNC-TV, public television in North Carolina, and were surprised to see yours truly (Wayne Goodwin) on camera! For perhaps the eighth year out of the last ten years, I have volunteered my time for Festival. Festival is the annual fund drive held by North Carolina's public television station.

See who is sponsoring the Democratic Victory Luncheon on January 26, 2008 in Hamlet, site of the N.C. Democratic Party's State Executive Committee meeting.

As a precursor to its hosting the NC Democratic Party's State Executive Committee meeting in January 2008, Richmond County Democrats invite one and all to its 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally. When it comes to Democratic politics, Richmond rocks!

On the heels of the successful event last year where 500+ Democrats from the region turned out, the 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman rally has been re-scheduled for Thursday, November 8, 2007.

With apologies to David Letterman, and whether candidate or supporter, what would your Top Ten List of action items be for the Eighth Congressional District?

Meeting Sen. Barack Obama

About two months ago I had the opportunity to join a small group of North Carolina political activists at a Durham meeting with presidential candidate and U.S. Senator Barack Obama. Though I am prohibited from choosing sides in a Democratic primary because of my role as district chairman, it is vital to take opportunities to meet the candidates as they visit the Tar Heel State. The Illinois Senator, as expected, was very impressive and, also as expected, his 10-minutes of remarks were inspirational and informative. He was also quite pleased to know that he had won a plurality of a straw poll at the Richmond County Democratic Convention in April. Regardless of what candidate you have chosen, it is safe to say that Obama is a rising star.