Who had the best performance?

I'll be writing it up today or tomorrow and will put it here in some form or fashion early next week.

In short, however, let me say this: Hampton Dellinger is treating this like a two-man race, effectively disrespecting Dan Besse and Pat Smathers. Both Dellinger and Walter Dalton are Establishment candidates who don't seem to be itching to change things very much.

None of the candidates once mentioned the mental health crisis. Though no mental health questions were asked, there was no mention of the crisis in the candidates' opening or closing remarks. This is troubling and indicates (1) a need to educate them as to the urgency of the situation; (2) the opportunity for one of these candidates to set themselves apart by demonstrating the willingness to lead on this languishing issues that affects us all.

The central question of the debate appeared to be "What kind of experience do you want?" This is germane, but I'm also interested in what our candidates would do to address those things to which the Easley administration has demonstrated utter indifference.

More to come! With pictures and audio.

Obviously - I can't vote in your poll, since I wasn't in Asheville. However, I will be in Fayetteville on Thursday, and will be taking video (don't expect anything remotely professional) and giving my opinion on the debate and the candidates.

I am surprised that no questions were asked about the mental health crisis in NC. I wonder if it's too late to submit a question for the Fayetteville debate? Hmmm.....

Be the change you wish to see in the world. --Gandhi

Video coming!

Why don't you come to Fayetteville, too? Then I won't have to try to hold a cheap camera still and attempt to make it work.

Be the change you wish to see in the world. --Gandhi

I attended the debate and after listening to all four I believe this is a two man race, however the race is between Dalton and Smathers. I liked Dan Besse but it appears he is too focused on the environment and not the other issues surrounding our State. Although Besse is a formidable candidate, I believe Hampton Dellinger did not do well today. He appeared to be very arrogant and he seemed to believe that he is some sort of NC's favorite son who has already received the nomination. If this debate is any true indication of the race, it will be down to Smathers and Dalton come May.

Asheville Citizen-Times

No other press reports yet.

"Keep the Faith"

please check it out as a supplement to the Asheville article.