Saturday, November 24, 2007

Insurance Commissioner Jim Long Visits Richmond County


Jim Long

Insurance Commissioner Jim Long – also known as the dean of the Council of State, or “the oldest rat in the barn” (having been bequeathed that moniker from the late Agriculture Commissioner Jim Graham and the late Secretary of State Thad Eure) – joined a throng of fellow partisans for Richmond County’s 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally. Richmond County Democrats recall that he attended the event last year as well, making him one of a handful of State officials and candidates who have joined the rally both years.

As he does at every rally where he is given – no, takes – the opportunity to speak, Commissioner Long wowed the crowd with why Democrats are needed to win up and down the ballot. He reminded folks how a few people, particularly the out-of-State insurance company CEOs, would love to see him defeated. But he will not give them the satisfaction: In 2008 he is up for a seventh term. In 2004 he led the ticket with more than 58% of the Statewide vote.

Jim Long also took the chance at the rally to have fun at the expense of Assistant Commissioner of Insurance Wayne Goodwin, who was busy snapping photos and floating around the room meeting with the 200+ Democrats. “We are so thankful that Melanie was elected to the House of Representatives to succeed Wayne. Her joining the General Assembly and his joining the Department of Insurance raised the IQ of both places,” he quipped with a smile. Earlier in the evening he joined a hearty crowd of supporters at the historic Hamlet Depot, all who turned out for the re-election announcement of State Representative Melanie Wade Goodwin.

During his service thus far as Insurance Commissioner, Jim Long has saved Tar Heel consumers more than $4 billion on auto insurance premiums alone. When you count homeowners' insurance premiums, his successful attempts to rein in insurance costs equals savings for consumers greater than $5 billion. Commissioner Long does everything in his power for the best interests of the consumer. Topping his list is low, affordable, reasonable insurance premiums. Moreover, he has helped keep a competitive insurance market in North Carolina.

Jim Long deserves reelection to the office of Insurance Commissioner in 2008.

To learn more about the Jim Long campaign and his service, check out www.jimlong.org and www.ncdoi.com

# # #

Note to Reader: This is one in a series of synoptic posts about Statewide candidates who attended the Richmond County 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally in Hamlet on November 8. Given that I serve as chair of the 8th Congressional District Democratic Executive Committee and am prohibited from endorsing in a primary, these posts are not and must not be interpreted as endorsements of any kind other than for Democratic candidates generally. I post these for information only, and encourage friends and supporters (and candidates themselves) who are willing to feel free to post their own comments to this entry.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Now for Something Completely Different ...


Note to Reader: What follows is NOT an endorsement. I will vote and labor furiously for the Democratic nominees – as always – for Governor and President, and every other office.

* * * * *

Now for something completely different ….
By Wayne Goodwin © 20 November 2007


Today I am going to put aside my partisan hat – yes, it is possible, albeit for moments at a time – and ponder, without casting aspersions, about what in the world is going on in the GOP races for Governor and President.

This will be one of those times when I am able to dust off my Poli Sci degree and – as Spinal Tap aficionados would recognize – turn the realpolitik up to an eleven.

In doing so, this is NOT to be confused whatsoever with an endorsement: I am merely musing.

OK, here we go.

First, the North Carolina Governor’s race.

There are three Republican candidates who are definitely going to file in February 2008. They are State Senator Fred Smith, Salisbury attorney Bill Graham, and former Supreme Court justice Bob Orr.

In my opinion, anything could happen in that primary. While both Smith and Graham have ample personal financial resources (along with one having the ubiquitous name “Smith” and the other probably benefiting from a name association with North Carolina’s own world-renowned evangelist Billy Graham), I am here to tell you this: Bob Orr is a great guy. Yes, I know, our politics do not always match – in fact, mostly do NOT match. But in my personal interactions with him over the years and from what I have heard first-hand from good Democratic friends of mine, not to mention attorneys who have seen his mind at work on judicial matters, he is the real deal. He is genuine. Bob Orr is humble, salt-of-the-earth, and down-to-earth. He’s the kind of guy you’d imagine sharing a beer with. Or, at least BBQ wings. On top of that, he is the ONLY one of the three Republican gubernatorial candidates who has run for Statewide office. In fact, he has run Statewide multiple times and won multiple times. And, he’s smart as a whip. Some Republicans voting in the primary might compare him to the 2000 George W. Bush (you recall, the “compassionate conservative” version of him as opposed to the 2001-forward version) and see some similarities. (Except for the smart-as-a-whip part.) And Bush won his Party’s nomination and the White House to boot.

(P.S. Bob, when we saw each other at last week’s dedication of the new Administrative Office of the Court building in Raleigh, you point-blank asked me to include you on my blog – a Democratic blog! I promised. Here you go. Promise kept, as is my rule. … I still think your blog – entitled “More from Orr” - will make voters born in the 60s and 70s think of “Mork from Ork” instead. But I digress.)

Second, the Republican race for President.

Like the Democratic primary race for the White House, the GOP has a fluid situation on its hands with its contenders.

In this instance, you have Guliani who is the alleged frontrunner for the GOP nomination but he is philosophically anathema to much of the activist evangelical, conservative Republican base.

Romney, on the other hand, is making some of the same right-wing religious voters nervous as well, but he and Guliani both have a ton of money. With Romney’s ability to self-fund, nothing is impossible if he needs to flood the airwaves with TV commercials in Iowa and New Hampshire.

Then there is the quartet of Huckabee, Thompson, Paul, and McCain. (Other Republicans are or were also running, but are zippo on all respected meters.)

I believe Huckabee will either come in a strong second place in Iowa or he will barely edge folks – particularly Romney - in the Iowa caucuses in a few weeks. Why? Just a gut feeling. After all, he’s got feet on the ground with volunteers, he’s from a nearby state, he’s a former Governor (which is important in presidential politics), he’s a uber-conservative Baptist minister with a story to tell, and his poll numbers are rising. He has been endorsed by actor Chuck Norris and wrestling legend “Nature Boy” Ric (“to be The Man, you’ve got to Beat The Man”) Flair. And he comes from a place called Hope. (Same Arkansas hometown as President Bill Clinton.)

For Thompson, there are some indications that the bloom is off the rose. His “Law and Order” fame aside, and relative obscurity for his role in exposing Nixon’s Oval Office tapes during the Watergate hearings 34 years ago, it seems that he has not transformed the race the way some had projected. Of course, things could change among the fickle electorate in the early presidential caucus and primary season.

Meanwhile, Ron Paul is the Libertarian Party’s answer to a prayer. That party has fought for years to gain “street cred” in national elections but has time and again had a rough go at it. Paul ran on the Libertarian ticket in 1988, I believe, before returning to Congress as a Republican from Texas. As the Libertarians have wallowed lower and lower in vote totals, lo and behold a little creation called the Internet has allowed them to convalesce around Ron Paul en masse and – shockingly – contribute wads and wads of campaign cash. He is now the Internet fundraising darling. And he is going to spend his money by the bucketload in Iowa and New Hampshire and however long he can until the last penny is spent. And then he will drop out, run for re-election to Congress, and be drafted as either an independent candidate or Libertarian Party candidate for President again. I have to admit, when watching the Republicans debate I am inwardly pleased to see him jostle up things when he advocates for troop withdrawals from Iraq and other positions contrary to every other Republican running. … And is it me or is there a flurry of “Ron Paul for President” signs and bumper stickers around metro North Carolina, quite intriguing when the GOP nomination will be decided well before Tar Heel Republicans have their presidential primary in May 2008? (To prove my point, the morning after I penned the above this story ran: http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/777522.html)

Just like my comment about Bob Orr in the governor’s race above, I do have similar feelings about U.S. Senator John McCain. Once again quite many of my policy positions differ from his. But McCain, unlike every one of the other Republicans running for the White House, is the real deal. He takes tough positions (McCain-Feingold, his immigration position, anti-torture, as three examples) even when he knows it is antithetical to some of his partisans and even when it could and very well will cost him the 2008 presidential nomination. With his 2000 “Straight Talk Express” still a fond memory for the nation as it saw a maverick in action, what really gets me in my gut is this: This man is a true war hero. He survived heinous torture as a prisoner-of-war in Vietnam. For five years! And through it all he never has wavered from his commitment to this country. McCain could have returned an honorably discharged war veteran and located a cushy job somewhere on multiple defense contractor boards and the like. Instead, he chose and has remained committed to public service. (Fortuitously, AP ran a story proving my point: http://www.newsobserver.com/1573/story/777074.html.)

Neither Orr nor McCain may win their respective GOP nominations. But they are good guys.

Meanwhile, back to your regularly-scheduled program already in progress:

DEMOCRATS WILL STILL WIN BOTH the Governor’s race in North Carolina and the White House in 2008.

See, I told you my lapse into impartiality was momentary!


* * * * *

Note to Reader: What appears above regarding the GOP is NOT an endorsement. I will vote and labor furiously for the Democratic nominees – as always – for Governor and President, and every other office.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Eddie Davis, Candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction, Visits Richmond County


Eddie Davis

Eddie Davis, NCAE President and candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction, visited Richmond County on November 8th for the 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally.

Preceding his appearance at the podium and in true educator form, Eddie gave a pop quiz to attendees about Hamlet and Richmond County history. Eddie was especially fond of how Hamlet is the true birthplace of jazz giant John Coltrane. The candidate also spoke about his credentials and his plan for the Department of Public Instruction if elected. In spirited form Eddie rallied the audience of 200+ Democrats by reminding them that Democratic legislators have pushed through legislation that reduced class size, raised teacher pay and added accountability in the classroom, and helped make North Carolina a model for education reform, and how he would work for even greater resources and improvements for Tar Heel schools.

Eddie has taught in both elementary and high schools, and served on the State Board of Education (appointed by then-Governor Jim Hunt) where he focused on school accountability, closing the minority achievement gap, and student discipline.

His slogan is “Standing Tall for Public Education.”

He has chosen to participate in the State’s newly-enacted public financing program for this campaign.

To date, I am not aware of a campaign website or campaign blog for this candidate. This entry will be revised upon notification of an official site.

# # #

Note to Reader: This is one in a series of synoptic posts about Statewide candidates who attended the Richmond County 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally in Hamlet on November 8. Given that I serve as chair of the 8th Congressional District Democratic Executive Committee and am prohibited from endorsing in a primary, these posts are not and must not be interpreted as endorsements of any kind other than for Democratic candidates generally. I post these for information only, and encourage friends and supporters (and candidates themselves) who are willing to feel free to post their own comments to this entry.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Michael Weisel, State Treasurer candidate, visits Richmond County


Michael Weisel

Michael Weisel – an attorney and candidate for State Treasurer - attended Richmond County’s 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally on November 8th in Hamlet.

With apologies to the State Treasurer candidates whose appearance on the evening agenda came after some of the other Statewide officeholders/candidates addressed the crowd (notwithstanding the vast importance for the Office of State Treasurer), Michael engaged the 200+ Democrats in attendance with a description of what the responsibilities are for the post.

He also emphasized his qualifications (VP–Equity, Wells Fargo Bank; VP-Portfolio Manager, Kemper Financial Services; Member, NC State Banking Commission; Member, NC Board of Community Colleges; Trustee, NC Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement Systems; et al.) and his plans for the Office of State Treasurer.

He told Richmond County Democrats that “I believe the job of State Treasurer is more than just managing money; it’s about helping people to manage their own futures. ... As your Treasurer, I’ll work full time protecting your investments and ensure they grow at a healthy rate.”

A 1996 candidate for Treasurer and past chairman of the Wake County Democratic Party, Michael has been endorsed by Dennis Ducker, the former Deputy State Treasurer.

Michael Weisel and any one of the Democratic candidates for Treasurer would make an excellent successor to current Treasurer and 2008 gubernatorial candidate Richard Moore.

To learn more about the Michael Weisel campaign, check out www.weisel2008.org.

# # #

Note to Reader: This is one in a series of synoptic posts about Statewide candidates who attended the Richmond County 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally in Hamlet on November 8. Given that I serve as chair of the 8th Congressional District Democratic Executive Committee and am prohibited from making endorsements in a primary, these posts are not and must not be interpreted as endorsements of any kind other than for Democratic candidates generally. I post these for information only, and encourage friends and supporters (and candidates themselves) who are willing to feel free to post their own comments to this entry.

Janet Cowell, State Treasurer candidate, visits Richmond County


Janet Cowell

Janet Cowell, a State Senator from Wake County and candidate for State Treasurer, attended Richmond County’s 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally on November 8th in Hamlet.

With apologies to the State Treasurer candidates whose appearance on the evening agenda (notwithstanding the vast importance for the Office of State Treasurer) came after some of the other Statewide officeholders/candidates addressed the crowd, Janet got right to the point with the audience of 200+ Democrats:

She emphasized her qualifications (MBA, Wharton School of Business; securities analyst; consultant for Fortune 500 companies; et al.) and her plans for the Office of State Treasurer. Among those plans are: earning consistent returns on the State $75 billion in investments; ensuring an open, transparent, and accountable office; protecting the full funding of the State’s pension system; preserving the State’s AAA bond rating; further improving customer service; and, advocating for the public financing of campaigns for State Treasurer.

Janet also reminded the audience that one of the Treasurer’s roles on the Council of State is to provide advice on the way to make major improvements in the State’s infrastructure – its roads, educational institutions, and hospitals

A past member of the Raleigh City Council, Janet is recognized by observers and insiders in the legislature as a quick study and a highly capable State Senator.

Janet Cowell and any one of the Democratic candidates for Treasurer would make an excellent successor to current Treasurer and 2008 gubernatorial candidate Richard Moore.

To learn more about the Janet Cowell campaign, check out www.cowellfortreasurer.com.

# # #

Note to Reader: This is one in a series of synoptic posts about Statewide candidates who attended the Richmond County 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally in Hamlet on November 8. Given that I serve as chair of the 8th Congressional District Democratic Executive Committee and am prohibited from making endorsements in a primary, these posts are not and must not be interpreted as endorsements of any kind other than for Democratic candidates generally. I post these for information only, and encourage friends and supporters (and candidates themselves) who are willing to feel free to post their own comments to this entry.

Pat Smathers for Lt. Governor campaign visits Richmond County


Pat Smathers

Even though Canton Mayor and Lt. Governor candidate Pat Smathers was unable to visit Richmond County personally last week due to a Buncombe County court case that ran late, we were very honored to have his son and law student Zeb Smathers at the 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally. In fact, Zeb (on behalf of his father) is one of only a couple Statewide campaigns that have attended both dinners.

Zeb very capably stood in for his Dad and got right to the point with the audience of 200+ Democrats. He said that Pat Smathers would ensure that local governments and small towns are better represented in State government if elected as Lt. Governor. Even more poignant was the following point: Pat Smathers is the only candidate for Lt. Governor with military service – a Lt. Colonel in the National Guard. Given that the current Lt. Governor has led the charge in promoting the role of the military in North Carolina’s economy, Mayor Smathers insists that it is more than fitting that North Carolina’s next Lt. Governor has both military experience and local government experience.

Pat Smathers is running for lieutenant governor because he believes “empowering communities to determine their own futures creates a stronger state for all of us. By encouraging "local leadership, statewide," we can build a better North Carolina.” Zeb added this about his father, "North Carolinians deserve a leader who will meet our state’s challenges with openness, optimism and invested innovations. As lieutenant governor, Pat Smathers will honor those hometown values we all share."

I am very impressed with Pat Smathers and, regardless of the 2008 outcome, predict that we will also see Zeb’s name on the ballot one day.

Pat Smathers and any one of the Democratic candidates for Lt. Governor would make an excellent successor to current Lt. Governor and 2008 gubernatorial candidate Bev Perdue.

To learn more about the Pat Smathers campaign, check out www.patsmathers2008.org.

# # #

Note to Reader: This is one in a series of synoptic posts about Statewide candidates who attended the Richmond County 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally in Hamlet on November 8. Given that I serve as chair of the 8th Congressional District Democratic Executive Committee and am prohibited from making endorsements in a primary, these posts are not and must not be interpreted as endorsements of any kind other than for Democratic candidates generally. I post these for information only, and encourage friends and supporters (and candidates themselves) who are willing to feel free to post their own comments to this entry.

Hamp Dellinger, candidate for Lt. Governor, visits Richmond County



Hampton Dellinger

Former special legal counsel to Governor Mike Easley, Lt. Governor candidate Hampton (Hamp) Dellinger of Durham visited Richmond County last week for the 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally.

Richmond County Democrats recall that he also held a meet-and-greet at the Hamlet Public Library immediately beforehand. Hamp’s father served as Solicitor General for President Bill Clinton.

Tossing aside his coat, Hamp cheered on the 200+ Democrats. He rallied the audience by reminding them why we are all Democrats and why he is a candidate for Lt. Governor. “I'm running for Lieutenant Governor because, having worked in the Governor's office, I know firsthand the crises that can confront state leaders. I am prepared to lead this state through any challenge. I also know the daily demands on a Governor's time and the unique opportunity the Lieutenant Governor has to think not just about the next meeting but about the next year, the next decade, the next generation,” he said. “To help make North Carolina ‘Number One’, I need your help in making me North Carolina’s ‘Number Two,’” he added.

Hamp’s campaign is being assisted locally in Richmond County by Gerard Morrison, a Hamlet native and young African-American leader and longtime friend of mine.

He is an energetic candidate whose enthusiasm for public service shines through.

Hampton Dellinger and any one of the Democratic candidates for Lt. Governor would make an excellent successor to current Lt. Governor and 2008 gubernatorial candidate Bev Perdue.

To learn more about the Hampton Dellinger campaign, check out www.hd08.com or www.hdforltgov.com.

# # #

Note to Reader: This is one in a series of synoptic posts about Statewide candidates who attended the Richmond County 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally in Hamlet on November 8. Given that I serve as chair of the 8th Congressional District Democratic Executive Committee and am prohibited from endorsing in a primary, these posts are not and must not be interpreted as endorsements of any kind other than for Democratic candidates generally. I post these for information only, and encourage friends and supporters (and candidates themselves) who are willing to feel free to post their own comments to this entry.

Walter Dalton, candidate for Lt. Governor, visits Richmond County


Walter Dalton

State Senator and Lt. Governor candidate Walter Dalton of Rutherfordton visited Richmond County last week for the 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally. Richmond County Democrats recall that he attended the county convention earlier this year in April. Senator Dalton also serves as co-chair of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee.

As he did at the earlier county convention, at this year’s rally Walter spoke in the spirited form he has adopted for the campaign trail. He rallied the audience of 200+ Democrats by reminding them that he and Democratic legislators pushed through legislation that reduced class size, raised teacher pay and added accountability in the classroom, and helped make North Carolina a model for education reform. Of great interest to Richmond County Democrats, who all have been hit hard by manufacturing job losses, was his efforts to promote tax incentives for areas that have been hardest hit by this economic tsunami.

Walter’s campaign is managed by Morgan Jackson, who many 8th District Democrats recall worked for former Congressman Bill Hefner. State Senator Bill Purcell, former State Senator Richard Conder, and former Lt. Governor Bob Jordan all support Walter’s campaign. Furthermore, both Melanie and I have had the honor and pleasure of serving with Walter in the legislature. He is a hard-working lawmaker who has labored for his district with distinction.

Walter Dalton and any one of the Democratic candidates for Lt. Governor would make an excellent successor to current Lt. Governor and 2008 gubernatorial candidate Bev Perdue.

To learn more about the Walter Dalton campaign, check out www.walterdalton.org.

# # #

Note to Reader: This is one in a series of synoptic posts about Statewide candidates who attended the Richmond County 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally in Hamlet on November 8. Given that I serve as chair of the 8th Congressional District Democratic Executive Committee and am prohibited from endorsing in a primary, these posts are not and must not be interpreted as endorsements of any kind other than for Democratic candidates generally. I post these for information only, and encourage friends and supporters (and candidates themselves) who are willing to feel free to post their own comments to this entry.

Dan Besse, candidate for Lt. Governor, visits Richmond County



Dan Besse

Winston-Salem alderman and Lt. Governor candidate Dan Besse visited Richmond County last week for the 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally. He is one of only a couple Statewide candidates who have attended both dinners. (In fact, he also won a door prize last year!)

As the first speaker at this year’s rally, Dan told the audience of 200+ Democrats that he is not your typical local government pol: He has served as a vocal, active participant on various statewide boards and commissions for land use, clean air and water resources for the last 20 years. He also stated, “I believe that North Carolina needs experienced leadership with demonstrated commitment to the ideals of economic and educational opportunity for all, and stewardship of our clean air and water, our green and productive land, and our people's health.”

Having heard him speak on many occasions over the years – and more so since his entry into the Lt. Governor’s race – Dan has honed his message and delivery. His pronounced commitment to environmental issues and an emphasis on his local government service hit his intended mark with the Richmond County community: The county fought off a low-level radioactive waste facility, a hazardous waste facility, and a mega-landfill over the last 16 years, plus the county’s leaders have time and again voiced concerns to State government that it should not create unfunded mandates on local government, particularly on the less-affluent, less-populous counties. He is a hard-working elected official who has labored for his constituents with distinction. I am also impressed with his diligence and dedicated efforts to work on finding solutions for difficult problems faced by his constituents and the State at-large.

Dan Besse and any one of the Democratic candidates for Lt. Governor would make an excellent successor to current Lt. Governor and 2008 gubernatorial candidate Bev Perdue.

To learn more about the Dan Besse campaign, check out www.danbesse2008.org.

# # #

Note to Reader: This is one in a series of synoptic posts about Statewide candidates who attended the Richmond County 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally in Hamlet on November 8. Given that I serve as chair of the 8th Congressional District Democratic Executive Committee and am prohibited from making endorsements in a primary, these posts are not and must not be interpreted as endorsements of any kind other than for Democratic candidates generally. I post these for information only, and encourage friends and supporters (and candidates themselves) who are willing to feel free to post their own comments to this entry.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Richmond Dems Rock: Annual Dinner Jumpstarts 2008 Elections

Richmond Dems Rock: Annual Dinner Jumpstarts 2008 Elections

By all accounts, Richmond County’s 2nd Annual Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally held on November 8th was a resounding success!

In 2006 the Richmond County Democratic Party hosted its first dinner and rally with this moniker and more than 500 people attended at the Hamlet Fairgrounds. Since this year – 2007 – is not an election year, we did not expect that same size crowd but were very pleased with the approximately 200+ Democrats who packed the patriotic-festooned American Legion Post 49 clubhouse in Hamlet.

And though the evening ran a little long due to the sheer number of candidates who attended, the 200+ attendees enjoyed an infusion of Democratic Party mainstays:

►A focus on education, better jobs, health care, fiscal responsibility, and ethics;
►A love of public service (including for our men and women who serve in the Armed Forces); and,
►Lots of Democratic blue (as opposed to Republican red?) meat and inspirational oratory.

Lighting the fuse for the rally was the re-election announcement and campaign fundraising reception for State Representative Melanie Wade Goodwin. Joining in the early festivities at the historic Hamlet Train Depot were Speaker Joe Hackney; Insurance Commissioner Jim Long; State Representatives Tricia Cotham, Pryor Gibson, Garland Pierce, and Doug Yongue; State Senators Walter Dalton (candidate for Lt. Governor), Bill Purcell and Janet Cowell (candidate for Treasurer); former State Senate Majority Leader Richard Conder; Congressional candidate Larry Kissell; Hampton Dellinger, former chief legal counsel for Gov. Easley and candidate for Lt. Governor; Zeb Smathers, son of Mayor Pat Smathers and candidate for Lt. Governor; Dan Besse, Lt. Governor candidate; Michael Weisel, a candidate for State Treasurer; Eddie Davis, NCAE President and candidate for Superintendent for Public Instruction; NC Democratic Party chairman Jerry Meek; countless other Statewide and regional candidates, local officials and supporters; and, of course, yours truly, the lesser half and immediate predecessor to Melanie in the legislature.

We were also especially pleased with the strong contingency of Cumberland County Democrats who carpooled together and attended both events. (Kudos to Roberta Waddle and Reva McNair for making the arrangements!)

See below a small sampling of photographs snapped throughout the evening.

Very soon I plan to have video of several of the candidates uploaded for your pleasure.

My plan is to highlight in separate blog postings most of the Statewide candidates and special guests who attended and spoke, as well as a summary of what House Speaker Joe Hackney shared with the assembled crowd. Expect to see the initial entries starting this week!

I encourage attendees and – most importantly – visiting candidates to share their feedback via the comments section here on the blog, BlueNC, or any other blog where this subject is cross-posted.

Meanwhile, do enjoy the local newspaper coverage about the event. Here’s the link: http://www.yourdailyjournal.com/articles/2007/11/09/news/news03.txt

# # #









Saturday, November 10, 2007

State Rep. Melanie Wade Goodwin Announces for 3rd House Term

State Representative Melanie Wade Goodwin (D-Richmond) announced on November 8th her plans to seek re-election next year to the North Carolina General Assembly.

Goodwin’s district includes most of Montgomery County and all of Richmond County.

As she seeks a third term, the lawmaker said, “I have worked to improve education, enhance job growth, and promote families while in office. During the last three and a half years we have had many successes for District 66. One of them is removing Medicaid from our county budgets, thus saving millions of dollars a year for local property owners.”

She added, “I pledge that many more successes are in store down the road for Montgomery and Richmond Counties if the voters choose to re-elect me. You will continue receiving my undivided attention and also my commitment to prompt constituent service. I would be both humbled and honored to continue serving our wonderful community.”

Citing one of the secrets of her quick advancement in the legislature, she said, “It’s simple: My constituents drive my agenda, and not special interests.” Goodwin added, “On measures vital to the 66th House District, I’m not afraid to speak out. I never forget that I answer to you.”

Speaker of the House Joe Hackney of Chatham County praised Rep. Goodwin’s decision to run for a third term. “She is an excellent legislator, a legislator who brings remarkable experience to the General Assembly. Melanie is an attorney, mom, wife and career woman. We do not have a lot of youth in the legislature, but Rep. Goodwin has become a key spokesperson for young families and small businesspersons in rural North Carolina."

According to the Richmond County Daily Journal, "Hackney said the House needs members such as Goodwin who are younger and who know how to manage careers and family. ... She does it with style and gets her work done,” Hackney said. ...
“We need people who know what it's like to drop kids off at daycare,” Hackney said and asked Goodwin and husband Wayne, where daughter Madison was at during the reception. She was at ballet lessons. “Think of what she does to balance everything,” Hackney said.

He added, "Rep. Goodwin has also been a key legislator leading the way for campaign reforms and stronger ethics in government.”

(Hackney joins both Melanie and Wayne in the accompanying photo.)

Joining in the early festivities at the historic Hamlet Train Depot were Speaker Joe Hackney; Insurance Commissioner Jim Long; State Representatives Tricia Cotham, Pryor Gibson, Garland Pierce, and Doug Yongue; State Senators Walter Dalton, Bill Purcell and Janet Cowell; former State Senator Richard Conder; Congressional candidate Larry Kissell; Hampton Dellinger, former chief legal counsel for Gov. Easley; NC Democratic Party chairman Jerry Meek; countless other Statewide and regional candidates, local officials and supporters; and, of course, yours truly, the lesser half and immediate predecessor to Melanie in the legislature.

We were also especially pleased with the strong contingency of Cumberland County Democrats who carpooled together and attended both events. (Kudos to Roberta Waddle and Reva McNair for making the arrangements!)

Out of respect and dedicated support for her, Rep. Goodwin received a standing ovation before she even spoke at that evening's subsequent Morrison-Deane-Goodman Democratic Dinner & Rally. As shown by the accompanying photo, it both moved and surprised her.


Representative Goodwin is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Campbell University School of Law. She is married to Wayne Goodwin, former lawmaker for this area and the Assistant Insurance Commissioner. They have one daughter, Madison. The Goodwin family resides in Rockingham, where they are members of the First United Methodist Church.

# # #

For local press coverage of the reception, go to www.yourdailyjournal.com/articles/2007/11/11/news/news07.txt

(See below for miscellaneous photos from the reception.)

# # #


Insurance Commissioner Jim Long and State Rep. Tricia Cotham grin for the camera.


Janet Cowell, State Treasurer candidate and State Senator, discusses her campaign with Hamlet Mayor-elect Jeff Smart and Hamlet City Councilman-elect Tony Clewis.


Both of them running statewide in 2008, Lt. Governor candidate Walter Dalton greets Treasurer candidate Michael Weisel.


Rockingham Mayor Gene McLaurin joined Richmond County Clerk of Court Kathy Gainey and Chief District Court Judge Tanya Wallace at the reception.