Rep. Rick Glazier to Seek Re-election and Not Congress

According to the Fayetteville Observer and our good friends over at the "Under the Dome" blog today, State Representative Rick Glazier of Cumberland County has formally stated his decision to forego a bid for Congress in the 8th District.

This apparently leaves only two Democrats in the 2008 race for Congress: Larry Kissell - the 2004 Democratic nominee who lost to Republican Robin Hayes by a scant 320 votes - and John Autry.

From what I have heard from many folks throughout the district (including both persons who know Rick and those who do not), his decision was welcomed.

Rep. Glazier is an excellent legislator, and has been a work-horse (not a show horse, as some lawmakers are, God bless 'em) dedicated to progressive policies in the NC General Assembly. Rick is probably one of the most ardent voices for public education in the State. He has also been an advocate for improvements in our courts and in their pursuit of justice. Rick's decision to seek re-election will help him further the depth of his service on this and other issues. It will also help keep a Democratic majority in the House.

What would an 8th District Democratic Congressman's Top Ten list be?

Several weeks ago there was a mini-burst of activity on this site by supporters of two candidates for Congress in North Carolina's Eighth Congressional District. I say "two" candidates because about a week ago I received a letter from John Autry's campaign specifically identifying his manager, website, and opening of a committee with the Federal Elections Commission. (Thank you for mailing that to me, by the way.) Autry lives in Charlotte and ran in the 2006 Democratic primary. Larry Kissell, a Biscoe educator, has been a 2008 candidate since the end of his extremely close 2006 race in the general election. And there may be others who haven't officially made their decisions about Congress yet. One person who may fit into that category is State Representative Rick Glazier of Fayetteville, whose name occasionally pops up in news coverage or other blogs on the subject.

OK, here is my first set of questions I pose to candidate (Kissell and Autry) and potential candidate (Glazier? Others?), and their respective supporters alike:

What would a Democratic Congressman in the 8th Congressional District do?

With apologies to David Letterman, what would your Top Ten List be for the Eighth Congressional District?

In other words, what would your action items be?

I welcome your comments and proposals.

Open Thread for Eighth District News

This is an opportunity for Democrats to tell everyone what's on their mind or what's happening in their neck of the 8th District woods ...

Eighth District Dems Preparing for 2007 Convention

The district officers have been working feverishly to prepare for the 400+ delegates elected to this year's 8th District Democratic Convention.

Each delegate from across the district's 10 counties will have received several reminders before the May 19th gathering in Wadesboro at the campus of South Piedmont Community College.

And for the first time in many years, each delegate will have a information-packed program book for use during and after the convention. My personal thanks go out to June Mabry of Stanly County for having borne the greatest burdens in preparing it and having it printed in time for the event. The District Committee must also express its thanks to all the Democrats who purchased ads, thus making the program book possible.

We are very pleased as well that our Anson County friends agreed to host the overall event. Providing lunch for each attendee will be State Senator Bill Purcell and Rep. Pryor Gibson.

In addition to hearing remarks from those excellent legislators, we will also hear from State Rep. Tricia Ann Cotham (youngest and newest lawmaker in Raleigh), NC Court of Appeals Judge Linda Stephens, and Larry Kissell. Other guests will be recognized on Saturday. They all will help us celebrate our convention theme, "The Year of the Woman."

For now, do plan to attend ... Registration starts at 9 a.m. and the convention gavel comes down at 10 a.m. Come join us as we start the process of making North Carolina a Blue State in 2008!