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

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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Richmond County Dems Update Morrison-Deane-Goodman Dinner & Rally plans

Richmond County Democratic Party’s
MORRISON-DEANE-GOODMAN DINNER AND RALLY,
Nov. 8th in Hamlet:
Hackney, Goodwin, Kissell and Statewide Candidates to Speak



Note: Changed Date, Location, Additional Keynote since April 2007 posting

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.

Instead of the Hamlet Fairgrounds, the dinner and rally will be at American Legion Post 49. The post is on Veterans Drive, just down from Hamlet City Lake and Business U.S. Highway 74 in Hamlet.

The anticipated charge is only $10 per person for dinner. Candidates and others may purchase ads in the program book. Ad costs will span between $25 and $500. Doors will open at 6 pm.

Another terrific change is confirmation of who will deliver formal remarks: Representative Joe Hackney, the esteemed Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives.

Hackney has served in the General Assembly since 1980, and was recently installed as President of the National Conference of State Legislatures. He represents Chatham, Moore, and Orange counties in Raleigh.

Speaker Hackney will arrive after attending a fundraiser reception that same date for State Representative Melanie Wade Goodwin at the Hamlet Train Depot on Main Street, Hamlet. That reception begins at 5 pm. (More information on the Goodwin reception will appear later in a separate posting.)

In addition to remarks from Speaker Hackney, others will have the microphone. The 2006 Democratic nominee for Congress, Larry Kissell of Montgomery County, and state party chairman Jerry Meek will address the assembled crowd. As at all political events, the Richmond County Democratic Party will allow other Democratic candidates for Statewide, Congressional, regional and local offices the chance to greet the crowd.

The event is held in honor and memory of three great Democrats who hailed from Richmond County: Cameron Morrison, former Governor and U.S. Senator; C.B. Deane, former Congressman and early advocate for civil rights reforms in the 1950s; and, R.W. Goodman, longest-serving elected Sheriff in North Carolina at 44 consecutive years and political patron for more than six decades.

Please mark your calendar and make plans to attend!

We particularly ask Statewide and regional candidates to put this as a must-attend event in ink on their schedules. Not only will you have the rare opportunity to meet a multitude of Democratic voters from Richmond and surrounding counties, this may be one of the few times before the May 2008 primary for you to get your message directly and in-person to a solidly Democratic corner of the Eighth Congressional District.

For more information, contact the following:

Svea Strong
Chairman, Richmond County Democratic Party
910-997-5866
Letmeread@carolina.rr.com

Robbyn Sumpter
Treasurer, Richmond County Democratic Party
Secretary, Senior Democrats of North Carolina
910-582-2950
sumpter@etinternet.net

Regarding sponsorships, ads:
Wayne Goodwin
Chairman, Eighth Congressional District Democratic Party
910-997-1301
gwaynegoodwin@gmail.com