Raleigh N&O, Greenville Reflector Endorse Goodwin; Candidate to Return to 8th District on Monday

In the waning days before Election 2008 comes to a close, the Goodwin for Insurance Commissioner campaign has received several more key newspaper endorsements.

The Raleigh News & Observer published its endorsement today. The link is here.

Several days ago the Greenville Reflector did the same. Read it here.

A sampling of additional newspapers that have endorsed the Goodwin campaign are here at this link.

The Democratic nominee for Insurance Commissioner returns to his home Congressional District - the Eighth - on Monday for Election Eve. Joining him will likely be several other candidates on the statewide ballot.

Goodwin Endorsements for NC Insurance Commissioner Mounting By the Day

Since receiving the "enthusiastic" endorsement of the Charlotte Observer recently, Insurance Commissioner candidate Wayne Goodwin has additional formal endorsements that have come his way.

The latest endorsements have come from the Greensboro News & Record, The Independent Weekly, the Winston-Salem Chronicle, the North Carolina Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, the Spring Hope Enterprise, Bailey News, Raleigh-Wake County Association, the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, People's Alliance, and the NC Police Benevolent Association.

"I sincerely appreciate the endorsements by community organizations and media leaders. They each studied the backgrounds and proposals of the various candidates, and determined that I'm the only candidate for Insurance Commissioner with relevant experience for this very complex, very important job," said Wayne Goodwin.

Goodwin is the Democratic Party nominee for the office, and presently serves as Assistant Insurance Commissioner. To learn more about his candidacy and the complete list of endorsements from all over North Carolina, go to his website at www.WayneGoodwin.org.

Goodwin Momentum Continues: Maintains Lead in Polls

Public Policy Polling released its most recent Council of State polling results yesterday. You may link to them here at this link.

The bottom line: the Wayne Goodwin for Insurance Commissioner campaign has forward momentum at this key time in the election, presently with a 10 point lead with fewer than 19 days to go until November 4th.

One must remember, though, that a week - let alone 2-1/2 weeks - are a lifetime in politics. "I'm not letting my foot off the gas pedal until the polls close," said Goodwin.

Charlotte Observer Endorses Goodwin for NC Insurance Commissioner!

The Charlotte Observer "enthusiastically" endorsed Wayne Goodwin for NC Insurance Commissioner in yesterday's issue.

Specifically, it said:

Voters in the race for commissioner of insurance have a clear choice. ... [F]ormer state Rep. Wayne Goodwin, a lawyer. He has worked to improve public schools and workplace safety, and to reform the political process. He has performed well as assistant commissioner of insurance under the outgoing incumbent, Jim Long. Goodwin's understanding of the complicated insurance laws, his commitment to adequate regulation of insurance companies and his personal concern for firefighters and first responders overseen by the insurance department make him the better choice. The Observer enthusiastically recommends Wayne Goodwin for insurance commissioner.

The Observer also supported Goodwin during the primary election earlier this year.

In response, Goodwin said "I greatly appreciate the Charlotte Observer's endorsement for the general election. Its support is personally both humbling and inspiring at the same time. Working together with fellow North Carolinians, we will weather this economic storm and champion affordable insurance rates, a competitive insurance market, stable and competent leadership in the Insurance Commissioner's office, and consumer protection."

Fight Voter Fatigue and Promote Voter Education: Watch Video of Dem Council of State Candidates Today

All too often we hear about voters who vote for candidates appearing at the "top of the ticket" and forget to continue choosing from other Statewide candidates below Governor, Lt. Governor and Attorney General.

It is not unusual for at least 10% of voters to drop off, leaving many parts of their ballot unmarked.

While some folks blame voter fatigue, I believe just as many ignore the "down ballot" races because they do not know anything about these offices or the backgrounds - or just the names - of these candidates. (This is quite sad given the vital role the Council of State offices have in our daily lives.)

Living in the video age and as members of the MTV generation, the Democratic candidates for the North Carolina Council of State have prepared a video - for the first time ever - that will help address this problem head on.

The video provides very informative information about these Executive Branch offices up for election in 2008.

Please go to the accompanying YouTube link and watch this short video.

Then share it with everyone you know by email or download it for viewing by voters in your community. I recommend that you show it at community meetings, especially prior to and during the 2008 Early Vote period between October 16 and November 1.

This way you will have done your duty to fight ballot fatigue and promote voter education!

GOP Insurance Commissioner Candidate Upsets NC Firefighters

Eighth Congressional District Democrats and other readers of the Wayne's World blog should find the following post of interest because it impacts the 2008 elections in a major way.

9/1/08

REPUBLICAN INSURANCE COMMISSIONER CANDIDATE ODOM OFFENDS NC FIREFIGHTERS: GOP Faux Pas Helps Democrat Wayne Goodwin

Last week in Winston-Salem the NC State Firemen’s Association held its 121st annual conference in tandem with the 76th annual meeting of the NC State Fire Chiefs Association.

As part of his actual job, Wayne Goodwin presented a Department of Insurance (Office of State Fire Marshal) update. Goodwin’s brief update was strictly to be about department legislation and official OSFM matters, and he was to be introduced only in his current role.

However, leaders of the NC State Firemen’s Association reported that immediately before the Winston-Salem program began they received an intense call from the campaign of John Odom, Republican candidate for Insurance Commissioner. Odom demanded “equal time” as Goodwin. When told that the conference was non-political and that Goodwin was only there as part of his State job (as he had for years), Odom’s campaign refused to back down. The Association granted him a few minutes to speak to the joint conference as a result.

According to firefighters and fire chiefs in attendance, the Odom campaign’s rudeness and unacceptable politicizing of the conference are considered major errors on Odom’s part. From many reports Odom actually cost himself significant votes by forcing himself into the non-political meeting.

Consequently, Odom gave his opponent, Wayne Goodwin, an even bigger boost from firefighters statewide.

“I believe Republican John Odom owes the firefighters and fire chiefs of North Carolina a huge apology,” said Wayne Goodwin. “Our hometown heroes deserve respect, and the Odom campaign’s actions during this conference are unacceptable,” said Goodwin. Goodwin is the Democratic candidate for Insurance Commissioner and currently the Assistant Commissioner of Insurance and Assistant State Fire Marshal.

Goodwin has been individually endorsed for Insurance Commissioner by Paul Miller, Executive Director of the NC State Firemen’s Association; and many firefighters and fire chiefs across North Carolina.

# # #

As folks used to say in Latin, res ipsa loquitur, which means the above "speaks for itself." Eighth Congressional District and all NC voters are encouraged to visit www.WayneGoodwin.org for more information about the Goodwin campaign for Insurance Commissioner.

State Employees Endorse Wayne Goodwin for NC Insurance Commissioner

The Employees Political Action Committee (EMPAC) of the State Employees Association of North Carolina endorsed Wayne Goodwin to be North Carolina's next Insurance Commissioner.

"We're thrilled to support candidates who support the state's working families and the retirees who dedicated their careers to serving North Carolina's citizens," said SEANC President Linda Rouse Sutton.

Goodwin was excited by the endorsement.

"As a fellow State employee, I am honored and humbled to have the strong support of our State Employees Association of North Carolina," said Wayne Goodwin.

"I have spent my life championing the cause of working families and protecting consumers. My lifetime of working on issues that matter to our state employees - and my work already as Assistant Insurance Commissioner - make me the best and only qualified choice for Insurance Commissioner," he said. "SEANC's endorsement is greatly appreciated. I will never let down our State employees."

SEANC has more than 55,000 members.

Remember to Vote on Tuesday: Labor Commissioner Run-off

On Tuesday, you will have your chance to greatly affect the state Democratic Party's ticket.

Why and how?

Simply, with the run-off election for NC Labor Commissioner on Tuesday, June 24th, and the infinitesmally small turnout we are destined to have, ONE VOTE - your vote - will have much greater weight than it ever would have had before for this office.

In what I personally estimate may be a statewide turnout of only 0.5% (maybe 1% max), Democrats will have their choice between two highly capable and interesting candidates:

John Brooks
Mary Fant Donnan

I encourage you to use the above link to their websites to learn more about them and ... most importantly of all ... remember to go vote on Tuesday, if you haven't already taken advantage of the early vote period.

With such a small voter turnout, a small blip in extra voters here and there in any county will have a tidal wave effect in the ultimate outcome. That is why those few areas where other run-off elections are occurring have become "Ground Zero" for the Labor Commissioner race. Among those areas are Sen. John Kerr's Senate district, Durham County, northeastern NC, Stanly County, Montgomery County, and Yancey County.

Regardless of how little or great the turnout is, on Tuesday night we will know which of our candidates is OUR Democratic nominee. (I also predict that we'll know the Statewide winner within 30 minutes of polls closing.)

And we will know which of our candidates will duly lead the charge in 2008 toward re-claiming the Labor Commissioner post for the working people, the small businesses, and the forward-thinking citizens of our great State.

State Dems Gather in New Bern: Eighth District's Prominent Role

As North Carolina's Democrats gather in New Bern today for the 2008 convention, it is worth noting the prominent role that the Eighth Congressional District and its delegates will have.

First of all, everyone will cheer on the Everyman of Democratic candidates for Congress: Larry Kissell of Biscoe. He is ahead in the polls, he has a stellar team, and he's got "the Big Mo" that winning grassroots campaigns must have. Expect the 1,000+ Dems in New Bern to chant his name with the hopes, intensity and fervor for every voter back west in the 8th to hear it and vote accordingly!

Second, we have a significant number of African-American Democrats, young Democrats, and disaffected rural Democrats in the Eighth District who are feeling an excitement comparable to none before: They see the incredible organizational skills of Senator Barack Obama's team touching communities that have heretofor never seen a presidential race. I still can't believe that even in my hometown of Hamlet - of all places - there was an Obama field office! A strong turnount of Dems in the Eighth will lift the fortunes of EVERY Democrat on the ballot (including yours truly), so a super-jazzed, uber-exhilarated Eighth is the key to victory, in my opinion.

Third, the Eighth is home to a fantastic array of candidates and officials who are carrying the banner high for the party and for the best interests of our region. Besides the previously mentioned Kissell, we have:

State Rep. Melanie Wade Goodwin (first on my list for many reasons!)
State Rep. Tricia Cotham (whose fiance, Jerry Meek, is NCDP Chairman and a future 8th District resident)
State Sen. Dan Clodfelter
State Rep. Garland Pierce
State Rep. Pryor Gibson
State Rep. Doug Yongue
State Sen. Bill Purcell
State Rep. Rick Glazier
NCDP First Vice Chairwoman Dannie Montgomery
Monroe Mayor Pro Tem Phil E. Bazemore
Walter Rogers of the 8th District Black Caucus
Anthony Copeland, also of the Black Caucus
Hoke County Sheriff Hubert Peterkin
Cumberland County Sheriff Moose Butler
Richmond County Sheriff Dale Furr
Anson County Sheriff Tommy Allen
Stanly County Commissioner Sherrill Smith
Judge Tanya Wallace
Judge Kevin Bridges
Judge Tripp Helms
Almeta Armstrong, Montgomery County School Board
the many active Democrats from the 8th who are going to Denver as national delegates;
and,
Wayne Goodwin, Democratic Party nominee for NC Insurance Commissioner

... and the list could go on, and on, and on!

So as Democrats gather to rally for this weekend's State Convention, and with all the firepower that we have in our Congressional district, do expect the 8th to be upfront and outfront in leading the charge for victory in November!

Wayne Goodwin's Insurance Commissioner Campaign Receives Contributions from Alamance to Yancey: Certified as Publicly-Financed Candidate

Goodwin Leads Republican in Recent Statewide Poll

In the pilot public financing program for Council of State offices, the State Board of Elections has certified that Wayne Goodwin has met the qualifications for public financing as the Democratic Party's nominee.

With only eight weeks to accomplish the feat, the Goodwin campaign secured small-dollar, qualifying contributions of $10 to $200 from approximately 1,200 registered voters from Alamance to Yancey Counties. He also refused both contributions from out-of-state and PAC contributions.

Goodwin blew the minimum threshold in contributors and money raised "out of the water." The 2007 Voter-Owned Elections program required only 750 registered voters. Goodwin is estimated to have raised approximately three times the amount of the minimum monetary threshold.

"I am also pleased to report that a significant number of Republican and Unaffiliated voters also contributed to my campaign, in addition to the majority of Democrats. In their comments these voters all across the political spectrum stated loud and clear that North Carolina's next Insurance Commissioner must have the competence and the experience to serve in the office," said Goodwin.

Dick Barnes, campaign manager for the Goodwin campaign and a former State Senator, had this to say: "This strong show of support is further proof that Wayne Goodwin, already leading in the polls, is in the best position to win in November and to serve the best interests of every consumer and every small business in North Carolina."

He also asserted that when it comes to who is most competent and experienced to serve as Insurance Commissioner, Democratic Party nominee Wayne Goodwin beats the Republican nominee "hands down."

"Only Wayne Goodwin has a proven record of fighting to keep insurance rates low, reasonable, and fair," says Barnes. "Goodwin is also the only candidate who will continue the progress of legendary Insurance Commissioner Jim Long, who saved $4.3 Billion for consumers. Jim Long, by the way, has strongly endorsed Goodwin from Day One."

Goodwin was the first Insurance Commissioner candidate to refuse money from special interests. He will spend the rest of the 2008 campaign only meeting with and listening to North Carolina voters, and not fundraising.

# # #

Moses Wasn't the Only One to Spend Forty Years in the Desert: The Historic Passion of Today's Voters

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.

Yes, the vast majority of the fervor has been due to the historic candidacies of Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

Yes, that energy is also due in great part to the almost universal animus toward the presidency of George W. Bush and his failed policies from stem to stern.

But the group of politically passionate persons also includes a personally surprising legion of folks committed to the campaign of Republican Ron Paul for President.

On that latter point: Even though there is a greater chance of Donald Trump getting a crew cut than Ron Paul being elected President, I witnessed a rather remarkable showing of support for the Republican Congressman and former Libertarian Party standard-bearer from the 1980s. Traveling the State I saw Ron Paul signs pop up like dandelions across the yards and highway medians of North Carolina. I personally witnessed previously-nonpolitical folks holding placards as persons visited their post offices and grocery stores. I saw Paul signs show up in the darndest places, almost as if campaign elves had dropped the signs and literature in the most obscure places. We all saw at one time or another the banners or graffiti which magically appeared on overpasses and bridges, extolling the Paul candidacy. And who could forget the creative use of the signs about a “Ron Paul Revolution” but which had the “evol” part appearing backwards so the operative word for passersby was “LOVE”?

Regardless, Ron Paul will not now nor will he ever be President of the United States.
Yet he somehow spawned a host of fans. And they were everywhere. (And apparently still are, by virtue of the renewed presence of his supporters’ work across North Carolina months after Paul had any statistical chance of winning even one GOP delegate in the State.)

Barack Obama, on the other hand, has regularly attracted amazing crowds of 25,000 to 70,000 people to campaign rallies and events. When one realizes that he magnetically attracts more people at one place than many major league baseball parks have in any given ballgame, it goes to show that there is something special going on.
When one also analyzes the numbers objectively – the massive increase in voter registration and voter turnout, especially among Democrats and Unaffiiateds who support the Democratic Party’s focus on “change” – it is clear that something special is going on.

With 1968 as a backdrop, it is truly exciting to be part of this historic moment – to be part of that “something special” that is going on.

Perhaps we Americans can now look forward to reaching the political Promised Land of our forefathers, one where a vibrant body politick exercises by word, deed, and ballot what “The People” want and need in our government … choosing the “better angels of our nature” to guide us, and not prejudices and nearsightedness.

Let’s hope that voters make the right choices in November so we won’t find ourselves in the political desert again in my lifetime. Forty years is a long time between political movements.

Goodwin Criss-Crosses State After Winning Insurance Commissioner Nomination

Not quite four weeks have passed since Wayne Goodwin captured the Democratic Party’s nomination for Insurance Commissioner.

Bolstered by his strong showing at the polls, Goodwin has visited and met with voters in more than 20 counties just since May 6 alone. These visits are in addition to those in 80 counties before his primary victory.

During his trek around North Carolina over the time period, one of his stops was with Democratic leaders in Beaufort County.

Another was in Cherokee County, making this his second stop in Murphy during his campaign.

“You often hear statewide candidates say they’re campaigning from Manteo to Murphy. Well, I’m here to tell you that my campaign is not just saying that; for me, it is a fact,” said Goodwin. “I am taking this election for Insurance Commissioner to every corner of the State – and back again - because they need to know how important this election for Insurance Commissioner is and how my qualifications are light-years ahead of my general election opponent.”

Statewide polling after the May 2008 primary election shows Goodwin well ahead of his general election opponent in a head-to-head matchup.

“Our next Insurance Commissioner must be someone with a proven record of fighting to keep insurance rates low, reasonable and fair, and of ensuring a competitive insurance market so consumers have a choice among financially solvent insurance companies in North Carolina,” said Goodwin. “It is crystal clear as I criss-cross this State that voters want – demand – an Insurance Commissioner with the competence and experience necessary to serve in this office.”

Goodwin will continue his campaign in both eastern and western North Carolina in the months ahead.

Eighth District Convention Rocks, Rolls Onward to Fall Victory

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.

What heralded this convention – which historically is exciting and well-attended anyway – was the extra-palpable infusion of energy and zest: Delegates from ten counties applauded every word emanating from local and statewide candidates, underscoring their enthusiasm for what should be – by every measure – a victorious year for Democrats.

To get things started, District First Vice Chair June Mabry welcomed everyone. We also received words of encouragement from the Mayor of Concord, Scott Padgett.

I extend my particular appreciation to June Mabry heading into this convention because she helped lead the executive committee in my absence. As folks may recall, at the time I was thrust into the race for NC Insurance Commissioner on February 29th I was serving as Chairman of the 8th District. In keeping with the Plan of Organization, I temporarily stepped aside from the chairmanship during the pendency of the primary challenge I had. By action of the convention on May 17, the district voted to allow my resumption of and completion of my term as chairman.

Meanwhile, most certainly due a tremendous round of applause are the district hosts: the Cabarrus County Democratic Party. County chair Wendy Wood, Dr. Grace Liem, and their many colleagues helped turn Troutman’s BBQ Restaurant into a terrific convention hall. (The convention continues my theory that any successful political event in North Carolina merely needs a tincture of BBQ, chicken, hushpuppies, banana pudding and sweet tea to be successful.)

We also received inspiring words from a number of candidates. Among them were: State Sen. Kay Hagan, Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate against Liddy Dole; Agriculture Commissioner candidate Ronnie Ansley; Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand; District Court Judge Kristin Ruth and Utilities Commissioner Jimmy Ervin, candidates for NC Court of Appeals; and the Eighth District’s next U.S. Congressman, Larry Kissell.


As the Democratic Party’s nominee for NC Insurance Commissioner I also offered some insights. Everyone agreed that North Carolinians cannot afford a Republican Insurance Commissioner, particularly when that Republican candidate is someone who has pledged to change Jim Long’s Department of Insurance and its focus on consumer protection. Receiving the most applause from my remarks was acknowledgement of my wife, State Representative Melanie Wade Goodwin, and our newborn son, Jackson.

State Representatives Doug Yongue, Pryor Gibson, and Rick Glazier joined Sen. William Purcell in attendance as well.

I also commend the dedication, sincerity, enthusiasm, and politeness of all the folks seeking to become delegates for both the Obama and Clinton camps. In all my years as a Democratic activist never have I seen such explosion of interest for a presidential race. This all bodes very well for us in November, not to mention the tidal wave of newly-registered voters in all categories, most particularly in the under-30 age bracket. (Also of note: When asked to self-identify at the district convention, approximately 5-10% of those district delegates in attendance were completely NEW to the political process!)

After concluding the other business of the district, Democrats spent the next two hours winnowing the large array of national convention delegate candidates down to our selections. Kudos to Rand, Rep. Rick Glazier, Wendy Wood, and June Mabry for helping the crowd of 300 folks navigate through the maze of delegate selection rules.

With the plan of re-uniting for the State Convention on June 21 in New Bern and with the intent of rotating around the district in the years to come, the assembled Democrats wisely decided to hold its 2009 district gathering in Cumberland County.

All in all, the Eighth Congressional District Convention held steadfast to its theme for 2008: Teamwork to Make the Dream Work.

Thank you to everyone on the Goodwin Team in my campaign for NC Insurance Commissioner!

Mere words cannot fully express my deep felt appreciation for your vital efforts in my Insurance Commissioner campaign!

In a very short period of time we were able to stress how the 2008 Democratic Primary was a stark choice between polar opposite candidates. I am:

- the candidate who will work day in and day out to maintain the legacy of Jim Long ... always striving to protect the consumer while ensuring a competitive insurance market that allows insurance companies a reasonable profit.

- the candidate with proven experience leading within the Department of Insurance and with extensive experience as a State-level elected official.

- the candidate who understands that the Insurance Commissioner and the Department have a special relationship with the State's 44,000 fire and rescue personnel.

And,

- the candidate who has clean hands, truly independent and free from the insurance industry and other special interests.

And with your personal role in my campaign, we were able to get out that message above and win 56% of the Statewide vote!

By all accounts, we surprised folks with the depth, breadth, and diversity of not only the endorsements of this campaign but, more importantly, of our campaign team. This campaign team was very blessed to have many, many persons chipping in to post signs, speak as surrogates, deliver materials, coordinate multiple mailings, and successfully conduct a multitude of in-person meetings with key leaders in the State.

With your help I was also able to surpass the mandatory minimum thresholds for public financing – both by comfortable buffers or margins. Given the short period of time between when I learned of my candidacy and the May 6th election, I was joyfully amazed with the sheer volume of work so many of you did to interest folks in making "qualifying" contributions pursuant the pilot public financing program. It was no easy task, but with every one doing their part this campaign was the first to meet the thresholds.

I could go on further, but do know this: Working together, we will duplicate our success in the November election and prove to the State that our best years are still yet to come.

Again, thank you for everything you did to make our team's victory happen!

- Wayne

P.S. I would have posted very late on Election Night or even yesterday, but my obligation to take care of my 5-day-old newborn son, Jackson Wade Goodwin, and my wife, Melanie, took highest priority. I'm sure you understand! Attached to this message are two photos of North Carolina's newest Democrat (and one not-so-new Democrat)! ... I hope that everyone who checked in here at "Wayne's World" - a massive, record number for hits to this site, by the way - will have the opportunity to check back in for this post of appreciation.

Wayne Goodwin Lead Grows in State Poll for Insurance Commissioner

My campaign for NC Insurance Commissioner was very pleased with this week's poll from Public Policy Polling (PPP).

Specifically, the poll results indicate that my campaign has its largest lead yet over my Democratic primary challenger. Presently I serve as the Assistant Commissioner of Insurance and a former legislator; the challenger is the president-elect of the NC Association of Health Insurance Underwriters.

Even more important are the following:

My campaign apparently led in every cross-tab category but one, and in that one I trailed very marginally.

And, among early voters, I had a commanding lead of approximately 20 percentage points. According to PPP, this indicates that when voters have a chance to examine the backgrounds of the Insurance Commissioner candidates that they choose my candidacy.

Notwithstanding these numbers, my campaign team is still very, very busy as the final hours tick down towards the primary election.

Please share with your colleagues, friends and family the urgent message that their vote for Insurance Commissioner will determine whether the consumer protection legacy of Insurance Commissioner Jim Long continues ... or whether it dies on the vine.

Let's keep consumer protection a number one priority for the Department of Insurance.

Vote Wayne Goodwin for NC Insurance Commissioner!

www.waynegoodwin.org

8th District's Rep. Melanie Goodwin, Sen. Purcell Make Significant Gain in Effectiveness

Entitled "Local Leader Climbs in Poll", the April 10th issue of the Richmond County Daily Journal says, in part:

Rep. Melanie Wade Goodwin (D-Hamlet) made the biggest leap in effectiveness out of all of the members of the North Carolina House of Representatives, based on a poll released this month.

The North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research Inc. showed Goodwin vaulted from 73rd in 2005 to 31st this year — a difference of 42 places. The only lawmaker to come close was Rep. Grier Martin (D-Wake) who went up 38 spots. He was ranked 68th in 2005 and is now ranked 30th.

Goodwin is serving her second term in the house. She is a member of the appropriations committee and chairman of the election law and vice chairman of the Judiciary I committee. She also serves as a member of six other committees.

“It’s an honor,” Goodwin said of the ranking. “I can say with every passing day I learn something new as a lawmaker. I’m learning how to get things done for my constituents and for general citizens. A lot of what I’ve learned is that getting legislation passed is all about the personal relationships you have with your colleagues. I’ve worked very hard to establish relationships not just in my party, but with members across the aisle so we can pass good laws for our citizens.”

It’s been a challenge for me, but I feel like it was the right time and I’ve enjoyed it tremendously,” Goodwin said.

To read the full article, then go to the following link:

http://www.yourdailyjournal.com/articles/2008/04/10/news/news03.txt

It mentions Sen. Purcell and Rep. Goodwin, as well as Rep. Grier Martin, Speaker Joe Hackney, and others.

We are very proud of two of the Eighth District's best state legislators!

And, of course, I am most proud of Melanie. She has not only served 2 terms in the legislature (and is ready for her 3rd), but has done it with amazing grace, competence, hard work, and style. Plus, our 2nd child is expected to be born in 3 weeks ... and she is s-o-o-o much a better legislator (and better looking) than her predecessor. :) Congratulations!

Want a Sneak Preview of Wayne Goodwin's Campaign Ad for Insurance Commissioner?

Then all you have to do is visit my website, www.waynegoodwin.org and click on the link that says "Watch Wayne's New TV Ad!"

Afterward, let me know what you think about it.

And while you're there on the campaign website, be sure to read why I believe I'm your best choice for Insurance Commissioner of North Carolina in 2008 ... as well as how broad and deep my support is around the State.

My endorsements include Insurance Commissioner Jim Long, the NC Association of Educators (NCAE), NC State AFL-CIO, the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Durham mayor Bill Bell, leaders of the NC State Firemen's Association and NC Rescue and EMS Association, Hoke County Firefighters, the Richmond County Daily Journal, NC Academy of Trial Lawyers, and countless legislators, local officials, firefighters, first responders, small business owners, etc. ... And then there are the 500+ individuals who have already donated small-dollar qualifying contributions of $10 or more as part of my decision to be a publicly-financed candidate! (I need just a handful more to cross the statutory threshold, so fans of “Wayne’s World”: I need your help ...)

If you're interested in how you can further help me become our next Insurance Commissioner of North Carolina, then please email me directly at gwaynegoodwin@gmail.com.

Meanwhile, your contribution of only between $10 and $200 does two essential things: It will help ensure that my TV ad runs as much as possible on TV across the State and that I qualify for public funding for the General Election. If you'd like to help me with this specific task, then send your personal check or money order to The Goodwin Committee, P.O. Box 1654, Hamlet NC 28345 TODAY. Put "TV ad" on the memo section of your check.

And above all else, remember that I ask for your vote and for your support in the 2008 Democratic primary election. I'm counting on a strong 8th District turnout to win!

Thank you!

- Wayne

Wayne's World Returns!

Yes, Wayne's World has been on a short hiatus as the rigors of campaigning across the State have taken their toll on all available time. (By the way, did you know that there is a small stretch of North Carolina actually west of Murphy, North Carolina? Yes, it's true. And I've campaigned there, right up and on the NC-TN line. Stay tuned for a later blog post with feature photo of me pointing to a sign that reads "Manteo: 563 miles".)

Over the last several weeks, in and around the 8th Congressional District there have been visits by former President Bill Clinton (at least 3 times by my count) and Sen. Barack Obama.

We've also seen a deluge of visits by more and more of the statewide campaigns, doing their best to grasp for the remaining air not sucked out by the presidential candidates.

Meanwhile, today I received an updated spreadsheet detailing the new voter registrations all across North Carolina. The 8th District is looking really good, in my opinion (though I wish Union County's Rs were not as prevalent).

And, coming up just 2 weeks from today are the Democratic county conventions in all 100 Tar Heel counties.

With early voting slated to commence April 17, I believe it's more than fair to say the downpour of candidates from federal to local offices in the 8th Congressional District this month will bring to a quick halt what had been a drought - at least of the political variety!

NC State AFL-CIO Unanimously Endorses Wayne Goodwin in Democratic Party primary for Insurance Commissioner

After considering detailed answers to questions and topics posed by its members, and then inviting him in for a personal interview before approximately 50 representatives from all across the Tar Heel state, the Committee on Political Education (COPE) of the NC State AFL-CIO unanimously endorsed Wayne Goodwin on Thursday in the Democratic primary for Insurance Commissioner.

When the membership examined the policy positions and individual backgrounds of the three candidates for Insurance Commissioner, they unanimously determined that only Wayne Goodwin would be an Insurance Commissioner who would fight for working families and consumers.

"The fact that I received the unanimous endorsement without any hesitation by the members is not only incredibly humbling, but it shows that there is a stark contrast between the two Democratic candidates for Insurance Commissioner. I am the candidate who will be most effective in the fight to keep insurance rates reasonably low and fair," said Goodwin. "Consumers, families and small businesses need an Insurance Commissioner who will insist on fairness and a stable insurance market."

Richmond County Newspaper Endorses Wayne Goodwin for NC Insurance Commissioner

The following ran as the sole editorial in my hometown newspaper on March 6th:


Favorite son insures stability
By The Richmond County Daily Journal Editorial Board

"Back in April of 2004 we presented an editorial about a native son, Wayne Goodwin.

Goodwin had filed to run for labor commissioner of North Carolina. Part of what we wrote back then was this:

“No one from Hamlet has ever been elected to a statewide office.

The last person elected from the county, living in the county at the time, to a statewide office was in the 1920s.

We are really proud of Richmond County's son and the strides he has taken to advocate for the better of Richmond County in the Legislature.

He was instrumental in helping to get rid of the gutted Imperial Foods plant building that was a painful reminder to the victims and their families of that tragic fire in September 1991.

He is a hard worker, who came from humble beginnings but has worked his way through the ranks.

Richmond County should be proud to have someone with the courage and ambition to go after a seat at the table of 10 - the Council of State.

Goodwin has a tough and tiring road ahead in campaigning across the state. We hope he feels a force of encouragement from his hometown pushing him forward.”

Fast forward to March of 2008.

Now Goodwin has thrown his hat in the state-wide ring again. He announced last week that he is running for Insurance Commissioner.

He is trying to replace his boss, Jim Long, a Democrat, who was first elected commissioner in 1984, and as such also serves as the state fire marshal and oversees numerous other industries and activities in the state, including bail bondsmen, auto clubs, the state building code and injury prevention programs.

Long, in his endorsement of Goodwin as his successor to the elected position said, "He is a great advocate and is doing a great job for the state."

Two other candidates for insurance commissioner filed last week. Democrat David Smith is a Durham attorney and president-elect of the North Carolina Association of Health Underwriters. Republican John Odom is a former Raleigh city councilman who owns three muffler repair shops.

"I felt it was time to pass the torch to a new generation of leadership for the department," Long said in an e-mail to his employees. "It has been my honor to work side by side with you in service to the people of North Carolina."

We agree with Commissioner Long. Wayne Goodwin is the best choice to continue the leadership needed in this important North Carolina post.

His compassionate nature and commitment to service make Wayne Goodwin the best choice in this race.

The Richmond County Daily Journal wholeheartedly endorses Goodwin as the next insurance commissioner of North Carolina."

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The Journal also ran a full article immediately after Goodwin filed for Insurance Commissioner.