Losing Perdue, other incumbents hasn't depressed Democrats' spirit in Hickory area

Gov. Bev Perdue heads a list of Democratic incumbents who won’t seek re-election this year, but the Democratic Party in North Carolina is upbeat about its prospects, taking the position that the surprising turn of events is not a disaster, but an opportunity.

“We will field candidates all over the state,” said Walton Robinson, communications director for the North Carolina Democratic Party. “We’re feeling good about the election.”

Perdue stunned many North Carolinians when she decided she would not seek a second term. Three Democrats have declared their candidacies in her wake: Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton, former US Rep. Bob Etheridge and NC Rep. Bill Faison. Others considering running are NC Sen. Dan Blue, US Rep. Brad Miller and former state Treasurer Richard Moore.

Several other Democrats have decided not to seek re-election to their respective offices including 11th District US Rep. Heath Shuler, former Speaker of the House Joe Hackney, state Sen. Linda Garrou of Forsyth County and state Reps. Jennifer Weiss of Wake County and Edith Warren of Pitt County.

The Democratic Party isn’t fazed by the situation that would seem to hurt the party’s objective to increase its representation in the General Assembly and Congress and hold on to the governor’s mansion.

“We’re proud of Gov. Perdue and her fight against a Republican legislature that is out of control,” Robinson said. He points to education and health care as two areas where Democrats say the GOP majority has demonstrated irresponsibility.

“They (Republican lawmakers) have an approval rating of 16 percent. The consequences of their actions are catching up to them. In the 2011 elections, Democrats won all across the state,” Robinson said, referring to local and state offices.

“We’re going to work … and build on 2011.” He said the party is disappointed that Perdue isn’t seeking a second term, but the Democrats will choose a candidate with the strength to take on Republican Pat McCrory and retain the governorship.

Robinson also noted that 13 Republicans are not seeking re-election, including long-time US Rep. Sue Myrick of Charlotte. “The Republican spin machine is in overdrive,” he said of the focus on Democrats who are bowing out of politics or changing the direction of public service.

“Republicans have overreached,” he said, and the Democratic Party is primed for a resurgence.

That feeling is manifested on the local level. Cliff Moone, chairman of the 10th Congressional District Democrats, said the goal is to run strong candidates for every office, a goal that is not out of reach.

“My sense is people are ready to step up. Democrats (in North Carolina) are excited about the opportunity to run with President Obama. We are looking forward to a spirited primary season. We are excited about our prospects.”

With some familiar faces no longer in contention for office, one hurdle would appear to be name recognition – an element that historically has been a factor in electability.

Moone said some candidates might have a harder time becoming familiar to the public, but others won’t.

For example, the 10th Congressional District now runs all the way to Buncombe County. Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy, NC Rep. Patsy Keever and Timothy Murphy have announced bids to oppose 10th District incumbent Patrick McHenry. Democrats reason that while McHenry is well-known and strong in the traditional areas of the district and the Democratic challengers are not, the reverse is true in the new western portion, part of which was represented by Shuler before redistricting.

The consensus is that any Democrat will have a hard time with McHenry, but Moone says “Look at the issues. We can serve the people better. We will support whoever is the nominee (in the 10th and elsewhere), and we are excited about our prospects.”

Robinson said, “When the McHenry record comes into focus, it could be a liability,” for the incumbent.

The Republican-dominated General Assembly redrew the congressional and legislative district maps, the first time in more than 100 years a GOP House and Senate majority has had that opportunity. The validity of the maps is in litigation, but Moone and Robinson would not speculate about what could happen if the legal challenge is successful.

“We will deal with what we know,” Robinson said. “Our candidates will run as the districts stand now. We intend to compete and win. Splitting up communities is just wrong,” he said of the GOP redistricting plans, but the party cannot wait on the outcome of the court challenge.

And, the Democratic Party embraces the Obama re-election campaign as a boost for North Carolina and Democratic candidates across the nation. Obama carried North Carolina in 2008 by a slim margin, and Robinson says it’s likely the president will visit the states a number of times this year.

“North Carolina is an important state,” he said, “and it’s an example of how the public-private connection can get things done.” An example, he agreed, is the North Carolina One program that combines state money with local government funds to attract new business investment and re-energize existing industry.

“We have successful (economic) programs” in North Carolina, Robinson said. “The Republicans have thrown us off track – not just in politics, but they’re starting to hurt people with their policies. There is a clear contrast to (Republican and Democratic) priorities.

“We think we have an advantage in that.”

For more info: On the Democratic Party, go to www.ncdp.org.

Filing for the 2012 elections opens Monday.