A Republican Governor for North Carolina?
The Durham Herald-Sun has endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate Pat McCrory, who currently serves as the 13-year mayor of Charlotte.
Some of their reasoning (article here, registration required and full article at McCrory’s campaign site):
McCrory is an anomaly, a Republican in Charlotte who has been getting re-elected for 13 years. To pull that off, and to continue to work with City Council, McCrory has to be able to work across partisan lines, a trait he will need in Raleigh in working with a Democratic-leaning General Assembly. [...snip...]
One of McCrory’s strengths for voters in Durham and the Triangle is his familiarity with urban issues. He knows about the problems cities like Durham face, including crime, poverty and transportation. He understands the needs of local justice systems, which is important for us in Durham. He got a light rail system built in Charlotte, a feat the Triangle has yet to achieve, but will need to address soon. A sympathetic ear in the statehouse would be a plus.
We also like McCrory’s pledge to overhaul DOT. That will be a difficult, but long overdue, job.
The Durham Herald-Sun goes on to say that they hope McCrory will continue to “build on the foundations of these accomplishments” made by Govs. Hunt and Easley, accomplishments such as early childhood education, improvements in teacher pay and accountability and access to higher education.
Personally, I don’t know how anybody can vote for McCrory. Good mayor, yes. Governor? I’m not sure. I’ve always laid my eggs in the Democratic basket. I’ve always thought that Democrats serve the public interest better than Republicans.
It’s come as quite a surprise this year that my Democratic state might very well be leaning toward a Republican pick for governor. Yes, really, it’s a surprise. You know, North Carolina isn’t all red, folks. Since 1901, North Carolina has elected only two Republican governors. If McCrory is elected, he’ll be only the fourth Republican governor since those of the state’s Reconstruction era.
While Obama and Hagan are pulling way ahead in their respective races, Perdue and McCrory remain in a dead heat.
Here’s hoping for the best.
Photo Credit: Justin Ruckman
Matt, 22, is an LGBT journalist, activist and youth advocate currently living and working in Charlotte, N.C., where he serves as the Editor of Q-Notes, the Carolinas' LGBT news source. A native of Winston-Salem, N.C., Matt attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and is still continuing to pursue his bachelors degree. He is the Owner & Editor of InterstateQ.com and has been active in LGBT advocacy work since the age of 14.
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