Democrats:

Lt. Governor Bev. Perdue

North Carolina has never elected a female Governor in the State's history. Bev. Perdue offers the best chance of that happening. Her campaign has yet to get into gear. Her official biography on the Lt. Gov's website is as follows:

Quote :

" Positioning Spacer home ? office of lt. governor Biography Header Lt. Governor Beverly Eaves Perdue has a record of being one of the most active and accomplished Lt. Governor's in North Carolina history. Throughout Perdue's tenure as an elected official she has demonstrated tremendous leadership and fiscal responsibility in writing state budgets, managing state government and being a tireless advocate for quality jobs, public schools, and health care. Prior to her election as Lt. Governor, Perdue served in the North Carolina House of Representatives for two terms and the North Carolina Senate for five terms. During Perdue's last six years in the Senate, she served as one of the state's chief budget writers-the first woman to hold this position. Under her leadership, the General Assembly made teacher pay a priority along with Governor Hunt's Excellent Schools Act and Smart Start. She was a key leader in the fight for clean water and clean air and was the legislator who led the debate that created the Clean Water Management Trust Fund. Throughout her tenure in office, Lt. Governor Perdue has supported investments to the thriving biotechnology sector in North Carolina-now the #3 ranked biotech state in America with 48,000 jobs. Governor Mike Easley selected Lt. Governor Perdue to lead the state's efforts during the Defense Department's Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, successfully protecting North Carolina's $18 billion economy and the third largest military presence in America. Lt. Governor Perdue brought together the North Carolina base communities and the business community and was relentless in defining North Carolina as the most-military friendly state in America. North Carolina was the nation's biggest winner in protecting and growing missions and jobs during BRAC 2005. Lt. Governor Bev Perdue has also led North Carolina's fight for a quality public education for every child in North Carolina. A former public school teacher, she knows first-hand that the most important job in the world is a teaching our kids. Perdue has been a leader in raising teacher pay toward the national average and measuring performance of kids in our classrooms. Lt. Governor Perdue believes North Carolina must have the best educated workforce in America and is leading the way by transforming North Carolina classrooms into 21st century learning centers with increased technology capability and North Carolina's first virtual high school. In addition, as Chair of the Health and Wellness Trust Fund Commission, Lt. Governor Perdue joined with Governor Easley to successfully create a prescription drug benefit for low-income seniors unable to afford costly medications. The AARP called the program the best in the country. Under Perdue's leadership, this commission is also targeting teen tobacco. For the first time in North Carolina's history, teen smoking rates are down and 78 of the 115 school systems are 100% tobacco free. Her passion for disease prevention has spurred changes in the workplace and schools about the importance of fitness and wellness. When asked what her dream is for North Carolina the Lt. Governor is unwavering, " I want North Carolina to be the state with the best educated workforce in the world, to be the healthiest state in America, and quality jobs available for every worker in North Carolina." Lt. Governor Perdue is a former public school teacher and a former director of geriatrics at a community hospital. She is a devoted wife to Bob Eaves and the proud mother of two sons, Garrett and wife April and Emmett. She's also mom to two dogs including the state's #2 dog Dosie and puppy Zipper. Bev Perdue was first elected North Carolina's Lt. Governor in 2000. "

Lt. Gov. Perdue is strong politically in the state having locked up the traditional in-state support network, forcing her opponents to look out of state for financial support. She is currently polling 10 pts. higher than her democratic opponent State Treasurer Richard Moore.

State Treasurer Richard Moore

Currently the State Treasurer, Richard Moore is in the best position to defeat Bev. Perdue. That said, he has been embroiled in some campaigning scandals, however, these scandals are hard to follow and will not pose much of a threat to Richard Moore's campaign.

He is the only democratic candidate (who has a chance) with a website. With Perdue locking down the in-state financiers, Moore has been forced to look out of state, which has created some ethical questions pertaining to the State's retirement fund.

http://www.richardmoore.org/

Republicans:

Sen. Fred Smith

Fred Smith has already gotten his campaign on the road. A Johnston County developer, Smith is well-endowed financially, thus allowing himself to get his name out. He has already begun his television campaign ads. That said, Smith is a long shot. Smith is more of a photo opportunity politician with little to no real success.

http://www.senatorfredsmith.com/

Bill Graham

Bill Graham is mostly known for fighting the gasoline tax in the North Carolina. Be on the look out for his campaign. He'll most likely run a Wallace type campaign, economically populist, while focusing on immigration. Graham likes to state he is a long-time conservative, however, in past elections, has given money to the Democrats. He is unpopular with the North Carolina GOP. His ads will be the most exciting.

http://www.graham2008.com/aboutbill.asp

Judge Bob Orr

The true conservative choice for governor. Closely linked with Civitas, Orr a former North Carolina Supreme Court Justice has been the right-hand man for Art Pope and the Pope Center. Orr, however, lacks in name recognition and funding. Orr will fight with Graham for the more hardline conservative votes, freeing up Fred Smith to win the nomination


Nutsmackr's predictions

Democrats:

Bev. Perdue will beat Richard Moore by at least 15 points

Republicans:

Fred Smith will come away with the nomination

General Election:

Bev. Perdue over Fred Smith by 20 points. North Carolinians are fat and happy with the current state government. Gov. Easley has lowered the expectations so far that anyone can become elected. That said, Fred Smith lacks the experience of campaigning statewide. Safely in Johnston County, Smith has easily won election. Throw in an endorsement from Richard Moore, Gov. Hunt, and Gov. Easley, Bev. Perdue runs away with this election.

4/22/2007 2:21:24 PM

Perdue hasn't kicked off her campaign officially, but I'm not sure it's accurate to say it's "yet to get into gear." From what I've heard, she's staffed up, she's raising money and she's been a regular at the Party's county conventions.

I'd also disagree with the assertion that Moore's in the best position to beat Perdue. I think there are a handful of Democrats that could give Perdue a run for her money (better than Moore, I mean)...and, I wouldn't be surprised if, in the coming weeks, Roy Cooper starts to take another look at the governor's race, given his new found popularity.

As for the Republicans...has Patrick Ballantine said whether or not he's going to try again? And what about a Charlotte Representative, the perennial Republican can't wins? McCrory or Pittenger? Not that it matters, of course...until the NC GOP can fashion another moderate in the vein of Jim Martin, the real fight will always be in the Democratic Primary.

4/22/2007 5:14:35 PM

Quote :

"North Carolinians are fat and happy with the current state government. Gov. Easley has lowered the expectations so far that anyone can become elected. "

How can these two statements be written one after another and still be true?


Anyway, Perdue is going to win unfortunately. The North Carolina Republican Party are full of morons.

[Edited on April 22, 2007 at 5:16 PM. Reason : .]

4/22/2007 5:15:46 PM

One of the big important points here is cash.

At the end of 2006, Moore had 2.6 million cash on hand.
Perdue had 2.5 million.

Orr is gonna have some serious problems raising cash, and he is about 2.5 million behind the dems. Smith and Graham have enough to self finance.

From Early April:

Quote :

"Republican Governor Graham 17% Orr 12% Smith 6% Democratic Governor Perdue 33% Moore 29% "

[Edited on April 22, 2007 at 7:01 PM. Reason : prediction - Graham by 20 points and Perdue by 5-8]

4/22/2007 7:00:42 PM

The repubs stand a better chance if they run as democrats.

4/22/2007 7:21:35 PM

Quote :

"I'd also disagree with the assertion that Moore's in the best position to beat Perdue. I think there are a handful of Democrats that could give Perdue a run for her money (better than Moore, I mean)...and, I wouldn't be surprised if, in the coming weeks, Roy Cooper starts to take another look at the governor's race, given his new found popularity."

Roy Cooper's personality will keep him from running. Also, in terms of Bev's campaign being staffed, is not true. She does have the top level staffers, but that is it.

Quote :

" As for the Republicans...has Patrick Ballantine said whether or not he's going to try again? And what about a Charlotte Representative, the perennial Republican can't wins? McCrory or Pittenger? Not that it matters, of course...until the NC GOP can fashion another moderate in the vein of Jim Martin, the real fight will always be in the Democratic Primary."

The NCGOP has told other people no

[Edited on April 22, 2007 at 8:33 PM. Reason : .]

4/22/2007 8:32:57 PM

What about Richard Vinroot? Every race needs a loser.

4/22/2007 10:33:41 PM

In reference to Fred Smith:

I can't think of anything worse for this state then having a developer and real estate speculator as our governor. I'm sure he has plenty of skeletons in his closet as well, as more than half of the people employed in residential construction are illegal aliens.

4/22/2007 10:40:03 PM

^exactly. Graham and Orr will fight for the extreme conservative votes, allowing smith to get the moderate voters and go to the general where he will lose in a landslide.

4/22/2007 10:41:08 PM

your knowledge of these people is minimal.

orr is the most moderate of the three. he is financed by art pope, aka the "libertarian" (make those quotes font 36 please) wing of the NCGOP

smith is more moderate than graham only because he has had to try and get a few bills passed in the legislature.

4/22/2007 11:09:27 PM

Meg Scott Phipps is getting out of the slammer... Some democrat can probably hire her on the cheap to help with their campaigns

4/23/2007 12:56:50 AM

Quote :

"Roy Cooper's personality will keep him from running. "

You and I must know two different Roy Coopers...

Sidenote: It's worth noting that personality, at least in the day-to-day work of governing, isn't always congruent to your campaigning personality.

Whatever the case, though, he (or someone close to him) has to take another look at the race. When he announced that he was going to seek re-election as AG, the biggest issue he had going for him was going after payday lenders. Now, as the sitting AG, he's getting TV time over the Duke Lacrosse case and the task force he's created to address University safety...not to mention his work on ethics reform.

Meanwhile, Moore's floundering, despite his fundraising totals, and one of Perdue's key issues, the lottery, isn't paying dividends.

Roy Cooper's a lot of things, but he's not stupid and he doesn't lack for ambition. He's gonna give the governor's race another look (and I wouldn't be surprised if he looks at that 2008 Senate race, as well).

[Edited on April 23, 2007 at 4:28 AM. Reason : add]

4/23/2007 4:27:16 AM

Quote :

"(and I wouldn't be surprised if he looks at that 2008 Senate race, as well)."

that is the true hope. as much as i love brad miller, he doesn't have a chance in hell.

Quote :

"orr is the most moderate of the three. he is financed by art pope, aka the "libertarian" (make those quotes font 36 please) wing of the NCGOP"

Seriously, you must be joking. Orr is the labradoodle for Art Pope. Art Pope is far from a libertarian. He may talk the talk, but when it comes to walking the walk, Art pope is nowhere near libertarian. Besides, it is a moot point. Bob Orr doesn't have the finances.

Quote :

"smith is more moderate than graham only because he has had to try and get a few bills passed in the legislature."

No, I honestly believe Smith is most moderate. he could act like an Andrew Brock, or Phil Berger, but he's more in lines with the moderates of the NCGOP. Then again, the only one I like is Stan Bingham.

Quote :

"Perdue's key issues, the lottery, isn't paying dividends."

that is why she is focusing on the military.

[Edited on April 23, 2007 at 9:47 AM. Reason : .]

4/23/2007 9:46:36 AM

The guy that runs the twilight zone commercials for senate/house needs to run.

4/23/2007 9:57:21 AM

Quote :

"that is the true hope. as much as i love brad miller, he doesn't have a chance in hell. "

Down 44-33 18 months before an election puts him in a better position than 2/3 of the freshman senators.

Quote :

"Seriously, you must be joking. Orr is the labradoodle for Art Pope. Art Pope is far from a libertarian. He may talk the talk, but when it comes to walking the walk, Art pope is nowhere near libertarian. Besides, it is a moot point. Bob Orr doesn't have the finances. "

Did you see the quote marks? Of course Art Pope isnt a libertarian. But he talks the talk, just like you said.

4/23/2007 11:15:17 AM

Quote :

"Down 44-33 18 months before an election puts him in a better position than 2/3 of the freshman senators. "

Raleigh doesn't sell through this state. that's why he has no chance.

4/23/2007 8:06:14 PM

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=central&id=5236685

4/23/2007 8:44:18 PM

^I'm now hearing things that he is being courted to run for senate.

4/23/2007 8:52:36 PM

I'm surprised Moore has stayed in this race. He had the chance to run against both Purdue and Cooper before and chose not to, I would have thought the less competitive Lt. Gov. race was perfect for him.

[Edited on April 24, 2007 at 8:49 AM. Reason : ...]

4/24/2007 8:46:19 AM

Michael Munger, the department chair of political science at Duke, is running for governor of North Carolina on the Libertarian Ticket. He will be in the Brickyard tomorrow, April 25th, after 11 am to speak to students.

4/24/2007 6:22:29 PM

What happened to Barbara Howe?

4/24/2007 8:36:11 PM

^^No one gives a shit.

4/24/2007 9:05:06 PM

This thread has now matched the interest level of the NC Gov 2004 thread.

4/24/2007 10:04:47 PM

awesome

4/24/2007 10:24:17 PM

^^^^^ Do they have ballot status yet?

Their state convention starts Friday in Hickory.

[Edited on April 24, 2007 at 10:39 PM. Reason : .]

4/24/2007 10:37:26 PM

Quote :

"I'm surprised Moore has stayed in this race. He had the chance to run against both Purdue and Cooper before and chose not to, I would have thought the less competitive Lt. Gov. race was perfect for him. "

Moore is currently down somewhere between 5 and 10 points to Perdue. Cooper hasnt been in that race since January. Through the end of last year he had more money than Perdue. I dont know if he will win, but he isnt guaranteed to lose.

The Lt Gov race isnt "less competitive". There are currently 4 people vying for it, and there is going to be a surprising amount of money floating around in that race. Sure he could win, but why go from Treasurer to Lt Gov? He has more power as Treasurer the way this state is run.

4/24/2007 11:49:02 PM

I was hoping I would be really pumped about this race, but it doesn't look near as interesting as 2004. I expect budget and economic issues to mostly take a back issue to race baiting--oh I mean the immigration debate.

Hopefully Ballantine will run again. He was always good for a laugh, since he's probably the only politican alive with the balls to make supply-side pro-tax cut arguments in the face of recenent evidence (next to Bush of course).

4/30/2007 10:41:25 PM

According to the N&O, Ballantine's definitely out for Governor, but is strongly considering a run for Lt. Governor.

5/1/2007 12:25:08 AM

At least he makes more sense than people who lose an election and decide that means they should run for higher office.

5/1/2007 9:59:49 AM