archived: 15 - 21 Oct, 2006         Back                 Next

UPDATED:  OCTOBER 19, 2006

                        WHY WE ARE DEMOCRATS 

The second article in TAR HEEL DEMS today features the North Carolina Republican platform issued by Republican State Senators.  It contains only two planks directly related to health care; a) medical malpractice reform and b) increasing the availability and affordability of health care and health insurance.  It is a platform of generality that lacks any vision and promises so very little. 

In contrast, North Carolina Democrats took action, creating North Carolina Rx.  Gov. Easley announced the program in Craven County: 

Gov. Mike Easley today outlined a new prescription drug assistance program to benefit low-income seniors at the Craven County Senior Services Center in New Bern. North Carolina Rx will provide $24 million to help the state’s elderly obtain the medications they need to stay healthy. Money from the Health and Wellness Trust Fund will be used to pay some or all of Medicare Part D premiums so qualifying low-income seniors can take advantage of the federal prescription drug program. 

 

“Our seniors were there for us when we needed them, and it is our turn to be there for them,” said Easley. “North Carolina Rx will help pay monthly premiums so many of the federal plans will be free or very low cost for qualifying low-income seniors. Just as important, we are providing a toll-free number as a resource for citizens trying to navigate the complicated federal system. 

 

“When our seniors do not get their medicines, they get sick and have to go to the hospital. That is more suffering for them and more expense for the taxpayers. So North Carolina Rx is not only the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do. I want to enlist everyone’s assistance in getting the word out about this new program. If you have an elderly parent, neighbor or friend who may qualify, please make sure they call our toll-free number or visit the website for information.”   

There is a reason why we are Democrats, and North Carolina Rx is just one example.  It represents the best of our Party, finding practical solutions for the real problems that face North Carolinians.   

                        NC FIRST? 

NC State Senate Republicans have published their platform, NC First Plan.  Democrats will be hearing about the plan from Republican candidates, so be prepared.  TPJ will provide responses in Sunday’s TPJ. 

This is the press release (emphasis added):  

The North Carolina Republican Senate Caucus today issued the North Carolina First plan at a press conference led by Senate Republican Leader Phil Berger (R-District 26).   The plan outlines priority legislation Republican Senators will introduce in the upcoming session. 

 

Senator Berger made the following statement regarding the N.C. First plan:

 

“In recent years, Democrat leadership has given North Carolina annual billion dollar tax increases, a floundering public school system, plant closings and job losses, ever higher health care costs, and disgraceful scandals.  For many years, the Senate Republicans have seen the need for legislation addressing the issues in the North Carolina First plan.  Repeatedly, the Democrat majority has blocked those initiatives and referred Republican bills to committees that never meet.

 

“The 21 members of the Republican Senate Caucus are committed to making North Carolina a better place to live, work, and raise our families.  We strongly believe that by implementing the North Carolina First plan, our state will return to its rightful status as the leader and First State in the southeast.” 

            Here is the plan:

North Carolina First 

Republican Senators will introduce legislation, and a Republican Senate Majority will bring to a vote in the 2007 Session, bills to: 

1.       Restore citizens’ faith in State Government that recent Democrat scandals have undermined. 

      a. Constitutional Amendment limiting the duration of legislative sessions

b.       Provide term limits for the office of President Pro Tempore of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives

c.        Require disclosure and regulation of politician's legal defense funds

d.       Prohibit lobbyists' soliciting campaign contributions 

2. End North Carolina’s status as a safe-haven for illegal immigrants.

a     Make English the official language of government business in North Carolina

b.   End in-state tuition for illegal immigrants at North Carolina Community Colleges

c.    Stop welfare and entitlement benefits for illegal immigrants

d.    Stop illegal immigrants from receiving or renewing North Carolina Driver’s licenses

e.    Require a valid photo ID be shown when voting 

3. Improve Education.

a.       Use national tests to evaluate student performance 

b.       Create a merit pay program for effective teachers 

c.       Remove violent and disrespectful students from classrooms and empower classroom teachers to deal with problem students

d.       Lift the cap on public charter schools

e.       Strengthen vocational education 

4. Reduce North Carolina's tax burden.

a.       Reduce and effectively cap the gasoline tax

b.       Eliminate North Carolina’s “Death Tax”

c.       Eliminate the temporary sales and income taxes 

5. Prioritize spending, eliminate waste, and make government more efficient.

a.       Require Zero-Based Budgeting

b.       Establish a Taxpayer Protection Act for North Carolinians

c.       End the raids from the Highway Trust Fund 

6.             Amend North Carolina's Constitution to define marriage as being between one man and one woman. 

7.             Enact meaningful medical malpractice reforms.  

8.             Increase the availability and affordability of healthcare and healthcare insurance. 

            a.  Reinstate the child healthcare tax credit repealed by the Democrats in 2002 

9.            Amend North Carolina’s Constitution to protect private property from being taken for economic development.  

10.               Protect our citizens. 

a.       Increase active sentences for gang related crimes

b.       Require every person charged with a felony to provide a DNA sample for the State’s DNA database

c.       Make fetal murder a crime in North Carolina (Laci Peterson’s Law)

d.       Strengthen our laws to protect our children from sexual predators (Jessica’s Law) 

                        NC BUSH  

Bush’s national poll numbers, as discussed in THEM DEMS, are down.  Bush’s approval ratings have fallen in North Carolina as well.  Survey USA has just released its numbers for North Carolina and they are telling; 29% approval and 58% disapproval. 

In context, the 39% approval rating ties with April ‘06 for the second lowest approval rating since May, 2005.  The 58% disapproval rating ties with April ’06 as the second highest rating for disapproval.  

By any standard, Bush’s performance is receiving horrid marks from North Carolinians.   

With ratings at these levels, Democrats should expect a disillusioned Republican Party in North Carolina, which can help Democrats boost their proportionate share of turn out in a “Blue Moon” election.    

Graphically, the relationship of approval to disapproval during 2006 appears as follows:

There is a decided gender based slant to the view of Bush’s Presidency; women in particular do not approve of the President: 

The “gender gap” in favor of Democrats is a national phenomena:

Poll results and interviews with political analysts indicate the GOP has lost ground with a voting group that helped the party keep hold of Congress and the White House in 2002 and 2004. Married moms have become a volatile swing group just as Democrats need to gain 15 GOP- held House seats and six in the Senate to win control of Capitol Hill.

 

An Associated Press-Ipsos poll this month found that support is now evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans among married women with children in the house. Republicans won this voting group by 18 percentage points in 2002 and Bush won it by 14 percentage points in 2004. . . .  

 

For years, the GOP has held a slight advantage with this group of voters. Republicans made additional gains leading up to and through the 2000 presidential election, in part because, according to analysts and exit polls, married moms were attracted to Bush's emphasis on social conservatism and had a general fondness for the man himself.

 

In the 2002 congressional elections, more than half of married moms sided with Republicans while only 35 percent voted with Democrats. Two years later, in a presidential election year, married moms preferred Bush over Democratic Sen. John Kerry by 56 percent to 42 percent.

 

That GOP advantage has evaporated.  

An age bias also exists.  While every age group disapproves of Bush’s performance, those 18-34 disapprove of the President by a ratio approaching 2 to 1.  

Perhaps most telling, Bush has lost considerable support in his own Party, 23% disapprove, and among all conservatives, 31% disapprove.  

                        GRAINS OF SALT 

National Review Online makes a point that TPJ readers should heed.  Take all polls with a grain of salt.  The NRO points to these two contradictory polls from the 8^th Congressional District in North Carolina (emphasis added): 

An RT Strategies/ Constituent Dynamics poll in North Carolina 8 out about a week ago: Democrat Larry Kissell 51, incumbent Republican Robin Hayes 44. A prime pickup opportunity for Democrats!

 

A Public Opinion Strategies (R) poll in North Carolina 8 out today: Hayes 49, Kissell 33. Wait, never mind, forget about that pickup!            

Both polls cannot be right.  Both may be flatly wrong.  Polls take on better meaning when there are lots of them to compare over a period of time.  Snapshot polls, particularly those released by the Parties, should be viewed with suspicion. 

In our estimation, Kissell is running an outstanding race for a candidate who has received precious little financial backing.  The general public will not know which poll was closer to accuracy until Election Day. 

_____________________________________________

UPDATED:  OCTOBER 17, 2006

                        JUDICIAL ENDORSEMENTS KEEP COMING   

The Winston-Salem Journal endorses all but one of the judicial candidates recommended by TPJ. Their endorsements (highlighting added):

The Journal prefers judges with a demonstrated judicial demeanor, strong character, deep intellect and a commitment to fairness. We support judges of moderate views who understand that a judge's role is to apply the law, not create it. At the same time, the Journal recognizes that when the legislative and executive branches fail to meet the constitutional needs of the citizenry, the judiciary must sometimes step in to do so.

The Journal favors incumbent judges. Absent a good reason to replace a judge, the judiciary is best served by the stability of low turnover. Although judicial races are officially nonpartisan, the Journal favors appellate courts balanced with members of both parties.

In the race for North Carolina chief justice, the Journal endorses the incumbent, Sarah Parker. A veteran judge, Parker was appointed to the chief-justice post this year by Gov. Mike Easley after the retirement of I. Beverly Lake Jr. She has had a distinguished career as one of the court's most conservative justices, despite her Democratic affiliation, and she is widely respected across the legal spectrum.

For associate justice, the Journal endorses the re-election of Mark Martin. He has served the state well on both the Court of Appeals and the high court, and he deserves another term.

For another associate justice's seat, the Journal endorses current Court of Appeals Judge Robin Hudson. A specialist in areas of labor law, Hudson is very bright and hard working.

Finally, the Journal endorses Justice Patricia Timmons-Goodson for a full term to the seat to which she was appointed earlier this year. A former Court of Appeals judge, Timmons-Goodson performed well in that capacity. Now that Easley has elevated her, she deserves the opportunity to demonstrate that she can do this job well also.

The Journal is deviating from its usual endorsement of incumbents to recommend Kris Bailey over incumbent Judge Robert Hunter of the Court of Appeals.

Hunter has had a long tenure in the legislature and the courts, but we feel that it is time for new blood. Bailey, a Republican, would also help the Court of Appeals' partisan balance.

Finally, the Journal endorses Judge Linda Stephens to keep the Court of Appeals seat to which Easley appointed her in January. Stephens has had a solid career in private practice, specializing in industrial law, and she served before that on the N.C. Industrial Commission as a hearing officer.

The WSJ’s endorsement of Kris Baily over Judge Robert Hunter departs from TPJ’s recommendations and is perplexing.  The WSJ only noted that Baily is a Republican, which is true.  TPJ holds to the standard that the most qualified nominees should serve, regardless of Party.  That is Judge Robert Hunter.  

The judicial races receive little attention.  We encourage TPJ readers to get the word out.  We have a real opportunity in November to elect judges that will make North Carolinians very proud – but we have to turn out the vote to make it happen.

                        READY?  

TPJ is receiving reports that Democrats are finally opening their campaigns in multiple House and Senate Districts across the State.   

In Sen. John Kerr’s 5^th District; Green, Pitt and Wayne counties, Sen. Kerr has opened with positive messages for voters: 

Kerr is chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and is generally regarded as one of the most powerful legislators in Raleigh. He said that if voters in the 5th District return him to office, he will continue to work for improvements to eastern North Carolina's infrastructure.   . . .

 

Kerr said expanding the infrastructure of the eastern part of the state -- highways, water and sewer lines and other utilities -- is the key to economic success for the region. Improving schools is also vital to securing a secure economic future, he said, because an educated workforce is necessary to the growth of new businesses.

 

He said despite the passage a few years ago of a $1 billion bond referendum to borrow money for utility expansion, that the state still has at least $10 billion in water and sewer service needs. Much of eastern North Carolina has a high water table, Kerr noted, and sewer systems will be necessary in many areas if large industrial companies are expected to locate in the region.

 

"We got wiped out in the textiles and clothing industry, so we tried to change our economy and get new industries. We are making a change toward more high-tech businesses," Kerr said.

 

Kerr defended providing new businesses with incentives to locate in the state, saying North Carolina must compete with other states for companies that create a large number of jobs.

 

"Some think it's controversial because they think it just brings in new jobs instead of helping our own people," Kerr said. But incentives can help local industries stay in the state and hire more local employees. And bigger and better businesses will be needed to help the state grow, Kerr said.

 

Kerr said he will continue to be a strong supporter of increased funding for public education. He noted that about half of the legislature's recent $2.4 billion surplus was used for improving education, from kindergarten to the state's universities.

 

If lawmakers come up with another bond referendum, Kerr said he hopes voters will understand the need to get started on expanding services. Payments would be spread out over a number of years, he said, noting that water and sewer problems are continuing to grow, along with the construction costs.

 

Kerr pointed to the recent legislative session and the $145 million allocation for construction at Cherry Hospital that he helped shepherd through various committees until is [sic] was approved. The money will help create as many as 100 jobs in Wayne County, he said.

 

Kerr said the project is desperately needed and not only will give the county's economy a boost but provide a response to a proven need. A big part of the state government's role is to help those who cannot help themselves, Kerr said.

 

"I really believe a country or a state is judged by who they help. If you help those that can't help themselves, then you've given people a hand-up instead of a handout," he said.

 

Kerr said another issue that he believes deserves attention is overcrowded jails and prisons. To keep the public safe, more and better detention facilities must be built, he said.

 

Legislators also need to take a look at how Medicaid and Medicare is affecting the state's budget, Kerr said. In the next session, he said, lawmakers need to look at possible ways to relieve counties of some of the costs they incur because of those programs, he said. Many counties are finding it difficult to pay for new schools and other facilities because of the Medicaid and Medicare burden. North Carolina is one of the few states that passes on so much of health-care costs to local governments, he pointed out. Some counties pay more for Medicaid expenses than they do for school buildings, Kerr said.

 

"It's going to be tough. Washington should do something about it, but they're cutting back so we have to do something about it," he said.

 

Kerr said he believes his experience in Raleigh makes him the best candidate on the November ballot for the District 5 seat. He said he got into politics to serve his state and hopes that voters will give him a chance to continue to work for them.

 

"I really think you have to give back and make the world a better place than when you came in," Kerr said. 

Excellent policy objectives and the right message against the backdrop of a Republican Party that only attacks and lacks vision.  

                        TPJ NEEDS HELP  

In attempting to cover the races around the State over the next three weeks, TPJ needs help from its readers. 

As campaigns open in your area, please send TPJ reports as to how Democrats are progressing in your House and Senate Districts.  We always appreciate readers forwarding links to articles as well. 

Send your observations, comments and articles to:  sgheen@nc.rr.com  

With your help, we can offer every reader the best possible coverage of the North Carolina Democratic Party campaigns.  

Thank you.

_____________________________________________

UPDATED:  OCTOBER 15, 2006                       

                        THE 11^TH CONGRESSIONAL  

Heath Schuler got a boost from the Wall Street Journal going into the final days of the campaign.  The WSJ published an article that Republican Rep. Taylor:

used earmarks in the federal budget to benefit his private business interests. It cited congressional, corporate and real-estate records to back up the claim.                        

Rep. Taylor, whose business dealings have sparked questions over the years, has called upon the WSJ for a retraction.  One should not be expected.  

RT Strategies and Constituent Dynamics is the last poll in this race that has been publicly released; October 8 – 10.  Democrat Shuler posted an 8% lead over Rep. Taylor; 52% to 44%, among likely voters and a 10% lead among “certain voters;”  53% to 43%.   

Another view of how this race is progressing comes from the many letters to the editor running in local newspapers.  In the Ashville Citizens Times, the latest edition featured these letters to the editor.  All of the letters run in favor of the Democrats except for the letter by Jim Martin.  Jim Martin is the former Governor of North Carolina and not a resident of the 11^th District. 

Power, not the good of the U.S., drives the GOP of today (Oct. 15, 2006), Lloyd Kay

Offering up some free advice for Republicans (Oct. 15, 2006), Pat Hamilton

Falling for Foley’s string of excuses for deviant behavior (Oct. 15, 2006) Jim Reato

Feels Taylor has lost touch with people of Western North Carolina (Oct. 15, 2006) Barbara McCampbell

Upon further review, the Abramoff mess is a GOP mess (Oct. 15, 2006) Janet Colosi

Congressman Taylor has worked well and hard for N.C. (Oct. 15, 2006) Jim Martin

Former Ashevillean would not support Taylor (Oct. 15, 2006) Stephen Noel 

The WSJ article may well be the final blow in Democrats recapturing this District.   

Yet, Shuler may have complicated his position by declining to debate Rep. Taylor.  The story: 

Earlier this month, U.S. Rep. Charles Taylor, R-Brevard, agreed to debate his congressional opponent on television for the first time since 1994. But this year’s Democratic challenger, Heath Shuler, said he doesn’t have time in his schedule for a televised debate, which was tentatively planned for Oct. 22.  . . .

 

Shuler spokesman told the Citizen-Times the challenger's schedule did not allow him the time for a debate.

 

“We have done six debates and/or forums, and two more are on the schedule,” said Andrew Whalen, Shuler’s deputy campaign manager. “Unfortunately, Heath is not able to able to arrange his schedule to accommodate this one.”

 

George Peery, a political science professor at Mars Hill College said it’s not uncommon for the candidate who is ahead in the polls to eschew debating. Several recent polls have Shuler with a lead of 8 to 11 percentage points.

 

“The conventional wisdom is if you are up in the polls, to share a dais with someone who is not up in the polls only gives the other person an opportunity to gain on you,” Peery said. “Personally, I would like to see the two men debate, because I think they’re important civic discussions that contribute to people in the district understanding this race.”

 

That’s particularly important in a race that has featured as much negative advertising as the Shuler-Taylor race.

 

Citizen-Times Publisher Jeffrey P. Green expressed disappointment in Shuler’s campaign, saying the newspaper offered “multiple times on multiple days” to accommodate Shuler’s schedule.

 

“The Asheville Citizen-Times is tremendously disappointed that Heath Schuler can find no time on his schedule to debate,” Green said. “We think it is a disservice to the voters that many of them will have to try to base their voting decisions on the plethora of negative TV ads emanating from both campaigns.”

 

Taylor, 65, has been re-elected every two years, but he has routinely declined to debate most opponents. 

Perhaps good politics on Shuler’s behalf and Rep. Taylor has refused to debate Democrats in his District for over a decade.  But, with Democrats running on a platform founded on the premise that it is time for a change, this represents politics as usual. 

                        ONE AD TO FAR

Republican Vernon Robinson, running against Rep. Brad Miller in the 13^th Congressional District, has gone one ad to far.   

In what has to be one of the sleaziest ads of the campaign season, Robinson ran an ad: 

Instead of spending money on cancer research, Brad Miller spent your money to study the masturbation habits of old men," says the narrator in a deep, incredulous voice. "Brad Miller even spent your tax dollars to pay teenage girls to watch pornographic movies with probes connected to their genitalia." After 60 seconds of such thoughtful abuse, Robinson tells viewers, "I approve of this message because Brad Miller is out of touch, and soon he'll be out of Congress." 

Robinson, a perennial Republican attack candidate, is notorious for this type of attack ad.   

Democrats, including TPJ, tend to brush aside Republican tactics exemplified by Robinson. No one expects Robinson to gain election and the ads actually stimulate support for Rep. Miller among many voters.  

However, there is a darker side to this story.  While many may consider Robinson a Republican “nut,” he receives backing from “respectable” Republicans.  

He's garnere