Who might possibly be elected by the Executive Committee other than Daves?
There are two other announced candidates. Andrew Brock and Marcus Kindley. Kindley is cut from the same cloth as Vernon Robinson. Brock seems to have a fresh approach and isn't a part of the "establishment".
Ultimately, I fear you are correct though. Many of the regulars on the State Executive Committee are staunchly loyal to Blount, Cobey, and their ilk. Daves will likely get the appointment with very little to no discussion about other candidates. Even in their day, corrupt leaders like Blount, Peaslee, and Cobey had to be propped up and supported by someone. The State Central Committee probably needs to be purged as well.
I think some young bomb throwers should be brought in.
If the Daves don't pick the successor he won't make it. They will use every dirty trick in the book to keep control. Until the Daves are out, nothing in the NCGOP will ever improve.
Marcus is only like Robinson, CommCtr, in that he has morals. (Something your friends, the Daves, lack.)