Cobey utilizes ties to Helms in gubernatorial bid

Associated Press via Wilmington Morning Star ^ | January 22. 2004 | SCOTT MOONEYHAM (AP)

[JohnnyZ]

Republican Bill Cobey plans to give his good friend, retired U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms, a starring role in his campaign for governor.

Cobey, who has already received Helms' endorsement, on Thursday unveiled a television ad featuring the 5-term senator and conservative icon. The humorous ad features Helms praising a self-effacing Cobey.

At a news conference, Cobey said Helms' backing means more than most endorsements, which typically carry little weight with voters.

"Sen. Helms is the exception to the rule. He is a man people trust," the former congressman and state Republican Party chairman said.

Cobey enters the race for the GOP nomination with solid credentials and support among party activists but is largely unknown to most of the state's voters.

He is one of seven Republicans vying to face incumbent Democratic Gov. Mike Easley this fall.

Cobey said he believes he will be able to increase voter recognition as the campaign progresses. He plans to spend $100,000 airing the Helms ad, which he intends as an introduction to the state's electorate.

"As long as you have the campaign and the energy and the money and the activists working for you, the name ID is going to come," Cobey said. "Given the fact that I got into this thing in July, I believe my campaign has got more momentum than at any other time."

He added that his support among party activists is also helping "get our message out."

"I have a lot of people out there in almost every county working for me," he said.

Also seeking the Republican nomination for governor are former Charlotte Mayor Richard Vinroot, state Sen. Patrick Ballantine of New Hanover County, state Sen. Fern Shubert of Union County, Southern Pines insurance agent and party activist George Little, Mocksville lawyer Dan Barrett, and Brown's Summit chemist Timothy Cook.

But Cobey focused his criticism on Easley, rather than his primary opponents.

"We need new leadership that will get those taxes down," he said. "He's not a leader. He doesn't work at the job."

[JohnnyZ]

Text of Ad

COBEY
I'm Bill Cobey. It's hard for us to get to know each other in a TV ad, so I thought I'd have one of my friends say something good about me.

Senator Helms, would you say something good about me?

HELMS
Well, let me try. You're a dedicated Christian --

COBEY
Thank you, Senator.

HELMS
And, you are a principled conservative --

COBEY
Just tryin' to follow in your footsteps.

HELMS
But the best thing I could say about Bill Cobey, folks, he's a life long friend and I think Bill Cobey would make a great governor.

COBEY
That's awful nice. I'm a little embarassed!

HELMS
Oh gosh {chuckle}

[Impy]

Who's the better candiate, Cobey or Ballantine?

[JohnnyZ]

That is, as they say, a matter of some debate. I'm supporting Cobey for now, and if I switched it wouldn't be to Ballantine. Personal preference, doncha know.

[blue-chip]

of the two ads (Cobey and Ballantine) I like Cobey's a lot more. It simply put that we need a good Christian Conservative Republican like Bill Cobey.