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To add to my last post: I don't know where McCrory stands on guns and abortion (probably status quo or maybe a little loosening on guns, he's not one to rock the boat), but it seems unlikely that he'd come out as a bold tax-cutter. Frankly I don't think he'll run, and I'm surprised he's still considering it. He could have a tough reelection this year.

Of course, maybe if he runs and Richard "I've lost so many times, I can't remember when I last won" Vinroot does, they'll cancel each other out in the primary. Is Ballantine the very best candidate we have for Gov in NC ? I still think Easley will be tougher to dislodge than Edwards.

Yes, I think dual McCrory/Vinroot candidacies would hurt each in the primary. Ballantine IS probably the best candidate we have running. Walter Jones Jr. or Sue Myrick would probably be ideal but they aren't running. Some of the other candidates are intriguing: county commissioner Dan Barrett and Carolina Hurricanes prez Jim Cain in particular. Hard to say where they stand on the issues. It seems a bit premature for Barrett to be running for governor, but maybe he's trying to raise his statewide profile. I think it's a good field of candidates just from those three.

Ballantine is a strong conservative, has led the senate Republicans well, and has a "compassionate" streak. I'm still a little wierded out by his big head and small mouth, no matter how cute mykdsmom says he is! But I'm about ready to jump on board the Ballantine bandwagon. I don't know how good a campaigner he is but his politics are A1 conservative.

As for whether Easley will lose, that is certainly in question. The election won't be won on Easley's unpopularity, because he has a nice guy image, but it CAN be won, and won clearly, and "do-nothing-governor" and "tax hike Mike" charges. We need a message of Activity vs. Easley's invisibility.

Yeah, I'm just wondering if this will end up a repeat of Hunt-Hayes in '96. A lot of us believed that was a winnable race, but it just didn't turn out that way. It's shocking how top-heavy 'Rat NC is at the state level, it almost seems to resemble KY in that way (I might also say TN, but because the people have absolutely no say in the selection of officers other than Governor, it's not a good comparison). The GOP certainly needs to work on changing that, it's rather behind the curve with its neighbors in VA, GA & SC.

I'm still a little wierded out by his big head and small mouth, no matter how cute mykdsmom says he is!

Ok, I told you that he's much more attractive in person that his pictures truly show. It looks to me like he just doesn't photograph well. Having said that, I'd like to solicit 2 other female opinions.

Howlin and ncweaver, you guys have met Ballantine, do you find him "weird" looking?

While we're waiting for those un-biased opinions, I'll try to hunt up a rally picture I think I have of him.

MKM