Wrestler Ric Flair may run for NC Governor as a Republican

Charlotte Observer ^ | Aug. 03, 2002 | Don Hudson

[jern]

Flair may go for new title: Governor

DON HUDSON

Ric Flair

There could be an interesting N.C. governor's race in two years. Ric "Nature Boy" Flair is thinking of throwing his body into the governor's mansion.

As a Republican.

The last time he thought about running, in 2002, it was as an independent. Flair, a wrestler, might have trouble getting out of Mecklenburg County, however. He's heard Mayor Pat McCrory is thinking about a run, as has former Mayor Richard Vinroot.

"I've heard both McCrory and Richard Vinroot are talking about it," Flair said this week. "But I think I would have a good following and could run with anybody."

Vinroot has lost two statewide races. McCrory is quick on his feet, but he doesn't have a signature "Whoooooo" like Flair.

Can Flair win?

"If I commit myself," Flair said. "That will be telling you I think I would beat (McCrory)."

Flair was seen on the big screen at Carolina Hurricane games this season leading cheers. Given the track record of Charlotte politicians statewide, he's better off with fans thinking he is from Raleigh.

Flair said he has been up to talk to Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura, a former wrestler, about running a state. "You are always working on the affairs of state," he said. "It's a 10-hour-a-day job."

Flair said he would have a bigger audience than Ventura, because wrestling is bigger in North Carolina than in Minnesota. "Our demographics match up well with NASCAR."

Flair said his first move would be to build a toll road from Charlotte to Myrtle Beach. And he's pro lottery.

Flair said he has been approached by Republicans from both ends of the state, as well as Charlotte. He said the deciding factor will be his wife and two children. ...

Nancy's Soiree: Former WBTV anchor Nancy Ross and her husband, Ed, got a rolling sendoff Friday night when their friends rented the Ragin' Uptown party bus to take them to their favorite nightspots.

The party started at Wachovia Plaza, so Nancy could hear "Smashing Briefcases." The Rosses are moving back to Chicago, her hometown. ...

Miss Hickory: Amy Whicker, Miss Hickory 2000, said the Miss America pageant should have stuck up for Miss North Carolina Rebekah Revels, who said she was forced to resign after an ex-boyfriend threatened to show topless pictures of her. ...

Radioguy: Now that former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell has a talk show, McCrory is practicing for a future in radio, too. He subbed Thursday for Danny Fontana on WBT's morning news ...

Dish: Plaza-Midwood's newest restaurant, Dish, opened July 17 in the old Phat Burrito and Cafe DaDa location, next to Thomas Street Tavern. The eclectic menu fills a gap.

Lawrence and Maggie Stubbs, along with Penny Craver of Tremont Music Hall, opened it. The Stubbses have lived in the neighborhood for more than 20 years. The restaurant has a bar with five beers on tap.

Don Hudson

[Hacksaw]

Wooooooo! BUMP

[Theodore R.]

Considering the lack of prospects among the NC GOP these days (the party had to bring E. Dole out of Washington to run), this wrestler might win the party nomination. But a fall campaign is something else. Remember, in 1996, the race car driver Richard Petty was overwhelmed by the liberal Democrat Elaine Marshall in the race for secretary of state.

[Paradox]

Whats the big deal. Pro Wrasslin and Politics. One is a profession of actors, entertainters, and fakers whom everyone KNOWS is a farce, the other one uses athletic skills to subdue opponents in a wrestling ring...

[CROSSHIGHWAYMAN]

A great place for a professional wrestler is in the arena of politics.

Lots of bluster, sweat and threats........but in the end only the little guy gets hurt.

[The Duke]

That's nothin' - Jerry Lawler's been "King of Memphis" for
25 years!

[StoneColdGOP]

Here's to N.C.'s "wheelin' dealin', high flyin', limousine ridin'" next Governor... WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.... Ric Flair!

As long as he keeps his shirt on, he'll get votes.

[StoneColdGOP]

I'd love to see The King run for mayor again.

[CounterCounterCulture]

In order to BE the man, you gotta BEAT the man.

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

What?

I said...WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[parsifal]

Do not vote for this guy! I saw him hit a guy in the back of the head with a folding chair when the referee wasn't looking. I also saw him down on his knees once in the corner begging for mercy and acting like his leg was hurt. When the other wrestler turned around, Flair got up and clobbered him with something he was hiding in his hand. If Flair wins the primary, some Democrat is going to run attack ads showing this stuff and the GOP will lose. At the very least make Flair come clean about all this stuff and how it was some kind of "error in judgments", and maybe he can skate by. parsy.

[Skip Ripley]

The man lived his gimmick...

WOOOOOOOOOOO!

[Benrand]

They can't elect a guy with his track record...I mean, he hog tied Dusty Rhodes to a truck and beat him DOWN with the help of Tully and Arn...if tape of that got into his opponents hands, there'd be hell to pay, esp. if James J. couldn't take care of it, the executive James J. DIllon.

But he is the Dirtiest Player in the Game...WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

[billbears]

Just one more WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! And Dusty Rhodes, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, heck let's just bring 'em all in!! The Four Horsemen running the state of NC!! I'm for it, heck considering Jim Hunt and Mike Easley, we couldn't do any worse!!

[historian1944]

Whether you like....Or don't like it...

LEAAARRRRRN TO LOVE IT!!!

Because it's the best...goin'...today!!!!

WHOOOOOOOO!!!!!

[Dengar01]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO for the Nature Boy.

Yes I'm a WWE fan.

[Dengar01]

I think it is great Ric may be running for Governor. I just seen him wrestle here in Chicago a few months ago. I have nothing but the highest respect for him. He's the jet flyin limosine riding guy.

Oh yah and one more WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

[100%FEDUP]

"Whats the big deal. Pro Wrasslin and Politics. One is a profession of actors, entertainters, and fakers whom everyone KNOWS is a farce, the other one uses athletic skills to subdue opponents in a wrestling ring..."

That post just made my day!

[Benrand]

FLair could be out on the Capitol steps and he'll pick out one particularly fat and out of shape reporter and tell that guy...

"Hey fatboy, just shut the hell up...you keep your mouth shut when the World Champion is talking. "

[Temple Owl]

That's all we need, another wrestler.

[billbears]

14 Time World Champion mind you. I remember watching Flair, Wahoo McDaniel, and Black Jack back in the mid 70s on the old NWA

[Gwaihir]

no no no. Dusty wasn't one of the Horsemen. You're thinkin of Arn's brother Olle. BTW, Tully has reformed his ways and is now touring as a evangelist (good one, too).