I like to watch.
In the garden, growth has it seasons. First comes spring and summer, but then we have fall and winter. And then we get spring and summer again.
=running away from a very pissed-off JohnnyZ= ;-)
Posted on 07/30/2003 4:48:37 PM PDT by Prospero
The Associated Press
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Former U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms has endorsed Bill Cobey for governor, calling the former state Republican Party head "an honorable, capable and vigorous leader."
In a letter to "Republican Friends Everywhere," Helms credited Cobey with helping in the GOP's rise in North Carolina.
"I have seen how tirelessly Bill Cobey has worked for sound, conservative Republican principles in our state - and across America. He is a fine, capable and decent family man with a head full of common sense," Helms wrote.
Cobey, 64, announced his candidacy for the GOP nomination for governor last week. Other Republicans who have said they will seek the office are state Senate Minority Leader Patrick Ballantine of Wilmington, Davie County Commissioner Dan Barrett of Mocksville, Southern Pines insurance executive George Little and former Charlotte Mayor Richard Vinroot.
Prior to becoming chairman of the state GOP, Cobey had served in Congress and was athletics director at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Cobey, in a prepared statement, said he was humbled to have Helms' endorsement.
"The senator and I have a friendship that goes back 30 years and I am privileged to have his full backing. He and I share a love for North Carolina and a desire to see new leadership in the governor's office," Cobey said.
Gov. Mike Easley, a Democrat, is not expected to face a serious challenge to regain his party's nomination in 2004.
I guess old flesh has an affintiy for old flesh.
Mysterious, also. Don't conservatives in North Carolina actually want to win something?
Nevertheless, and with due respect to the noble former Senator, first in the hearts of hard-working conservative North Carolinians, it's past time for a new generation of leadership that can actually beat Tax Hike Mike. The entry of Bill Cobey into this race has changed the dynamics of the election, but Patrick is way ahead in fundraising and he has the Right stuff to change the direction of North Carolina.
Bush, Burr & Ballantine!
http://www.ballantineforgovernor.com
It may be a contest based on age.
The real contest will be in fundraising before the end of the year.
Cobey's been promised the moon, by someone. But his nearest and dearest old friends have already pledged to Ballantine.
If BC can undermine Patrick's fundraising before December, it will be problematic.
If Ballantine can reach his goals, as well as he met his earlier ones, then it will be an air war and a contrast in styles than can bring out the vote in May.
Cobey is in the race because he wants to be governor, and this is his last chance. He is also in the race because he is less than impressed with Patrick's age, and Vinroot is rapidly sliding away.
Barrett is out, as some of his dearest move to Cobey (Sen. Andrew Brock).
Little is out of the picture.
Ballantine is going for a wider audience than the circle of ancient activists. It is a mistake to underestimate him. BC is not one who does.
There are things stirring behind the scenes, as Cobey tries to pry some early Ballentine support away. Is the Helms endorsement a sign of more endorsements to come, or is it part of the pressure being put on others? And will Jesse actively campaign for BC?
PB still has to convince some that he's got the right stuff. I guess it's this year's version of the gravitas thing.
However, he does have a lot of energy and youthful appeal. Cobey needs to find that spark he had in 99 when he beat Currin for the chairmanship and sustain that spark for a full year. If he shows up tired, as he always looks to me, the contrast will kill him in the air war.
Interesting analysis, Prospero
Surely that never happened.....I know what you mean, the White House and RNC decided for the people of North Carolina who would be our Senator months before the election. Media picked up on it and by the December before the primary I don't think most people knew Dole had competition.
In this instance I will look at all the factors, who is the most conservative, and base my opinion on that as well as who was not nominated for us outside of the state
CD
I see from your profile you aren't from North Carolina, so our elections are none of your damn business. Go hang out with Harold Ford Sr!!! ;)
I was less than entirely impressed with Ballantine so I like having the Cobey option.
:-P I don't wanna catch cooties. Besides, being in Tennessee, which was originally part of Western North Carolina, that makes me a de facto North Carolinian, so ":-P" again. ;-)
"I was less than entirely impressed with Ballantine so I like having the Cobey option."
Uh, oh... I thought we were all aboard the Ballantine bus ? What happened ?
I like to watch.
In the garden, growth has it seasons. First comes spring and summer, but then we have fall and winter. And then we get spring and summer again.
=running away from a very pissed-off JohnnyZ= ;-)
I watched nearly helpless as Cobey & Co. did nothing to help squelch a raving lunatic from nearly distroying a growing GOP movement in Beaufort County.
BC thinks he's a 'pragmatist,' which may be the worst kind of RINO.
Never mind.
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