NC Republicans Split
The primary election results in North Carolina indicate, at least to me, that the North Carolina Republican party, much like the national Republican party, is still quite split -- and we may be in the process of watching the end of a political party (Democrats, however, remain as united as ever, showing the "blue dog Democrat" theme continues).
In the hotly discussed race here (with hundreds of comments -- thanks people), challenger Robert Brawley lost to incumbent Karen Ray, 55-45. Brawley was clearly the more conservative candidate, although if conservatives ever gain power, Ray would likely go along -- she strongly supports Democrats in Raleigh, but perhaps only when they're in power. Just to the south, in what was a total shock to me, incumbent John Rhodes, a strong conservative, lost to well-financed challenger by a huge margin: 63-37. Thom is a lawyer and a strong liberal. He supports big government by any means. I'm not sure why he wasn't running as a Democrat. In a completely different take, Republican turncoat "co-speaker" Joe Morgan was defeated in his primary by Joe Boylan (52-4
. That's a big move away from "go along to get along" with liberals and towards conservatism.
Marilyn Avila beat Rick Eddings in district 40 -- another conservative candidate that won rather strongly (66-34). In the Senate, Ron Toppin and Eddie Goodall both won primary races, and both were stronger conservatives than their opponents.
And in a move I didn't see coming, Vernon Robinson had a huge win in the District 13 US House primary, collecting 63% of the vote. He will face incumbent Brad Miller (D) in the fall. Vernon has been accused of being too conservative.
The net result is that conservatism in North Carolina has been advanced in some places and pushed back in others. Statewide, the Republican Party voters have not united behind conservatism -- and until the party either decides to be conservative or decides not to be, the party will remain split and foundering.
Of course, this could lead to the rise of another political party that might actually be conservative (depending on the 2008 presidential election). This will be strongly opposed in North Carolina -- only 2 parties are currently allowed to exist by law. Since Democrats will not break ranks for any reason, this could spell the end of the Republican Party. Then again, where else will big-government moderates turn to?
In other reaction, John Hood thinks this is a step moving towards conservatives taking back the Republican Party. The defeat of Morgan is rather large, so he could be right there.
Comments
1
Hey Ogre, Thom Tillis is NOT a lawyer. Read up buddy.
Posted by: anonymous at May 04, 2006 12:00 AM (5VSwX)
2
Just repeating what his own web page claims.
Posted by: Ogre at May 04, 2006 10:12 AM (blszc)
3
Well, maybe you are reading some other candidates website because Thom Tillis' website says not one single thing about him being a lawyer. It's kind of hard to practice law when you have a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland, and that is your only degree. I'll even link you to the page so you can stand corrected.
http://www.electthomtillis.com/about.html
http://www.electthomtillis.com/about.html
Posted by: anonymous at May 04, 2006 11:34 AM (FcM9f)
4
Indeed, the page has been changed. I didn't take a screenshot of it, and the Internet Wayback machine doesn't have any shots of the site, either. So you're correct, he is apparently not a lawyer today. Feel free to do your happy dance in front of your mirror.
Posted by: Ogre at May 04, 2006 11:46 AM (/k+l4)
5
I am not sure if too many conclusions can be drawn from the primary races as turn out was low. however I will agree that the conservatives had better change the attitude and get fired up especially for the NC House races and statewide judicial races
Posted by: NC Conservative at May 04, 2006 08:57 PM (5/bsy)
6
Good point. I know there are many conservatives across the state who are energized with Richard Morgan's defeat -- a huge victory that should not be ignored, certainly.
Posted by: Ogre at May 04, 2006 09:02 PM (/k+l4)
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