Connecting the Dots: NC Big Business & Big Labor Pool Resources to Wipe Out Free Market Conservatives in NC Senate

by johndavis, March 24, 2010

“Basnight often gives campaign money to the state Democratic Party, which can give  unlimited amounts to legislative candidates.” AP, March 18, 2010 1 Last Thursday night, former Democratic Gov. Jim Hunt hosted a fundraiser for Democratic Senate President Pro Tem Marc Basnight at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.  According to the Associated Press, 300 to 400 people
[More...]

“Basnight often gives campaign money to the state Democratic Party, which can give  unlimited amounts to legislative candidates.” AP, March 18, 2010 1

Last Thursday night, former Democratic Gov. Jim Hunt hosted a fundraiser for Democratic Senate President Pro Tem Marc Basnight at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.  According to the Associated Press, 300 to 400 people paying $100-$4000 were expected to show up in order that the good senator from Dare County would have the war chest needed to continue the 114-year winning streak of the Senate Democratic caucus.

Money flows to those with power. Those with power use the money to keep their power. Those with money use those with power to keep their money.   Many of those in attendance at the fairgrounds represented large corporations who claim to be champions of the free market system of economy; a system whereby private interests compete for profit with little governmental intervention.  Truth be known, many of those large corporations … like Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina … use government intervention to gain a competitive advantage over their competition; a role government leaders like former Sen. Tony Rand are happy to play … provided you pay … at events like the fundraiser last Thursday night.

Continue reading »

The Battle for the Speaker’s Gavel in the North Carolina House: If GOP Momentum Wanes, How will they Match the Financial Might of the Democrats?

by johndavis, March 11, 2010

“There’s no real financial infrastructure under the [state] Republican Party, and I reckon building one will take a long time,” he said. And doing so will be “sort of like straightening out a train wreck.” – Carter Wrenn, NC Republican Consultant This is a very fragile time for North Carolina House Democrats and Republicans.  They all
[More...]

“There’s no real financial infrastructure under the [state] Republican Party, and I reckon building one will take a long time,” he said. And doing so will be “sort of like straightening out a train wreck.” – Carter Wrenn, NC Republican Consultant

This is a very fragile time for North Carolina House Democrats and Republicans.  They all know that to some extent their political fortunes this year are tied to the results of President Obama’s reform agenda, beginning with healthcare legislation.  If he prevails, the value of his stock as a reform leader will rebound and the tarnished image of the Democratic Party will be polished up a bit.  If he fails, all bets are off.  Republicans will have a huge surge in momentum which will yield more investors making larger investments, an event that would be devastating for Democrats who have always been able to count on a financial advantage to win the close races.

I am persuaded that Obama is smart enough to come out of the healthcare reform debate with a win.  He has to.  His entire agenda is at stake.  He will make whatever sacrifices are necessary to declare a victory, “… a victory for the uninsured and the underinsured who can’t afford care.”

The greater likelihood is that by the time the May primaries roll around, the healthcare debate will be old news.  Obama will be directing his energies to the other problematic issues for Democrats by then: the economy, jobs, and big government spending.  There will be an uptick in the job approval numbers for the President and the Congress, and most incumbents will win their primaries.  There have only been two states with primaries thus far:  Illinois and Texas.  All incumbent members of congress seeking reelection won their races.

Continue reading »

GOP Tripwires in NC’s 2010 Battle for the Senate Majority: Democratic Caucus faces an Uphill Battle after 114 Years of Uninterrupted Power

by johndavis, March 4, 2010

“Republican candidates who win independents will take the oath of office — period.”1 — Glen Bolger and Neil Newhouse, Public Opinion Strategies I am stunned. How is it possible that the fortunes of the Democratic Party could plummet so far so fast? One year ago they were enjoying the spoils of victory after riding the
[More...]

“Republican candidates who win independents will take the oath of office — period.”1 — Glen Bolger and Neil Newhouse, Public Opinion Strategies

I am stunned. How is it possible that the fortunes of the Democratic Party could plummet so far so fast? One year ago they were enjoying the spoils of victory after riding the crest of an anti-establishment wave created by the Bush administration’s low approval ratings and the inspirational candidacy of Barack Obama and his message of “change we can believe in.” For the first time in 40 years, they claimed the state’s top three political prizes in the same election year, President, U.S. Senator and Governor, and held a majority in both houses of the legislature.

Now, it’s the Democrats flailing about in a stormy sea of angry voters and in danger of losing many of the partisan advantages they gained in 2008. It’s the Democratic brand that’s tarnished.

Continue reading »

Tagged with: