The first question friends may have asked those who aspire to seats in the N.C. House of Representatives likely was: Why? After all, making decisions about priorities in state government with a $3.5 billion to $4 billion budget shortfall looming will be no mean feat.
In addition, the makeup and leadership of the General Assembly's lower chamber is far from certain. Long-dominant Democrats are cautiously optimistic they'll retain control, but they're not confident. And being in the minority can be downright painful. Just ask long-suffering Republicans.
This year, elections take on even more importance for the people and the parties because following the 2010 census, legislators are obligated by law to redraw electoral districts. Lines will change, and the party in charge can be expected to seek district designs that will help it stay in power.
The News & Observer today offers its editorial endorsements in House districts that include Wake County. We support those who will effectively communicate with constituents, vote their consciences, make responsible decisions with regard to budgeting and attempt to work constructively with colleagues of both parties
District 33
ROSA GILL A former teacher, school board member and chairperson and retired state employee, Gill landed this seat by appointment last year when incumbent Dan Blue moved to the state Senate. Gill has been an open-minded representative, well-versed in issues and bringing her experience in education to bear on that most important of priorities. She is a long-time resident of her Southeast Raleigh district and well-qualified to represent it. ( rosagill4nchouse.com)
Gill's Republican opponent is Paul Terrell, a conservative U.S. Army veteran and businessman. He has sought this seat previously.
District 34
GRIER MARTIN Attorney Martin is the incumbent here, a Democrat seeking his fourth two-year term. The North Raleigh district dips inside the Beltline (where Martin lives) and has been well-represented by this Army veteran of the war in Afghanistan and articulate student of major issues. Martin will be particularly valuable in working on the budget this year, and his work with constituents and their needs is known to be tireless. He has truly earned their support. ( griermartin.com)
Martin's opponent is Republican Steve Henion, a businessman.
District 35
JENNIFER WEISS Here it is: It doesn't get much better than Democrat Weiss, who has been in office since 1999. Representing Cary, she's been at the forefront on children's issues, health care (with a focus on the disabled), the environment and education. Weiss has built a spectacular record as a lawmaker with an open mind and an open ear. ( weissforhouse.com)
Weiss' Republican opponent is Don Frantz of Cary, owner of Frantz Automotive Center and a member of the Town Council.
District 36
ROBIN ANDERSON Attorney Anderson specializes in employment law, and as the Democratic candidate in this district, which includes parts of southern Cary, Apex and Swift Creek, she's emphasizing fairness in North Carolina's tax code, public education and help for working families. She's an articulate candidate who'd be a fresh voice. ( robinandersonforhouse.com)
Incumbent Nelson Dollar, a media and public relations consultant, has served three terms and has been a hard-working member, but his anti-tax, anti-regulatory positions are weary at a time when the legislature will need some imaginative ideas to get through this budget crisis.
District 37
PAUL STAM Apex Republican Paul "Skip" Stam, an attorney, can be a tough hombre toward House Democrats. He's been a burr in the majority's saddle since 2003 (he served a term in 1989-90 as well) because he also happens to be a sharp parliamentarian. He's often said that while being in the minority is difficult, he believes it is his job to help keep Democrats honest. Now the House GOP leader, the staunchly conservative Stam would be in line to be speaker should his party take control. We do not often agree with Stam on issues, but the chamber needs some strong contrarian voices. ( paulstam.info)
Running against Stam is Democrat Deborah McHenry, a small business owner from the Garner area who has an admirable record of community service and has run a positive campaign.
District 38
DEBORAH ROSS The Raleigh attorney has capably represented this downtown Raleigh, downtown Garner, N.C. State University district for four terms, and has well-earned a fifth. Democrat Ross has been an advocate for progressive causes for so long that by the time she got to the General Assembly as a representative, she was well-known by members, who have since chosen her for leadership posts. She fights for public education, for the university system, for civil and individual rights. She is a skilled legislator and a person of conscience. ( deborahross.org)
Republican candidate Madison E. Shook is a student at N.C. State University.
District 39
DARREN JACKSON Democrat Jackson is an attorney who lives in the Shotwell community, part of this eastern Wake County district that includes Knightdale, Wendell, Zebulon and parts of Garner and Raleigh. He grew up in this district, knows it well, and acknowledges he still is learning the ropes on Jones Street after being appointed last year to replace Rep. Linda Coleman, who took a job with Gov. Beverly Perdue's administration. Jackson's interests include the needs of small towns, and his law practice has put him in contact with towns' leaders. He also knows he'll be "playing defense" this year when it comes to the state budget. He is an open-minded, well-informed and progressive voice. ( darrenjackson.org)
The Republican nominee is Duane Cutlip of Wendell, who lost to Coleman two years ago.
District 40
VIOLET RHINEHART Democrat Rhinehart of Raleigh is a retired public school social studies teacher raised in rural Lenoir County. She is as organized in her priorities as she doubtless has been in her classroom, saying she would focus on the transportation crisis that afflicts Capital Boulevard, which runs through this northern Wake County district. Rhinehart says she also wants to ensure the protection of Falls Lake as intended, despite increasing pressure from developers. ( violetrhinehart.com)
Incumbent Republican Marilyn Avila, seeking her third term, has focused on social and fiscal conservatism.
District 41
CHRIS HEAGARTY Democrat Heagarty was appointed last year to replace Ty Harrell, who resigned this northwestern Wake seat. Heagarty has spent a goodly amount of his professional time as director of the N.C. Center for Voter Education and has been an outspoken advocate of trying to diminish the influence of special interest money on political campaigns. He's an agile thinker who'd keep an eye on ethics reform and set the right priorities to protect disadvantaged North Carolinians, working families and children as the legislature starts to trim away at the budget. ( chrisheagarty.com)
Republican challenger Thomas Murry, a Morrisville town councilman, is an attorney and pharmacist.
