Many fairly long-term residents of North Carolina, regardless of their political party affiliation, have had to answer this question somewhere, sometime, on their travels: Why is it that a state represented for 30 years in the U.S. Senate by staunch conservative Jesse Helms has elected time and again a moderate governor?
To be honest, we've never heard a definitive answer. But we do know the consequence of that tradition, which has applied to the two Republican governors of the last half of this century, Jim Holshouser and Jim Martin, as well as to Democrats. There have been no demagogues appealing to racial prejudice or using the politics of division as a way to get things done.
Far from Washington, back here on Tar Heel terra firma, governors have governed. Some, like Jim Hunt, enjoyed spectacular success. Others, such as Republicans Holshouser and Martin, were good and smart men up against a stubborn Democratic majority in the General Assembly that didn't want them to get credit for anything. But each in his own way helped the state move forward.
Gov. Beverly Perdue, who becomes the first governor eligible for a second term to take a pass, has been one of those moderates. And for a change, she's a Democrat who can identify with Holshouser and Martin about difficulties with the legislature. Republican majorities in the House and Senate have made her life unpleasant indeed.
A new race
So now, the Democratic chase is on, with a handful of clear aspirants for the nomination and others flirting with the idea and at least being talked about. Meanwhile, former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, who gave Perdue a good race four years ago and had been shown running well this time, is confident of nomination by Republicans. Toward the end of strengthening his base, McCrory has been making nice with the most conservative elements in his party. He has moved away from moderation.
The list of potential Democratic nominees is long, including figures such as Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton, state Rep. Bill Faison of Orange County, Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx, former State Treasurer Richard Moore, former U.S. Rep Bob Etheridge, U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre of Lumberton and Erskine Bowles, retired president of the UNC system. All would likely fit comfortably into the traditional mold.
So, what do North Carolinians need and want in a governor? They've long indicated that they want someone who is an articulate advocate for the state. They want someone who supports public education. They want someone who believes government should help them help themselves, but not give everything to everyone. They want a governor who has a good mind for finances and budget restraint. They want management skill. Integrity.
Many qualified
These are not, really, superhuman qualities. Many public people in North Carolina have them and have had them.
McCrory was mayor of the state's largest city over multiple terms. He was then a fairly moderate mayor in a big, energized city. He had the foresight to support high-speed transit options which have served the city well. Charlotte has shown imagination in revitalizing its now-thriving downtown. McCrory can take some bows there.
Has he the business savvy to manage a state budget more effectively than his opponent? Would he be an inclusive influence on GOP leaders in the legislature, or like them exclude Democrats from decision-making? These are questions his campaign will have to answer.
Likewise, the Democrats will have to make themselves known, and stake themselves out on issues such as funding for education as well as more basic challenges such as updating the state's tax code to make it fair while providing adequate revenues.
Ultimately, the people have a responsibility to be informed, and in both primaries and the general election to make a choice based on that North Carolina tradition of leadership we can be proud of.
