Thom Goolsby

Arrogance might impress the feeble-minded; but the rest of us, not so much:

Instead of pulling a ‘Bill Clinton’ and running to the center in order to be the hero, she distanced herself from many popular reforms that she could have owned. She could have been a populist hero fighting Obamacare, balancing the $3 billion deficit in the state budget, instituting voter ID, dismantling the Racial (In)Justice Act, reforming medical malpractice liability and making the state energy independent. Instead, to her detriment, Perdue fought the Republicans on all these popular issues.

Thanks for reminding us. While Goolsby might believe changing your principles as often as you change your necktie is admirable behavior, I believe otherwise. I also believe Bev Perdue may have knowingly sacrificed future wealth and success in order to do what's right for the people of NC, and that should also be part of her legacy.

Damn. I wish this doctor was featured in every Democratic ad in every district in every state. This is what the truth looks like.

Yesterday, State Senator Thom Goolsby actually suggested to WECT reporter Ann McAdams that NC is wasting billions on public education, and asked hypothetically, "Where did all the money go?" Read the WECT story here: http://www.wect.com/story/19265770/goolsby-money-set-aside-for-education...

His comments would be laughable if this wasn't such a serious accusation. Today's Fitzsimon File lays out why Goolsby's line of thinking is dangerous, not just for our school children, but also in how traditional media covers a campaign. I couldn't agree more on Fitzsimon's conclusion, EXCEPT that Goolsby IS being challenged this fall, and by a worthy opponent, local attorney, Deb Butler.

Making fraudulent claims about who's picking up the tab:

The latest financial disclosures show that the North Carolina Republican Party has purchased at least $1 million in television air time, including $19, 138 for Goolsby and $37,255 for Rabon, through the media buying firm American Media & Advocacy. However, the ads being run do not bear a “Paid for by the North Carolina Republican Party” disclaimer, instead they claim to be paid for by the candidate, violating election law and subjecting the GOP possible criminal charges.

Whatever the outcome of Tuesday's election, this is one issue that shouldn't be dropped. Fetzer's been whining to the authorities about other people since day one, and it's time they took a look at him, too.

Strong words for a strong candidate:

Former UNCW Chancellor Jim Leutze not only understands the issues facing Southeastern North Carolina, he has been actively involved with helping to solve them. He’s accomplished what many politicians only talk about.

I usually don't get too excited about endorsements, one way or the other. But Leutze, with very little institutional support, has slowly chipped away at his opponent's 21 point polling advantage, and this non-ambiguous thumbs-up from the region's primary newspaper could make this race a toss-up.

Here's what the Star has to say about his opponent: