Senate 2010

As Democrats flip-flop relentlessly and equivocate with abandon, DADT repeal slides backwards. The polling is conclusive -- even in NC. GOP figures like Dick Cheney give political cover for DADT repeal.

On Wednesday, November 18 at 7:00 p.m. we will have a live blog discussion with U.S. Senate candidate, Elaine Marshall. We are lucky that James was able to get this set up in the middle of all the frantic activity surrounding the healthcare debate and the on again, off again candidacies of others. Please mark your calendars and keep your eyes open for some background posts and a question thread.

Dear Friends,

After giving a serious and thorough look at a race for the U.S. Senate, I have decided not to seek office at this time. This has been a very difficult decision, but I’m sure there will be another day and there are many other ways to serve.

I am deeply committed to public service and have a passion for working on the serious issues facing our State and country. A campaign for the Senate is about winning and working to be a part of the answer. As a candidate, I have to look supporters in the eye and show them how we win – and what we do when we get there. After a very careful look, I’ve concluded that this is the wrong race at the wrong time for me and my family.

Shame Senator Burr, Sign the petition, Look at new 2010 polling and check out a brilliant Daily Show clip. What else could you want?

In his newest Focal Points blog post, Cal Cunningham draws upon his personal experiences and conversations across North Carolina to delve into the heart of our economic matters - by counseling with leaders across the energy and security spectrums and formulating a strong, comprehensive plan that will effectively generate the green jobs of our future. North Carolina has a lot riding on a greener economy.

“I went to Washington last week to meet with national security experts about the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act – legislation filed Wednesday in the U.S. Senate written to help create clean, green, sustainable jobs that can’t be outsourced overseas, to transition our economy to alternative and domestic energy sources and to check climate changing carbon emissions.”

Tom Jensen (esteemed pollster over at Public Policy Polling) had a quick, insightful blog post today about the youth vote in 2008 and what, if any, overlap may happen in the 2010 Senate race.

Jensen mentions potential United States Senate candidate Cal Cunningham as the one person who, theoretically, would have a major strength with turning out younger voters (he just turned 36). And, while I agree with Jensen that the youth vote may not be as high as the record level we saw under Obama, I don't think the 2004 level should be the standard either.

There’s something to be said for good ol’ fashioned talking to people about what’s happening in their lives. Though there’s lots of chit-chat about other things surrounding U.S. Senate 2010, Cal is spending a considerable amount of time actually listening to what people are concerned about. And, he has started capturing some of this dialogue on his blog: The Focal Points (“Friends of Cal”). Cal has traveled to almost half of North Carolina’s counties and posted a couple of poignant stories from the last few days. As he says, in politics, there’s the “game” and there’s what is “real”. Kind of refreshing.

When Nascar drivers, legends and fans are welcomed to the White House for a wonderful celebration of the sport and recognition of its history, could there be a bit more in play than just a toast to the winning teams? Politico has a fantastic story on the event (even noting that, of the current and former champions in attendance, they have contributed nearly $150k in political donations since the 1980s - all to Republicans!). However, that doesn't stop our President, or a potential future Senator, from recognizing both the significant achievements and passionate assistance the Nascar family has shown to North Carolina and the rest of the country. (Pictures can be found at Talking Points Memo).

I kid you not.

"Health care reform has to happen, the worst product that could come out of this debate is if we got nothing," Burr said.

Then he went a little off-script and may have strayed a bit from his "official" statement.

"We're leaving to an elected official the ability at any point now, five years from now ten years from now, to write the rules on mandates in a way the private sector couldn't compete with the government option, that's just not a smart thing for the congress to do," Burr said. "It's ok if you want to have a government option but you've got to leave the private sector private."

(emphasis my own)

Kenneth Lewis has challenged Richard Burr to a debate on healthcare. According to the story at ENC Today, Lewis noticed Burr had no healthcare town halls on his schedule for this week. Lewis decided to help him fill out his calendar.

Burr has been out and about. He's tagging along with Kay Hagan and Larry Kissell, probably in an attempt to look more moderate. He needs to figure out a way to not look like George Bush's lapdog. I guess tagging along with Sec. of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Sec. of Education Arne Duncan, Kay Hagan and Larry Kissell for the rural town stop is one way to look bipartisan....even if he still votes like he's carrying King George's piss bucket.

Recently the DC press has taunted North Carolina Democrats over our seeming inability to recruit a top-tier challenger to run against Richard Burr in 2010. While the DC press is looking for a big name, Democrats in North Carolina are looking a little deeper. We know we don't need what others might consider a "top-tier" candidate. Senator Richard Burr has never won a serious political challenge without the assistance of a turn in voter sentiment or long coattails from the top of the ticket.

In the latest approval ratings provided by Public Policy Polling more than a third of voters polled were undecided on how they feel about Richard Burr – or whether they even know who he is. In his hands the power of incumbency is greatly reduced.

Yesterday we learned a little about Kenneth Lewis, the only Democrat who has declared to run for U.S. Senate as a challenger to Richard Burr. You can read part 1 of this series by following this link. Today, we will take a look at his approach to campaigning and his stance on a few important issues.

Can he win?

The Lewis for Senate campaign is about more than having a compelling personal story or a long history of community service. Kenneth has a realistic idea of the energy and time it takes to run a statewide campaign. He has experience raising money and proved he can raise money by pulling in $109,000 in 21 days. Instead of waiting to see who else might jump in, he stepped up to lead early and he committed to a strong, viable campaign by taking the step to hire Joe Trippi, a pioneer in internet fundraising and messaging.

Kenneth Lewis is the only declared candidate running for U.S. Senate against Richard Burr. On Friday he gave me an hour of his time for an in-depth, on the record interview. If, like I did, you had dismissed him as a political unknown, I encourage you to read further and take a longer look, if for no other reason than he raised $109,000 in 21 days.

Lewis is running for the United States Senate to ensure that the “arc of progress” that took his family from slavery to a Duke/Harvard education and a successful law practice is available now and for future generations. He said he has the background, the experience and the insights gained from each to represent North Carolina and to lead in the Senate.

His family story is a significant factor in Lewis’s decision to run for the Senate.

On Friday I will be interviewing Kenneth Lewis, the only candidate who has declared a run for U.S. Senate to challenge Richard Burr. Here is your chance to participate.

Please post your questions for Kenneth in the comments below. I may not be able to get answers to them all, but will do my best.

What do you want to ask Kenneth Lewis?

The administrators of the Cal Cunningham Facebook group sent out a compelling message of thanks and continuing encouragement to supporters this afternoon. Empowered by the latest Public Policy Polling statewide poll, which has Cal within single digits of Burr, this message seeks to reaffirm and embolden the amazing grassroots growth and excitement about Cal as the 2010 Senate race creeps towards its dawn.

Following is the entire message. I feel it goes a long way towards showing appreciation for all the hard work and interest here at BlueNC (and throughout the entire NC media infrastructure). For all Cal supporters, whether ardent or calm, I urge you to continue the fight against 6 more years of Burr's malaise in Washington and spread the word about Cal's incredible ascension.