Patsy Keever to lead Democrats

by Lynn Bonner, News and Observer, February 7, 2015.

Patsy Keever of Asheville was elected state Democratic Party chairwoman Saturday, taking over at a time of financial challenges and deep interparty divisions as the 2016 election cycle begins.

Keever defeated four other candidates for the post. She succeeds Randy Voller, who spent two controversial years as party chairman. During that time, his spending and personnel decisions were called into question.

Citing former U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan’s re-election campaign loss, Voller declined last year to run again for the chairmanship.

Keever, who was the party’s first vice chairwoman, ascended despite her own controversies. She was criticized for approving a “shaming letter” mailed to Democratic voters last year.

She takes the helm of the party at a time when Republicans control all branches of government in the once-Democratic state.

“We are in desperate need of a Democratic revival,” said state Sen. Valerie Foushee of Chapel Hill.

Battleground state

Keever said that defeating Republican Gov. Pat McCrory, U.S. Sen. Richard Burr and supporting the next Democratic presidential candidate are priorities.

“North Carolina is going to be a battleground state in 2016,” Keever told party activists gathered in a high school auditorium in Pittsboro.

Janice Covington Allison of Charlotte, Marshall Adame of Jacksonville, Constance Johnson of Salisbury and Ron Sanyal of Raleigh were also candidates for party leadership.

Keever, a former teacher, state House member and congressional candidate, won election to the two-year term handily. Adame was the next-highest vote-getter.

“So many people are ready for the Democratic Party to be strong, to be positive,” she said. “This is a new beginning for us, and people are excited.”

Looking for funds

Keever will be facing a depleted treasury. At a meeting of top party officials Friday, Voller presented the option of the party taking out a $200,000 line of credit. No decision was made.

“A line of credit might be a great tool,” Keever said Saturday. But it’s something new officers need to carefully consider, she said, “to see exactly where we are and where we need to be.”

At Saturday’s meeting, Executive Director Casey Mann resigned before the vote, giving 30 days’ notice. Voller hired Mann. She said she wanted the next administration to start with a clean slate. Treasurer David Bland also stepped down.