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Election outcomes

Posted: Tuesday, November 4th, 2008

The last ads have run and the votes cast. Now comes the fun.

Stay tuned to this page and I will give you my impressions on the outcomes of the election...and send me yours to post.

Tom Campbell

Comments

The American people have spoken up for change and actually made their voices heard at the polls. Demographics that traditionally have not had very good voter turnout showed up in record numbers and put Obama in the White House. Let us soak all this in and cherish the moment and pray that our country can get back on the right track. Congratulations to President elect Barack Obama!
Now, as far as the rest of the Democrats elected, I believe Mr. Joe Mavretic summed it up best when he said, “The Democrats will ride Obama’s coattails into office.” Reason: after selecting the President, it appears many voters just voted a straight party ticket instead of taking the time to vote for each office individually. I believe this hurt some more qualified candidates like Pat McCrory who seemed better versed on the issues and ran a much better campaign than Bev Purdue. Elizabeth Dole had the race won and then just killed herself with that controversial “Godless Americans” ad campaign. Once thing is certain: North Carolina and the nation will be under new management in 2009 and let’s see if we will be better off in 4 years than we are now.

posted by Dave Jerrido, Durham, NC on 11.06.08

Ms. Theresa K. Kostrzewa stated on your election eve edition that the youth of America would not have significant bearing on this election... Now for the "correct spin: how wrong she was!" I enjoy your show each Sunday morning.
posted by William Clayton Henderson, NC on 11.05.08

Perhaps the big surprise Tuesday night was the relative ease of Kay Hagan over Elizabeth Dole. Nobody would have predicted this one year ago. Dole supporters will no doubt blame the defeat on George Bush, Barack Obama, the economy and any other excuse they can find. The plain truth is the Dole snatched defeat out of the jaws of victory herself. She didn't pay attention to North Carolina and wasn't often in this state doing the kinds of shoulder-rubbing you have to do to hold your seat. Her constituent service was bad. Unable to defend her record she also didn't have any plans for what she wanted to do if re-elected.

It was also surprising that Pat McCrory conceded as early in the evening as he did. This was supposed to be an extremely tight race but it never materialized. Beverly Perdue ran an erratic campaign but with the Obama tailwind she sailed home to victory. It was historic. Perdue now has work to do.

Two of the three Council of State Republicans retained their seats, disproving the notion that the Obama surge would yield a Democratic sweep. Cherie Berry and Steve Troxler will keep their seats. Auditor Les Merritt was defeated.

The legislature will remain in Democratic hands. With all the talk about game-changing the Republicans only managed to pick up one seat in the Senate. Basnight-Rand will likely prevail and many worry they will end up running the state.

The initial read is that the biggest upsets in the election come in judicial races. Two Court of Appeals and about a half-dozen Superior and District judges were defeated.

The State GOP needs an extreme makeover. No message. No money. No leadership. Not a formula for victory.

The rain definitely played a factor in the turnout. While a 69 percent turnout was highly respectable it failed to meet the 4.5 million vote total elections officials had predicted. Early voting helped keep lines respectable in most precincts.

It may be a couple of days before we know for sure whether Obama carried North Carolina, but there is no question of the Obama effect in this election. He made it close and looks as if he might be the first Democrat to carry the state since Carter.

It was a fascinating election. We are glad it is over. Now to the work of governing. I'm Tom Campbell and I approved this message.
Posted by on 11.05.08
posted by on 11.05.08

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