Earning voters' trust will require work in 2014

Editorial by Fayetteville Observer, January 5, 2014.

After controlling most of North Carolina government for a very long time, Democrats found themselves in the wilderness losing the General Assembly and the governor's mansion in the last two election cycles.

Allies like the NAACP are trying to revive party faithful with events like "Moral Mondays," staged to protest Republican policies. Whether that counts as much more than preaching to a dwindling choir remains to be seen.

We're not sure party leaders have accepted ownership of their alienation from the voters. Democrats' credibility reached a low under Gov. Bev Perdue's hapless administration, on the heels of scandals that included felony convictions for Gov. Mike Easley and House Speaker Jim Black.

Democrats need to articulate a legislative agenda that distances itself from the faces and ideas of the past and offers a viable alternative to Republican policies. Democrats need to regain trust, not simply demonize Republicans.

The GOP has its own trust issues after a lackluster first year in complete control, awash in controversial legislation, questionable campaign finances and dubious appointments. Republicans need to show voters between now and Election Day that they can govern responsibly and learn from mistakes. Republicans have to show that they believe in evolving, so they will grow in leadership if they stay in power.

The possible showdown between Democratic U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan and likely challenger Thom Tillis, the Republican House speaker, would top the 2014 ballot, potentially bringing out the weakest points of each side: the bungled Obamacare rollout vs. questionable General Assembly leadership. It would be a shame if this devolved into a contest for least untrustworthy.

State elections could be little more than a referendum on Washington, with partisan turnout and straight-ticket voting dictating results. We hope voters will instead keep up with state issues carefully this year and weigh each race on the candidates' individual merits. Competence and integrity should trump party.

Stepping away from partisan gamesmanship and looking to the good of the electorate, we'd like to see positive moves within each party. Both major parties need lively internal debate that will take extremists and special interests out of the driver's seat and put the good of the state, especially its employment numbers, ahead of polarizing ideologies and manufactured wedge issues.

Voters profit when we have competitive but distinctive parties that provide real alternatives. Consistent bipartisan leadership and cooperation will put the people first.