The analysts are blaming the summer scheduling--the result of another redistricting lawsuit--for the turnout drop, but the truth is it didn't have far to fall.
Behind the headlines, though, there are plenty of stories out of Tuesday's contests. The composition of the state House, for one, is changing enough that the twin speaker combination of Reps. Jim Black and Richard Morgan will likely be history when the legislature reconvenes in January. In addition, the outcome of about 20 key Republican primaries throughout the state (including a handful of races in Wake County) will decide a bitter intra-party rivalry between the more moderate Morgan forces and hard-line conservatives led by Rep. Leo Daughtry of Johnston County.
We hope that changes the don't-do-anything-controversial mindset enough for the General Assembly to finally agree on a death penalty moratorium and abandon the absurd refusal to consider even a modest hike in the tobacco tax (we're second lowest in the nation).
And we hope the lack of interest this time around is not an indication of the way things are going to go in November. While we said last week that the local elections are almost as important as the national ones, there is no question that this year's presidential race is the most important in decades. If you didn't vote this week, resolve to make up for it on Nov. 2. There's too much at stake, and as Florida taught us in 2000, a few votes can make a big difference (and we're not talking about the Supreme Court).
- To create paragraphs in your comment, type <p> at the start of a paragraph and </p> at the end of each paragraph.
- To create bold text, type <b>bolded text</b> (please note the closing tag, </b>).
- To create italicized text, type <i>italicized text</i> (please note the closing tag, </i>).
- Proper web addresses will automatically become links.
Latest in Editorial
-
Strike down the discriminatory driver's licenses
In issuing these pink driver's licenses, emblazoned with the words "no lawful status" (which isn't true), Republicans want to elicit fear from as well as punish North Carolina's undocumented immigrants.
- Mar 6, 2013
-
When nipples are outlawed, only outlaws will have nipples
This is what's way out of hand: A measure like House Bill 34 passes for governance under the new regime.
- Feb 13, 2013
-
A very expensive race in Senate District 18
If Barefoot defeats Berger, the Republicans will have effectively bought a seat, a vote in general for their far-right agenda and specifically for Stam.
- Oct 3, 2012
- More »
More by Kirk Ross
-
Unlike Oz, the Legislature is all-powerful
In this state, the Legislature creates not just the game and the rules, but the players themselves.
- Mar 20, 2013
-
Beware the bright shiny objects of the General Assembly
When the mackerel are running, you take a shiny metal spoon with a hook on it and cast it in the water. It's a decent metaphor for the viral interaction of social media and outrageous legislation.
- Apr 17, 2013
- More »
