Things That Make Noise in the Night, Part XV | Eastern North Carolina Now

    The article in the September 20th issue of The Compass about Christine Mele's opponent deciding to discontinue his campaign because of a "veiled threat" and "obscene epithet" he received by telephone is indeed thought provoking. Having been an elected conservative Republican county commissioner since 1996 gives me a lot of experience with "veiled threats" and "obscene epithets". If I had reacted to those I have received over the years I would be living in a cave in the Andes.

    Mr. Bullis removed himself from consideration for public office when he made these alleged threats public without bringing charges. They are weak political trivia. This looks like a political trick to me. Here is why. The date has passed for any candidate to withdraw his name from the ballot. That is the date the Pamlico County Board of elections sends the ballots out to be printed. All candidates are usually notified of the date ballots go the printers. It seems that Mr. Bullis was conveniently threatened after it was too late to have his name removed from the ballot. That alleged threat got him a lot of free publicity.

    The Beaufort County Commissioner race is becoming a bit of a pickle for Republicans who want to elect more than one conservative. Hood Richardson usually runs strong, getting several hundred more votes than he needs to win. Beaufort County has limited voting which means the voter can only vote for one of the eight candidates. There are four seats open with four Republicans and four Democrats running.
Beaufort County Commissioner Hood Richardson, July, 2004     photo by Stan Deatherage
    Usually the weakest Republican drops out early enough so there are only three Republican names on the ballot. Ashley Woolard and Bill Tarpenning, campaign managers for Gary Brinn advised Brinn, the weakest candidate on the Republican ticket, not to drop out. Hood Richardson and Donald Dixon are the conservative candidates. Richardson is advising husband and wife teams to split their votes with one voting for Dixon and one voting for Richardson. Conservative Republicans fear Jay McRoy, who votes with the Democrats 84 percent of the time, will get back in. McRoy is a member of the liberal Gang of Five.
   
    Many voters are not sure who to vote for in several of the nonpartisan state wide races such as judges. The Democrat Legislature made these races non partisan after it became apparent Republicans were sure winners for judicial seats. Sample ballots are available at all boards of election. Go by and get one for yourself and several for your friends. Mark the conservative candidates before giving ballots to your friends. Most local Republican headquarters can help you identify the Republican judges. They are: Paul Newby for Supreme Court, with Marty McGee, Chris Dillon and David Robinson for the Court of Appeals. Note there are two McGee's on the Court Ballot. Do not vote for Linda McGee. School Board races are non partisan. You may want to be sure of which of your school board candidates belong to which party.
   
    There is a lot of information in "The NC State Board of Elections Voter Guide". This eight page Voter Guide has been mailed to several million homes and is available from your local Board of Elections. It is loaded with information about this years election but it does not tell you which party the judicial candidates represent. Check with your local Board of Elections for your voting location or get on the State Board of Elections web site to view your sample ballot. Sample ballots on the web site is new this year and is your surest way to know who you can vote for. The web address is www.ncsbe.gov. Early voting begins on Thursday October 18 in every county in North Carolina.