archived: 23 - 29 Jan, 2005         Back                 Next

UPDATED JANUARY 27, 2005

                        ISOLATING RADICAL REPUBLICANS 

Democrats in the State House delivered a decisive blow to the radical Republicans in North Carolina yesterday.  

Despite the fact that Democrats have a small majority in the State House, Democrats elected Rep. Jim Black as Speaker of the House but also elected Rep. Richard Morgan, a Republican, as Speaker Pro Tem of the State House.  The election of Morgan was more than symbolic: 

Under the agreement, Morgan will be allowed to appoint certain committee chairmen with consultation with the speaker.

"While we are each labeled with a party affiliation there are many times when that label must be set aside to do what is right for the families of North Carolina. We come together in this chamber to work with a common goal to have a healthy, well-educated and prosperous North Carolina," Black said. – Winston-Salem Journal  

The power sharing arrangement passed on a 100 to 20 vote.  The twenty were all radical Republicans.  Twenty-seven Republicans voted for the power sharing arrangement.  

The radical Republicans were quick to condemn Rep. Morgan: 

All 20 House members who voted against the agreement were Republicans. They were not allowed to speak on the floor, but afterward they said Morgan had sold the party out to the Democrats again. – News & Observer   

The Republican Party simply could not hold its members in line to vote against the power sharing arrangement.  Prior to the vote:  

NCGOP Chairman Ferrell Blount . . . reminded our Republican legislators that a majority of North Carolinians voted for a Republican majority in both chambers of the General Assembly. Blount called upon Republican legislators not to support another power sharing arrangement for the upcoming term.

"North Carolina is a conservative, Republican state," said NCGOP Chairman Ferrell Blount. "The 2004 election results prove that our message of lowering taxes, eliminating government waste and protecting traditional family values is resonating across North Carolina, yet the Democrats hold a majority of seats in both chambers due in large part to the power-sharing agreement of the past session."  . . .

"The 2004 election results clearly show that the so-called 'power sharing' agreement of 2002 was another way of keeping Republican legislators on the sidelines while Democrats drew the maps," added Blount. "What is more unfortunate is that a few rogue Republicans went along with the Democrats' unconstitutional House and Senate maps. By doing so, the Democrats have been able to violate the will of the people and hold on to power, even though a majority of North Carolinians voted for Republican legislators."                   

Despite the GOP rhetoric, the “few rogue” Republicans of 2002 has turned into a majority of the State House Republican Caucus today.   

The Democratic Party strategy accomplishes two vital objectives.  First, the Republicans are now badly split and the radical Republicans were isolated.  Second, North Carolina citizens can expect that both Parties have put the business of governing beyond extreme partisan politics. 

It was a good day for the Democratic Party.

_____________________________________________

January 25, 2005            

                        SURGE 

SURGE, Students United for a Responsible Global Environment, was founded in 1998 by students at UNC-Chapel Hill interested in building the progressive student movement, but not limited to students, dedicated to achieving social, economic, political, and environmental justice through collective education and action.   

SURGE has announced its annual Conference.  These are the details: 

Mark your calendars for the 2005 SURGE Conference: Empowering a Progressive Nation, Community by Community.
 

It will take place on February 4-6th at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill!!

Online registration and some more conference details are available at
http://www.unc.edu/surge/conference/2005/

These times call for unprecedented cooperation from all organizations dedicated to justice and peace, and this February weekend hosted by SURGE, Students United for a Responsible Global Environment, and other groups, will be a chance for just that! We will have educational and training workshops, great speakers such as Winona LaDuke of Honor the Earth, Father Roy Bourgeois who co-founded SOA Watch, and Mandy Carter of SONG, music by fun musicians such as David Rovics, delicious meals, and networking sessions to make sure that we stay linked after the weekend is over.

WE WILL HAVE AROUND 25 WORKSHOPS on issues such as...

Sustainable transportation, Criminal Justice Issues, LGBT Rights, Campaign Finance Reform, Cross-Cultural Movement Building, Renewable Energy, Women's Rights, and many others...

and on tactics including...

Effective Interaction with elected officials, Direct Action, Alternative Living, Public Speaking, Networking & Outreach, Independant Media, Guerrilla Theatre and others.

GREAT FOOD PROVIDED ALL WEEKEND!!!, GREAT CONCERT SATURDAY NIGHT!!!, MEET AWESOME PEOPLE!!!, LEARN ABOUT IMPORTANT ISSUES!!!, AND ORGANIZE FOR THE FUTURE!!!

SURGE CONFERENCE 2005:
Feb. 4-6 2005
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Registration Fee only $20* (*includes housing [first asked, first served] and food, and the fee is negotiable based on need)

We have over 100 cosponsors including Witness for Peace, Democracy NC, NC Sustainable Energy Association, the Fund for Southern Communities, Strowd Roses, the Greensboro Justice Fund, the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, Charles M. Jones Peace & Justice Committee of the Chapel Hill Community Church, IPAS, Chapel Hill/Carrboro CITCA, Balance & Accuracy in Journalism, Piedmont Biofuels, Warren Wilson Social Justice Crew, UNC-CH Sustainability Office, and many more! Let us know if you would like to be a cosponsor as well.

Again, we have online registration and some more conference details available at http://www.unc.edu/surge/conference/2005/

If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with us via surgenc@yahoo.com or (919)960-6886. 

Tar Heel Democrats should recall that the biggest group of new Democrats during the 2004 general election came from 18 to 24 year olds.  Progressives who are a little “longer in the tooth” should register and attend. 

Just clink on the hyperlink below to get all of the details: 

SURGE

_____________________________________________

                        REACTIONS 

As TPJ predicted, the reaction of elected Democrat officials to Jerry Meek’s Independent Weekly (IW) interview has been swift.  Meek’s statement:    

But he [Meek] also makes it clear that he will be a party spokesman and put out the party's position himself when "the body speaks," even if that position is in conflict with elected Democrats up to and including Easley and the General Assembly leadership. – Independent Weekly 

Elected Democratic office holders, understanding the implications of Meek’s position, initiated a letter writing campaign on behalf of Turlington: 

Ed Turlington has picked up some heavy-hitter endorsements in his bid to become the next chairman of the state Democratic Party.

Sending out a letter on behalf of the Raleigh attorney last week were Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, Agriculture Commissioner Britt Cobb, state Treasurer Richard Moore, Attorney General Roy Cooper and Tricia Willoughby, the interim superintendent of public instruction. – News & Observer 

These endorsements are in contrast to the endorsement that Meek received from Jim Long, Commissioner of Insurance. 

TPJ has received a number of responses to its endorsement of Ed Turlington for Party Chairman.  TPJ’s endorsement can be read here: -- Chairman Turlington 

Jim Stephenson is the current NCDP Treasurer and past Lenoir County Chair, Third District Chair and NCDP Secretary.  Being in a unique position to evaluate Meek’s performance as Vice-Chair over the past two years, he responds:  

Great article endorsing Ed Turlington.  It was right on the money! 

TPJ received several responses challenging TPJ’s endorsement, favoring Meek.  With the exception of one writer, whose response is being assigned its own section below, those favoring Meek would not permit the use of their names or letters in TPJ.  Generically, they made these points: 

Meek has “paid his dues” while Turlington has not;
Meek knows the State better than Turlington;
Turlington is not a “grass roots” Democrat, representing the Party elite; and
Turlington is not a progressive. 

First, Meek has “paid his dues” while Turlington has not.  This assertion, as “framed,” is simply not supported by the facts.  Both candidates have “paid their dues.”  Turlington has been active, aggressively “paying his dues” in North Carolina politics at the precinct, county and State level for over 30 years.  The IW noted that: 

Ed Turlington got his start in Democratic politics going door-to-door in Sampson County for George McGovern--at the age of 15. Four years later, at 19, he was the youngest member of the North Carolina delegation to the 1976 Democratic National Convention. – Independent Weekly           

The undisputable fact is that throughout the years Turlington has worked throughout the State, as well as nationally, for a litany of Democratic Party candidates.  When the News & Observer attempted to focus on Turlington’s national work within the Democratic Party, Turlington responded: 

He also has one of the longest political resumes in North Carolina, having served as a key aide to Sanford, Hunt and Lt. Gov. Bob Jordan and as executive director of the state party. Turlington said, however, that his most important qualification might be his involvement in precinct politics since he was a 15-year-old in Sampson County.  – News & Observer (emphasis added) 

What further “dues” could one reasonably ask or require? 

Second, Meek knows the State better than Turlington.  This represents another “framing” of the contest that simply is not supported by the facts.  In addition to the plethora of campaigns that Turlington has been involved within the State, Turlington is the only candidate running who served as Executive Director of the Democratic Party in North Carolina, responsible for the day to day operation of the Party and coordination with local Democratic Party officials. 

Third, Turlington is not a “grassroots” Democrat and is part of the “elite.”  The facts stated in one and two above should dispel any notion that Turlington lacks “grassroots” credentials or commitment to grassroots organizing.  Readers should recall that Turlington headed Senator Bradley’s insurgent national campaign for President and was deeply involved in Senator McGovern’s campaign for President in North Carolina, the latter effort undertaken when every “establishment” politician in North Carolina was running from the national ticket. 

Turlington has worked his way to the top, a fact that supports his candidacy rather than diminishes it.  One does not work their way to the top without these traits: (1) commitment, (2) political skills, (3) developing trust and building coalitions and (4), especially in politics, being successful.  These are the requisite qualities of an outstanding leader.  

Fourth, Turlington is not a progressive.  The question must be asked; by whose litmus test is Turlington not a progressive?   

From one perspective, Meek’s core progressive supporters are attempting to “frame” Turlington’s candidacy destructively.  But, when the “frame” does not fit the facts that the picture paints, the frame becomes just that – a frame. 

                        TIM LISZEWSKI
                        “A Response” 

Junkie: Mr. Liszewski has written the most thoughtful response to TPJ’s endorsement of Ed Turlington for Party Chairman.  It richly deserves publication and is being presented in its entirety with formatting and grammar slightly altered to conform to TPJ’s standards.   

__________ 

First, thanks for providing a sounding board for political ideas in North Carolina. Your web site is always thought-provoking, whether I agree with the conclusion or not.

Your piece endorsing Ed Turlington for the Democratic Party Chair is one with which I don't agree. Let's take your opening premise:  

A Turlington Chairmanship promises the hope of an individual who can build bridges between the conservative, moderate and progressive forces that comprise the NC Democratic Party. For NC progressives who have not had an appropriate voice in the Democratic Party, Turlington’s demonstrated ability to work in the various wings of the NCDP should ensure a meaningful voice in Party affairs. 

While it's true the chair should provide that bridge between disparate elements within the party, I would argue that Jerry Meek has already built them. Many of those already committed to Mr. Meek would be considered in the moderate or conservative wing of the NC Democratic Party. His efforts alone held the state's "old guard" and new party activists together during the 2004 electoral campaigns. 

No other state party official has sought to welcome the new blood into the party and show them how the party machinery works. And no other party official has traveled the state and personally met with all the current county and district chairs – the “old guard”. Mr. Meek did this in 2003 and 2004, when organizing was sorely needed. 

So let’s consider the five critical issues you identified in your “Chairman” article. 

Fundraising:  Yes, the chair should insure there’s enough money.  Why the assumption that Mr. Meek would not be as successful at it as the outgoing chair?  He’s the one who pushed for Matt Gross – former director of Internet communications for the Dean campaign – to redesign the state party website.  Adding the ability to raise small donations through the web will not only raise the needed money, it will make the party less beholden to corporate interests that pull the party’s candidates to the right. 

Rebuilding Local Organizations:  Mr. Meek is already doing this – has been for four years.  Why lose the time it would take for Mr. Turlington to establish his own close ties with all the county chairs – as he has said he would do if elected?  

Defining the Democratic Party:  There are plenty of people to blame for the 2004 state convention debacle.  Mr. Meek isn’t one of them.  He was part of the resolutions committee seeking to do just that.  After the convention, Mr. Meek was the only party official with guts enough to attend a meeting with progressives to explain what happened and how it could be avoided in the future.  I was in the room, and can assure you he wasn’t warmly received. That’s leadership.  

Voter Registration:  This is the first time many can recall that the Dems hired full time voter registration coordinators, whose tasks were to recruit volunteers and put them to work in the field registering voters.  Mr. Meek’s proposals to reorganize the state party infrastructure – which were ignored by the current chair – will build on this record.  Having two regional directors will show the party faithful – the “old guard” – that their ideas are welcomed and needed within the party.  

Develop a Strategy:  The strategy to win is already apparent.  Rebuilding the party from the bottom up, with attention paid to local races, is the strategy many counties have adopted.  Wake and Watauga counties are two such examples.  Encouraging this local initiative in counties that aren’t very active is premature.  We must get those counties better organized and active so quality candidates will make the effort to run effective campaigns. 

I find it ironic that all of your criticisms of Mr. Meek revolve around his complicity with Barbara Allen.  He wasn’t the one calling the shots.  His influence forced party officials to do more than in 2000, with results in at least 20 counties – by your count.  Do you really think 2004 would have been any different than 2000 without Mr. Meek’s efforts, both before he was a state party official and while he was First Vice Chair? 

The 2004 election brought a lot of new citizens to the Democratic Party in North Carolina, particularly progressives. It is the most massive infusion of “new blood” that the NC Democrat Party has had since he 1960's. Turlington is the best candidate to incorporate these Democrats into the Party effectively. Looking at Turlington’s unmatched record of building political organizations and his progressive roots, these new Democrats should find their rightful place within the Party. It is place progressives have earned. 

Why is Mr. Turlington the best man?  As part of that “new blood”, I’ve seen Mr. Meek work hard to integrate both progressive and moderate activists into the established [P]arty structure.  I mentioned Mr. Meek’s efforts after the “No Resolutions” state convention.  Without his timely intervention, many of us would have abandoned working within the [P]arty. 

That’s not to say he is squarely in the progressive camp.  At the national convention, the Kucinich delegates were under great pressure to vote for John Kerry, to make the North Carolina delegation unanimous in its support of the Kerry-Edwards ticket.  Mr. Meek was part of that pressure, advising them to vote the [P]arty line. 

It’s true many progressives are spoiling for a fight on many issues.  Mr. Meek has been the one, time and again, advising us not to take our fight public, pointing out exactly what you have regarding the Republican in-fighting. 

Meek appears to be willing to join that fight, promising to speak out against policies that elected Democrats may be taking. In addition, Meek is promising a Party that is ‘independent.’  

There’s only one elected Democrat I’ve seen Mr. Meek speak out against – the [G]overnor.  And that was after Mr. Easley recruited Mr. Turlington.  Considering Mike Easley would be a Republican in most other states, I don’t consider this “destructive”.  Mr. Easley is the one who picked the fight by persuading Mr. Turlington to seek the chair.  The choice of Mr. Turlington seeks to drive a wedge between the new activists and those who were already in the party pushing for progressive issues.  Mr. Easley, after paying little or no attention to the party, wants to have the party apparatus available for a run on the national stage.  He wants to maintain the top down approach. 

Progressives believe that issues are more than planks to run on after they are filtered through polls and focus groups. They are about how to make our society a better place.  We believe that electing Democrats needs to be a means to that end, and certainly not an end in itself. 

I think that Mr. Meek comes down more on that side than does Mr. Turlington.  Both are pragmatic and loyal to the party.  If Mr. Meek had wanted to be “destructive”, he would not have dropped out last time around. 

Finally, you did not address some of Mr. Turlington’s drawbacks in your endorsement.  Won’t Mr. Turlington necessarily need to bow to the [G]overnor on some progressive issues because the governor backed him?  Won’t Mr. Turlington’s lobbying efforts compromise the party?  The Republicans will make an issue out of this, whether Mr. Turlington does something shady or not. 

I’d appreciate it if you can post this in its entirety.  I’d also love to read your response to the previous paragraph. 

__________ 

Junkie:  TPJ appreciates the thorough and thoughtful response.  We actively strive to publish a broad range of views.  TPJ’s response: 

First, the central premise that Meek “held the Party together” while acknowledging that Meek is “only” attacking Governor Easley appears to be contradictory and incomplete.  If one considers Gov. Easley the elected leader of the “old guard,” Meek’s interview with the Independent Weekly cannot be classified as “holding the Party together.”   

The assertion that Meek is only attacking the Governor is not well taken.  The Independent Weekly’s article speaks for itself: 

But he [Meek] also makes it clear that he will be a party spokesman and put out the party's position himself when "the body speaks," even if that position is in conflict with elected Democrats up to and including Easley and the General Assembly leadership. – Independent Weekly (emphasis added) 

The “up to and including Easley and the General Assembly leadership” goes far beyond any possible interpretation that Meek was signaling an attack only on Governor Easley.  Careful note should be given to the fact that except for Commissioner Jim Long, the other Democratic elected officials on the Council of State, representing a broad spectrum of political views, have publicly endorsed Turlington. (In fairness to Mr. Liszewski, his response was written prior to the public endorsements noted.) 

In TPJ’s view, Meek’s statements virtually ensure that his election as Party Chairman will divide the Democratic Party rather than unite it. 

Second, contrary to the assertion that TPJ holds Meek responsible for the failings of Barbara Allen as Chairman, Mr. Liszewski misreads TPJ’s criticism of Meek’s performance as Vice-Chairman.  We wrote: 

In essence, if progressive Democrats thought that Meek would be a voice inside the Party for reform over the last two years, it has not been publicly apparent on these critical issues to the Party.  . . .

Where was Meek’s voice over the nearly two years on the issues of voter registration and building an internet presence?  

Meek did speak out on the failure of the Party to adopt a platform, which TPJ noted.  However, Meek’s voice came belatedly.  For a candidate who signals that he is willing to attack elected Democrats up to and including the Governor and the elected leaders of the General Assembly, the lack of his voice in challenging the State Party’s leadership remains an unexplained paradox.  

TPJ continues to believe that the Democratic Party’s role in the 2004 was, from a statewide perspective, one of the worst in Party history.  Meek ran for Party leadership as an advocate for reform within the Democratic Party organization, a voice that was largely mute until the end of his term of office. TPJ continues to believe that if Meek had raised his voice throughout his term of office the Party’s 2004 effort, if not result, could have been far different.   

Third, Turlington remains, in TPJ’s view, the best man to incorporate the recent activists attracted to the Democratic Party in North Carolina during the last election.  These are the two key reasons for TPJ’s position: 

1. Turlington has been involved in more campaigns than Meek. Turlington’s intimate experience with campaigns, both in North Carolina and nationally, are a plus.  His wide ranging experience gives him unmatched qualification in laying an effective structure on the ground. 
    

2. Turlington’s credentials in and credibility with the various “wings” of the Democratic Party, particularly the progressives, should make the transfusion of “new blood,” more successful.  Progressives were, as Mr. Liszewski notes, soundly rebuffed in attempting to advance planks in the 2004 Democratic Party Platform debacle.  Turlington is the best person to successfully negotiate these differences, giving progressives a position in the Party that they have rightfully earned.

 Fourth, Mr. Liszewski asks TPJ to address two specific issues:

1. Won’t Mr. Turlington necessarily need to bow to the [G]overnor on some progressive issues because the [G]overnor backed him?

No.  And, the question signifies a critical misperception of the role of a Party Chairman and denotes the alarming possibilities emerging from the race for Chairman.

The Party Chairman does not set policy for the Party.  When the Party is working properly, it is the State Convention that sets the Party’s vision in its Platform.  It is the duty of the Party’s elected officers to organize the Democratic Party around that Platform.  Turlington, nor any other Party Chairman, can “bow” the Platform away.

Getting elected Democratic office holders to implement the Party’s Platform is the issue.  There is no effective enforcement mechanism to require any publicly elected official to adhere to the Platform.  It will require a Party Chairman who can advocate, mediate and find, from time to time, the compromises necessary to bring adhesion between the Party rank and file and wayward elected officials.

Just look at the Republican experience with the same problem.  The Republican Party ousted Rep. Richard Morgan from the NCGOP Executive Committee and challenged Rep. Morgan’s House colleagues in the primaries. The result, Democrats regained majority control of the State House, in significant part, because of the Republican division.  Do progressive Democrats want to emulate the Republican experience?  Meek’s statements in the Independent Weekly are a clear indication that he is willing to follow that course. 

TPJ continues its belief that Gov. Easley has supported Ed Turlington as an honest broker.  Turlington’s political and business successes are not dependent upon Gov. Easley.  Simply stated, Turlington has a record of achievement and excellence that was built independent of Gov. Easley’s administration.  From all of the possible candidates Gov. Easley could have advanced for Party Chairman who are dependent on the Governor, he chose the one candidate who was independence from his administration. 

2. Won’t Mr. Turlington’s lobbying efforts compromise the party?

No.  Turlington is a paid lobbyist for a number of business interests that are publicly disclosed.  Turlington immediately announced that if representation of a business client conflicts with his role as Party Chairman, he would withdraw from representing the client.

Does anyone really expect a Republican to successfully attack Turlington for representing businesses?  The Republican mantra is typically the opposite; that Democrats oppose business concerns at every turn.  It is a boomerang that the Republicans cannot throw without hitting themselves.

Meek also runs the risk of being attached for his business associations.  Meek practices law representing plaintiff’s in medical malpractice cases.  Republicans will be bringing tort reform before the General Assembly, specifically, capping jury awards.  Republicans could certainly attack the Democratic Party for having a plaintiff’s malpractice lawyer as the head of its Party. 

TPJ sees this as a non-issue for Meek as well.  Senator Edwards exhibited the perfect response when faced with the same issue.  Meek has worked his entire life to ensure that injured citizens get their day in court, a right steeped in American history and our sense of fair play, and as Democrats we are proud of his record.   

Both Meek and Turlington have been loyal and active Democrats.  Both deserve our respect for what they have done and the contributions they will continue to make.  The issue remains is which one, as candidate for Party Chairman, will best rebuild the Party in North Carolina. 

For TPJ, that choice remains Ed Turlington. 

Finally, and with all due respect to Mr. Liszewski’s views of Governor Easley, TPJ finds it disturbing that progressive Democrats in North Carolina would welcome attacks upon Governor Easley because he would “be a Republican” anywhere else.  Does any reasoned mind believe that North Carolina would be better today if the radical Republicans in North Carolina were in control of the executive branch?  In Mississippi, the radical Republicans are cutting Medicare resulting in no heath care for thousands of their citizens.  In Georgia, radical Republicans are rewriting creationism into school text books. Even in California, Arnold’s budget axe is closing public libraries.  Eleven states have just adopted constitutional amendments banning same sex marriages and some states have moved against civil unions.  

TPJ has broached this subject in EASLEY: THE SOUTHERN DEMOCRATIC FORMULA . 

Progressives must simply ask themselves if an ideal progressive candidate could conceivably win in North Carolina. The answer, today, appears to be a resounding no.  Not in a state where 40% of the voters identify themselves as conservatives, only 17% consider themselves Liberals and Moral Values was the most important issue, +2% over Economy/Jobs in a State where the economy was hit hard during Gov. Easley’s first term. 

Gov. Easley indeed did have his political feet on both sides of the ideological fence, where both feet have to be in order for a Democratic Party candidate to win statewide. North Carolina progressives have to accept, yet be willing to work to change, the political environment in which Democratic Party candidates must run.

If progressives want “true” progressives to win statewide, progressive Democrats must build the political support to make that happen.  Progressives have yet to set in motion the effort to change the reality represented in the numbers quoted above.   

Until progressives are able to change the political realities in North Carolina, TPJ is not alone in its belief that Governor Easley represents the model of a Democrat who can compete successfully in the South.  Ed Kilgore at New Donkey has just published an extended analysis of the demise of the Democratic Party in the South.  He uses Governors Easley, Warner and Bredesen as models of how to rebuild the Democratic Party.  Kilgore’s article is well worth reading -- The Future of Southern Democrats

Last Update: 03/23/2006