Liveblogging the Dalton-McCrory governor’s debate, Oct. 3
Greetings! John Locke Foundation and Carolina Journal staff members will provide analysis and commentary here beginning at 7. Thanks for dropping by!
As always, any opinions belong to the author.
Rick Henderson - 8:08 PM
I agree with Barry. Barbara Howe should have been included.
McCrory sounded more like a governor than Dalton, who continued playing small ball.
We’ll see them again on Oct. 16, and hope to see you at our next liveblog at 9!
JonHam - 7:59 PM
McCrory wins the ad adjacency sweepstakes. As soon as the debate ended, his ad popped up on WRAL.
Barry Smith - 7:58 PM
My final thoughts on the debate.
Dalton made himself known to the state through the debates. He came out swinging, which he probably had to do to cut down on McCrory’s double-digit lead in the polls. I don’t think the race issue helped him though.
McCrory, the leader in the polls, came across as the candidate to beat. I think he fended off Dalton’s attacks pretty well, and got in a few jabs of his own.
As I mentioned before, I wish the debate had included Libertarian candidate Barbara Howe. She’s on the ballot and I think voters deserve to hear her views.
Terry Stoops - 7:57 PM
Dalton: “We won’t give your money to private schools.” [But we will continue to give it to private preschools, daycare centers, universities.]
Dan E. Way - 7:57 PM
Dalton talks about big oil and big banks’ influence in politics in same breath he said the state doesn’t need more private education. He makes these statements, but is thin on examples. It’s attack by talking points.
Rick Henderson - 7:57 PM
Dalton’s closing statement sounded, well, scripted and forced. McCrory’s much more comfortable. Then again, he’s been running for 7 or 8 years.
Rick Henderson - 7:56 PM
Closing statement:
McCrory: I want to reach everybody in the state to help restart the economy. Time for a Carolina Comeback.
Dalton: I want the very best for my forthcoming grandchild. He’s against charter schools and private education? Gives a “I’m Walter Dalton and I approve this message.”
JonHam - 7:56 PM
Several times tonight the candidates have talked about North Carolina’s neighboring states, Virginia, South Carolina and Tennessee. Last time I looked, Georgia was also a contiguous state to North Carolina. Why no love for the Peach State?
Dan E. Way - 7:55 PM
Voice of reason, leadership and accomplishment needed in North Carolina, McCrory said in summing up why voters should support him. “It’s time for a Carolina comeback.”
Barry Smith - 7:54 PM
Transportation time.
Dalton: North Carolina is a donor state to the federal government.
Yes, I’ve been hearing that for a long time, but nobody ever does anything about it.
McCrory: As mayor, he formulated a plan. People have to give buy-in to the plan. The road system has been politicized. “We’ve got to revise it.”
Neither really gave us a good idea of how to finance transportation.
Dan E. Way - 7:54 PM
McCrory said he believes government has an obligation to provide transportation. State is now saying to residents to give us the money and we’ll decide how it’s spent. That’s a good-old-boy, good-old-woman system that needs overhaul, he said.
Rick Henderson - 7:54 PM
McCrory: Govt does have to provide infrastructure for commerce to flow freely. It’s a long-term process that needs transparency. State has said, Give us money and trust us. DOT has been politicized that needs a sound plan.
Dan E. Way - 7:52 PM
Dalton said he chaired logistics task force to implement a farm to market hard-road system. Ports and intermodal centers were proposed as a framework under that plan. NC is a donor state, meaning it sends more dollars in taxes to Washington than it gets back.
Rick Henderson - 7:52 PM
How will we improve roads? Do we need to raise the gas tax?
Dalton: We need to make sure that entire state is connected by transportation corridors. Is he supporting the Global TransPark and the now-dead Southport port?
JonHam - 7:51 PM
Sorry to break the news to the candidates and the reporters, but North Carolina has had about the worst roads in the South for 25 years.
JonHam - 7:51 PM
Dalton thinks that elderly veterans won’t have a photo ID. Hey, Mr. Dalton, they were in the service. They probably have a retired military ID card, and if not that, then a Veterans Administration ID card. And, failing that, did they ever drive a car?
Dan E. Way - 7:50 PM
“If you don’t look for it, which they haven’t looked for it, you won’t find it,” McCrory said of voter fraud. To think it doesn’t occur is being “naive.”
Rick Henderson - 7:50 PM
Voter ID.
McCrory: If we require ID to get Sudafed or to get to Governor’s Mansion, we need an ID to vote.
Dalton: Sudafed is not a constitutional right. ID is a solution looking for a problem. We don’t need a PHO-TO ID bill. McCrory doesn’t understand rural veterans; that is wrong, wrong, wrong.
McCrory: Wow, I don’t understand the people I grew up with? Voter fraud exists and we’re not immune from it.
Dan E. Way - 7:50 PM
Dalton trots out the Democratic talking point that voter ID is a solution looking for a problem.
Barry Smith - 7:49 PM
Voter ID:
McCrory: We have to protect voter integrity. There is abuse of the current system.
Dalton: “Sudafed is not a precious constitutional right…. It’s a solution looking for a problem.”
Methinks this is an issue that is overblown by both sides, just saying.
Dan E. Way - 7:49 PM
Perdue vetoed legislation for voter ID and Dalton supported her, McCrory said. McCrory said there are gaps in system where people don’t have to show any link between registration and addresses. “If we require an ID to get into the governor’s mansion,” or to get into DNC convention in Charlotte, should be able to require ID to vote.
JonHam - 7:48 PM
Let’s see if Dalton saw the poll that showed that 79 percent of North Carolinians support voter ID.
JonHam - 7:48 PM
Oh, great. Following the race-baiting discussion with voter ID. Can’t wait to hear Dalton demagogue this.
Rick Henderson - 7:47 PM
McCrory: I’ve worked with kids who are now adults who taught me a lot. I didn’t do this for the cameras.
Dalton: If he finds ad offensive, it was because he was not offended? HUH?
McCrory clearly upset with implication.
Dan E. Way - 7:47 PM
Dalton doubles down on how offensive the 47 percent comment was, McCrory responds it’s “a sad commentary” on Dalton.
JonHam - 7:47 PM
Dalton: “If he finds that offensive it’s because he has offended.” OK, what the heck does that mean?
Barry Smith - 7:47 PM
McCrory makes a good response. “Did I understand his experience? No!”
It’s getting testy. Dalton says you do not understand how offensive the ad was.
This is getting ugly.
Dan E. Way - 7:46 PM
McCrory said he has history as mayor and human being of mentoring children of all races. Leadership needs to look at people as individuals, not as demographic blocs.
JonHam - 7:46 PM
First bit of outrage. McCrory calls Dalton’s race ad a low point in North Carolina politics.
Rick Henderson - 7:46 PM
Dalton: I don’t represent 53%.
McCrory. What a pivot.
I didn’t think anything could get lower than Perdue’s tactics from 2008 and Dalton went lower.
Barry Smith - 7:46 PM
The race card?
Dalton: He tries to link McCrory to Romney’s “47 percent” comments.
McCrory: “It was a low point of North Carolina politics.”
Dan E. Way - 7:45 PM
Ah, the race card finally shows up. Dalton makes a lame attempt to link McCrory to racist policies because he didn’t distance himself from Romney presidential campaign, or withdraw support of Romney, over the GOP presidential candidate’s 47 percent comment.
JonHam - 7:45 PM
Uhh, what Republicans withdrew their support from Romney due to the 47 percent comment, Mr. Dalton?
Rick Henderson - 7:44 PM
Questions about race question:
Dalton: Blacks were upset with Romney and 47%. Huh?
Dan E. Way - 7:44 PM
McCrory said implementing a mass transit system in his city, and sharing a platform with a Democratic governor to push it, is an example of how he can work with political opponents.
Barry Smith - 7:43 PM
Cameron Kent: Voters fed up with Congress and others not getting anything done because of partisan politics.
McCrory: Worked across party lines as mayor, and the DNC came to Charlotte.
Dalton: He asked for both parties to be appointed to his Jobs Council. “I think I have a reputation of working across the aisle.”
McCrory says he took a transit sales tax to the voters, then again links Dalton to Perdue on tax increases.
Rick Henderson - 7:43 PM
Asks question about bipartisanship again:
McCrory brings up MASS TRANSIT?!?!? That’ll make JLFers happy.
Dan E. Way - 7:43 PM
McCrory said he did support half-cent sales tax for transportation, and again zings Dalton by thanking him for supporting the half-cent/transportation plan.
Rick Henderson - 7:42 PM
Where have you been bipartisan?
McCrory: I helped Charlotte attract Democratic National Convention. Gets defensive about taxes in Charlotte.
Dalton: I chaired Jobs Commission; asked for Dems and Reps and others to sit on that. Goes back to tax rates in Rutherfordton and Charlotte.
We were fiscally responsible in NCGA.
McCrory thanks Dalton for supporting tax increase that was taken to voters.
Dan E. Way - 7:42 PM
Dalton said again he has a reputation of working across the aisle. He said news media has reported there was no greater champion for a half-cent sales tax than McCrory. Dalton further said he helped NC maintain a AAA bond rating.
Dan E. Way - 7:41 PM
McCrory said he led Charlotte to a prominent national reputation that allowed it to attract the Democratic National Convention. He said more honesty needed in government.
JonHam - 7:41 PM
Also ironic is a media representative asking a question about tossing partisanship aside.
Dan E. Way - 7:40 PM
Dalton said McCrory did not get majority vote in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County last time because of high taxes.
Dan E. Way - 7:39 PM
McCrory said Dalton’s reference to McCrory taking a pay raise is the type of rhetoric that will hurt bipartisan efforts. he said as a mayor re-elected seven-time in Charlotte he has stepped on toes on both sides of the political divide, and led efforts with bipartisan support.
Rick Henderson - 7:39 PM
Dalton: Charlotte was highest taxed city in state for 9 years he was mayor. He lost CLT/Meck during governor’s race.
Rick Henderson - 7:38 PM
How would Dalton deal with divided government? How would McCrory work independently from GOP GA?
Dalton: I took pay cut in General Assembly. McCrory took pay raise as mayor.
Get in the leaders of the other party and look for agreement. Get around the table. (Perdue certainly did not do that.)
McCrory: Talking about pay raises is not nice! A leaders has to step on toes.
Dan E. Way - 7:38 PM
How would Dalton work with an opposition party if GOP retains control? He said it comes down to leadership and setting an example, like he did when he took a pay cut in legislature when state employees were not getting pay raises. “I think there will be a lot of disagreement, perhaps,” but he is respected on both sided of aisle and would be able to work in both chambers.
Barry Smith - 7:37 PM
Dave Jordan question: Many voters don’t have much confidence in either party.
That’s true. And the debate sponsors didn’t allow Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Barbara Howe to participate in this debate. I’d like to have heard her answers to the questions tonight.
Dan E. Way - 7:36 PM
Dalton said there are ways to save money in government motor pools. He would instruct his cabinet officials to sign a contract telling how they would make government more efficient, and he would hold them to the contract.
Rick Henderson - 7:36 PM
What program would you eliminate in state government?
McCrory: We have remedial education in both community colleges and university. We need to improve education so we don’t need remedial education.
Dalton: Motor fleet; streamline bidding; IT. Let’s find efficiencies from our cabinet agencies.
Barry Smith - 7:36 PM
McCrory: We’re spending millions of dollars on remedial education, fixing something that was done wrong. That’s a place where he would cut.
Dalton: Take a look at the motor pool.
Everybody wants to be efficient.
Dan E. Way - 7:35 PM
Asked what program he would cut or eliminate, McCrory said he would start by looking at duplicative programs. State spending millions of dollars for remedial education in higher ed. That’s an example of a broken system, he said.
Terry Stoops - 7:34 PM
Dalton needs to stop saying “I think I’m out of time.” It comes across as “Time is up and thank goodness! I can’t think of anything else to say.”
Dan E. Way - 7:33 PM
McCrory said let private sector determine whether there are natural gas resources underground, and to proceed with safe regulations to extract it if it exists, rather than allow the Department of Commerce to make a determination about how much gas exists and how many jobs might be created even before any drilling has begun.
Barry Smith - 7:33 PM
McCrory: The private sector needs to come in, drill and find out if it can be done.
Now, it’s break time.
JonHam - 7:32 PM
Who is this guy asking questions? What makes him think the Department of Commerce knows anything about fracking and the jobs that might come with it?
Rick Henderson - 7:32 PM
How many jobs will fracking create?
McCrory: Let private sector not govt agency determine if there’s enough gas there to make it worthwhile.
Dalton passes.
Dan E. Way - 7:32 PM
Dalton said there is no surprise by McCrory’s support of fracking because McCrory’s law firm represents oil interests.
Barry Smith - 7:31 PM
What about fracking? How can it be done safely?
Dalton: “I am open to all energy possibilities.” Dalton says he disagreed with Perdue when she vetoed the fracking bill. “I’m open to it if it can be done safely.”
McCrory: “I’m in favor of it.” “It’s time to quit sitting on the sidelines.”
Dalton’s response: He links McCrory to big oil.
Dan E. Way - 7:31 PM
McCrory zings Dalton by saying it is difficult, by his response, to say whether Dalton is for fracking or against it. He said that confusion has accented the Perdue/Dalton position the past four years. “It’s time to quit sitting on the sidelines” and to implement best practices both Democratic and Republican governors across the country
Rick Henderson - 7:31 PM
Fracking question:
Dalton: Open to all sources; disagreed with Perdue’s veto of fracking bill. need to make sure well water not affected.
McCrory brings out Dem Gov Ed Rendell, who campaigned for Dalton, who supports fracking.
Dan E. Way - 7:30 PM
Dalton said when it comes to fracking, there must be guarantees it can be done safely. He disagreed with governor when she vetoed the fracking bill, he said, again distancing himself from the highly unpopular governor. He predicted there is not enough gas and oil to draw the free market to NC. He also said there is a need to be very careful not to deplete water supply or damage it.
Terry Stoops - 7:29 PM
See, he disagreed with the governor on fracking. He is an independent thinker!
Dan E. Way - 7:29 PM
“Regulations against manufacturers are just so burdensome,” McCrory said “The cooperation from the state is just absolutely horrendous.”
Barry Smith - 7:28 PM
Ahh, energy. They’re talking about the municipal debt of municipal owned electricity. Is there a solution to the debt problem?
McCrory: There’s potential to look at more efficiencies. He wants to put the parties together. It sounds like he doesn’t know the answer to the question, but didn’t want to say that.
Dalton: Make sure cities aren’t using money for other things. Then he goes on to mention his manufacturing program, providing a large electrical load, and more revenues.
Dan E. Way - 7:28 PM
Dalton said his economic development plan will put people back to work in manufacturing. Incentives needed to attract mills and factories, and bringing cost of power down is a critical part of that. He also blames federal trade policy for demise of NC manufacturing base.
Terry Stoops - 7:28 PM
A note about Early College high schools. It is a choice program. So, Dalton should support expanding choice even more.
Rick Henderson - 7:27 PM
Q on Duke-Progress merger.
McCrory: Merger could help us bring efficiencies to energy policy.
Dalton: Don’t let electricities offload costs to ratepayers. Look at my econ develop plan. Give INCENTIVES!! to manufacturers.
Dan E. Way - 7:27 PM
McCrory said cost of electric energy still one of NC’s greatest economic recruitment tools. Merger of Duke Power and Progress could make for lots of efficiencies down the road.
Terry Stoops - 7:26 PM
Few know anything about Early College high schools. It’s not much to hang one’s hat on.
Dan E. Way - 7:26 PM
Responding to McCrory’s consistent theme of a Perdue/Dalton administration, Dalton finally throws Perdue under the bus, noting that he was elected separately.
Dan E. Way - 7:25 PM
I like hearing McCrory talk about the need to teach children critical thinking. Too many students lack that skill.
Barry Smith - 7:25 PM
More on education funding.
Dalton: Dalton links education spending to success. That’ll sound good to the education establishment. I’m not sure how well that’ll go over with the rest of the state.
McCrory: Again, he links Dalton to Perdue, calls it the Perdue-Dalton administration and Dalton’s support of some education cuts.
OK, folks, the governor and lieutenant governor don’t run as a team in NC. It’s not like the presidential-vice presidential ticket.
Rick Henderson - 7:24 PM
Q about adequate level of spending.
Dalton: It is about the money. Refers to ed spending during Depression. Give teachers more money, professional development funding,
McCrory: Dalton supported ed cuts during first two years of Perdue admin. Debate has been about budget levels not results. Argument over spending was about less than 1% of funding. (Accurate.)
Pouring more money into failing system doesn’t work. Links to Easley and Perdue.
Dan E. Way - 7:24 PM
McCrory hits Dalton on the Perdue/Dalton administration support of education cuts during its first two years. Ouch.
Dan E. Way - 7:23 PM
Dalton said education has been cut “too, too deeply” and his plan replenishes those cuts. He said what is needed is higher pay and more training for teachers to make NC a leader in the nation and in this economy. We’ve heard that before.
Dan E. Way - 7:22 PM
McCrory has none of Dalton’s claims that existing programs are working, and cites low graduation rates as an example the status quo as insufficient.
JonHam - 7:22 PM
Smart Start, More at Four. I’m expecting Dalton to propose Free at Three, Do at Two, and Fun at One before this debate is over.
Barry Smith - 7:22 PM
Is the bar set low for when school children should be able to read:
McCrory: “It would be a tremendous improvement.” Yet almost all are being promoted to fourth grade. He wants to put resources into reading and basic math in early grades, ensuring no social promotion.
Dalton: Touts Smart Start and More at Four, then hits McCrory for supporting cuts, adding that his plan replenishes that money.
McCrory responds, it’s not a matter of needing new money.
Rick Henderson - 7:22 PM
Cameron Kent: Teacher in ad says everyone should read by 4th grade. Are you setting bar low.
McCrory: A large percentage of our kids aren’t reading at grade level in 3rd grade and yet we promote them. We shouldn’t do that. Daniels (IN) and Bush (FL) have implemented effective reforms.
Dalton: Smart Start and More at Four needed and McCrory favored cuts. Kids need to be reading as soon as possible. The Fed, noted education experts, say we need early childhood education spending.
McCrory: Status quo is indefensible. Remedial ed needed by majority of students entering community colleges. Resources need to be deployed effectively.
Dan E. Way - 7:21 PM
Dalton said Smart Start and More at Four are vital and upheld by the courts, but McCrory opposes those early reading programs. Cuts have hurt efforts. Dalton said his proposal expands early reading/development progarms.
JonHam - 7:21 PM
That reporter who asked the question about reading levels has a distorted view of the N.C. education system. If ONLY all kids could read by 4th grade!
Dan E. Way - 7:20 PM
McCrory defends his call for all NC students to read at grade level by fourth grade is an improvement over the current success standards demanded of students. He disses social promotions as failing students.
Dan E. Way - 7:19 PM
“Disastrous,” is how McCrory described the state of mental health services in North Carolina. Perdue/Dalton have failed to fix a longstanding problem, and state has punted on that responsibility to county governments.
Barry Smith - 7:18 PM
Mental health comes up. How will they ensure that they don’t fall through the cracks?
Dalton: He mentions the federal Affordable Care Act, saying it will help mental health. He wants federal dollars coming into North Carolina.
McCrory: He hits the Perdue administration for not fixing the mental health system.
Rick Henderson - 7:18 PM
Question on managed care for mental health.
Dalton gave detailed answer that made my eyes glaze over.
McCrory says Perdue promised to fix mental health and it’s still a mess.
This is a MEGO question.
Rick Henderson - 7:17 PM
Q: What tax rate did you pay last year?
Dalton: 25%, but you have my tax returns. This is like an application for a job. I filled mine out.
McCrory: I paid what IRS asked and I’ve never been questioned. I’m not going to have IRS start checking personal records of local officials. Get the IRS out of our lives! Don’t tread on me!
Dan E. Way - 7:17 PM
McCrory said he’s not going to have IRS checking on elected officials tax returns. “They need to stay out of our business.” He said he’s paid what was required by the IRS.
JonHam - 7:16 PM
McCrory: I paid what the IRS said I should pay. Me: The media needs to quit demagogueing this tax question. It’s tiresome.
Dan E. Way - 7:16 PM
Dalton estimated 25 percent was his effective personal tax rate. Said public has yet to see McCrory’s tax returns.
Dan E. Way - 7:15 PM
McCrory said there are 20th century jobs still employing people, and it is “inexcusable” for Dalton to talk only about helping 21st century, new, high-tech businesses.
Rick Henderson - 7:15 PM
Dalton: Incentives have to be used for 21st century jobs.
McCrory: A lot of people are working in 20th century jobs. I’m not giving up on manufacturing.
Dan E. Way - 7:15 PM
Dalton said NC tax rates help to supplement low education rates. Centralized government is more effective, he said. Companies paynig higher than average wage and put in substantial brick and mortar, they are likely to get incentives.
Barry Smith - 7:15 PM
Now the tax reform question.
McCrory: Reforming corporate and personal income tax would reduce the need for incentives.
Dalton: “I have proposed no new taxes.” He mentions cutting the food tax and having the sales tax holiday. He also supported tax increases while in the Senate.
JonHam - 7:14 PM
Dalton says he cut million in taxes as a member of the legislature. Boy, didn’t know an individual legislator had that power.
Rick Henderson - 7:14 PM
Q: What tax changes would you make, and would you raise them?
McCrory: must reform taxes to make more competitive. Giving upfront cash incentives is just throwing money at new companies and taxing existing ones. Dalton wants to raise sales taxes, which are regressive.
Dalton: I supported sales tax holiday! (a huge gimmick)
Dan E. Way - 7:14 PM
NC needs to be more competitive in tax rates, McCrory said in response to question about which taxes he would cut.
Rick Henderson - 7:12 PM
Dalton playing class warfare card, saying McCrory’s tax plan would shift burden to middle class.
Dan E. Way - 7:12 PM
McCrory again hits a strong limited government plan that is an incentive to business interests — lower taxes. “We’re losing the battles with our neighboring states and states across the nation.” He said it’s a mixed signal for existing businesses to make them pay for subsidies to other businesses to locate here.
Barry Smith - 7:12 PM
McCrory on incentives: The best incentive is to have a reformed tax code. He calls for a long-term plan that “yes does include incentives.”
See, I told you that politicians like incentives.
Why doesn’t someone say, “No more incentives!”
Rick Henderson - 7:11 PM
Incentive question: Dalton says they’re constitutional and everyone offers them. Best incentive is work force, people, community college system.
McCrory: best incentive is not to have highest tax structure in Southeast, which we have now. Any incentives must be upfront and transparent.
JonHam - 7:11 PM
Dalton: “Best incentive is our workforce.” Then why isn’t that enough to get companies to move here without throwing tax money at them?
Dan E. Way - 7:10 PM
“We have to be in the incentive game,” Dalton said, likening the subsidies to buying a car and getting deals from the dealership. He said nobody likes them, but they are necessary to compete with other states.
Barry Smith - 7:10 PM
Ahh, the incentives question.
Dalton: “I don’t know anybody that likes incentives.” Actually politicians do like incentives. They like saying that they created jobs through their incentives.
JonHam - 7:10 PM
Dalton: “We have to be in the incentives game.” Says other states are doing it so we have to do it.
Dan E. Way - 7:09 PM
McCrory gets it right. Government does not create jobs. Executive branch has deterred creation of jobs the past 10 years, he said.
Rick Henderson - 7:09 PM
McCrory: a politician does not create jobs; he can create environment to create and sustain jobs.
Good response.
Dan E. Way - 7:08 PM
McCrory reminded that Dalton and Perdue called for a 15 percent sales tax increase in the midst of a recession, and only now, during an election campaign, does Dalton change direction on the issue.
Rick Henderson - 7:08 PM
Dave Jordan, Cameron Kent, Dave Wagner will ask questions;
Jordan asks for specifics about fixing economy.
McCrory: change culture of govt. treat businesses as customers; review regulations; reform taxes to make more competitive
Implement 25 year infrastructure plan for state.
Dalton: detailed plan offer tax credits for hiring long-term unemployed. Have not seen McCrory’s detailed plan. Tax cuts for the wealthy. Won’t create jobs
McCrory response: Only one person has proposed new taxes: Dalton.
Early on, McCrory talking in broad strokes, Dalton being very (perhaps too) specific, playing small ball.
Dan E. Way - 7:07 PM
Dalton says biggest corporations would get biggest breaks under McCrory tax plan and the middle class would be hit hardest. That won’t create jobs, Dalton said.
Barry Smith - 7:07 PM
The first question is on jobs and the economy.
McCrory: He wants to “change the culture of government.” He hits at curtailing regulations, a common theme among Republicans. He also wants to change the tax structure and have a 25 year plan for infrastructure. He wants to give certainty for businesses.
Dalton: He wants to give tax credits to create jobs. He has a plan to create manufacturing. Then Dalton starts talking about McCrory’s plan. Dalton is going on the offensive.
JonHam - 7:07 PM
First, let’s talk about things of substance. McCrory forgot the first rule of being on camera: pull your coattail down so your coat collar doesn’t stick up. He also forgot to tighten his tie sufficiently.
Dan E. Way - 7:07 PM
South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia beating us in economic improvement, and that’s why the state needs to move “very fast” in changing tax structure to be more competitive.
Rick Henderson - 7:03 PM
Shannon Vickery introduces the candidates.
Dalton opens thanking members of NC National Guard who lost their lives in Afghanistan.
Dalton promises to listen to the people and lift the middle class.
McCrory thanks wife. Did you know he was born in Jamestown?
Says NC facing challenges, running for gov to fix economy and fix broken government.
Rick Henderson - 6:58 PM
Some initial thoughts:
Challenge for McCrory: Does he try to establish independence from the GOP-led General Assembly or does he say that under Republican leadership, they could accomplish more of their agenda? Many of the individual items on their 2011 to-do list polled well.
Challenge for Dalton: How does he restore funding for programs without raising taxes? Can he distance himself from outgoing Gov. Perdue?
Written by Rick Henderson
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