Apr 30 2008
Neal Claims Only He Can Beat Dole
GREENSBORO — Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jim Neal said Tuesday he is the only party hopeful capable of beating Republican Sen. Elizabeth Dole, dismissing the candidate leading the race — Kay Hagan — as just another political insider.
Hagan, a state senator from Greensboro, has a built a wide lead in both polling and fundraising leading to the May 6 primary. She has the support of the state Democratic leadership.
But Neal said in the race’s only televised debate that he can beat Dole because he offers something different.
“We have to offer a contrast,” Neal said. “Democrats win on contrast and standing firm on values. And that’s what I’m about.”
I don’t mean to disparage Mr. Neal here, but I think he is fooling himself if he believes that only he can beat Dole. Neal hasn’t been able to raise anything close to sufficient funds for this race. I think it’s unlikely that he’ll win Tuesday’s primary, but even if he does, how does he expect to mount a significant challenge to Elizabeth Dole without money?
His party seems to have dumped him in favor of Hagan. I don’t doubt that it’s partly due to him being homosexual.
The nutroots loves him, however, and I hope he wins the nomination because he’d be easier to beat.