Carolina Politics Online

CONCORD – Eighth District political campaigns may be taking a breather for the moment, but they have a lot of intra-party healing to do before November.

For incumbent Larry Kissell, he is running on his record from his first term in Congress, which includes a no-vote on the health care reform law.

Meanwhile, GOP candidate Harold Johnson has his work cut out for him, trying to win Tim D’Annunzio’s supporters to back him against Kissell.

That may be easier said than done.

Independent Tribune

Boy, you can say that again.  That was one of the most brutal primaries I’ve ever seen.  Seriously, Hollywood could not have written something so absurd.  The cast of characters in this whole ordeal may as well have been straight out of a Monty Python flick.

Honestly, I don’t think Johnson will have as hard of a time getting D’Annunzio supporters to go with him in November as some may suspect.  If conservatives really want the Democrats out of the majority that badly, they’re going to vote for him even if they do so grinding their teeth.  This could be a good opening for Thomas Hill, though, the Libertarian candidate.  If he could get the resources, he might be able to gather up some of the disaffected D’Annunzio supporters to back him.

Last night’s run off settled some remaining scores and now that everyone knows who their opponent is, they can begin focusing on the November races.

Elaine Marshall won the Democratic nomination for the U.S.Senate race in North Carolina. She will now face incumbent Republican Richard Burr and Libertarian Michael Beitler.  I rank this race as leaning Republican.

State Representative Nikki Haley handily defeated Congressman Gresham Barrett in the Republican gubernatorial run off for South Carolina.  Haley will now face Democratic State Senator Vincent Sheheen in the fall to determine who will succeed Governor Mark Sanford.  I rank this race as also leaning Republican.  Ken Ard will be Haley’s Lt Governor running mate.

In North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District Republican run off Harold Johnson easily bested Tim D’Annunzio as expected.  D’Annunzio will now have all the time he needs to begin excavating the State of Arizona for the lost Ark of the Convenant.  Johnson will face incumbent Democratic Congressman Larry Kissell and Libertarian Thomas Hill in November.  I rank this race as leaning Democratic.

In North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District Bill Randall defeated Bernie Reeves.  Democrat Brad Miller is the incumbent in this gerrymandered district which covers a small portion of the Triangle and then shoots up to the Virginia border.  This is a D+5 district, so it’s not overwhelmingly Democratic, though I lean this race towards Miller.  Given the political environment this year, however, we could see Randall pull off an upset in November.

In South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District State Representative Tim Scott defeated Paul Thurmond by a huge margin in the Republican run off.  Although Congressman Henry Brown almost lost this seat in 2008, it is still pretty reliably Republican.  Scott is likely to win the November election.

State Representative Jeff Duncan defeated political newcomer Richard Cash by only a three point margin in the Republican run off for South Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District.  This is a solidly Republican seat and we are sure to see Duncan succeed Gresham Barrett in January.

Congressman Bob Inglis became another incumbent to lose reelection in his party’s primary in what’s becoming a long line of incumbent bloodletting all across the country.  Trey Gowdy laid the smackdown on him pretty hard last night.  Like the 3rd, the 4th is solidly Republican and Gowdy will be the next Congressman come January.

Alan Wilson won the Republican run off for South Carolina’s Attorney General race.  The odds favor him to win the general election in November.  Mick Zais won the State Education Superintendent Republican run off and he will face Democrat Frank Holleman in the general.  I rank this race as a toss up.  This is the one statewide seat that the Democrats traditionally seem to be able to capture in this state, probably because Democrats are generally trusted on education issues better than the GOP.  Although, with the political environment favoring the GOP this year more so than normal, Zais could emerge victorious.

In South Carolina’s State House run offs, Doug Brannon ousted one term State Representative Joey Millwood in the 38th House District.  This was an unfortunate result as Brannon supports the failed status quo of public education in this state, where as Millwood was a school choice supporter.  On the other hand, Andy Patrick absolutely pummeled State Representative Richard Chalk in the 123rd so that balances out the Millwood loss.  Democrat Boyd Brown just barely kept his seat in District 41 and Republican Marion Frye hung on to his seat in District 39.

And since I live in York County I always like to weigh on our local races.  Both County Council incumbents in the Republican run off lost their seats.  Eric Winstead defeated Councilman Joe Cox in District 3 and Britt Blackwell beat Buddy Motz in District 6.  David Bowman secured the nomination in District 1, the seat currently held by sleaze bag Paul Lindemann who only managed to get a paltry 12% in the primary election two weeks ago.

9:35pm
It looks pretty certain that Mick Zais has won the State Superintendent run off. That pretty much sums everything up. I’ll write a recap tomorrow.


9:20pm
With 100% reporting in, Jeff Duncan has 51.5% and Richard Cash 48.5% so it appears Duncan is the victor in SC-03.


9:13pm
SC-03 is the last hold out here. With 86% reporting Jeff Duncan leads Richard Cash 53% – 47%. Apparently, the AP feels it’s still too close to call it.


9:09pm
Well, as much as it pains me, I must call the York County Council District 1 run off for David Bowman, not that there’s anything wrong with Bowman, we just really like Kyle Boyd.


9:05pm
Ken Ard has won the Lieutenant Governor run off.


9:03pm
Bill Randall has defeated Bernie Reeves in North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District run off.


9:02pm
Harold Johnson has defeated Tim D’Annunzio in North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District run off.


9:00pm

8:57pm

8:55pm

8:51pm
Not looking good for Kyle Boyd. :sigh:


8:47pm
South Carolina State Representative Richard Chalk has lost reelection in the 123rd House District.


8:45pm
Tim Scott has won the Republican run off for South Carolina’s First Congressional District.


8:45pm
Alan Wilson has won the Republican Attorney General run off.


8:43pm
York County Councilmen Joe Cox and Buddy Motz have both lost their run off elections.


8:39pm
Congressman Bob Inglis has lost reelection. Oh happy day!


8:37pm

8:35pm
Elaine Marshall has won the Democratic nomination for North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race.


8:28pm
Nikki Haley has won the Republican run off for governor!


8:21pm

8:13pm

8:03pm

7:56pm

7:53pm

7:48pm

The polls have closed in South Carolina. They will close in North Carolina at 7:30. I will be updating the results as they come in.

So up on my side of Pedro’s South of the Border, there are only three races that really matter: U.S. Senate, U.S. House 8, and U.S. House 13. Here are my predictions of who I think will win, and who I think should win.

U.S. Senate- Democrat
That Old Lady vs. Whats-his-Face

Yes, it’s the epic battle of the century- some old lady versus some guy from somewhere who used to be a state senator at some point. This thing is so intense I’ll be happy when it’s over so I can catch my breath.

OK, end sarcasm. If I wasn’t a political nerd, I would have no idea there was even an election tomorrow. This race has been almost non-existent. It’s a statewide primary for a U.S. Senate seat that’s actually winnable, and no one seems to give two rat turds about it. I haven’t even seen a poll on this race, have you?

So who will win? Oh… I’ll go with the Old Lady. She’s run statewide since 1996 and has an entrenched base of support as a result. Run-offs are all about turnout, and I think she’s got the manpower to get her supporters out there. Cunningham is too much of an unknown without a lot of statewide experience. Old Lady- 56%, Whats-his-Face- 44%

Who should win? I could care less.

U.S. House 13th District- Republican
Bill Randall vs. Bernie Reeves

This race has gotten just as nasty and low as the more publicized 8th District run-off. Reeves accused Randall of using viagra on his military record. Randall insinuated that maybe there’s “collusion” between the government and BP. Reeves has more money and establishment support. Randall is the Tea Party candidate and I’ve seen a lot of his supporters out there working for him. Either one faces a huge, huge hurdle against Brad Miller this fall, but I think either one can beat Miller with a good mixture of luck and skill.

Who will win? I’ll take the Navy guy with infantry support. In a turnout game, I’d rather have the committed volunteers that Randall has over Reeves’ ability to shit money. In the first election, a lot of that local support was split between Randall and 3rd place finisher Dan Huffman. I think Randall picks up most of Huffman’s support and wins. Randall- 54%, Reeves-46%.

Who should win? Really, I kinda liked Huffman. Oh well. Of the two of them, I like Randall more because, a) he answers our questionnaires; b) he’s a good guy; and c) he actually shows up to campaign instead of trying to buy votes. I’ve heard bad things about how Reeves acts, and he’s slung mud at Randall. So we here at CPO like Bill and wish him luck tomorrow.

U.S. House 13th District- Republican
Tim D’Annunzio vs. Harold Johnson

Ho boy…   this one sure has been interesting, hasn’t it? I suppose there isn’t much more to say that hasn’t already been said in court documents and on previous posts here on CPO, so let’s get on with the predictions.

Who will win: Johnson. Sorry Timmy D., but money can’t buy everything. I do think Timmy D’s supporters, who are rabidly loyal, will make this interesting though. Johnson 60%. D’Annunzio 40%.

Who Should Win: D’Annunzio. Yup. You read that right. I think D’Annunzio shuld win. Why? Well… he really wants it. That counts for something. And I think it would be great to throw a firecracker right at Tom Fetzer’s and the RNC’s faces. Hey knuckleheads… you wanna  stick your nose in someone else’s primary, don’t be surprised if you come back with no more nose. I know all the problems with D’Annunzio, but I’ll take him over the GOP establishment that has stepped in their own shit for two years in regards to this race. They deserve to have D’Annunzio foisted upon them as punishment.

But Celtic, then Larry Kissell will win. Yeah, he probably will. But what happens if Johnson wins the primary? I think Johnson will beat Kissell. And no, I’m actually not happy about that. Johnson is a RINO. All he’ll be is a GOP “yes” man for 4-6 years. And when he decides to step down, the GOP establishment will pick another RINO, maybe L’il Prince Chucklehead, to replace him. But if Kissell stays in another term, maybe there’s a chance to get a real conservative in there in 2012.

And Johnson is a carpetbagger. This is an unforgivable sin for me. I lived in N.Y. when that evil bitch moved there in 2000 just to run for the U.S. Senate. I thought it was disgusting then, and I think it’s disgusting now. How is what Harold Johnson did any different? He lived in Iredell County for 30 damn years, but moved to Caburrus just to run for office? Homey don’t play that game, Big Guy.

So there’s my picks. I’ll try to provide real-time updates for you tomorrow night, along with Bane’s S.C. analysis.

I have to say it. I have tried to remain neutral in this race, but I can’t hold my tongue anymore. After listening to an interview Tim D’Annunzio did with Keith Larson on WBT, I am fully convinced that he is not mentally stable enough to hold public office.

Deflated by new polling numbers and sagging support, Republican Tim D’Annunzio says it would “take a miracle” for him to beat Harold Johnson in Tuesday’s 8th District runoff.

His comments to the Observer came after a fiery radio interview Wednesday in which he told WBT’s Keith Larson that “there’s a special place in hell for people like you.”

So contentious – and bizarre – was the exchange that Larson called D’Annunzio “a delusional, deranged human being” and still the interview roared on.

Charlotte Observer

In the interview, which you can listen to here, D’Annunzio even accused Keith Larson of being the narrative voice speaking in a Harold Johnson ad.  I’ve heard the ad; it doesn’t even sound like Larson.

I interviewed Tim D’Annunzio early in this race several months ago and I thought the guy had great ideas, but as time has moved on it’s become clear that the man is incredibly paranoid and delusional.  Even if he were to defeat Johnson on Tuesday, which I highly doubt, Larry Kissell would bury this guy in the general.  And even if lightening were to strike twice in the same place and D’Annunzio were to actually win the Congressional race, the man would never be able to accomplish anything he’s set out to do in Washington because he would be incredibly combative.  Nobody would support his initiatives.

The voters should choose Harold Johnson in next week’s run off.

Flanked by lawyers, Harold Johnson on Tuesday denounced a lawsuit by rival Tim D’Annunzio as “embarrassing and frivolous” as the war of words between the two Republican congressional candidates continued to escalate.

D’Annunzio sued Johnson for defamation Monday in Cumberland County Superior Court.

“This again is a desperate attack by a desperate candidate,” Johnson said at a news conference in Charlotte.

Charlotte Observer

Like sands through the hourglass, so our the days of our lives.

Republican congressional candidate Tim D’Annunzio on Monday sued GOP rival Harold Johnson for defamation over ads that he said “deliberately spread lies, innuendos, and false statements.”

Johnson was served at a campaign event in Fayetteville. The suit was filed in Cumberland County.

Charlotte Observer

If Tim D’Annunzio wants to serve in Congress he is going to have to become a lot more thick skinned than this.  If he gets elected, wait until the left starts savaging him.  He’ll be a prime target as outspoken as he is.  In all honesty, he’s starting to remind me of Orlando Congressman Alan Grayson and that’s not a good thing.

I doubt he’ll be successful in this suit.  It’s incredibly difficult to prove libel or defamation against a politician and those lawsuits rarely produce results.

Update: We apparently have got video

In a statement Tuesday evening, D’Annunzio’s said he was not participating in the June 8 debate due “to the collaboration between the Harold Johnson campaign and the news media to use partial truth, innuendo and accusations to unfairly smear me” and that he would instead be holding telephone town hall events on the evenings of June 8 and June 9.

“I thank my supporters who have continued to stand by me through the false accusations made towards me and my campaign, and I will keep fighting to set the record straight and clear my good name,” D’Annunzio said.

Politico

And the saga continues.  Is D’Annunzio making the wrong move, or is it better for him to do his planned town halls where he can actually have full interaction with his audience?  On the other hand, the news reports of him backing out of the debate could make people think he is running away from something.  When you think about it, how many people really tune into debate for a U.S. House race?  I don’t know the answer to that, but I would guess it’s not a huge number.

The Mitchell Law group which represents 8th District Republican Congressional candidate Tim D’Annunzio has sent a letter to North Carolina GOP Chairman Tom Fetzer telling him to retract his statements regarding D’Annunzio or face a possible $5 million libel lawsuit.  Below is the letter which was posted on ConservativeNC.

Dear Mr. Fetzer:

As you may know, this firm serves as counsel and represents Mr. Tim D’Annunzio.

Mr. D’Annunzio is deeply saddened by and concerned about the recent defamatory statements and allegations you have made including the assertion that Mr. D’Annunzio is “unfit for public office.” He demands retraction.

Certainly, you and Mr. D’Annunzio have had differences. Mr. D’Annunzio has opined that you have, as the Chairman of the North Carolina Republican party, (1) sought to control him and to compel him to act as you direct, and (2) been angered and upset by Mr. D’Annunzio’s independence, affiliation with “Tea Party” voters, and his unwillingness to be required to submit to you and others in your “political oligarchy,” which he believes will do nothing more than maintain the status quo within the Republican party and compromise the conservative values he holds.

Now, Mr. D’Annunzio believes that you have unfairly personally attacked and assailed him and improperly and inequitably used your power and position in an effort to harm him by making deliberately, intentionally, and maliciously disparaging comments concerning him.

Mr. D’Annunzio is considering filing a civil law suit against you in which he would seek damages in excess of five million dollars ($5,000,000.00) caused by your comments, which resulted in matters from his youth and allegations from a divorce which occurred fifteen years ago being used to impugn Mr. D’Annunzio and to hold him up to ridicule, harming him in his campaign, his business and professional life, and causing great pain and anguish to his family.

As you know, Mr. D’Annunzio maintains his commitment to fundamental constitutional values. Yet, he also maintains that the utterances and publications that you have made individually and in confederation with others are not entitled to constitutional protection. As the North Carolina Courts have said:

At the time the First Amendment was adopted, as today, there were those unscrupulous enough and skillful enough to use the deliberate or reckless falsehood as an effective political tool . . . . That speech is used as a tool for political ends does not automatically bring it under the protective mantle of the Constitution. For the use of the known lie as a tool is at once at odds with the premises of democratic government and with the orderly manner in which economic, social, or political change is to be effected. Calculated falsehood falls into that class of utterances which are no essential part of any exposition of ideas, and are of such slight social value as a step to truth that any benefit that may be derived from them is clearly outweighed by the social interest in order and morality.

Your statements, asserting that Mr. D’Annunzio has not overcome his mistakes, that there is no healing or redemption for those who erred more than 15 years ago in a divorce situation, and that the errors that he made as a juvenile, continue so as presently and always to “disqualify him… from serving [in any] elected office,” are false. This falsity and the structure and form of the statements are such as to cause a hearer or observer of those words to believe erroneously that Mr. D’Annunzio has not overcome, as he has, those difficulties of his past, and that he is not putting the past behind him, learning from it, and moving forward — looking to move this state, this district, and this nation forward, overcoming its own adversities.

In an effort to apply those principles of learning, healing, and overcoming and to move forward, Mr. D’Annunzio is willing to resolve this matter in much the same way as you resolved a civil matter in which you believed you were unfairly cast in a negative light. That is, Mr. D’Annunzio is willing to waive his right to sue, provided that you retract your negative declarations, you issue a letter of apology, and you agree to resolve this matter in a civilized and proper manner.

We will expect your response no later than June 7, 2010. In any event, please accept this notice and demand that retraction is sought.

Sincerely,

The Mitchell Law Group

CONCORD — On Monday, Republican congressional candidate Tim D’Annunzio fired back at GOP leaders who’ve spoken out against his controversial campaign, demanding that the chairman of the North Carolina GOP step down.

“Chairman Fetzer broke the Plan of Organization of the Republican Party by speaking against my candidacy,” he said. “I am officially calling for Chairman Fetzer to step down. He should resign the position.”

Charlotte Observer

D’Annunzio’s position isn’t really off base here.  As I mentioned in my post last night regarding the North Carolina GOP attempting to use allegations from D’Annunzio’s past to paint him as being insane, the Republican leadership may very well be cannibalizing their own.  If D’Annunzio wins the run off then Tom Fetzer has given Larry Kissell all of the ammunition he needs to be reelected and keep the seat in Democratic hands.  Isn’t it incumbent on Fetzer to do what he can to take the seat back for his party?  Undoubtedly, he believes that’s what he’s doing, but it’s quite a gamble.  D’Annunzio has the tea party backing and they’ve been having some success around the country.

“The allegations are unsubstantiated and come from second-hand sources,” D’Annunzio said. “The information printed in yesterday’s newspaper was fed to journalists by certain individuals who are afraid of independent, rugged individualists, like me, who refuse to bow down to those who hold the power and want control for themselves, because they’re more concerned with getting someone elected who will put their version of political party over the people.”

D’Annunzio has admitted to several personal failings in his blog, “Christ’s War,” including using drugs, and being arrested as a teenager and as an adult.

He focuses on his redemption now, he said. “Repentance means you turn around and go a different way.”

That’s another good point.  The accusations made against D’Annunzio by his ex-wife during their divorce proceedings were 15 years ago.  D’Annunzio has admitted to having some problems in his past, but assuming that it is all in the past does not the man then deserve to be given the benefit of the doubt?  The Republican Party is still controlled by the Christian right and isn’t forgiveness the Christian thing to do?  If D’Annunzio just went out two weeks ago and claimed to have discovered the Ark of the Convenent in Arizona then I’d say that’s fair game for his opponents to bring up, but to dredge up alleged statements from 15 years ago that really aren’t relevant to the campaign chalks up to dirty politics in my book.  I’m not on anybody’s side in this race, just playing devil’s advocate here and exposing some possible hypocrisy on behalf of the party apparatus.

All of this is indicative of why I don’t like the party establishment getting involved in primaries.  The tea party folks called Justin Thibault, the Cabarrus County Republican Chairman, a coward for remaining impartial on this.  I disagree.  He’s doing the right thing.  Let the people make their decision at the voting booth.  When the people nominate who they want next month, then the party should step in and provide their support.  The question is, if D’Annunzio wins how can the GOP and his campaign come together after being fractured wider than the Grand Canyon?

The North Carolina Republican Party is not pleased with the outcome of the 8th District primary and are throwing everything including the kitchen sink at Tim D’Annunzio in the hopes of derailing his Congressional bid in the upcoming run off election between he and Republican Harold Johnson.

“Mr. D’Annunzio has disqualified himself by his background, his record and his behavior,” said Tom Fetzer, North Carolina’s Republican Party chairman. He said the GOP embraces the tea party but doesn’t believe a person with such a checkered past should be the party’s nominee.

In Hoke County divorce records, his wife said in 1995 that D’Annunzio had claimed to be the Messiah, had traveled to New Jersey to raise his stepfather from the dead, believed God would drop a 1,000-mile high pyramid as the New Jerusalem on Greenland and found the Ark of the Covenant in Arizona. A doctor’s evaluation the following month said D’Annunzio used marijuana almost daily, had been living with another woman for several months, had once been in drug treatment for heroin dependence and was jailed a couple times as a teenager.

The AP

Oh my….

I’m guessing this was quite a bitter divorce and it’s possible that things were said that nobody really meant.  Or hell, maybe it was just the drugs.  One thing I do know, Fetzer had better hope that his tactic works for the sake of his party, because if D’Annunzio does win the run off, this outing of his alleged past is going to back fire on the GOP in a very ugly way.  Kissell will use all of this ammunition in the general election and will secure himself a second term.  In fact, Kissell has got to be loving every minute of this.  I’m rather enjoying it all myself.  I can say that of all the political chaos that has broken out this past week around the country, Rand Paul, Nikki Haley, etc., this is certainly the most bizarre.

The votes have been counted and we’ve had time to digest the results. Let’s review, shall we?

U.S Senate (Republican)- Richard (20% of my own party told me to take a hike) Burr sent a victory telegram from a fundraiser in Washington, DC, showing everyone just what motivated that 20% to vote the way it did. Even in bad Democrat years, Democrats can pick off vulnerable, flawed incumbents. Tim Johnson beat Larry Pressler in S.D. in 1996. Mark Pryor beat Tim Hutchinson in Arkansas in 2002. Can Elaine or Cal beat Burr this year?

U.S. Senate (Democrat)- Wow. That was a thrill-a-minute primary, wasn’t it? Now politics’ answer to sleeping pills enters round two, with two people no one in their own party even cares about trying to lure sleepwalkers to the voting booth for the run-off. This almost makes me miss John Edwards- at least news stories about him are interesting.

Anyways, looks like Cal What’s-his-name is full steam ahead for a run-off with… That Old Chick, or whatever her name is. He seems pretty into it… to bad no one else is. Will there be behind-the-scenes pressure forcing him out for party unity? Probably. Will it work? Doubt it. As long as the only person he attacks is Burr, he’ll stay in.

U.S. House- There are only two outstanding races right now; Bill Randall and Bernie Reeves in the 13th, and Timmy D. and The Big Guy in the 8th. A third, Jeff Miller and Dan Eichenbaum in the 11th, may or may not be over; a recount may be imminent.

Republicans believe they have a shot at four Democrat seats in November- Shuler’s 11th, Kissell’s 8th, and, if the conditions are right, McIntyre’s 7th and Etheridge’s 2nd. Shuler only got 65% in his own primary, so he may have problems coming at him from both sides in November.

Etheridge is a socialist masquerading as a moderate in a conservative district (N.C. 2). Renee Ellmers, a nurse, will be his opponent. Every year there’s at least one under-the-radar race where a long-term incumbent gets beat down by an unheralded no one, followed by the national media echo chamber braying about how “no one saw it coming”. Bull. They’re easy to see coming- a good challenger runs a competent campaign in a winnable district against a long-term incumbent seen as “out-of-touch” and incompatible with the district’s overall philosophy. My early nomination for this year’s eventual “no one saw it coming” race? N.C. 2. A second nomination? N.C. 4. Don’t laugh- B.J. Lawson is a great candidate for that district and Price is an old buffoon.

I was surprised and disappointed to see Patrick McHenry easily handle his two opponents, including our friend Scott Keadle. McHenry may be a douche, but he knows how to win elections. If he managed to hold on in this anti-incumbent year against two millionaires dropping coin on him, he’s probably there until he gets caught in bed with a barn animal.

N.C. House and Senate- Kathy Harrington (R) will succeed David Hoyle (D) after winning her primary. Yes, there is a general election; no, it doesn’t matter… unless she’s caught in a 3-way with McHenry and his barn animal of choice.

In Wilmington, Thom Goolsby beat Michael Lee for the GOP nod and will face UNCW Chancellor Jim Luetze (D) in the 9th Senate District. Incumbent Democrat Julia Boseman stepped down to run for district court… and lost on Tuesday. Ooops.

In Wake County, Tom Murry won his primary by 200 votes over Todd Batchelor. Murry has a great shot at beating appointed Dem Chris Heagarty in one of N.C.’s most contested house seats. Also in Wake, our own Paul Terrell won and will face appointed Rosa Gill, who in the past few years has done her part to ensure that fewer black kids graduate high school in Wake County (she used to be on the school board).

In Mecklenburg, we can all celebrate as our long, statewide nightmare comes to an end- the Nick Mackey reign has ended. And to prove that when it rains, it pours, the state bar suspended Mackey’s law license a day before he got his ass kicked in the primary. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.

Smoking ban advocate an uber-RINO Jeff Barnhart survived a GOP primary in Caburrus County. I strongly regret not publicizing that race more, but I just didn’t have the time.

Along with Nick Mackey, four other house incumbents lost on Tuesday: Bruce Goforth of Buncombe County, Ronnie Sutton of Robeson County and Earl Jones of Guilford County, all Democrats, lost on Tuesday. One Republican lost, but she gets her own post below this one.

The Losers- Yeah, Nick Mackey lost. So did Julia Boseman. But do you know who the biggest losers of the night were?

The RNC and the DNC.

The DNC told Elaine Marshall, a four-time statewide election victor, to get lost. Their choice- some dude who was a state senator from somewhere for like, two years or something. How’d that work out, DNC? Oh, and now look- not only did the lady you screwed over beat your lackey, but now there’s gonna be a run-off and Richard Burr has more time to get ready for his opponent. Way to go!

Not to be outdone, the RNC brain-trust recruited candidates for the 8th District and the 11th district. Candidates who were supposed to be unstoppable. Candidates who would dominate a primary and dispatch the Democrat incumbents in November. Candidates who were vetted by the RNC Einsteins as the best possible Republican to run for those seats.

Yeah…

8th District- Lou Huddleston, 8.24% of the vote; 4th in a six-way race.
11th District- Greg Newman, 11.67%; 3rd in a six-way race.

Y’know, I’m starting a fund, right here on CPO, to benefit whoever was in charge of recruiting those jabronies. I’ll personally put up money for it. The prize? A trip to a blissful, serene tropical island, accompanied by none other than RNC Chair Michael Steele…. with no ticket back home.

The polls have now been closed for a few hours and enough of the precincts have reported to project fairly accurate results at this point.  So what happened?

Probably the best ass beating that took place tonight was that of the corrupt and sleazy Nick Mackey.  Mackey failed miserably to secure the nomination of his party.  His opponent Rodney Moore received 62% of the vote leaving Mackey with a paltry 38%.  Like they say, crime never pays.

In the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, Elaine Marshall and Cal Cunningham appear to be headed to a runoff election.  With 89 counties fully reported Marshall had 36% of the vote and Cunningham had 27%.

In the U.S. House Republican primaries, Renee Ellmers has won the Second District primary with 55% of the vote.  Congressman Walter Jones survived his primary challenge with 77% of the vote.  B.J. Lawson edged out Frank Roche in the Fourth District primary with 46% of the vote.  Ilario Pantano won the Seventh District primary with 50% of the vote, defeating 2008 nominee Will Breazeale.  In the closely watched Eighth District, Tim D’Annunzio and Harold Johnson will head to a run off to determine who will face Congressman Larry Kissell in November.  In the Tenth District Congressman Patrick McHenry easily fended off his challengers with 62% of the vote.  The Eleventh District is too close to call.  With 13 of 15 counties reporting, Jeff Miller had 40.47% of the vote, just half a percent more than what he needs to avoid a run off election.  The results from the last two counties will determine whether or not that will be needed.  If so, he will face Dan Eichenbaum in a run off.  And CPO contributor Paul Terrell won his primary race in State House District 33 with 67% of the vote.

In Mecklenburg County for the Republican primary for County Commissioner At-Large, former Sheriff Jim Pendergraph, former Commissioner Dan Ramirez, and Corey Thompson were the top three vote getters.

Tim D’Annunzio is one of several Republicans running in the 8th District primary. He is a veteran who founded Paraclete Armor in Raeford, Hoke County. He later sold Paraclete for a sizable sum and now owns a jump-simulating wind tunnel in Raeford. You can learn more about his campaign at www.timvote.com.

CPO thanks to Mr. D’Annunzio for responding and wants a ride in his wind tunnel if he wins. I invite all news sources to link to our questionnaire or post it on their own blogs… just make sure to credit us!

1. How has your professional, non-political career prepared you to serve in Congress?
My background is in business, which makes me the strongest candidate here in the 8th district race. I come with a unique perspective on how the decisions made in Washington affect small businesses and the average worker. I know firsthand that when taxes increase for businesses, the rate of hiring new employees decreases. Our government also seems to have a problem with spending more money than we have. That doesn’t work in business. You have to balance your books, and if elected I’ll do everything in my power to decrease our debt.

2. If elected, which committees would you prefer to be assigned to and why?
Two of the most prominent features in the 8th district are our farms (both family and corporate owned) and Fort Bragg. Therefore, I’d like to be assigned to the Agriculture and Armed Services Committees. By serving on these two committees, I’d have a positive impact on issues that truly concern my constituents in the 8th district.

3. Will you adhere to self-imposed term limits? How long do you envision yourself serving in Congress? Will you support a constitutional amendment requiring term limits for U.S. House and U.S. Senate? Why or why not?
Trust me – I don’t want to stay in Washington any longer than I have to. I will stay in Congress as long as I have the trust and confidence of the people. I believe that we already have term limits – at the ballot box. There are term limits for the U.S. House of Representatives every two years, for the U.S. Senate every six years and for the Presidency every four years.

4. If elected, will you pledge that you will vote to repeal the entire
Health Care “Reform” law that was recently passed? Not part of it. Not most of it. Every. Single. Word.
Yes. I pledge that I will work to repeal every word of the so-called Health Care Reform bill that was recently signed into law.

5. Have you signed the Club for Growth’s Health Care repeal pledge? If not, why not?(http://www.repealit.org/pledge/candidate)
Yes, and I was the first candidate in the 8th district race to do so.

6. Who is your choice for the next Speaker of the House?
John Boehner.

7. What aspects of the existing stimulus, if any, do you support for your District? Are there any tax dollars you would defend or fight to increase coming back to your constituents? What services would you reduce or take away?
The residents of the 8th district are smart enough to realize that they’ve paid far more in taxes than they’ll ever see returning to the district for stimulus projects. I do not support the “stimulus.” The only thing it stimulated was more job losses. I support using tax dollars to pay for national defense and other Constitutional programs, and I’d reduce government services that have no Constitutional basis. Let’s leave these programs to the states to run and pay for.

8. How specifically do you plan to create jobs in your District?
I’ve owned and operated several businesses in the past 20 years, and I continue to create jobs here in the 8th district of North Carolina. I know the best way to grow the economy and create jobs is to limit the size of government, cut taxes, and give businesses the opportunity to compete on a level playing field.  I opened my businesses when the time and economic conditions were right. If we want to create more jobs, we must give small business owners the tools they need to be successful in today’s economic climate.  Billion dollar bailouts, wasteful spending, tax increases and misguided priorities are not the answer and will only prolong the recession.

9. What, if anything, should the United States do to decrease its
dependence on foreign oil?
We must become independent of foreign sources and produce domestically. Across America, there are locations rich in natural resources from natural gas, coal, and oil – all are viable sources of energy. However, litigation has prevented states from exploring for new sources of natural energy. I am the first to say that our nation must strive to find alternative energy sources. However, the rights and desires of individual states must be considered when reviewing offshore and on land drilling and mining proposals. We must reduce the regulations that are restricting development, building, and/or expansion of new oil refineries.

10.  Do you support some sort of tax reform plan, such as the FairTax or a flat tax? Why or why not?
I am a strong supporter of the Fair Tax.  We need to get rid of our current progressive income tax system.  The Fair Tax system will abolish the income tax and will replace it with a national sales tax, ensuring all Americans pay the same rate.

11. On what position do you disagree with the Republican Party the most?
In recent years, the Republican Party has strayed from its commitment to smaller government and fiscal responsibility. I believe that the Republican Party, and our government in general, need to returning to the Constitutional foundations of our nation to solve these problems.

12. Name one thing that you believe Barack Obama has done well during his presidency.
The election of Barack Obama has been a blessing in disguise. The only positive that has come out of his Presidency has been the effect it has had on rallying average citizens for the need to get involved and engaged.

13. Name one thing that you believe Larry Kissell has done well since his 2008 election.
If he truly opposed cap and trade, and the government health care takeover, I’d give him credit for that. But he doesn’t. He’s a puppet of Nancy Pelosi, who has given him a “pass” to vote no on each of these bills, because she knew it would instantly devastate his chances for re-election this year. He was allowed to vote no on the health care bill in order in order for enough Democrats to remain in office to fight against those who have vowed to repeal it.

14. If elected, what is the first bill that you will introduce in the House? Why?
The first bill I would support would be the Enumerated Powers Act. It requires that all bills introduced in the U.S. Congress include a statement setting forth the specific Constitutional authority under which the law is being enacted. I’d also support legislation that reviews the Constitutionality of laws that have already been passed. The only promise I will make to voters is to uphold and defend the Constitution.

15. And finally, some political observers may characterize you and your campaign as aggressive and even bombastic, and your former campaign advisor Jack Hawke resigned. Will you be able to work with other congressmen from both parties in a cooperative manner?
If cooperating means going along with socialists such as Nancy Pelosi, Barney Frank, and the like, then no, I will not cooperate. It’s time for a fight. The American people deserve a Congressman who will fight for them in Washington and stop destroying our Constitution. I support a return to a limited, Constitutional government, and I won’t compromise on that.

Looks like Timmy D. has decided who is biggest rival is. Ouch…

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Then join Anyone But Tim D’Annunzio for Congress! 

It’s time to band together and make sure D’Annunzio does not get elected! After this week everyone is really seeing his true colors and how we need to make sure he doesn’t get elected. If all of his voters would meet him, we would never have to worry about him get elected, because they would see how crazy he really is.

Republican Lou Huddleston marched briskly through a Harrisburg subdivision this week, executing his campaign plan with accustomed military precision.

Trailed by an aide with names and addresses, he knocked on doors of likely voters. If no one answered after one minute, he left a brochure with a handwritten note, one of 200 he writes every night.

“He is a ferociously hard worker and focused person,” says retired Gen. Barry McCaffrey, who served with then-Col. Huddleston in Panama. “He is relentless. He’s a not a backslapper. … He puts his eye on a target and works very diligently to get there.”

The Charlotte Observer

If you’re interested in learning more about Huddleson, the Observer did a pretty good piece on him. Of course, no story about the 8th District would be complete without our friend Timmy D making an appearance.

In the six-man Republican race, Huddleston is one of two candidates from the Fayetteville area. He recently jousted with the other, Hoke County businessman Tim D’Annunzio. After D’Annunzio denounced state GOP chairman Tom Fetzer and two other Republican officials over two recent incidents, Huddleston on Friday once again called on D’Annunzio to step aside.

Responding, D-Annunzio said all Huddleston has done is “solidify my credentials as the conservative candidate.”

Huddleston has rejected D’Annunzio’s pitch to dismantle much of the federal government, including most cabinet-level departments and the Federal Reserve.

“There are a lot of things wrong about Washington, but it’s our Washington,” he says. “My intent is to make Washington better and make it responsive.”

Today Freedom, Liberty and the Constitution Died.

John Adams said, “A Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.” Today with the passing of the Government’s takeover of the national health care system we have seen the death of the principles that were the foundation of the ratification of our Constitution, the death of liberty and with these the end of national wellbeing and happiness. The result will be the removal of the consent of the governed and the consummation of the desolation of our nation.

Christ’s War

Those are some of the words written by 8th District Congressional candidate Tim D’Annunzio this morning on the heals of the unconstitutional health insurance bill that was passed last night by a 219 – 212 vote in the U.S. House of Representatives.  I have to agree with his sentiment.  I have long held the opinion that once the government got their hands fully invested into our personal health care decisions, the fate of a complete Socialist take over would be imminent.

Despite that, I am not upset about the result of last night’s vote.  I say I’m not upset because I fully expected it to happen so I was prepared for the result.  This country, out of ignorance and gullibility, handed the reins of our nation over to an ideological  Marxist who repeatedly claimed a vision of “changing” America.  The stupidity on the parts of 54% of the electorate was that they believed this change would be a good thing despite the warnings from people like myself and many others who pointed out that change doesn’t necessarily mean a positive outcome.  Well, we’ve seen what change means.  It means more corruption and more bribery.  It means more lies and more political sleaze.  But again, you shouldn’t be surprised by this.  All the warning signs of who Barack Obama is were there for everyone to see, but it was easier for many Americans to simply shut it out and embrace the false dreams of hope and change, fueled by a complicit media which did everything in its power to get him elected.  I am surprised that so many people are surprised.

D’Annunzio and many other Republicans are already sounding a rallying cry to repeal the bill.  I hate to piss all over their parade, but they are only giving themselves false hope.  This bill will not be repealed.  You can quote me on that.  Nothing in D.C. gets repealed.  Republicans raised a raucous over Social Security and it even got struck down on its first attempt at implementation by the Supreme Court and yet more than 70 years later it’s still here.  Conservatives raised hell about Medicare and more than 40 years later it’s still here bleeding our nation’s bank account along with SSI.  If history is any indicator there is no reasonable expectation to see this go away.  The best we can hope for at this point is that one of the lawsuits that will be filed by a handful of states will be successful in the court system and result in the legislation being thrown out.

As we’ve heard many times before elections have consequences.  We can only hope that the American people remember what happened here, but again as history has shown, we have very short memories.