Thought the McCrory for governor stuff was pretty simple. Guess not. People keep getting it wrong. People like former Democratic congressional candidate D.G. Martin.
Martin spins out his case that Pat McCrory would be a strong candidate for governor and not subject to the “rule” that Charlotte mayors cannot win statewide.
Trouble is, Martin’s exhibit A for a successful Mecklenburg-centric candidate is former governor Jim Martin. Jim Martin ran as a unabashed conservative. All the other failed candidates Martin cites did not or had opponents to right of them on important issues.
The “rule” that D.G. misses is that candidates must run conservative on something to win in North Carolina, especially the governorship. Note that is run conservative, not govern conservative, which explains Gov. Mike Whatshisname.
As we tried to explain, McCrory must find something to run as a conservative on. He will no doubt be perceived as socially liberal — because he is from Charlotte. Fine. He can overcome that, perhaps turn it into an asset. But not with a wish-washy set of bromides on the side.
If McCrory really is serious about running, failure to comprehend and address this reality will prove problematic very quickly.
Bonus Observation: If McCrory does announce in the next few days, it will be with a real rainmaker as his campaign chairman. Bank on it.
Update: More evidence that Pat may pull the trigger — he’s gone Facebook happy. Under the Dome notes that McCrory — or some trusted aide — has suddenly started updating the mayor’s page at the social networking site Facebook, adding “friends” at furious pace. No need for the mayor of Charlotte to be interested in college Republicans across the state.
Guy running for governor? Makes sense.
