Although neither has officially announced a candidacy, state Reps. Rick Glazier, D-Cumberland, and Tricia Cotham, D-Mecklenburg, are exchanging fire in anticipation of potential bids for superintendent of public instruction. The AP reports:
Verbal stingers are being traded as two state House Democrats are talking about running for North Carolina schools superintendent in 2012 even before they’ve formally announced decisions to become candidates.
Rep. Tricia Cotham of Matthews e-mailed some Democrats Tuesday criticizing Rep. Rick Glazier of Fayetteville, who created a campaign committee for the superintendent’s post this month. Cotham said she’ll continue to support current Superintendent June Atkinson and won’t run for her job unless Atkinson says she’s not seeking re-election. Cotham mentioned Glazier co-sponsored a bill three years ago that would no longer make the superintendent a statewide election position.
Glazier campaign manager Adam Scott said later Tuesday that Cotham’s comments show she’d run a negative campaign. Scott said Glazier would make his campaign decision public after Atkinson announces her plans.
