As we learn the Obama campaign is opening a sixth office in our state, National Journal profiles the race for president and governor. Among those quoted is longtime Democratic strategist Gary Pearce.
“There’s far from a consensus within the Democratic Party who they actually would rally around right now,” said Brian Nick, a consultant for the McCrory campaign. “Pat’s got a good infrastructure and he’s got a fully operational campaign, and it seems it’ll be some months before the Democrats will have the same.”
Nevertheless, the GOP in North Carolina is not discounting a tough race. The Democrats are bringing the nominating convention to Charlotte this summer, and the Obama campaign has indicated that they’re willing to devote considerable resources to keeping the Tar Heel State in their column. That means a robust get-out-the-vote operation that will surely benefit Democrats.
“North Carolina will certainly be a competitive state,” said Wayne King, vice chairman of the North Carolina GOP. “[The Democrats] are going to spend a lot of money in North Carolina, and we certainly don’t believe that it’s going to be a cakewalk for us.”
Pearce, for one, is thrilled that Obama has made North Carolina part of his winning strategy.
“I love it! Sure,” the Democratic strategist said when asked about the wisdom of the approach. “If he wins North Carolina, then there’s no way a Republican gets elected president. If they can’t carry North Carolina, they can’t get to the White House.”
