The Winston-Salem Journal’s Scott Sexton ponders this morning’s announcement by Rep. Dale Folwell that he will run for statewide office:

Folwell has been playing coy so far, calling a news conference for this morning in which he’ll announce his candidacy for lieutenant governor, state auditor or treasurer. The bet here is that he runs for lieutenant governor. Whatever the race, though, Folwell should do well.

First, knuckleheads generally don’t ascend to leadership. By virtue of being the House speaker pro tem, Folwell has amassed allies and connections within the GOP that will gain him access to the donors who bankroll statewide races and the kingmakers who decide the primary winners.

Second, since virtually no one can name the lieutenant governor or just what it is that he/she actually does, Folwell should have an edge in a year in which embattled Democratic Gov. Bev Perdue will be a drag on the entire Democratic ticket.

Folwell’s announcement is scheduled for 10a today. Follow him via Twitter.