The Democrats' Scandal

We asked members of our NC SPIN panel their impressions of the scandal in the North Carolina Democratic Party. Be sure to watch this week’s show, but here are some other responses:

From former House Speaker Joe Mavretic:

“There was a time when the Chairman of the North Carolina Democratic Party was hired and served at the pleasure of the Democratic governor. The turbulence at the democratic party headquarters reflects a blatant disregard for Governor Perdue.”

From Becki Gray, columnist for The Carolina Journal:

“It seems that the Democrats have a leadership problem.  The alleged sexual harassment scandal actually occurred last fall and ill-informed party leaders apparently thought it had been adequately hushed up. Unlike companies or private citizens, political parties are fertile ground for ambush by disgruntled candidates, consultants, or activists. Real leadership would have recognized this, dealt with the accusations and personnel issues openly and quickly and moved on. Instead the issue has festered for months waiting for disclosure and the resulting embarrassment.  Again, open and swift action was called for but not forthcoming.

“Days of fumbling and bumbling by Democratic party leaders from the Governor, to the Lt. Governor, to the party chair’s limp excuses have to have the Executive Committee wondering who’s in charge.  Leadership of an organization means putting the credibility and reputation of the organization ahead of trying to cover up or protecting self interests. Former Democratic Senator and Vice Presidential candidate, John Edwards’ sex scandal trial on the front page of the newspaper isn’t helping the image of the party either.

“For years, Jim Hunt and others under him have provided the NC Democratic party strong decisive trusted leadership.  With early voting underway, the national convention coming in a few short weeks and the November election right around the corner, Democrats have to be asking WWJD?  (What would Jim do?)”