Two Visions: Both Right and Both Wrong

You have to give our two major candidates for governor credit. Both have their perspective of the current state of our state and each has a vision for the future. But if you are asking whose vision is correct you are asking the wrong question.

It was easy to contrast Republican Pat McCrory and Democrat Walter Dalton when they appeared before the North Carolina chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business this week. McCrory’s vision is that state government is broke and broken, our economy is in shambles, taxes are too high and we are falling behind neighboring states. Dalton says the economy is improving, a balanced approach of tax increases and measured cuts is needed, we must invest more in education and our state still ranks high on the lists of states with good business climates.

Both candidates recognize this election drama has several acts. Act one is over. McCrory and Dalton won their primary elections. The curtain for the second stanza has risen much sooner than in past election cycles for three reasons. TV time is cheaper and more available now than just before the elections. With fewer political ads airing a candidate can more easily advocate positions or frame his or her opponent that when there is so much political clutter on the airwaves. But federal election laws require broadcasters to make time available to federal candidates and television availabilities will become scarce if North Carolina is indeed the battleground state many expect.

Here’s the gubernatorial campaign reality. Pat McCrory has the votes of white males, Christian conservatives and Tea Partiers. Walter Dalton has the traditional Democratic support from minorities, the North Carolina Association of Educators, state employees and he has the edge on women. These groups will all vote as expected in November.

The battle will be staged among the 24 percent who are unaffiliated voters; more than half of them are presently undecided in the gubernatorial and presidential races. It is possible that the presidential campaign might be the final determinant but unaffiliated voters think both gubernatorial candidates are right and both are wrong. North Carolina’s unemployment rate is still higher than the national average and there may be some recovery but it is sporadic. Most agree state government grew too large, was ineffective and in need of reform. They can’t understand why we cannot accomplish the core missions of state government with a 20 billion dollar budget and don’t believe just throwing more tax dollars at problems are the solution. Democrats didn’t hear this message and were relieved of legislative leadership in 2010.

Republicans promised reforms in downsizing and making government work better. What we are getting, however, is a Republican social/political agenda that appears mean spirited. Polls show voters, most especially unaffiliated swing voters, are increasingly dissatisfied. It won’t happen in 2012, but if Republicans don’t listen they will get the same pink slip Democrats received.

Is it too much to ask our two major party candidates to deal with the real concerns of voters? It would be really nice to once again have a candidate who spoke to issues, had an actual plan for helping create jobs, fix roads, improve schools and address growing infrastructure needs. That’s the vision we are waiting to hear.