RALEIGH — At a Monday press conference, State Republican Party Chairman Bill Cobey made it (semi)official: he’s resigning his post and launching a bid for the Republican nomination for governor of North Carolina.
With rumors of his interest reported several days earlier in the press, the former U.S. congressman and N.C. Cabinet secretary had little choice but to declare his intentions. Cobey’s brief statement alluded to plans for a more official campaign kickoff event in the fall, and shed at least a little light on why the 64-year-old Republican activist — whose varied career includes stints as athletic director at UNC-Chapel Hill and as manager of the Wake County town of Morrisville — would consider taking on another political challenge.
Describing himself as an optimist at heart, Cobey nevertheless offered a not-so-subtle dig at Gov. Mike Easley’s fiscal policies.
“North Carolinians are resourceful and caring people who deserve more and better job opportunities, outstanding schools, and roads that are second to none,” Cobey said. “And they deserve a government that can live within its means, and can provide these things while reducing the tax burden on North Carolina families and businesses. Anyone who does not think that is possible, shouldn’t run for Governor.”
As far as the GOP primary is concerned, Cobey’s entry can fairly be judged as a commentary on the lack of excitement that many Republican activists and donors feel about the gubernatorial race. While some question whether 2000 nominee and former Charlotte Mayor Richard Vinroot should get another chance at Easley, or whether Senate Minority Leader Patrick Ballantine is truly up to that task, I get the sense that the problem is greater than any perceived weakness in the biographies and campaign strategies of the existing candidates, who also include longtime GOP fundraiser and official George Little of Moore County and Davie County Commissioner Dan Barrett.
There’s a general lack of enthusiasm among many Republicans about state politics in North Carolina. Stemming from the leadership fight in the N.C. House, and now extending into political infighting about redistricting, party members who voted for state tax increases, and potential primary challengers within Republican ranks, the fissure has not only pushed many reluctant GOP leaders back home into taking sides but has also propelled a number to throw up their hands in disgust. Content to focus on making local gains and reelecting a popular president and Republican Congress in Washington, these are among the active Republicans who haven’t responded eagerly to any of the early policking for governor or other state offices.
Cobey obviously believes that he’s the person who can galvanize the party faithful and build a coalition to unseat the Democratic incumbent. It’s far too early to tell whether his belief is justified. It is telling, however, that until Monday it was Bill Cobey’s job to recruit Republican candidates for statewide office in North Carolina.
Perhaps the experience was educational.
Hood is president of the John Locke Foundation and publisher of Carolina Journal.