RALEIGH – I see that my friend Ed Turlington has received Gov. Mike Easley’s nod to be the next chairman of the North Carolina Democratic Party. I wish him well, and note that having a governor’s endorsement typically results in the state chairman job. I also see that some political observers are reading Ed’s candidacy as a potential set-up for a presidential bid by either Easley or outgoing Sen. John Edwards.

Not that I’d claim to be privy to the inner workings of the Democratic political structure, but this just doesn’t quite fit. Why would leading the state Democratic Party be a good place for Turlington to promote a potential presidential candidate from North Carolina? Presumably Edwards – or, far less likely, Easley – would start out with significant moral and financial support in the Tar Heel State. Elevating the candidate’s profile outside of North Carolina would seem to be the key feat, and one for which holding a North Carolina post would seem not to be particularly helpful.

The Raleigh rumor mill is offering a different take on the Turlington candidacy. Let me take some of the very roughly ground product of the mill, bake it up real nice, and see if you like the taste.

Edwards and his team know that the road to the 2008 presidential nomination is not an open one, especially for someone who no longer holds an office from which to preen and pontificate. There are a number of Democratic governors sitting in their driveways and looking for the right time to merge into the traffic. And then there’s a huge vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser let’s make it, that hails from Illinois by way of Arkansas by way of Washington by way of New York State. It’s kind of a road hog.

Edwards & Co. also know that most successful presidential candidacies have featured folks in executive jobs: governors mostly, plus some vice presidents and generals. So, what if the real plan here is for John Edwards to run for North Carolina governor in 2008? That would be an interesting way to rejuvenate his political career and establish a track record of governance. It would also head off what might be an expensive and painful race with that big SUV. And it would likely be facilitated by a strong supporter in the top job at Democratic headquarters.

How do you like the taste so far? Let me give you another helping. Tom Campbell, the host of “NC Spin,” tells me that he’s heard from several Republicans recently about the seemingly odd idea of Sen. Elizabeth Dole giving up her seat after a single term in 2008 to run for governor herself. The theory is that even after an expected re-election, she’ll still be too far down in seniority to head a major subcommittee or wield significant power in Washington. Having been quite powerful in previous executive service, and married to the former Senate leader, Dole might consider capping off her political career in a job where she would be in charge (more her style and background, if you think about it) and be able to create a demonstrable legacy in her home state.

Edwards v. Dole for guv? There would be lots of disappointed Ds and Rs who’ve been waiting for their chance at the governor’s mansion. Of course, that would mean an open U.S. Senate seat. . .

Hood is president of the John Locke Foundation and publisher of Carolina Journal.