Vetting the gov: Challengers could have impact on the gubernatorial front-runner

It would almost seem inevitable that unless a large meteor hurtles from the sky and squashes Republican Pat McCrory, he will be the next governor of the state of North Carolina.

No offense to all the partisans from the other side, but there just is not enough time, really, for a viable Democratic candidate to mount the kind of pursuit that is necessary to wrest the office away from him.

And besides, he has about a two-year campaign lead.

But that said, there is a danger is an anointment. Those who get their seats in that manner tend to think they have been handed a tablet from on high -- and they do not tend to think their constituents have much to teach them.

So, while the governor's race might not actually be one, there is an advantage to having a bevy of Democratic candidates ready to pounce on the eventual GOP nominee -- and one potential party challenger with a voice in the race.

The more questions that are asked, the more issues explored, the better the chance that the new governor just might remember his humble beginnings.

And that could very well end up being in the best interest of North Carolina.

Published in Editorials on March 15, 2012 10:56 AM