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Quite frankly none of them.

Though I do like Sue's position on illegal immigrants.

I wonder if Vernon Robinson might change his mind about Miller's seat and throw his hat into the ring on this one? Now that would create a buzz and lots of excitement.

Getting serious, John Blust is my man and I feel would have a strong chance of winning. I especially like his stand on fiscal responsibility and ethics.

Is there a Draft Blust movement?

Blust has that one nagging problem that will keep him from the nomination - the state GOP hates him. I am aware of direct threats from the state GOP to political operatives who considered working for him. He is a non-starter for a state race.

I admire Roy Cooper for his work against payday lenders, but I don't think he has a chance at governor until and if his image strengthens.

Sue Myrick would be entertaining as a candidate. Her talk first-think later style would be fun, but it would also be her undoing. I am surprised that she was elected to Congress by her locals, but I would be very surprised if she could sell herself statewide.

Richard Moore may be our most capable leader in the state. What he has done in the financial arena is nothing short of astounding, but somehow I don't see NC voters promoting the treasurer to governor.

Bev Purdue is in the driver's seat. She has shown she is a shrewd and crafty politician - manipulating the lottery vote and getting a surprise minority woman in as the head of the community college trustees come to mind. She's not my first choice, but she may be the favorite.

Patrick, are you saying that the "good ole boys " are lined up against Blust?
If so even more reason to vote for the man. If he rubs against the grain of the status quo then he has got to have something going for him.
Draft him,do what ever then vote for him.

Patrick,

I don't agree with your depiction of Blust's chances.

For example, the RNC despises Senator McCain as well as many of his colleagues on the hill because like Blust, he's a maverick. But many analysts have said it's McCain's to lose in 2008 for the top job.

If Blust could position the Dem's Black lottery mess as an issue. Plus, fiscal responsibility in my mind could be an issue. The recent gas tax increase, sales tax at 7%, borrowing from the highway fund to prop up the general fund and the consequent mess our road system is in, etc.

Oh, and let's not forget about the licensing of undocumented invaders this state is known far and wide for.

Just maybe, an outsider like Blust could pull it off.

Jon, if the man would come out with a platform as you were pointing out, I 'd vote for him in a heart beat.

Who says Blust is running? He'd have to start putting together an organization and raising money very soon. It's not going to happen. Jon, you need to find another candidate.

McCain is the perfect example, and thanks for reinforcing my point, Jon. After McCain took the early lead in the 2000 GOP primaries, the RNC put him down like a rabid dog in South Carolina.

Do you recall the push poll that implied that he was mentally ill after being a POW in Vietnam and that he had a black baby? His campaign was torpedoed right then and there, and he never recovered.

Since then, he has supported President Bush, sometimes agreeing with him but sometimes through gritted teeth, trying to grow a pile of chips to cash in with the RNC in 2008.

Blust has never made those efforts with the state GOP (I admire him for that, by the way). I'm telling you, he would be squashed like a bug, fair or not. And he has no ability to generate a statewide grassroots campaign.

I think he is basically a good guy who has refused to play the Raleigh game. That is admirable, but it does not lead to higher office.

I would have to take a hard look at Roy Cooper. It seems to me the AG's office is a good breeding ground for governors who aren't afraid to make tough decisions. Despite my disappointment at the way the lottery was passed, I still admire Easley and the job he has done in such a tough economic climate.

I like the idea of relatively young, seasoned leaders taking the reins of the state government.

Until the state Republican party does a better job a grooming candidates at the local and state level, I will continue to vote a split ticket, as I have since 1988.

Well Mr. P looks like it's only you and me who have faith in our Mr. Blust. I can already feel a groundswell of support for his nomination for Gov in 2008.

Now if Doug, who appears to admire Mr. Blust, would only do a glowing editorial on Blust in the N&R, which would not only help to catapult our man into the limelight but also paint him in a corner where he'll have no choice but to run, we'll change history in North Carolina by electing the first populist governor (who refuses to toe the party line) in this century.

Run John B. run, run John B. run.