Black by a whisker, for now
AP writer Gary Robertson: "House Speaker Jim Black led challenger Hal Jordan by seven votes Tuesday with all precincts reporting, according to unofficial results.
"Provisional ballots had not yet been counted, and the eventual winner was sure to request a recount."
Why would half the voters in this Mecklenburg County state House district want to keep Jim Black, who faces mountains of legal troubles?
Maybe for party reasons. If (when) Black resigns, the seat would be filled by an appointed Democrat. Electing Jordan would turn it over to Republicans. The district generally favors Democrats.
But let's wait to see what the provisional ballots say. Black may be out sooner rather than later.
Update: Black tells The Charlotte Observer: "When The Charlotte Observer has beat up on you for a solid year with negative reporting, I feel lucky to be even."
Yeah, Jim. This is all about The Charlotte Observer beating up on you.
What newspaper should President Bush blame for the hammering Republicans took yesterday?