News-Record.com

Tuesday's editorial.

For weeks, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have treated North Carolina to the greatest political show on earth: an American presidential campaign. Even John McCain has gotten in on the act with an appearance in Charlotte Monday and a planned speech today at Wake Forest University.

For those of us not used to this much attention from presidential candidates, the experience has been exciting and entertaining. Despite record early voting, Primary Day turnout is expected to be enormous. The atmosphere at polling places will be electric.

The one problem is that so much energy drawn to the top of today’s ballot has cast state and local candidates and issues into the shadows of uncertainty. They deserve consideration, too — and they won’t run off to other states after today’s voting is done.

We’ve made recommendations regarding some of the important decisions voters face today. We’ll cover more in the general election, but today’s outcomes constitute the voters’ final answer in some. Here’s a recap:

U.S. Senate
Elizabeth Dole won this seat in 2002 and remains the leading lady of North Carolina Republicans. She’s a clear choice in her party’s primary.

Among five Democrats, state Sen. Kay Hagan from Greensboro is the only candidate who’s demonstrated two qualities: the ability to serve effectively in office, and the political experience to make a credible run against Dole.

Congress, 6th District
First elected in 1984, Greensboro Republican Howard Coble has no primary opposition, but three Democrats are competing for the right to challenge him in November. Best qualified is Greensboro physician Teresa Sue Bratton, whose top issue is creating a better health care system.

Congress, 13th District
For Democrats, Brad Miller of Raleigh is an easy choice over Derald Hafner. In three terms, Miller has become one of the most effective members of the state’s congressional delegation. Hugh Webster of Yanceyville is the lone Republican candidate.

Governor
The overriding issue is leadership. Voters should choose the candidates who promise smart, creative and effective management of state government. The next governor must put an end to closed-door, special-interest politics and work with members of both parties to get things done.
Among Republicans, that’s the successful seven-term mayor of Charlotte, Pat McCrory. He’s proved that partisanship yields when leaders put forward a unifying vision.

State Treasurer Richard Moore fits the bill for Democrats, although his overly aggressive campaign against Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue warns of too much ambition and a streak of ruthlessness. Nevertheless, Moore has a record of impressive accomplishments.

State Senate, District 28
This Democrats-only contest matches Guilford County Commissioner Bruce Davis of High Point against incumbent Katie Dorsett of Greensboro. Experienced and respected, she gracefully and conscientiously represents a diverse district. Davis’ bid for her seat is premature.

State House District 61
Republicans own this district, where Laura Wiley of High Point has served with energy and intelligence for two terms. Jamestown resident George Ragsdale is promising but hasn’t made a convincing case for replacing Wiley.

County Commissioner, District 5
Republican voters can replace sometimes-wise, sometimes-wicked Billy Yow with steadier Rick Wallace, a former mayor of Pleasant Garden.

County Commissioner, District 8
Skip Alston too often wastes his considerable political talents pursuing racial conflicts. Veterans advocate Greg Woodard is untested but worth a try in this Democratic contest.

Bonds and sales-tax proposal
Guilford County voters decide costly but important proposals. Our view:
Parks and recreation bonds, $20.2 million, No. The projects are fine, but they aren’t necessities.
Jail bonds, $114.6 million, Yes. A new facility housing 1,000 prisoners is needed to supplement the outdated, overcrowded and unsafe jail in Greensboro.

School bonds, $412.3 million, Yes. The plan contains some nonessential items that the school board should revisit, but the reality is that more and better classroom space is required for a growing population of students.

GTCC bonds, $79.5 million, Yes. The community college is a key driver of economic development and the place where thousands go to learn new job skills. It must be equipped for a challenging future.

Eastern Guilford bonds, $45 million, Yes. This fulfills an obligation to rebuild the high school that was destroyed by fire in 2006.

Sales-tax increase, one-fourth cent, Yes. This funding option relieves pressure on the property tax.