McHENRY’S MERRY PARTY
U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry and his fellow Republicans from Hickory, Catawba County, and the 10th District were prepared to celebrate the holidays with a special cheerful guest: S.C. Rep. Joe “You Lie” Wilson.
Wilson shocked Democrats and some members of his own party when he shouted “You Lie” to President Obama during an address to Congress. Within 48 hours, Wilson’s Democratic challenger had raised over a half million dollars and this galvanized the hard right Obama haters and within a week Wilson reported raising nearly $1 million.
McHenry’s party was not expected to include moderate GOP supporters from the business community. The guest list, according to insiders, included Rep. Mark Hilton and former Maiden city attorney Randy Isenhower, perennial legislative candidate Mark Hollo of Alexander County, and supporters from across the foothills district that share McHenry’s go-for-jugular tactics against Democrats.
SWIMMING AGAINST THE TIDE? — Despite the falling poll numbers for President Obama, several Democrats are considering seriously campaigns in 2010. It is expected that a Democrat will be on the ballot to replace Rep. Ray Warren who will not seek re-election to his 88th District season which includes Hickory and Alexander County. Hickory’s support for Warren had grown over the years and hopefuls are exploring the possibility of holding on to that support. Republicans also believe former Rep. Hollo can reclaim Hickory support provided he is not positioned as a Hilton protégé.
A Lenoir-Rhyne professor, former Highway Patrolman, and a former judge are among those who have looked at the race.
SANTA, BABY … O.K. Informers, it is time to send our list to the North Pole for all who have been nice this year. And we want to put in a word or two for those who have made us inclined to look the other way.
For retiring legislators Rep. Ray Warren and Sen. Jimmy Jacumin: relaxed, reflective days in the brief 2010 session of the General Assembly, aloof from the partisan rancor.
For the Alexander County snake handlers in the rural churches who viciously attacked Rep. Warren for his anti-bullying bill: a primary translation of the U.S. Constitution that asserts the separation of church and state.
For longtime senator Austin Allran: courage to translate his 14 terms in office into a GOP leadership role, especially if the Republicans become the majority party. (He might begin by talking to Sens. Phil Berger, Stan Bingham and Fletcher Hartsell who have been there far fewer years and who have moved into key chair positions.)
For David Hoyle: just one more term at least in the Senate. Catawba County needs its stepfather. Please….
For U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx: a manual on how to become the wealthiest member of the North Carolina congressional delegation in six years.
For Democratic Parties in Northwest North Carolina: a sleigh full of mature, well-dressed, well-mannered candidates who can assure that voters of the region will be subject to intelligent debate on the economic and social conditions that could weigh down on us for years to come.
Tags: alexander county, catawba county, city attorney, democratic challenger, fellow republicans, foothills district, haters, hopefuls, lenoir-rhyne, mark hilton, obama, patrick mchenry, poll numbers, ray warren, santa baby, wilson wilson