We’re done with Thanksgiving so Senate Rules chairman Tom Apodaca (R-Hendersonville) has presumably made up his mind as to whether or not to run for reelection. It’s hard to think of a scenario where progressives would prefer Apodaca to run again. But this might be one of them: an Apodaca retirement could pave the way for liberals’ old enemy, Tim Moffitt, to reenter the fold.
Former Rep. Moffitt built up a reputation in the North Carolina House as a constant thorn in the side of progressives everywhere, especially Asheville-area progressives who watched with dismay as the General Assembly, aided by Moffitt, passed legislation often limiting the power of the municipal government of that city. Moffitt himself described his role as “manning the far western outpost closest to the enemy’s base camp.” A polarizing figure, Moffitt was defeated for reelection last year by Democrat Brian Turner.
Since then, Moffitt has made no indication that he plans a return to elected office. His last campaign was an ugly one. Revealingly, he said in a post-election interview that he enjoys being involved in government but is “wrestling with whether politics is something that I enjoy.”
The good news for Moffitt (and why an open State Senate seat might be appealing for him) is that Apodaca’s district is much friendlier to Republicans than any of the House seats in Buncombe County. Mitt Romney carried it with 60% of the vote in 2012 and Republicans have a huge advantage in voter registration. Whoever comes out of the GOP primary will not only have a clear path to the general, but potentially a seat they can hold for as long as they want to. While Moffitt is apparently reluctant to return to politics, the lure of a strongly conservative Senate seat might be too enticing to pass up.
For that reason, liberals just might be celebrating if Mr. Apodaca announces he has unfinished business in the General Assembly. Because if Apodaca calls it quits, Moffitt just might decide he needs attending to some unfinished business of his own. For progressives, and especially those in the Asheville area, it’s the stuff of nightmares.
John Wynne is the “conservative voice” at PoliticsNC, where he also provides polling analysis and commentary on legislative campaigns. When not writing about politics, he enjoys gardening and listening to opera. Contact: johncwynne@gmail.com.
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