Standing with Holly

by | Aug 13, 2015 | 2016 Elections, Editor's Blog, NC Politics | 21 comments

In full disclosure, I’m working with Holly Jones on her campaign for Lieutenant Governor, but the thoughts here are mine and mine alone. I’ve also known Holly my whole life. We grew up in Wadesboro together, both went to UNC-CH and have both been involved in Democratic politics.

So it was no surprise when Holly called a year or so to commiserate about the damage Republicans are doing to the state that we both love. She was especially frustrated by the legislature’s interference into business that should have been left to local government. That call began a series of conversations that culminated in Holly’s announcement yesterday that she’s running for lieutenant governor.

Holly didn’t make this decision lightly. She didn’t make it because she has a burning desire to governor. She made it because she believes that we need thoughtful, forward-thinking people running state government and that Democrats need a strong ticket with hard-working candidates to win in 2016.

We have a solid candidate for governor in Roy Cooper. He’s got name recognition, a solid record as attorney general and is doing the work to offer a strong contrast to the inept Pat McCrory. He will provide a strong candidacy at the top of the state ticket.

We don’t have a candidate who is aggressively taking the fight to Republicans in Raleigh and holding them accountable for their misguided policies and abuses of power. That’s the role Holly wants to fill. She also wants her candidacy to encourage more people to join the fray. She understands that Democrats are stronger with a full ticket up and down the ballot.

Holly has been a leader all of her life. She graduated from UNC-CH with a BA in Public Policy Analysis and a Masters in Public Health. She went to Duke University where she earned a Masters of Divinity. A lifelong Methodist, Holly is guided by faith but she’s never worn it on her sleeve. She shows it through her actions.

She spent three years doing mission work oversees and in inner cities in this country. She began her professional career as a public health educator in Durham where she served as project manager for a breast and cervical cancer program for low-income women. In Asheville, she helped turn around the YWCA Asheville, increasing its annual budget from $750,000 to $3 million and leading a $3.9 million capital campaign.

The mission statement of the YWCA reads, “YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.” That statement also pretty much sums up Holly. It’s what she’s done all of her life and it’s what she wants to do through this campaign and as Lieutenant Governor.

Those who say that lieutenant governor is a position without power or influence just lack imagination. They should pay more attention Dan Forest. He’s used the office to build a platform to support his brand of social conservatism. When Holly’s in that office, she will use it to fight racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

As for me, I’ll stand with Holly. I hope you will, too.

21 Comments

  1. Nancy G. Rorie

    I am a county chair and therefore cannot endorse a candidate, but I will make this comment. I believe the Coleman campaign relied too heavily on SEANC and felt its endorsement was enough and that it wasn’t necessary to do any campaigning in the counties. To my knowledge, she never came to Union County. I know for sure that although I tried to make contact with the campaign, my efforts were unsuccessful. On the other hand, Holly Jones had people working the phones on the eve of her announcement spreading the word. I see a lot of energy and excitement building for Holly.

  2. Sandra Babb

    Don’t forget Linda Coleman! Her 2012 campaign for Lt. Gov. had little money, but great energy. She defeated Eric Mansfield in the primary and received more votes than Democratic gubernatorial candidate Walter Dalton in the general election. Linda fought for progressive policies and values as a Wake County commissioner and in the General Assembly.
    With her ” in the trenches” experience and strong statewide performance in the 2012 campaign for Lt. Governor, it’s a big mistake to ignore or discount Linda Coleman!

    • Matt Phillippi

      Have to disagree there Sandra. With Dana Cope being indicted I’m not really bullish on Ms Colemans chances this time around.

      • Chris Telesca

        I am very bullish on her chances this time around. What does Dana Cope have to do with her running for office?

        • Matt Phillippi

          If you don’t know that, maybe you should spend more time on research and less time trolling people on the internet. Lets just say that without SEANC in her corner I see Ms. Coleman’s campaign going very differently this year.

          • Chris Telesca

            Let’s just say that with her coming that close to winning a statewide race in 2012, Democrats would be foolish to ignore her as a candidate this year. Linda is much better known across the entire state than Holly Jones. And instead of pretending to be some sort of insider – why don’t you actually offer up actual facts or information as to why you think Linda doesn’t stand a chance without SEANC in her corner? You call asking a question “trolling”? What research do you want me to do – read blogs from self-important bloviating politicos? Do you have any actual evidence or fasts, or am I supposed to assume that “Let’s just say” means something really important?

  3. Eleanor Herndon

    This information is very helpful to me. Holly is exactly the kind of candidate we need. She will get my vote!

  4. Matt B

    As a local school board member, I have never seen an elected official fight harder for education and children than Holly.

  5. Anna H. Baucom

    I will stand with Holly all day.
    .

  6. Anne Wilson Castro

    Excellent news…she has experience, courage, and smarts!!!

  7. Myra t Dalgleish

    Great news holly!!!!!! Iam so excited for u n u have my vote!!

  8. Llee

    What is her stand on abortion? What are her thoughts on whether pastors and business owners should have the right to choose to serve gay couples or not? How does she feel about our new healthcare reform? You may not be able to answer these questions, but being from Anson County myself, I would love to be able to support Holly.

    • D Bair

      I would also like to know her stance on abortion, and am having trouble finding a clear answer

  9. Jim Southern

    Holly I am for you 10001 and 1 percent.

    • lyg

      In other words, 10002 per cent.

  10. Nancy G. Rorie

    CT, you must not have been listening or reading.

    • Chris Telesca

      I am paying attention – I have yet to read or hear his words “My name is Roy Cooper and I am running for Governor!” And I don’t count that fake website the NC GOP created.

      Roy’s real website is “Cooper for North Carolina – but it reads “Roy Cooper Attorney General”!

      Perhaps he is delaying the official announcement so he can raise more money BEFORE he actually declares and then comes under different campaign finance rules? I so dislike the games folks have to play – wink, wink, nudge,nudge!

      • Chris Telesca

        Josh Stein came to speak to the Wake County Progressive Dems this past Wednesday, where he addressed this very issue. He said that he has promised he wouldn’t run for NC Sen16 again, and that Roy has indicated he won’t run for AG. What creative BS is that when you can’t say that you are running for Governor? Is that all about raising money for a campaign he is not yet officially running?

  11. Chris Telesca

    Roy Cooper is a candidate for Governor? That’s news to me – has anyone told Roy that maybe he really needs to make that announcement?

  12. Rebekah

    Being from Asheville I’ve seen the impact that her work has had on the City and the County. Best of luck!

  13. Brad

    Great news! Love the energy I see developing among Democrats for 2016. Holly Jones, Linda Coleman…bring it on. Hopefully Dan Forest ends his misguided political career as soon as possible.

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