Maybe it’s time Republicans take another look at Rev. Mark Harris. At first, many dismissed Harris
as just another fundamentalist, fire-and-brimstone preacher, prone to gaffes and potentially an embarrassment. But Harris has been remarkably disciplined on the campaign trail. He may be a strong social conservative, but he’s no Todd Akin. Of the ‘major’ Republican candidates, it’s even possible that Harris is the most electable in November.
So far, the polls bear that out. Harris is up 4 points against Hagan in both the PPP and SurveyUSA polls, making him, at least at this point, the strongest candidate against Hagan. The other plausible “anti-Tillis”, Greg Brannon, owes $500,000 in a civil case for misleading investors , and has made a number of controversial statements – about secession, about slavery, about international conspiracies. If you’re looking for the next Todd Akin, look no further. And Tillis has issues of his own. Harris could be the candidate with the least amount of baggage, the one with the best chance of defeating Hagan in November.
Of course, Harris’ claim to fame is his leading the fight against gay marriage and for Amendment One in North Carolina. In the general election, that could turn off a lot of the suburban independents needed to win statewide, who care more about their pocketbooks than about what the gays are up to. His identity as a pastor will also have to recede into the background. While it may be an asset with Republican primary voters, the voters who will decide this election are naturally skeptical of the intersection of church and state, and could perceive Harris as a threat to that. There’s a reason there are so few clergy in public office. And if this election is about abortion and gay marriage instead of Obamacare, all bets are off. That’s the battle Hagan wants to fight.
Still, it’s important to remember that 61% of North Carolinians voted for Amendment 1 back in May 2012. Voters in the state are still opposed to gay marriage, 40/53 (and remember these polls always underestimate the opposition). Being a staunch social conservative shouldn’t be a liability in the general election, not in North Carolina. Just as long as Harris doesn’t make opposition to abortion and gay marriage his pet issues, he could be a troublesome opponent for Hagan in the fall.
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.
Dipsticks like Thomas Ricks are a good part of the reason Republicans run this state.
Let’s see if personal attacks against a progressive are dealt with that a personal attack against a conservative would be.
Some people we just ignore. Drives ’em wild.
It is impossible to understate the amount which I do not care if a conservative or bother acknowledges anything I say.
Bother = Moderate who insists that there is no difference between the sides, no matter what evidence is presented.
If a conservative is talking, a conservative is lying.
As long as the opponent “isn’t caught with a dead girl or a live boy in bed” (Edwin Edwards), Kay is in deep trouble. Not only was she on the wrong side of ACA, but her staff provides horrible constituent services, and she’s only heard when the Dems want another shill voice.
So the question should also now center on who would make a good SENATOR. Arguably, 80% or more of the US Senate is made of “sock puppet” loyal soldiers. Such provide yeoman service, but NC residents need to ask if they can find someone who can provide leadership to a party that is divided in the face of a Congress that is divided. Or as a pastor would say, “Moses”, or at the very least, “Ezra”.
And as the Brit sitcom noted, “A career in politics is no preparation for government.”