The Mother's Milk of Politics

2008-05-22T19:01:00.001-07:00

Anyone paying attention to politics over the years knows just how true that old saying is. Money is the mother's milk of politics. This years gubernatorial primaries in both parties are living proof that this old saw is as true as ever. But it's not just having money that you need to focus on - it's how you get that money.

There are several fundamental ways to make sure that your campaign has all the scratch, dough, cash, mother's milk, call it what you like, that you'll need. First, you can marry it; inherit it; win the NC Edukation Lottery; earn it (a really tough way to fund your campaign) or raise it. Now, the first four ways are the simplest in that the candidate has the money in hand and can figure out how much of it he/she is willing to commit to the race. But you need a pretty substantial chunk of personal wealth to make a difference and even then there is no guarantee that your willingness to part with personal wealth will result in victory.

Now, raising the money is the hard way but even if you work hard and are a good candidate it doesn't guarantee that you'll be able to raise what you need. (I can attest personally to that truism) So how do you successfully raise the needed millions. First, there must be a sense that you are going to win. (See Beverly Perdue) Everybody loves to back a winner and the "professional" givers aren't going to spend limited donation dollars on a lost cause.

Secondly, the candidate can facilitate the outpouring of campaign contributions if that candidate is in an existing position of influence. (See Richard Moore, Walter Dalton, and Pat McCrory) Again, the "professional" givers want to make sure that people in position to impact their wants and needs, are sufficiently supported.

Third, it helps to hold an existing political position so that you can raise money in an existing political committee, then roll that money over into a new political committee for the new office, thus enabling the candidate to "go back to the well" for contributions to the new committee. (See Perdue, Moore, McCrory, Dalton, and Smith)

Does all of this work out for the candidates for governor? You bet it does. Perdue had personal wealth, a perception of winning the governorship, an existing fund raising mechanism as Lt. Governor replete with a donor list built over the years and finally a position of power, particularly since she was backed by the state's most powerful individual Senator Marc Basnight. Moore also had personal wealth, a position of power (check out the NYC trips), a perception of winning, and an existing campaign committee as Treasurer.

McCrory had the position of power (Mayor of Charlotte, although I still question how powerful it really is), a perception of winning (at least the primary), and an existing political committee that had just spent large sums getting him reelected as Mayor and thus a large existing contributor list to hit again in the race for governor.

Smith had the personal wealth and an existing contributor base from his State Senate position but not near as large I suspect as Perdue, Moore and McCrory. While he raised a decent amount of money, he undoubtedly spent an equal or even larger sum, raising it (not a formula for success).

Graham had the personal wealth and a tentative contributor list from his gas tax campaign but it never translated into contributions to his gubernatorial campaign. And I had no personal wealth, a lot of nice friends who contributed, but no existing political committee or contributor base and no position of influence to leverage contributions. Plus, from the beginning the word on the street was - no personal wealth and unable to raise the necessary funds.

So, the pundits can rest easy in that their insights that money would drive the race for governor turned out to be correct. In his bestselling book "Moneyball" Michael Lewis describes how Billy Beane and the Oakland A's baseball team has been able to compete as a low budget team against the well-financed giants of baseball like the New York Yankees. It might work in baseball, but nobody's come up with a comparable plan for big time politics.

How McCrory Really Won the Nomination

2008-05-15T05:46:00.000-07:00

I've followed the pundits' observations lately about how Pat McCrory won the GOP primary for governor. Now let someone inside the tent tell you the rest of the story. To begin with either the McCrory strategy for entering the race so late was both brilliant and Machiavellian or it was just extraordinarily lucky. Take your pick because I don't know if we'll ever know for sure. But take it to the bank, the way his strategy ultimately unfolded was absolutely perfect.

First, while Fred executed his 3 candidates strategy (Smith, Graham and Orr) and Graham, having parted with Fetzer-Stephens tried to figure out exactly what he did want to do with the campaign and I ran around trying to figure out how in the world I could raise some money, McCrory put together his run for re-election as Mayor. This allowed him to do several key things including raise over $800,000, spend a boatload of money running ads touting him as a mayoral candidate in the expanded Charlotte media market, and avoid putting himself out there as a target on issues in the governor's race. Winning the mayor's race with a big margin was another plus.

When McCrory finally did jump into the governor's race in January, he was able to have just come off a media campaign in the critical Charlotte market; roll over $400,000 from the Mayor's race into the Governor's race to jump start the campaign; and use the media to run weeks of "will he or won't he" stories thus preempting the other candidates with media coverage. Meanwhile, Smith was too far down the road on his 100 county BBQ tour and Lee Greenwood song fest to change strategies. Graham still hadn't figured out what he wanted to do but McCrory's presence in the race undermined any Charlotte media market plan he might have been contemplating. And what chance I had as the alternative to Smith and Graham to draw financial support out of Charlotte was eliminated.

McCrory (as all candidates did) then got a virtual free pass on substantive questions about his positions on the issues. He touted cutting the income tax but never had any specifics about how much, who would benefit etc. He campaigned on the need for anti-gang legislation and dodged a bullet when the Charlotte Observer's story on the gang legislation's limited value ran on election day. Mecklenburg DA Peter Gilchrist was quoted as saying in essence that the legislation really wasn't much value in the war on crime. McCrory campaigned on illegal immigration but no one in the media ever really called him to task on who should actually get credit for the 287G program in Charlotte or whether a detention center in NC really was a good idea. McCrory also touted his leadership but got another free pass from the press on issues like the water rate tax increase in Charlotte (no position taken), the Obama ad controversy (no position taken) or that the Charlotte Mayor's job really is pretty limited. Since none of his opponents were able or willing to aggressively take him on about these issues and the press played "love in", he got a free ride on the issues that he sold to primary voters.

Finally, Smith anticipated a GOP turnout of around 400,000. The 20% increase of an additional 100,000 plus voters caught him by surprise and played a major impact in McCrory's victory. These new 100,000 voters hadn't received a copy of Fred's book, been invited to a BBQ or had their hands pumped by one of us on-the-ground candidates. Most of these new voters were in the Charlotte media market and knew McCrory best from TV and figured he best could represent their concerns. While no one has done the research, I'd bet that of those 100,000 plus new voters, McCrory got 80% or his margin of victory.

So add all of this to the obvious points of Pat being a smooth, engaging candidate with a good public and media image and the fact that Charlotte can print big money faster than the US government. Did he plan it out this way? Who knows? But it sure worked like a charm.

A Big Win for Big Business

2008-05-11T18:05:00.000-07:00

Tonight starts the new phase of More from Orr as I am no longer constrained by my position as a candidate (and since I haven't decided what I'll do with the rest of my life, I'm unrestrained by employment). This entry will mark the first of numerous postings reflecting back on the 2008 primary races, particularly the governor's race, giving readers my perspective on how it all happened.

My first observation is that the primary was a huge victory for big business in North Carolina. While businesses generally can be reasonably pleased, it's the mega-corporations both in and out of state that were smiling broadly on Wednesday morning. And for those folks interested in incentives, it's wide open in N.C. (Be sure and read today's Charlotte Observer article on the Bruton Smith $80 million incentives package)

On the GOP side Pat McCrory for governor and Robert Pittenger for Lt. Governor give the Charlotte big businesses a lot to crow over. Someone over at BlueNC described politics in Charlotte as having 3 political parties: Democrat, Republican and Chamber of Commerce. The poster noted that Pat's first loyalty is to the Chamber and I believe the same can be said for Robert Pittenger. Just follow the money to those two campaigns and that should verify the observation.

On the Democratic side, much to the dismay of the liberal - excuse me, the Progressive - wing of the Democratic Party, Bev Perdue and Walter Dalton are just as indebted and entrenched with big business as McCrory and Pittenger. They both are from the Mark Basnight school of politics and one only has to see how effectively big business falls all over (and funds) the Senator from Dare, to see the truth in this statement. Dalton raised over a million dollars for a position that has virtually no power (another topic down the road) and Perdue got her share of the $4000 loot from corporate North Carolina.

Despite Bev's "aw shucks, I'm all about the middle class", she will walk a fine line between taking care of the liberal wing of the party by throwing a few bones and sound bites their way, but ain't about to buck the big boys with the big checks and big clout.

Orr's first prediction: Either Perdue or McCrory will be Mike Easley on steroids when it comes to handing out big "incentive" packages and real tax reform will not happen because big business will make sure their interests will be taken care of. So, the political wisdom of the ages holds true again. Money drives politics and big business has most of the big money and big influence over the nominees for Governor and Lt. Governor in both parties.

Thanks for Reading

2008-05-07T05:24:00.000-07:00

Ouch. It was a major league beating yesterday. As they say in the mountains, I was beaten like a rented mule. Oh well, the sun is out, the family is well, the trip to Great Britain is booked, and I have a tee time at 1:20. I never have to answer another inane question again from the press unless I choose to nor fain politeness to a voter with an irrational point of view.

So what happens with "More from Orr"? Well, frankly I've come to enjoy these mini-editorial sessions and plan to continue doing them. I may even start including some of those bells and whistles that Justin Thibault of the Cabarrus Cheap Seats has been after me to add.

I don't know how many of you out there in internet space have been reading this blog but thanks for doing that whether you supported me or not. I'll try to keep it going with my analysis of the campaigns - past and present - and a running commentary on how I view the fall election. I have only one regret and that is that my results allowed Public Policy Polling's Tom Jensen to avoid eating a live cockroach. He'd promised to perform that act if I won. Damn. Now that would have been fun to watch.

Conventional Wisdom or Wildcard Tuesday?

2008-05-03T19:10:00.000-07:00

Throughout this campaign I have labored under the perception that I couldn't win because I did not have a personal fortune and couldn't raise a political fortune for the campaign. No matter how true the dollar implications were, it always irritated me that the conventional wisdom tended to become political truth. Several months ago I fell victim to using this same analysis in the GOP Lt. Governor's race by proclaiming Senator Robert Pittenger the presumptive winner based on his personal fortune and his opponents lack of money.

Greg Dority, one of the GOP candidates for Lt. Governor without the money took exception to my conclusion. I confess that Greg's point was well taken and I had fallen into the trap of assuming that money is the end all - be all of campaign victory. Greg reminded me tonight at the Johnston County Reagan Day dinner that I had promised to blog on the error of my ways. And I am.

Today's N&O ran an interesting, albeit painful, full page money analysis of the races for Governor and Lt. Governor. The chart pointed out that I will be outspent in aggregate by about 20 to 1 by my three main rivals for governor in the primary. Likewise, Greg and Jim Snyder will be outspent by about 200 to 1 in the race for Lt. Governor. So do any of us sans millions have any chance of winning on Tuesday? Maybe.

For all the talk about huge turnout, I don't see it happening in the GOP primary. My sense is that the only people voting in our primary will be those who've got a dog in the fight in either one of the statewide races or in a hot local primary. And that means that most will have some passing knowledge of who all the candidates are and a lot of that information will come from the media or free internet info - not the 30 second soundbites on TV, the robo calls from marginal celebrities, or slick mailings.

In fact, these races may be decided by the OWTH voters - a term I've recently coined which stands for "Oh what the hell." These OWTH voters in some indeterminate number will vote on Tuesday and while in the voting booth, look at a race and mutter: "Oh what the hell...I'll vote for...." What those voters base that decision on is anybody's guess. But they might be old hockey fans who recall fondly that Bobby Orr was the greatest hockey player ever or that Greg Dority was the guy who played and coached at Carolina (although Matt Doherty's coaching gig might cost Greg votes).

Regardless, we're less than 72 hours from finding out. But don't count out a surprise or two regardless of all the money. Elections aren't over until they count the votes.

So the Difference Really Is Leadership?

2008-04-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

For the past several months Mayor Pat has been touting his leadership record and tagging at least one of his TV ads "The difference is leadership". Now some 5 days in to the great "Obama Ad" controversy, I'm still waiting for Pat, Fred and Bill to get off the fence. Prior to our debate on WUNC-TV last Thursday they once again all said they hadn't seen the ad so couldn't really comment on it. Bull. And of course our ever vigilant press has continued to let them all skate without getting some kind of answer.

It seems to me that there are three positions to take on the issue. (1) Defend Chairman Daves and the state GOP for running the ad (2) Follow the lead of Senator McCain and the national GOP (as well as yours truly) in calling the ad a mistake and asking that the ad not be run or (3) keep trying to duck taking a position and hope it goes away. It seems to me that taking a position on the issue one way or the other is what leadership is all about. Sure, it's a controversial issue. Sure, taking a position will alienate some people on the other side. But the bottom line is that either the state party made a good decision or it made a bad decision.

Whoever gets the party nomination and is elected governor becomes the titular head of the NC Republican Party. Yes, that's the same party castigated around the state and nation as "racist", "out of touch" and "irrelevant". When the NC delegation casts its votes at the National Convention, I have no doubt that television commentators will make reference to the "racist actions" concerning the ad. We have, and continue to do, irrevocable damage to the image of the NC Republican Party. It may not be a correct image. It may not be right. But it's the image that people are now and will continue to associate with the state party and we simply cannot afford that image to continue.

So over the next 8 days leading up to the May 6th primary this ad and the resulting fallout will be the defining policy position for our candidates for governor. I made my decision immediately after being informed of the ad and taking the time to go on line and look at it. The painful and unacceptable silence of my fellow GOP candidates for governor - all of whom tout their leadership qualifications - points to an abject failure of leadership.

Labels: Obama ad

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Great Obama Ad Controversy

2008-04-24T05:47:00.000-07:00

I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that the big political news of the day is the Republican State Party's upcoming ad linking Moore and Perdue to Obama and ultimately to Obama's controversial minister. If the purpose of the ad was to stir up controversy and as a result raise money from the party's conservative base then the ad is probably already a big success. However, if the ad is suppose to actually help the GOP nominee for governor beat Moore or Perdue in the fall, then frankly I think it's a big failure.

Allow me to explain. First of all, the ad is being run a week before the primary. So what's the political benefit of that? None that I can discern. Does it impact the democratic primary voters in choosing Moore or Perdue? Obama or Clinton? Somehow I doubt it but if it does so what. Does it advance the argument as to why the GOP nominee would be the better candidate in the fall? I doubt that also. There are a myriad of issues to take the ultimate democratic nominee on in the fall - or for that matter right now. For example, in Tuesday's WRAL-TV debate Moore and Perdue danced around the studio trying to avoid all sorts of probing questions. In particular neither wanted to answer whether they supported a fetal homicide bill. As it turns out after long efforts to filibuster the question to death, they ended up saying that they didn't. Now that's a real issue the GOP nominee (we all support the proposed fetal homicide bill) can run on.

In addition the ad unfortunately allows our political opponents and the media to continue stereotyping Republicans as anti-black and willing to use race to try and win elections. Having spent a political career spanning 35 years trying to reach out to the broader racial communities around our state and having some limited success, it's frustrating to see an unfair and inaccurate label continue to be applied to us. And frankly it hurts in the general election.

Finally, I have to clarify for an individual posting on the Under the Dome blog entry, the question he raised about my recusal in the redistricting cases back in 2001 and 2002 when I was on the Supreme Court. I participated in the first redistricting case (Stephenson I) agreeing for the most part with the majority but dissenting in part when the Court overstepped its constitutional bounds on a couple of points. (I believe in being consistent in my views about constitutional limitations regardless of the political consequences.)

However, as a candidate for reelection in 2002, the Democratic Party attacked me and accused me of not being impartial in the redistricting case. As a result when Stephenson II came up I recused (declined to participate) but filed the reason for the recusal and asked both sides if they were comfortable with me participating. The Attorney General's office said they were fine with me participating, but the plaintiffs lawyers did not agree. Thus I was recused in Stephenson II and III.

On a final note to that issue, I met Mr. Stephenson at a recent debate and he thanked me profusely for my work on the Court and for the Stephenson decision that I participated in. Enough said about all of this. I'm glad May 6th will be here soon.

The Gentle Magnolia Debates

2008-04-21T16:09:00.000-07:00

Mark Binker hit the nail on the head when he described last Friday's GOP gubernatorial debate as less a steel cage smackdown and more of a steel - some would say aluminum - magnolia. Yes, as we took the stage for what I think must be the 12th debate I was convinced that this one would be different. I actually thought that tough, philosophical questions would be forthcoming...maybe opportunities to actually push our fellow opposing candidates. Nah........same old, same old. And it was boring.

Now in deference to the media on the panel and those in prior debates, the rationale for asking us "substantive" questions on dropouts, road problems, you get the drift, is that their listeners had not ever heard us expound on these important topics. So once again we answered the same essential questions with the same essential answers with only minor skirmishes.

I did get to push McCrory on just exactly what he was proposing when he proclaimed that he'd cut every one's income tax. Too bad that he didn't have a clue on any specifics and that my asking really irritated him. He and Fred tilted a little over one of Fred's ads but over the course of an hour and a half it was all stock answers to the questions without any real ability for us to give the audience or the public any real sense of what the candidates are actually all about.

I've about decided to come out with a campaign plan to eliminate all taxes, provide every citizen a high paying job and free health care and fix our schools, roads, mental health system, save our environment and solve all the problems with the
criminal justice system. And since I would simply act indignant if anyone asked how I planned to do it - and there's precious little chance that anyone would ask - I might get elected. It's a great system.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

2008-04-16T18:17:00.000-07:00

The Good: Actually I should say the Great. Today's Winston Salem Journal editorial: they gave me a super endorsement in the GOP race. It's a badly needed shot in the arm as we begin the home stretch. Last night's WRAL-TV debate: while the pundits focused on Pat and Fred, anybody actually listening to the answers made a commitment to vote for me. My website at www.orr2008.com. Vision 20/20: the most thoughtful, creative and visionary approach to the long term economic development strategy for our state. Too bad it's also the best plan never read by the media or the public. My left ear: no more awkward bandage although there's a not-so-pretty scab (the Cary Skin Center trophy is now passed to Mark Johnson of the Charlotte Observer). The Knuckleballs: in first place where they belong.

The Bad: Poll numbers which continue to create a vicious cycle ie. bad numbers mean trouble raising money and less and less press attention which means bad poll numbers. Pollsters: a pox on them. Who knows who actually will vote in the GOP primary on May 6th? Pat McCrory's real record on immigration, property rights and leadership: Gonna be a long three weeks for ole Pat. This could be just like Memphis in the last two minutes...clunk...clunk...clunk. Voter registration numbers in NC since January: 76,000 Democrats, 54,000 Unaffiliated, 15,000 Republicans. Ouch! Houston to GOP...we've got a problem. WRAL-TV lighting for Fred Smith: one wag said it made him look like Lon Chaney...or was that Dick Cheney? The final round of the Masters: if you love golf it was tough to watch.

The Ugly: The Tar Heels first half against Kansas: I was driving home from a Lincoln Day dinner and turned the radio off with 10 minutes left in the half. The Moore - Perdue campaigns despite the pledge to "go nice": Yeh, unless poll numbers show the need to "go mean"...the ultimate in half-truth advertising. The N.C. Supreme Court's inexplicable dismissal of the Dell lawsuit: they are required by law to hear cases involving a substantial constitutional question. If there isn't substaantial constitutional question involved in that case, then I need to turn in my law license because I obviously don't know anything about the law. Friday night's upcoming Civitas Conservative Leadership debate in Greensboro: it's a cage fight and major smackdown event with predictions of blood being left on the Koury Center floor. The only thing missing will be Rick Flair. Wooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Finally, a tribute to Clint Eastwood and the spaghetti westerns. I caught the end of the Good, the Bad and the Ugly a few days ago. As Tuco soaked in the tub one of Angel Eye's henchman confronted Tuco. As the henchman waived his pistol around threatening to shoot Tuco, he suddenly spun around, gunned down by Tuco who had his pistol with him in the soapy bath. "If you're going to shoot, shoot." Tuco says. "Don't talk." Good advice, Fred.

Who Says Substance Doesn't Count?

2008-04-08T12:09:00.001-07:00

Throughout the campaign I've raised the question about how relevant our efforts to raise substantive questions and address policy issues really are in this election. Well today, I made Under the Dome for winning the gubernatorial candidates' NCAA bracket challenge. Coming in a distant second was the Lt. Governor who undoubtedly will claim in a press release that she actually won.

Unfortunately our most recent effort to raise the level of debate in the campaign and actually offer real thought provoking solutions hasn't received near as much notoriety as my prognosticating powers. About two weeks ago we released our Vision 20/20 economic development plan with a press conference attended by one member of the media. Press releases were sent out to editorial writers and reporters and the response was deafening silence.

Ok, so we only proposed spending $20 billion between now and the year 2020 on expanded loans to small businesses; angel fund investments to help spark entrepreneurs in developing fields (particularly needed in rural areas of NC); and major commitments of funding to our universities and community colleges for additional doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals. A modest proposal perhaps but when you consider that none of the other GOP candidates for governor have any kind of economic development plan then maybe this one deserves a little attention.

And the flip side of this proposal is that if we would invest the money being given away in targeted tax incentives, the state wouldn't even have to go looking for the money to fund the proposal. I can't figure whether the proposal is too complicated; too simple; too unrealistic; too obvious; or just too much trouble to have to do a story on it.

So next time someone complains about a lack of substance in political campaigns just explain to them about what's really important. We all know that a candidate's ability to navigate the treacherous waters of the NCAA basketball tournament is the real test of leadership skills and creative thinking. But alas, I did pick my beloved Heels to win it all.

No Free Lunch and No Free Ride

2008-04-05T07:04:00.000-07:00

The minor "dust up" at the GOP gubernatorial debate in Charlotte on Thursday needed to happen and needs to escalate through the primary. While Moore and Perdue take aim at each others heads with the half-truth barrage of ads, Mayor McCrory has skated along taking credit where little is due and forcefully touting his law and order credentials and leadership style. And little if anything has been done or said to challenge the assertions by the press, the public or his fellow primary opponents.

So when Fred jumped Pat about his record on tax increases in Charlotte and the damn- the-voters construction of the Bobcats Arena (are their cheerleaders really called the Patcats?) it was about time. When after hearing one more diatribe about how great a leader he was and how HE had done all these wonderful things, ostensibly by himself since he never gives anyone else any credit, I joined in the fray.

Now I don't believe in going negative and frankly, I'm not sure that Fred does either or else he would have already taken on the Mayor. But if a candidate is going to portray himself (or herself, Ms. Perdue) in a particular way, then it's fair game to set the record straight. I know that the Mayor is the current fair-haired GOP candidate running TV ads touting how he's going to cut taxes, stop illegal immigration (actually pirating the basis of our plan to deal with the high cost of illegal immigrants to the state), and how he's the greatest leader since George Washington. But his record needs to be carefully examined and discussed.

We've still got lots of debates but it seems that most of them give each candidate about 1 minute to answer questions and little if any opportunity to challenge the assertions of other candidates. It's a perfect format for a smooth-as-a-baby's-behind candidate to hide behind the sound bite and avoid the tough answers. So let's bring it on. If being a part-time Mayor of Charlotte in a strong City Manager - Council form of government is your claim to the governorship, then be prepared to prove it because I for one am not willing to sit quietly by and let an inaccurate picture be presented to the voters.

Debating Blues

2008-03-27T20:07:00.000-07:00

I know that labeling tonight's debate in Greenville as the "Debating Blues" indicates a certain late season fatigue. Contrary to the democrats - say has anybody seen ole Bev? - we Republicans have been debating all over the state. So when I characterize tonight's debate as producing the blues it is in part a reflection on how many times we've squared off but also the redundant format we're using. We get a one minute opening statement - "Hi, glad to be here." - then 90 seconds to answer a range of substantive questions with maybe a 30 second opportunity for rebuttal. At least tonight there were some regionally oriented questions for a little bit of a change of pace.

It's also frustrating because there is little if any opportunity to create separation among the candidates or have any of us pushed about positions we've taken. Rarely is there moderator follow-up or a real chance for one of us to actually challenge another candidate's assertions. After all these debates we know our opponents' stories, positions, and purported applause lines or laugh lines so well that we could recite them better than they can. That inevitably produces a certain boredom with the process at least for the participants.

Frankly, I think we've all gotten better after debating so much but occasionally it just kills me to hear an opponent either "pirate" one of my earlier points or positions. But one of the reasons I got into the race was to elevate the debate and frankly, I think I've accomplished this. There was a nice editorial in the Hendersonville Times-News after yesterday's debate in Henderson County about how well all of the GOP candidates had performed. That's good but doesn't help me considering I'm the candidate without the big bucks.

So after all these debates everyone is predictable and Bill and Fred continue to improve in there own inimitable way. But Pat, frankly, is getting on my nerves. He consistently ignores the time limitations and if I have to listen to him crow about his leadership anymore I may have to take anti-nausea medicine. And his "leadership is calling traveling on Michael Jordan" story has gotten old quickly. Hey Pat, did you play high school basketball? Were you the starting point guard at Catawba College? Maybe old Michael knows a little more about the game than "Hiz Honor". And trust me, making tough decisions doesn't have anything to do with exhibition basketball games, regardless of who's playing. Try casting the deciding vote on whether someone gets executed at 2 a.m. if you want to know about making tough decisions.

All that being said, the debate tonight was a good opportunity to reach out to the voters in Eastern North Carolina and I'm appreciative of the effort that Henry Hinton and others did in putting it together. But it was tough not being able to watch the Heels pound Washington State. However,that's just one of the small prices you pay as a candidate.

A Quick Look Back

2008-03-23T18:02:00.000-07:00

I actually had to look back at my calendar to refresh my memory about all that's been going on these past several weeks and interrupting my regular blogging efforts. Campaign wise it's been a whirlwind of driving, debating, interviewing, working on issues and strategizing. Despite the usual predictable poll numbers I continue to be energized and buoyed by the press coverage (ok, I never get as much as I would like but it has been picking up) and the comments of random supporters and strangers. With six weeks to go, I am still confident that most likely voters are either undecided or if committed, are soft in their candidate support. A win is still very much out there.

I got a very nice two part story by James Shea of the Hendersonville Times News last week. James followed me around for several days (a little unnerving to have a reporter constantly in tow but it worked out fine). Jordan Schraeder of the Asheville Citizen had a good blog piece as did Under the Dome on my endorsement by the Charlotte/Mecklenburg Black Caucus endorsing me in the primary. Finally, Jordan also did an article on the fact that our campaign is the only one dealing with substantive positions on the issues. Fred tried to take a shot by labeling our efforts something about "majoring in minors", I suppose claiming that we were actually focusing on trying to solve problems rather than relying on fluffy rhetoric.

Laura Leslie had a fun posting about my ear issue. Ah, the body piercing gone bad joke. However, skin cancers aren't a joking matter despite my best attempt and now that I'm a few grams short of left ear material since last Monday, I can make the responsible candidate pitch for everyone to use sun screen regularly and get check ups by your dermatologist. Anyway, everything is fine but trying to apply a bandage (maybe for the next several weeks) to your ear requires more dexterity and patience than a candidate in the waining weeks of a hotly contested election should have to endure.

At least this weekend provided a short respite from the campaign trail thanks to the Easter holiday and the NCAA tournament. Warm weather and a lack of political events allowed me a couple of hours to whack a few golf balls with my daughter Louise (I certainly did apply my sun screen!) The Heels were awesome (as was Davidson, Laura) and I'm excited about the way the team is playing. Today was a chance to make it to church after being out of town the last several weekends. The church was overflowing, Greg gave a great sermon, and I had the extra pleasure of holding my granddaughter Lauren on my lap for the entire service. And one of my democrat leaning fellow parishioners complimented me on the campaign saying how proud he and his wife were in the way we had conducted our efforts.

Tomorrow begins a long week traveling all across the state with more debates and press interaction. Fred and Pat appear to me to be smug and cocky about locking up the two top slots in the primary. Am I worried? Not in the least. After all, Hoosiers is one of my favorite movies. Bring it on, boys.

ACC memories

2008-03-19T17:42:00.000-07:00

I know that I can't complain about being too busy to blog when I spent the better part of last week at the ACC Tournament in Charlotte. However, that fun time was interspersed with campaign events and lots of debates, interviews, etc. leading up to it. So I'm back on track with my blogging and with a fairly quiet Easter weekend ahead, I plan to catch up.

The ACC Tournament has over the years been that special father/child event that the boys and I have looked forward to every year. Over the past several years as my youngest daughter has become a huge Carolina fan, the event has evolved from a "guys" adventure to a "sons and daughter" event. (Oldest daughter Kelly is the State grad in the family and is always welcome but with the down years for the Pack and two small children she hasn't joined the fun). Lest anyone think that I am a big money donor or on the freebie list for tickets, let me assure you that neither circumstance is true. I've ridden a friendship with a Florida State supporter all these years and bought tickets through him. I can do the Seminole chant if needed but rest assured I was pulling for the Tar Heels in Friday's match up with the Noles.

This years finale had a special significance for me as it marked the first time Clemson had been in the finals since 1962. That historic note from 46 years ago marked my first ACC Tournament. My Dad and I traveled to Raleigh from Hendersonville and had a simply wonderful time. We stayed in the Heart of Raleigh Motel which has since been torn down and is a state government parking lot next to the Governor's Mansion. We visited the General Assembly which was still meeting in the Capitol and I received an "Honorary Page" certificate from Lt. Governor Clyde Philpott (I think that's right).

Our seats in Reynolds Coliseum were on the last row in the "end zone" and trust me it was hard to see anything. But I remember Clemson's upset of Duke in the semi's lead by Jim Brennan but the Tigers fell in the finals to Wake Forest. My Dad died in 1985 and that 1962 trip was our only ACC Tournament together. However, every time I go with my kids it brings back a flood of wonderful memories from that special time with my Dad.

This year's tournament was great. (kudos's to Charlotte - and yes, I'll give the Mayor a hat tip even if I didn't ride the light rail). The Heels won. Duke lost. And it was great fun despite interspersing the games with campaign events in Burke County and a debate in Greensboro on Saturday night (causing me to miss Clemson defeating Duke). It was a veritable who's who of politics and sports as I constantly ran in to a variety of mainly big Dem's ranging from former Governor Hunt to Congressman Mel Watt. However, the BIG surprise was seeing Carmen Hooker Odom at the Tournament. If only the political press was working the event rather than sports reporters, maybe we could finally get some answers about the mental health debacle.

Anyway, despite a lot of driving, a lot of sitting, and a lot of spending money, it was a great 4 days. Wendi Amos, my star volunteer for the Mecklenburg area made Thursday night's games with me; the boys showed up on Friday, my law school buddy and long time friend John Corne made the Friday game; my daughter-in-law and in utero granddaughter to be made the games on Saturday; and on Sunday daughter Louise made the finals replete with her Poplar Bluff #50 Hansbrough jersey. And the Heels won. It was great.

Slammed

2008-03-12T19:09:00.000-07:00

Sorry but it will be at least tomorrow before I can post anything of substance. So, all you loyal readers, hold on and I'll catch you up on the campaign goings on very soon.

Kill the Messenger

2008-03-04T12:15:00.000-08:00

I'm off to another speaking engagement up I-40 but I figured I'd get one shot off before cranking up Ricky Skaggs singing "Highway 40 Blues". The Dome has posted a report that the Guv has fired his spokesperson Debbie Crane because of the handling of the mental health reform and the ensuing press debacle. I find it increasingly amazing at the inability of this administration and the democrats in general to accept responsibility when things go wrong.

The so-called mental health reform took place under the supposedly "watchful" eye of the Easley administration and no matter how many firings or "retirements" ensue, the buck stops on Blount Street with some pauses on Jones Street. This whole embarrassing mess is maybe the worst I've observed coming out of state government and I've been watching state government in action since my freshman year in college in 1964 - 65.

And it's not just the Guv dodging responsibility but even Richard Moore whom I assume was not directly involved in mental health reform (too busy shaking down investors around the country for campaign contributions). King Richard the faint hearted said today, "Ya'll let's not throw rocks." Give me a break. Not only should we be throwing rocks but digging them up in the process to find out who really gamed the system. How many ex-basketball coaches can parlay mental health reform into a 1000 person company billing the state nearly $40 million for "community services" in 18 months. Man, he needs to be Secretary of Commerce 'cause he knows how to create jobs.

Finally, the hypocrite of the day goes to Bev for her "good government" proposal for public financing of elections. We all know that Bev "loves North Carolina" and did she tell you how she saved all our military bases. I always knew she was too tight with Donald Rumsfeld. But as I've said before she loves to take credit for everything and none of the responsibility for the failures. Seems like a recurring theme in this gubernatorial election.

Random Observations on the Campaign

2008-02-27T19:17:00.000-08:00

Well, it's time for some random musings from the campaign trail. Last Friday saw the Orr campaign have its first brush with Broadway as Lauren Kennedy sang at a fundraiser for us at the Kennedy Theater. Currently starring in "Annie Get Your Gun" here in Raleigh and grabbing rave reviews, Lauren made it a fun evening and a nice hit for the home team. Lauren's dad, K.D. Kennedy has been a major fundraiser for Republican candidates over the years and it's a major coup to get him actively involved in our campaign. And, hey, not only is Lauren more talented than Lee Greenwood, she just a really charming young woman and a pleasure to know.

The past week was the proverbial "road trip" taking in Lincoln/Reagan Day Dinners, talking with the press, and gathering information to better allow us to talk about the issues facing the state and how we can address them. From Asheville to Greenville the week's travel caused me to once again realize that despite the challenges North Carolina faces, there are amazing things going on all across the state. I'll be talking more about these experiences but the positive opportunities for our state to accomplish great things in the years ahead is out there. All that's required is open, honest government and leadership that will make the tough decisions.

The week also saw the "Catwoman" quote generate the most publicity for the campaign (Is there something wrong with this picture?) and Tim Boyum of News 14 eloquently responded to my prior posting about the lack of hard questioning in the campaign. Thanks, Tim, for reading, responding and caring about the issue. I appreciate your candidness. And the Dome Gnome, RTB, points out that none of the polls being run actually poll likely primary voters nor release the sample or weighting given. Yeh, I know that our numbers are low, but with 60% undecided I still believe that the race is very winnable. Finally, the tax value of our house in Raleigh makes Under the Dome. It's a nice house with a nice mortgage on it, too.

Finally, I'd like the Mayor to explain why he failed to clear his schedule to talk with the mental health alliance forum as ALL the other candidates did. There's no excuse for avoiding an important opportunity to give his views on the challenging problem of reforming mental health "reform". There are no simple answers and frankly, I struggled with the complexities of the issue, but at least Bill, Fred and I made the effort. Frankly, Pat needs to get away from the fluff and one-liners that mark his campaign. And he needs to show up.

Does Anyone Here Understand This Campaign?

2008-02-23T07:09:00.000-08:00

I suppose as a lawyer and former appellate judge it is natural to appreciate a good question. Whether cross examining a witness or framing the "question presented" for an appellate brief or probing the argument of counsel from the bench, a well directed question is both a skill and necessity to the process. While on the Court of Appeals I observed two lawyers at oral argument struggling with a complicated boundary line dispute when finally, Chief Judge Fred Hedrick, leaned back and interruupted them: "Either of you two lawyers actually understand this case?" With chagrin they looked at each other and answered "No, your honor."

Applying all of this to the race for governor and the various campaigns going on, the question might be "Does anybody actually understand this election?" From the questions asked or should I say not asked, one might well conclude that the answer is also "no". The format of the campaigns provide little opportunity to ask tough, probing question of the opposition. To the extent a campaign does attempt to do so it is usually through a press release. We tried that the other day questioning aspects of Pat McCrory's transportation plan - but to the best of my knowledge not a single media entity picked it up. Even Under the Dome's blog which can stretch to incredible lengths to find something to write about (see the Princess Diana dress story) didn't run it.

And out on the campaign trail, the press rarely ask good questions, particularly the kind that makes a candidate defend a position taken or explain his or her criticism of comments made about an issue. In defense of the press, I'll admit that TV nightly news is only interested in 30 seconds (ususally if a murder or wreck has taken place) and print journalism is undergoing a major transition to blogging and website journalism. And of course, reporters are not lawyers nor trained in the art of grilling politicians.

For example if I could get Hiz Honor the Mayor under oath and on the witness stand, I've got lots of questions I'd like answered. Here's a general one that lends itself to some good follow up: "With all your talk about leadership, what have you really accomplished in your business and political career?" The answer I suspect would be "Lots." but that's when you start probing. Pat's a mid-level manager at Duke Energy after 30 plus years and it seems to me he's spent a lot of time being the mayor. But isn't the job of Mayor of Charlotte really more ceremonial with a City Manager form of government and an active Council that really makes the decisions?

I confess the press has asked very little if anything in the way of substantive questions about the numerous proposals that our campaign has put out ranging from education reform to transportation to healthcare to economic development. The only challenge to any of my positions or what I would consider tough questions occasionally comes from the fringe of the debate. (I recently was taken to task by the healthcare expert over at the Justice Center for my debate comments on there being too many mandates on health insurance policies in NC). And you know what? He's made me go back and research the issue further which is exactly what tough questions are supposed to do.

I'm prepared to engage in the challenge of asking and answering tough questions and the other candidates should be too. To do so as a candidate, however, requires a degree of preparation and a perseverance in getting real answers from the opposition. Likewise, for the press, it requires a real determination to make candidates answer substantive questions about their records and their proposals. Thirty second soundbites won't get the job done. Is anyone else up for it?

The Charlotte Biz Community Starts Hedging Bets

2008-02-19T14:24:00.006-08:00

Today's Under the Dome blog informs us that Mayor Pat has a major money shakedown coming up repleat with the big names of the Charlotte business community. Wasn't it only a few months ago that we kept reading about the corporate powers in the Queen City showering Richard Moore with campaign contributions? Looks to me that the big dogs are starting to question their earlier investment with Moore continuing to trail badly behind Bev in the polls. Not surprising since she claims to have solved every major problem facing our state since Reconstruction and is on a roll.

All of this leads to the inevitable observation that the Charlotte crowd just can't tolerate not having a candidate for governor totally beholden to them. How else can they be assured that tax dollars they think should be coming to Charlotte actually make it and government policies like "incentives" keep flowing.

But I have to give credit to the McCrory political bosses in how they have orchestrated the money issue. First, old Pat runs for Mayor, a virtual lock to win, and soaks up nearly $650,000 in contributions from fans and "players" wanting to make sure they had a continuing voice in local government decisions. Then, spending only about a third of the money raised, the McCrory campaign rolls the left over $400,000 into his campaign for governor. However, by not stepping down as Mayor, he put himself in the position of going back to those same generous souls who funded his race for mayor and getting a new round of money. Maybe they think they're investing in the governor's race or maybe it's a hedge against Pat losing and still being mayor. Anyway you slice the loaf, it means more bread for the McCrory campaign.

A New Day in Blogging

2008-02-17T17:37:00.000-08:00

I am fired up now to do more blogging after watching NBC 17's Sunday news program "At Issue" with Kim Genardo. Today's program featured a segment on the use of the internet in political campaigns and in particular the use of blogs. Before I go any further let me just say that this program and NBC 17's focus on politics is outstanding. I know that in this market NBC 17 is up against stiff competition from the "traditional" TV powerhouses (I feel their pain). But for anyone actually interested in politics, particularly state politics this is where you need to be.

Now, on today's show Kim had a lively discussion with Mark "Tour de France" Johnson of the Charlotte Observer and Ryan Teague Beckwith, the "Dome Gnome" of the N&O reviewing the political websites and various candidate blogs. It was both interesting and entertaining and I'm pleased to say that "More from Orr" got good reviews from the panel. So having been encouraged by the commentary I am all the more committed to keeping up this inside look at the governor's race, my campaign, and whatever other topics happen to inspire me.

I can't let pass, however, Kim's observation that on this blog I occasionally criticize the press, and as noted by RTB, opponents and polling firms. And as Ryan so poignantly stated there is a certain danger with a candidate loose at the laptop writing unedited blogs that aren't pre-screened by a hoard of campaign operatives before being posted. He's right and I confess to being aware of the dangers of freelance writing on the internet. That's why I have imposed the "2 glasses of wine" rule and a ban on late night blogging.

I confess, however, to have violated that rule once but fortunately woke up at 5:30 a.m. and edited the entry before anyone actually read it. Anyway, when you're the unconventional candidate trying to actually talk about real issues and the realities of big bucks campaigns, you have to be willing to take a few risks. And we're still working on all those other aspects of internet politics ranging from YouTube viral videos to Facebook fanatics (although this 61 year old face doesn't offer much promise in that venue in my opinion).

As to actually criticizing the press, opponents, and certain polling firms, I see this candidacy as a two way street. I'm obviously open to being "criticized", "analyzed", "sanitized", and "homogenized" by all of the above so it's only fair that I at least be able to air my concerns about what everybody else is doing and saying - or not saying. I'll try to keep it within bounds and hopefully those commenting on me or my campaign will do the same.

The Mouth of the South and More

2008-02-14T17:37:00.000-08:00

Jack Bett's most recent blog entry about the death of Bill Currie, the former "Voice of the Tar Heels" (I know it's hard to imagine that anybody came before Woody) brought back a flood of memories. As a freshman RTVMP major at UNC in the winter of 1965, I was invited to apply for an internship with the news department at WSOC-TV in Charlotte to help cover the upcoming session of the General Assembly. I got it and the following summer resulted in an internship with the station in Charlotte where I came face to face with Bill Currie who was WSOC's sports anchor. (His son Bob was actually a classmate in Chapel Hill).

As Jack points out, Bill Currie was one piece of work. While I didn't get to spend lots of time with him, he did serve as the ultimate role model for a young kid whose ambition was to become a sports announcer. I actually missed his famous "artificial insemination" description of the slowdown game between Carolina and Duke in the ACC Tournament because I was there in the old Charlotte Coliseum (yeh, the one on Independence Boulevard that actually is still there) for the game. I was crushed when Bill decided to go big time to KDKA in Pittsburgh but I could forsee that move opening up an opportunity for me. It didn't and Woody's still there.

That experience with WSOC covering the 1965 General Assembly was followed by opportunities to cover the 1967 session and then later the 1971 session after I got out of the Army. In between the '65 and '67 sessions I did stringer work for WSOC. During the course of those years I filmed (yes, it was 16mm film, not videotape) Richard Nixon in Asheboro campaigning for Jim Gardner; Hubert Humphrey in Cameron Indoor Stadium giving a very long speech; and many other noted politicians of the day.

I listened to the Speaker Ban debate at the General Assembly and then covered Herbert Aptheker (head of the US Communist Party) give his talk from the sidewalk on Franklin Street while across the stonewall, nearly 500 students listened (maybe) to a very dull talk. I also covered the growing threat of the KKK with much of our film being sent to NBC National News. I covered Dr. Martin Luther King in Montreat and the Grand Dragon in Granite Quarry. In the General Assembly I saw a fascinating array of politicians and came to fully understand the mindset of one party domination as Republicans were relegated to the back and ignored in debate.

I have special memories of those powerful politicians who took time to be nice to a college kid lugging a heavy camera around and trying to act like a real reporter. My favorites were Skipper Bowles and Eddie Knox but I always made a point to listen to the likes of Julian Alsbrook when he rose to speak and of course Herbert Hyde of Asheville. And I remember a skinny, youthful mountain Republican legislator with big ears and a mountain accent that made mine sound downright urban named Jim Holshouser. Frankly, when I heard he was going to run for governor I said "no way." Was I ever shocked when Jim Holshouser was elected the first Republican governor in the 20th century.

So I mourn the loss of "the Mouth of the South" and thank him postumously for the great memories. I never got to follow in his footsteps because all that exposure to politics set me on a path to law school, political involvement, a judicial career, 4 statewide electoral wins, and now my own race for governor. And for all those doubters, I understand. Remember, I didn't think Jim Holshouser could win either.

A Healthy Discussion

2008-02-10T19:56:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a week since I last blogged and I keep promising to do better. However, the pace of the campaign continues to accelerate and when I do get some time, like tonight, it seems I get distracted. OK, I confess it was the UNC v. Clemson basketball game that knocked a couple of hours out of my evening (not to mention at least a couple of months off my life). If I can only campaign like Tyler Hansbrough plays ball, then this race is a winner.

Anyway, I thought I'd give a quick replay of the WUNC-TV debate on healthcare last Thursday. The topic of healthcare frankly is a tough one, filled with all sorts of technical areas and complicated issues. I was actually pretty apprehensive about the debate because of my general lack of comfort with the range of issues. But, having said that, I thought the debate went great and the press reviews were very encouraging.

My 3 primary opponents didn't seem any more comfortable with the topic than I did. McCrory actually seemed to take the whole debate as some kind of lark and appeared to me somewhat unprepared (like his answer on the mental health question). Graham was a virtual encyclopedia of various medical terms. Hmmmm, could it be a reflection on his extensive work as a plaintiffs' workers comp lawyer? And Fred was Fred. On task, on point, and very predictable.

My one frustration was that there is simply no follow up on what I considered to be major points in my remarks. One might expect at least a questioning inquiry from the press or an opponent about several of the proposals and comments I made. OK, I understand that the opposition strategy is to ignore me, but that only serves to encourage me to keep putting out positions on issues that need to be discussed . So, expect us to keep on doing what we're doing and hopefully, the voting public will pay more attention to our positions on the issues(they're actually already doing that)and on election day, maybe we'll surprise the pundits.

If You Got the Money, Honey, I've Got the Time......

2008-02-02T09:30:00.001-08:00

The latest rash of money reports highlight numerous glaring points that need to be discussed. Regrettably, the mainstream media probably won't delve into where NC stands in the "pay to play" governor's race. However, I'll try to make a few observations and see if anybody cares.

Point 1: As most political observors already know, it is not a good year for Republicans generally to raise money - nationally or here in NC. The fact that Moore and Perdue have raised millions each, compared to all of the GOP candidates (not counting McCrory since his money comes from the Mayor's race) who in the aggregate don't even hit the 1 million mark, should give us all pause. Add to that the money raised for the Lt. Governor's race on the Democratic side as well as Treasurer and you get the drift.

Point 2: Perdue and Moore, having been raising money and pointing toward this governor's race since Jim Martin was governor, have a huge institutional advantage as evidenced by the PAC's and "professional" givers coughing up the big checks. It points out the one sided nature of state government and how all the special interest are betting on the predictable outcome by stuffing the loot into the Moore/Perdue treasury.

Point 3: It appears that Graham didn't try very hard to raise money which leads one to wonder whether he's just riding it out or is going to try and match Smith with the personal fortune. As for Smith's "successful" fundraising, it's really misleading. I always try and look at net fundraising results since it's easy to raise money but if you spend twice as much as you raise in the fundraisng effort, it really isn't such a plus.

Point 4: These totals are relative to the primary but we may see a vastly different scenario in the general. Perdue and Moore are going to drive economic development by spending millions and will end up on May 6th with virtually empty accounts. Now the winner will have plenty of money eventually but there won't be the kind of disparity you see now.

Point 5: The GOP primary will not be determined by money. The dynamics of a low turnout primary means that smaller amounts of money can be more effectively used and most voters will have a pretty good idea as to which candidate to vote for, regardless of all the mindless commercials run.

Point 6: The GOP winner will be able to raise competitive amounts of money for the general election as voters and contributors start to realize that electing a Republican governor in NC in 2008 is a distinct possibility. It will be an interesting fall campaign and anything can happen.

"Sir, am I invisible?"

2008-01-28T07:32:00.000-08:00

After a 1400 mile road trip west and two debates, I can now take a minute and try to catch up on my blogging responsibilities. Hopefully, the next 99 days of pre-primary posting will be even more "entertaining" as I have an expert in blogging who has volunteered to help bring me into the fast lane.

A number of years ago I was eating breakfast at a grill up on Hillsborough Street here in Raleigh, when a young man sat down at a booth close to my table. For the next 15 minutes, waitresses delivered coffee and food to other customers, took orders from those who hadn't been served, seated other customers - all the while ignoring this young man.

Finally, he turned to me and asked, "Sir, am I invisible?" I've laughed about that story for years, but at times in this campaign I want to ask, "Are my ideas and proposals invisible?" It's been almost a week now since I announced my education reform plan linked to making the political leadership at the top of the state public school system more accountable. And at times I ask myself how a proposal for significant educational reform can be all but ignored by the press, particularly by editorial boards at all the newspapers around the state?

Yes, I know NC Spin did a segment on it yesterday and that was great. And I know that there was coverage that went out after our press conference, but part of that story ended up being whether Pat McCrory had actually come up with the idea, not really about the substance or need for the reforms proposed. It's hard to understand why that was news (the N&O ran the story with a headline "Orr, McCrory propose appointing school head" and last time I checked Pat didn't attend my press conference or sign on to the reforms proposed). And I made it clear both at the press conference and in subsequent releases that I didn't claim any originality about not electing the superintendent, but that the rest of my proposals were original.

But what's frustrating is that no editorial writer for any of the papers in the state have even mentioned the proposal - for or against it - or simply said something to the effect the it's worth debating. And to the best of my knowledge, no reporter has actually asked Moore or Perdue where they stood on the issue, despite both of them sitting on the State Board of Education. The problems with our public schools certainly aren't invisible. When real solutions to those problems are proposed, they shouldn't be invisible either.

You can fool all of the people some of the time....

2008-01-23T20:37:00.000-08:00

I'll say right up front that I don't know anything about the technical aspects of polling although like anyone involved or interested in politics I confess to being drawn to them. But the media's fascination - no make that unquestioning reliance - with Public Policy Polling's running numbers and commentary is absolutely astonishing.

Again, I don't know whether the technical process by which PPP does its polling is valid or not. I do know that over the course of the last few months knowledgeable political types such as Carter Wrenn and Richard Moore have questioned the reliability of PPP's numbers. What I do know is what Tom Jensen, the wizened guru of PPP commentary (Is he maybe 24 years old?) told me over coffee about how PPP operates.That's the same Tom Jensen who confessed in one blog entry that he didn't bother to watch any of the gubernatorial debates.

PPP is owned and funded by Dean Debnam, a wealthy, active democrat who is interested in polling. PPP doesn't really have any business clients, so it's not really like a legitimate polling company whose accuracy and professionalism drives its income. No, PPP is just out there doing its thing, messing around and pontificating over the results that its polls come up with.

And the worst part of it all, is that the media acts like this is some reliable, professional operation that doesn't have a political agenda. Does the media ask any questions about the technical accuracy of the polling sample used by PPP? Or ask if PPP has an agenda? No,unfortunately it doesn't.

PPP's sage, Tom Jensen, active democrat, recently did a series of articles, published by papers around the state giving his analysis of the governor's race and who was doing what and why. This kid and PPP have a political agenda, and the mainstream media acts like the poll was performed by the twelve disciples. Oh, by the way, the Associated Press doesn't report PPP's results because it only reports polls that they consider reliable.

So, there's my take on the media's coverage of polling. Sometime soon you may see the creation of ORR Polling, a family operation in which my three older children, who actually are professionals in market research and polling, and I have fun doing our own polls. Then I'll pontificate on what those polling results that I've created really mean. I can see it now. "Orr leads by 30 as other candidates fall by the wayside!" And I'll be counting on lots of press coverage.

So having said all this I'll confess that it's late, I'm tired, and it's a full moon but somebody had to say. So check this entry for typos, call up Tom Jensen for a comment and don't pay much attention to the real issues facing the state.

More From Orr