SCOTT MOONEYHAM: Dems Ride High In State’s Senate
Friday, September 29th, 2006
By Chris Fitzsimon
Since the turn of the 20th century, Republicans have never known a majority in the North Carolina Senate.
Many knowledgeable political observers believe the size and makeup of Senate districts actually provide better advantage for the GOP than those in the House. Nonetheless, Democrats have held a firm grip on the Senate during a 12-year period in which Republicans and Democrats have maintained relative parity in the House.
Two reasons for the GOP’s lack of success:
– Pro-business, fiscally conservative Democrats like David Hoyle in Gaston County and Walter Dalton in Rutherford County have kept seats that could easily swing Republican once the longtime incumbents leave office.
— The Senate Democrats’ campaign operation is a well-oiled machine. Since Senate Leader Marc Basnight has been at the head of the chamber, Democrats have effectively targeted districts in which they have a shot and cut their losses in those where they have none.
Given their 29-21 majority going into this fall’s election, the Democrats’ reign in the Senate looks to continue. (more…)
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