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North Carolina
Featured Stories
Governor
Tackling Issues
Candidates for governor weigh in on priorities for North Carolina
• Work in Senate qualifies him, Ballantine says
Ballantine, 39, is running his first campaign for statewide office. He says he's qualified because of his youth and because he has spent 10 years in the N.C. Senate, including five years as the leader of the Republican minority.
• Easley reviews achievements of past 4 years
Easley keeps a low public profile, with a preference for small gatherings of familiar supporters rather than large crowds at barbecues. He doesn't court legislators or the media. He once crashed a race car into a wall.
Lieutenant Governor
• Snyder believes in 'logical' tactics
Oct. 21, 2004
During her last three terms in the N.C. Senate, Beverly Perdue was consistently ranked as one of the six most effective state senators. As a co-chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, she was at the center of negotiations on spending billions in taxpayer money.
Lieutenant Governor
• Perdue has sought to move office beyond its traditional boundaries
Oct. 21, 2004
During her last three terms in the N.C. Senate, Beverly Perdue was consistently ranked as one of the six most effective state senators. As a co-chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, she was at the center of negotiations on spending billions in taxpayer money.
Editorials
Governor & Lieutenant Governor
Governor
Council of State
Supreme Court Associate Justices and Court of Appeals Judges
Archived Coverage
October 16, 2004
• Debate: Candidates for governor aggressive
Easley, Ballantine spar on terror, ethics, state's needs
October 5, 2004
• Issue - Education: Governor candidates attack each other's education votes
Easley, Ballantine outline plans for improving public schools in debate
September 23, 2004
• Issue - State Budget: Easley, Ballantine differ on package of expiring taxes
September 23, 2004
• Snyder touts retirement plan for N.C. natives
Candidate for lieutenant governor unveils idea
August 22, 2004
• Conservative
Democrats could be swing voters, Ballantine says
Patrick Ballantine urged Republicans in Davidson County last night to keep making phone calls and handing
out bumper stickers
July 24, 2004
• Ballantine
shows strength, particularly in the east
Polls indicate uphill fight against Easley, but challenger's views may appeal to unhappy Democrats
July 23, 2004
• Vinroot bows out of race
Candidate Profiles
- Governor
- Lieutenant Governor
- Council of State
- Supreme Court Associate Justice
- Supreme Court Associate Justice Orr's seat
- Court of Appeals Judge McGee vs. Parker
- Court of Appeals Judge Bryant vs. Stubbs
- Court of Appeals Judge Jackson vs. Thornburg
Easley seeks re-election as N.C. Governor
COMPILED BY DAVID INGRAM
Democratic Gov. Mike Easley is running for re-election against Republican challenger Patrick Ballantine and Libertarian candidate Barbara Howe.
Easley served an eight-year term as the state’s attorney general before he was elected as governor in 2000. Easley was also the district attorney in Brunswick, Bladen, and Columbus Counties from 1982 to 1992.
Ballantine was elected five times to the N.C. Senate. He was the Republican leader there from 1998 to 2004.
Howe ran unsuccessfully for N.C. House in 1992, Congress in 1996, the U.S. Senate in 1998, governor in 2000, and the N.C. House in 2002.
Patrick Ballantine
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: Governor
Party: Republican
Home address: P.O. Box 7693, Wilmington, NC 28406
Date of Birth: March 17, 1965
Education: B.A. in political science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; J.D., University of Dayton.
Occupation: Attorney
Family: Married with a daughter
Political experience: Member of N.C. Senate, appointed in 1994; elected in 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2002; Senate Republican leader, 1998-2004
What makes you best qualified: I spent 10 years in the N.C. Senate, the last five as the Republican leader. I know the state budget, I know the players, and I know the process. I will bring a new generation of conservative leadership that will work to cut taxes, helping working families and small businesses.
Top priority if elected: I want to restructure state government and create a better business climate to produce more jobs. I want to lower taxes, reduce burdensome regulations, build better roads and ensure an affordable health care system. Education is also a top priority. We must take control away from the education bureaucrats — and empower parents, teachers and principals.
Party: Republican
Home address: P.O. Box 7693, Wilmington, NC 28406
Date of Birth: March 17, 1965
Education: B.A. in political science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; J.D., University of Dayton.
Occupation: Attorney
Family: Married with a daughter
Political experience: Member of N.C. Senate, appointed in 1994; elected in 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2002; Senate Republican leader, 1998-2004
What makes you best qualified: I spent 10 years in the N.C. Senate, the last five as the Republican leader. I know the state budget, I know the players, and I know the process. I will bring a new generation of conservative leadership that will work to cut taxes, helping working families and small businesses.
Top priority if elected: I want to restructure state government and create a better business climate to produce more jobs. I want to lower taxes, reduce burdensome regulations, build better roads and ensure an affordable health care system. Education is also a top priority. We must take control away from the education bureaucrats — and empower parents, teachers and principals.
Mike Easley
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: Governor
Party: Democrat
Home address: 200 North Blount St., Raleigh, NC 27601
Date of Birth: March 23, 1950
Education: B.A. political science with Honors, UNC Chapel Hill, 1972; J.D. cum laude, N.C. Central University, 1975
Occupation: Incumbent governor
Family: Married with one son
Political experience: Incumbent governor, N.C. Attorney General (1992-2000), District Attorney for 13th Judicial District, Brunswick, Bladen, and Columbus Counties (1982-1992)
What makes you best qualified: My record of positive response to challenges is my best qualification. For example, we inherited a terrible budget mess. Because of our new fiscal discipline, the state is now ranked fourth nationally in budget management. Federal trade policies hit our state harder than any other. Yet, we are fifth nationally in job growth this year and rank as having the best business climate in the nation for new and expanding businesses.
Top priority if elected: Education is the key to our economic future. My administration will continue its focus on improving pre-kindergarten education and reducing class sizes in the early grades. We are also changing high-school education to continue lowering our dropout rate and better prepare students for the 21st century workplace. At the same time, we will ensure that our community colleges and universities retain their status in the top ranks of educational quality and affordability.
Party: Democrat
Home address: 200 North Blount St., Raleigh, NC 27601
Date of Birth: March 23, 1950
Education: B.A. political science with Honors, UNC Chapel Hill, 1972; J.D. cum laude, N.C. Central University, 1975
Occupation: Incumbent governor
Family: Married with one son
Political experience: Incumbent governor, N.C. Attorney General (1992-2000), District Attorney for 13th Judicial District, Brunswick, Bladen, and Columbus Counties (1982-1992)
What makes you best qualified: My record of positive response to challenges is my best qualification. For example, we inherited a terrible budget mess. Because of our new fiscal discipline, the state is now ranked fourth nationally in budget management. Federal trade policies hit our state harder than any other. Yet, we are fifth nationally in job growth this year and rank as having the best business climate in the nation for new and expanding businesses.
Top priority if elected: Education is the key to our economic future. My administration will continue its focus on improving pre-kindergarten education and reducing class sizes in the early grades. We are also changing high-school education to continue lowering our dropout rate and better prepare students for the 21st century workplace. At the same time, we will ensure that our community colleges and universities retain their status in the top ranks of educational quality and affordability.
Barbara Howe
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: Governor
Party: Libertarian
Home address: 5046 Tar Hill Drive, Oxford, NC 27565
Date of Birth: Feb. 13, 1953
Education: B. A. in English and psychology, Pfeiffer College, 1975
Occupation: Homemaker
Family: Married with three children
Political experience: Ran as Libertarian candidate for N.C. House in 1992, Congress in 1996, U.S. Senate in 1998, governor in 2000, and N.C. House in 2002. I serve as the state chairwoman of the Libertarian Party of North Carolina, a position I have held since 2000.
What makes you best qualified: I recognize each individual is the best person to be in charge of his or her life. Government should do one thing — protect citizens from people who might harm them, but otherwise leave individuals alone to live their lives as they see fit. I recognize your right to self-ownership.
Top priority if elected: I will restore limited government by ending the corporate welfare of targeted tax incentives. I will restore choice in education by offering a taxpayer-choice scholarship plan so parents are in charge of how their children are educated, and end property-rights violations by repealing forced annexation and strictly limiting eminent domain.
Party: Libertarian
Home address: 5046 Tar Hill Drive, Oxford, NC 27565
Date of Birth: Feb. 13, 1953
Education: B. A. in English and psychology, Pfeiffer College, 1975
Occupation: Homemaker
Family: Married with three children
Political experience: Ran as Libertarian candidate for N.C. House in 1992, Congress in 1996, U.S. Senate in 1998, governor in 2000, and N.C. House in 2002. I serve as the state chairwoman of the Libertarian Party of North Carolina, a position I have held since 2000.
What makes you best qualified: I recognize each individual is the best person to be in charge of his or her life. Government should do one thing — protect citizens from people who might harm them, but otherwise leave individuals alone to live their lives as they see fit. I recognize your right to self-ownership.
Top priority if elected: I will restore limited government by ending the corporate welfare of targeted tax incentives. I will restore choice in education by offering a taxpayer-choice scholarship plan so parents are in charge of how their children are educated, and end property-rights violations by repealing forced annexation and strictly limiting eminent domain.
Three are in the running for lieutenant governor
COMPILED BY DAVID INGRAM
Democratic Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue is running for re-election against Republican challenger Jim Snyder and Libertarian candidate Christopher Cole.
Perdue was elected as lieutenant governor in 2000. She served in the N.C. Senate from 1991 to 2000, and the N.C. House from 1986 to 1990.
He ran for the U.S. Senate in 2002. He briefly served as a member of the N.C. House in 1971 after the death of his father.
Cole ran unsuccessfully for the N.C. House in 1996, for a seat on the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners in 1998, the U.S. House, 9th District in 2000 and 2002 and for a seat on the Charlotte City Council in 2001 and 2003.
Christopher Cole
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: Lieutenant governor
Party: Libertarian
Home address: P.O. Box 294, Newell 28126
Date of birth: Jan. 17, 1964
Education: B.A. in psychology and philosophy, UNC Wilmington, 1986
Occupation: Manager of contract post office
Family: Single; no children
Political experience: Ran for for N.C. House District 36 in 1996; Mecklenburg County Commissioner in 1998; U.S. House, 9th District, 2000 and 2002; Charlotte City Council in 2001 and 2003.
What makes you best qualified?: I am a 23-year working-class resident of North Carolina, a graduate of both public schools and the public university system. That means that I have to pay the taxes to finance the government programs for which politicians claim their accolades. They never thank the taxpayers.
Top priority if elected: I want to restore parental control of education. I will seek to do this by reversing the state policy of merging districts, by removing the cap on charter schools, and through a tuition tax credit for parents who home-school or send their children to private schools.
Party: Libertarian
Home address: P.O. Box 294, Newell 28126
Date of birth: Jan. 17, 1964
Education: B.A. in psychology and philosophy, UNC Wilmington, 1986
Occupation: Manager of contract post office
Family: Single; no children
Political experience: Ran for for N.C. House District 36 in 1996; Mecklenburg County Commissioner in 1998; U.S. House, 9th District, 2000 and 2002; Charlotte City Council in 2001 and 2003.
What makes you best qualified?: I am a 23-year working-class resident of North Carolina, a graduate of both public schools and the public university system. That means that I have to pay the taxes to finance the government programs for which politicians claim their accolades. They never thank the taxpayers.
Top priority if elected: I want to restore parental control of education. I will seek to do this by reversing the state policy of merging districts, by removing the cap on charter schools, and through a tuition tax credit for parents who home-school or send their children to private schools.
Beverly Eaves Perdue
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: Lieutenant governor
Party: Democrat
Home address: New Bern
Date of birth: Jan. 14, 1947
Education: B.A., University of Kentucky M.A., Ph.D., University of Florida
Occupation: Lieutenant governor
Family: Married; two sons
Political experience: 2001-present, lieutenant governor; 1991-2000 N.C. Senate 3rd District; 1986-1990 N.C. House of Representatives, 3rd District.
What makes you best qualified?: I’ve been an effective leader fighting for more jobs, better job training, initiatives that help small business grow, protecting our military bases from closure; strengthening the quality of education in our schools, making sure seniors have access to affordable prescription drugs and stopping teen smoking — a record of results.
Top priority if elected: I’ll fight for more jobs and work to stop migration of jobs to other countries; will work to expand quality education in public schools, keep quality teachers, grow biotech and assist small businesses with affordable health insurance; will work to prevent teen smoking and provide more medical support for seniors.
Party: Democrat
Home address: New Bern
Date of birth: Jan. 14, 1947
Education: B.A., University of Kentucky M.A., Ph.D., University of Florida
Occupation: Lieutenant governor
Family: Married; two sons
Political experience: 2001-present, lieutenant governor; 1991-2000 N.C. Senate 3rd District; 1986-1990 N.C. House of Representatives, 3rd District.
What makes you best qualified?: I’ve been an effective leader fighting for more jobs, better job training, initiatives that help small business grow, protecting our military bases from closure; strengthening the quality of education in our schools, making sure seniors have access to affordable prescription drugs and stopping teen smoking — a record of results.
Top priority if elected: I’ll fight for more jobs and work to stop migration of jobs to other countries; will work to expand quality education in public schools, keep quality teachers, grow biotech and assist small businesses with affordable health insurance; will work to prevent teen smoking and provide more medical support for seniors.
Jim Snyder
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: Lieutenant governor
Party: Republican
Home address: 408 Country Club Road, Lexington, 27292
Date of birth: June 30, 1945
Education: B.A. in 1967 from Wake Forest University; J.D., Wake Forest University, 1970
Occupation: Author, lawyer and businessman
Family: Married; two daughters; five grandchildren
Political experience: In 1971, he served the remainder of his late father’s term in the N.C. House. Ran for U.S. Senate in 2002.
What makes you best qualified?: The office of lieutenant governor should not simply be that of a parlimentarian, but a bully pulpit, a place to be heard and make positive changes. I will reinvent this office. Bold and innovative ideas will flow, and we will end business as usual in government. I will provide the fresh perspective we need as our next lieutenant governor.
Top priority if elected: I will make it my mission to ensure a safe and secure retirement for every child born in our state. The Snyder Plan is for us to lead the nation by creating $700 individual accounts for every child born, invested in a market index fund, worth $450,000 at payout and $1 million if just $7 a month is added. We need this plan.
Party: Republican
Home address: 408 Country Club Road, Lexington, 27292
Date of birth: June 30, 1945
Education: B.A. in 1967 from Wake Forest University; J.D., Wake Forest University, 1970
Occupation: Author, lawyer and businessman
Family: Married; two daughters; five grandchildren
Political experience: In 1971, he served the remainder of his late father’s term in the N.C. House. Ran for U.S. Senate in 2002.
What makes you best qualified?: The office of lieutenant governor should not simply be that of a parlimentarian, but a bully pulpit, a place to be heard and make positive changes. I will reinvent this office. Bold and innovative ideas will flow, and we will end business as usual in government. I will provide the fresh perspective we need as our next lieutenant governor.
Top priority if elected: I will make it my mission to ensure a safe and secure retirement for every child born in our state. The Snyder Plan is for us to lead the nation by creating $700 individual accounts for every child born, invested in a market index fund, worth $450,000 at payout and $1 million if just $7 a month is added. We need this plan.
Council of State runs many N.C. departments
COMPILED BY DANIELLE DEAVER
Voters will choose an entirely new Council of State this Election Day. Democrats and Republicans are competing for each of the nine offices. In addition to running many of the departments in state government, the Council of State often produces candidates for higher offices in future elections.
The Attorney General serves four years as the top law-enforcement officer in the state. The Auditor is responsible for making sure that state money is spent properly.
The Commissioner of Agriculture is responsible for everything from research to maintaining the safety of food and drugs. The Commissioner of Insurance regulates the insurance industry in North Carolina.
The Commissioner of Labor insures the safety of North Carolina’s work force. The Secretary of State keeps all North Carolina’s documents safe.
The Superintendent of Public Instruction oversees all of the state’s schools. The Treasurer is responsible for investing the state’s money.
Attorney General
Joe Knott
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: Attorney General
Party: Republican
Home address: 414 Fayetteville St Mall, Raleigh, NC 27601
Date of Birth: July 25, 1951
Education: B.S. in business administration, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1974; M.Div., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, 1978, J.D., University of North Carolina School of Law Chapel Hill, 1980
Occupation: Attorney
Family: Married with six children
Political experience: None
What makes you best qualified: I am not a politician seeking to further my political career as our current attorney general. I am solely interested in the well-being and safety of North Carolinians and will not use the office as a means of self-promotion.
Top priority if elected: I will bring the backlog of criminal DNA samples up to date so that criminals walking the street can be brought to justice. Our current attorney general is more interested in running public service announcements starring himself rather lobbying the legislature for the necessary tools to keep North Carolina safe.
Party: Republican
Home address: 414 Fayetteville St Mall, Raleigh, NC 27601
Date of Birth: July 25, 1951
Education: B.S. in business administration, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1974; M.Div., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, 1978, J.D., University of North Carolina School of Law Chapel Hill, 1980
Occupation: Attorney
Family: Married with six children
Political experience: None
What makes you best qualified: I am not a politician seeking to further my political career as our current attorney general. I am solely interested in the well-being and safety of North Carolinians and will not use the office as a means of self-promotion.
Top priority if elected: I will bring the backlog of criminal DNA samples up to date so that criminals walking the street can be brought to justice. Our current attorney general is more interested in running public service announcements starring himself rather lobbying the legislature for the necessary tools to keep North Carolina safe.
Roy Cooper
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: Attorney General
Party: Democrat
Home address: P.O. Box 10587 Raleigh, NC 27605
Date of Birth: June 13, 1957
Family: Married with three daughters
Education: B.A. in psychology and political science, UNC Chapel Hill, 1979, J.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law, 1982
Occupation: Attorney General
Political experience: Attorney General, 2001-present, N.C. Senator, 1991-2000, Senate Majority Leader, 1997-2000, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman, 1993-2000, N.C. House Member, 1987-1991, House Judiciary Committee Chairman, 1989-1991
What makes you best qualified: I am working to make communities safer by using DNA to jail violent criminals and cracking down on illegal drugs. Domestic violence victims are shielded by our confidentiality program and tougher laws. Children are safer at school with our training efforts, and I am fighting con artists and telemarketers who steal.
Top Priority if elected: As Attorney General, I will continue my fight against violent criminals and drug traffickers who threaten our safety. Law enforcement needs training and technology to succeed, and I will fight for them. I will continue to refund money to consumers who have been scammed by con artists, predatory lenders and telemarketers.
Party: Democrat
Home address: P.O. Box 10587 Raleigh, NC 27605
Date of Birth: June 13, 1957
Family: Married with three daughters
Education: B.A. in psychology and political science, UNC Chapel Hill, 1979, J.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law, 1982
Occupation: Attorney General
Political experience: Attorney General, 2001-present, N.C. Senator, 1991-2000, Senate Majority Leader, 1997-2000, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman, 1993-2000, N.C. House Member, 1987-1991, House Judiciary Committee Chairman, 1989-1991
What makes you best qualified: I am working to make communities safer by using DNA to jail violent criminals and cracking down on illegal drugs. Domestic violence victims are shielded by our confidentiality program and tougher laws. Children are safer at school with our training efforts, and I am fighting con artists and telemarketers who steal.
Top Priority if elected: As Attorney General, I will continue my fight against violent criminals and drug traffickers who threaten our safety. Law enforcement needs training and technology to succeed, and I will fight for them. I will continue to refund money to consumers who have been scammed by con artists, predatory lenders and telemarketers.
State Auditor
Ralph Campbell
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: State Auditor
Party: Democrat
Home Address:2016 Shadow Creek Drive, Raleigh 27604
Date of Birth: Dec. 7, 1946
Education: B.A. in Business Administration, St. Augustine’s College; Certified Fraud Examiner, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Honorary Degrees from Shaw Divinity School, St. Augustine’s College and Livingstone College.
Occupation: State Auditor
Family: Married
Political experience: Elected State Auditor in 1992; re-elected in 1996 and 2000
Elected to Raleigh City Council 1985; re-elected 1987, 1989,1991; Mayor Pro Tem, 1989-1991
What makes you best qualified: I have been an auditor virtually my entire professional career, starting as an auditor for the N.C. Revenue Department, then the N.C. Teacher’s and State Employees’ Health Plan, and for the past 12 years as North Carolina’s elected State Auditor. By experience, training and inclination, I am well qualified to be the watchdog for North Carolina’s taxpayers.
Top priority if elected: The three most critical issues facing North Carolina in the coming years are health care, homeland security and education. I have created a specialized team to audit health-care programs, conducted a detailed audit on homeland security money and continue to audit educational institutions at all levels. All three of these areas will receive even more attention in my next term.
Party: Democrat
Home Address:2016 Shadow Creek Drive, Raleigh 27604
Date of Birth: Dec. 7, 1946
Education: B.A. in Business Administration, St. Augustine’s College; Certified Fraud Examiner, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Honorary Degrees from Shaw Divinity School, St. Augustine’s College and Livingstone College.
Occupation: State Auditor
Family: Married
Political experience: Elected State Auditor in 1992; re-elected in 1996 and 2000
Elected to Raleigh City Council 1985; re-elected 1987, 1989,1991; Mayor Pro Tem, 1989-1991
What makes you best qualified: I have been an auditor virtually my entire professional career, starting as an auditor for the N.C. Revenue Department, then the N.C. Teacher’s and State Employees’ Health Plan, and for the past 12 years as North Carolina’s elected State Auditor. By experience, training and inclination, I am well qualified to be the watchdog for North Carolina’s taxpayers.
Top priority if elected: The three most critical issues facing North Carolina in the coming years are health care, homeland security and education. I have created a specialized team to audit health-care programs, conducted a detailed audit on homeland security money and continue to audit educational institutions at all levels. All three of these areas will receive even more attention in my next term.
Leslie Merritt
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: State Auditor
Party: Republican
Home Address: P. O. Box 1036, Zebulon, NC 27597
Date of Birth: Nov. 19, 1951
Education: B. A. in economics, N. C. State University, 1974, B. A. in Accounting, N. C. State University, 1978
Occupation: President, Merritt Petway Mills & Hockaday, CPAs
Family: Married with two children
Political experience: Wake County Commissioner, 1994-1998, Ran for State Auditor in 2000.
What Makes You Best Qualified: My qualifications and experience as a certified public accountants, small business owner and Wake County Commissioner have given me the skills, insight and perspective we need in a State Auditor. I understand how to work within a budget; we desperately need that perspective in state government.
Top Priority If Elected: My top priority will be preventing fiscal mismanagement before it happens. Once problems develop, we must expend valuable resources cleaning up the mess. That’s why I’ve developed a proactive business plan for North Carolina.
Party: Republican
Home Address: P. O. Box 1036, Zebulon, NC 27597
Date of Birth: Nov. 19, 1951
Education: B. A. in economics, N. C. State University, 1974, B. A. in Accounting, N. C. State University, 1978
Occupation: President, Merritt Petway Mills & Hockaday, CPAs
Family: Married with two children
Political experience: Wake County Commissioner, 1994-1998, Ran for State Auditor in 2000.
What Makes You Best Qualified: My qualifications and experience as a certified public accountants, small business owner and Wake County Commissioner have given me the skills, insight and perspective we need in a State Auditor. I understand how to work within a budget; we desperately need that perspective in state government.
Top Priority If Elected: My top priority will be preventing fiscal mismanagement before it happens. Once problems develop, we must expend valuable resources cleaning up the mess. That’s why I’ve developed a proactive business plan for North Carolina.
Agriculture Commissioner
Britt Cobb
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: Commissioner of Agriculture
Party: Democrat
Address: P.O. Box 27904, Raleigh, NC 27611
Date of Birth: Nov. 15, 1949
Education: Elm City School in Wilson County, B.S. in business administration, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1971
Occupation: Commissioner of Agriculture
Family: Married
Political experience: Appointed as Agriculture Commissioner by Gov. Mike Easley in June. Won Democratic primary in July.
What makes you best qualified: I have served in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for 32 years, so I know what people want from their Agriculture Commissioner. My top priorities are the things people care about the most: creating jobs, protecting consumers, preserving the environment and preventing deadly diseases. My approach is positive, issue-oriented, and focused on the future, not the past.
Top priority if elected: Creating jobs by expanding markets for North Carolina products. Agriculture is North Carolina 's biggest industry — by far. This year it will be a $60 billion business, almost a quarter of the state's economy. Agriculture employs more than one out of every five North Carolina workers. I’m dedicated to maintaining that strong growth and creating more good jobs.
Party: Democrat
Address: P.O. Box 27904, Raleigh, NC 27611
Date of Birth: Nov. 15, 1949
Education: Elm City School in Wilson County, B.S. in business administration, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1971
Occupation: Commissioner of Agriculture
Family: Married
Political experience: Appointed as Agriculture Commissioner by Gov. Mike Easley in June. Won Democratic primary in July.
What makes you best qualified: I have served in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for 32 years, so I know what people want from their Agriculture Commissioner. My top priorities are the things people care about the most: creating jobs, protecting consumers, preserving the environment and preventing deadly diseases. My approach is positive, issue-oriented, and focused on the future, not the past.
Top priority if elected: Creating jobs by expanding markets for North Carolina products. Agriculture is North Carolina 's biggest industry — by far. This year it will be a $60 billion business, almost a quarter of the state's economy. Agriculture employs more than one out of every five North Carolina workers. I’m dedicated to maintaining that strong growth and creating more good jobs.
Steve Troxler
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: N.C. Commissioner of Agriculture
Party: Republican
Home address: Post Office Box 450, Browns Summit, NC 27214
Date of Birth: April 12, 1952
Education: B.S. degree in conservation with concentration in Environmental Studies, N.C. State University, 1974
Occupation: Farmer
Family: Married with two sons.
Political experience: District Supervisor, Guilford County Soil and Water Conservation Service
What makes your best qualified: I have spent the past 30 years building Troxler Farm into a successful farming operation. I have been a strong advocate for agriculture in Raleigh and Washington. The person holding the commissioner’s position must have the heart of agriculture, and that’s what I offer.
Top priority if elected: I will work hard to guarantee that the food that reaches your plate is safe. I believe that is the commissioner’s chief responsibility. I will also work to provide the leadership necessary to insure that agriculture remains the number one industry in North Carolina.
Party: Republican
Home address: Post Office Box 450, Browns Summit, NC 27214
Date of Birth: April 12, 1952
Education: B.S. degree in conservation with concentration in Environmental Studies, N.C. State University, 1974
Occupation: Farmer
Family: Married with two sons.
Political experience: District Supervisor, Guilford County Soil and Water Conservation Service
What makes your best qualified: I have spent the past 30 years building Troxler Farm into a successful farming operation. I have been a strong advocate for agriculture in Raleigh and Washington. The person holding the commissioner’s position must have the heart of agriculture, and that’s what I offer.
Top priority if elected: I will work hard to guarantee that the food that reaches your plate is safe. I believe that is the commissioner’s chief responsibility. I will also work to provide the leadership necessary to insure that agriculture remains the number one industry in North Carolina.
Insurance Commissioner
C. Robert Brawley
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: North Carolina Insurance Commissioner
Party: Republican
Home address: 1020 Oak Ridge Farm Road Mooresville, NC 28115
Date of Birth: April 10, 1944
Education: B.S. in engineering operations, N.C. State University
Occupation: Self Employed
Family: Married with five children
Political experience: 18 years in N.C. House, President, National Republican Legislators Association, Republican joint caucus leader in the N.C. General Assembly
What makes you best qualified: Experience, knowledge and philosophies which will promote competition for the benefit of the consumer, as well as, having better organization, accountability and consistency to the Department of Insurance — providing better service to the citizens of North Carolina.
Top priority if elected: Did not provide.
Party: Republican
Home address: 1020 Oak Ridge Farm Road Mooresville, NC 28115
Date of Birth: April 10, 1944
Education: B.S. in engineering operations, N.C. State University
Occupation: Self Employed
Family: Married with five children
Political experience: 18 years in N.C. House, President, National Republican Legislators Association, Republican joint caucus leader in the N.C. General Assembly
What makes you best qualified: Experience, knowledge and philosophies which will promote competition for the benefit of the consumer, as well as, having better organization, accountability and consistency to the Department of Insurance — providing better service to the citizens of North Carolina.
Top priority if elected: Did not provide.
Jim Long
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: Insurance commissioner
Party: Democrat
Home address: P.O. Box 10343 Raleigh
Date of Birth: March 19, 1940
Education: A.B., UNC Chapel Hill, 1963; J.D., UNC Chapel Hill, 1966.
Occupation: Insurance commissioner and state fire marshal
Family: Married with two children and five grandchildren.
Political experience: 1970-75 NC House, 1970-1975; Insurance commissioner 1985-present
What makes you best qualified: After 20 years as insurance commissioner, I have the experience to keep our insurance industry on the right track. I negotiated fairly with insurance companies to keep rates low while maintaining a thriving, competitive market. I have the skills to deal with companies while keeping the citizens’ interests in mind.
Top priority if elected: I plan to continue protecting consumers by making sure my department understands that we work for the citizens first. Our No. 1 priority has always been to look out for North Carolinians; I will continue to empower my staff to do what needs to be done to reach that goal.
Party: Democrat
Home address: P.O. Box 10343 Raleigh
Date of Birth: March 19, 1940
Education: A.B., UNC Chapel Hill, 1963; J.D., UNC Chapel Hill, 1966.
Occupation: Insurance commissioner and state fire marshal
Family: Married with two children and five grandchildren.
Political experience: 1970-75 NC House, 1970-1975; Insurance commissioner 1985-present
What makes you best qualified: After 20 years as insurance commissioner, I have the experience to keep our insurance industry on the right track. I negotiated fairly with insurance companies to keep rates low while maintaining a thriving, competitive market. I have the skills to deal with companies while keeping the citizens’ interests in mind.
Top priority if elected: I plan to continue protecting consumers by making sure my department understands that we work for the citizens first. Our No. 1 priority has always been to look out for North Carolinians; I will continue to empower my staff to do what needs to be done to reach that goal.
Labor Commissioner
Cherie Killian Berry
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: N.C. Commissioner of Labor
Party: Republican
Home Address:1400 SW Boulevard, Newton, NC 28658
Date of Birth: Dec. 21, 1946
Education:Maiden High School, 1965, B.A. in English, Lenoir Rhyne College, 1967, Gaston Community College, 1969, Oakland Community College, 1977
Occupation: N.C. Commissioner of Labor, Former owner of successful manufacturing business
Family: Married with four adult children
Political experience: N.C. Commissioner of Labor, 2001-Present, Four terms in the N.C. House, 1993-2000
What makes you best qualified: I have a proven track record. Before I took office, North Carolina was not even in the top 10 states in terms of workplace safety and health. Today, we are third. Fatalities have declined 22 percent, and our injury and illness rate is at an all-time low. We have achieved this by hard work and collaborating with the business community.
Top Priority if re-elected: Safety, whether it be workplace safety, elevator, amusement device, boilers, or mine and quarry safety. When a North Carolinian goes to work, the Department of Labor needs to do everything it can to work with businesses to make sure that at the end of the work day, our working men and women return home safely to their families.
Party: Republican
Home Address:1400 SW Boulevard, Newton, NC 28658
Date of Birth: Dec. 21, 1946
Education:Maiden High School, 1965, B.A. in English, Lenoir Rhyne College, 1967, Gaston Community College, 1969, Oakland Community College, 1977
Occupation: N.C. Commissioner of Labor, Former owner of successful manufacturing business
Family: Married with four adult children
Political experience: N.C. Commissioner of Labor, 2001-Present, Four terms in the N.C. House, 1993-2000
What makes you best qualified: I have a proven track record. Before I took office, North Carolina was not even in the top 10 states in terms of workplace safety and health. Today, we are third. Fatalities have declined 22 percent, and our injury and illness rate is at an all-time low. We have achieved this by hard work and collaborating with the business community.
Top Priority if re-elected: Safety, whether it be workplace safety, elevator, amusement device, boilers, or mine and quarry safety. When a North Carolinian goes to work, the Department of Labor needs to do everything it can to work with businesses to make sure that at the end of the work day, our working men and women return home safely to their families.
Wayne Goodwin
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: Labor Commissioner
Party: Democrat
Home address: 528 Anson Avenue, Rockingham, NC 28379
Date of birth: Feb. 22, 1967
Family: Married with one daughter
Education: B.S. in political science, UNC Chapel Hill, 1989; J.D., UNC Chapel Hill, 1992
Occupation: Employment law attorney and co-owner, of Goodwin Law Offices; co-owner and secretary, Cotton Exchange Investment Group; mediator and arbitrator
Poltical experience: N.C. House, 1997-present; president, Young Democrats of North Carolina, 1995-96; chairman, Richmond County Democratic Party, 1998-2002
What makes you the best qualified:
Top priority if elected: My priority is making sure that North Carolina's business climate is healthy, with safe workplaces for our citizens to make their living and keep our state going strong. I will be a common-sense Labor Commissioner, a vocal advocate for job growth. I will work with both business and labor.
Party: Democrat
Home address: 528 Anson Avenue, Rockingham, NC 28379
Date of birth: Feb. 22, 1967
Family: Married with one daughter
Education: B.S. in political science, UNC Chapel Hill, 1989; J.D., UNC Chapel Hill, 1992
Occupation: Employment law attorney and co-owner, of Goodwin Law Offices; co-owner and secretary, Cotton Exchange Investment Group; mediator and arbitrator
Poltical experience: N.C. House, 1997-present; president, Young Democrats of North Carolina, 1995-96; chairman, Richmond County Democratic Party, 1998-2002
What makes you the best qualified:
Top priority if elected: My priority is making sure that North Carolina's business climate is healthy, with safe workplaces for our citizens to make their living and keep our state going strong. I will be a common-sense Labor Commissioner, a vocal advocate for job growth. I will work with both business and labor.
Secretary of State
Elaine Marshall
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: Secretary of State
Party: Democrat
Home address: Lillington, North Carolina
Date of Birth: Nov.18, 1945
Education: B.S. University of Maryland, 1968, J.D., Campbell University School of Law
Occupation: N.C. Secretary of State, Lawyer
Family: Married with five stepchildren and seven grandchildren
Political experience: Former N.C. Senator 1993-1995, Secretary of State 1996-present
What makes you best qualified: As Secretary of State for the past eight years, I have made protecting consumers and creating jobs my top priorities. I have modernized the office, making it easier for all businesses to operate and locate in North Carolina. I have also protected consumers by cracking down on counterfeit goods that threaten our safety and jobs in North Carolina.
Top priority if elected: My top priorities are creating jobs by cutting the cost of doing business in N.C. By modernizing the department, I have made it easier to start and locate businesses in N.C. Protecting consumers by cracking down on scam artists and increasing financial literacy. Standing up to special interests by reforming our legislative lobbying law.
Party: Democrat
Home address: Lillington, North Carolina
Date of Birth: Nov.18, 1945
Education: B.S. University of Maryland, 1968, J.D., Campbell University School of Law
Occupation: N.C. Secretary of State, Lawyer
Family: Married with five stepchildren and seven grandchildren
Political experience: Former N.C. Senator 1993-1995, Secretary of State 1996-present
What makes you best qualified: As Secretary of State for the past eight years, I have made protecting consumers and creating jobs my top priorities. I have modernized the office, making it easier for all businesses to operate and locate in North Carolina. I have also protected consumers by cracking down on counterfeit goods that threaten our safety and jobs in North Carolina.
Top priority if elected: My top priorities are creating jobs by cutting the cost of doing business in N.C. By modernizing the department, I have made it easier to start and locate businesses in N.C. Protecting consumers by cracking down on scam artists and increasing financial literacy. Standing up to special interests by reforming our legislative lobbying law.
Jay Rao
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: N.C. Secretary of State
Party: Republican
Home address: 4020 Amyington Drive, Charlotte, NC 28226
Date of Birth: July 12, 1967
Education: B.A. in political science and international Relations, UNC Chapel Hill
Occupation: Corporate Development Consultant
Family: Single
Political experience: In North Carolina, I worked on the political campaigns of U.S. Rep. Richard Burr and Patrick Ballantine for governor and many others. Nationally, I worked with James C. Miller III, former member of the Reagan admininstration.
What makes you best qualified: I grew up in North Carolina, and graduated from UNC Chapel Hill. I've worked here most of my adult life. My work history encompasses almost two decades of work in the political, business and nonprofit sectors. I am a small businesswoman. I understand the challenges businesses face. I understand the impact government has on business. I am a bridge between the high tech young generation and the traditional baby boomer generation. I am a bridge between government and business.
Top priority if elected: North Carolina has lost thousands of jobs in the past three years. We must reverse this trend. The Office of Secretary of State plays a critical role in business and job creation. I want to help businesses, so we can put hardworking people back to work. I will fight for relief from excessive taxation and regulation. My priorities will be to institute mentoring programs, on-line tutorials for new entrepreneurs and tax credits so small businesses can prosper and create more jobs.
Party: Republican
Home address: 4020 Amyington Drive, Charlotte, NC 28226
Date of Birth: July 12, 1967
Education: B.A. in political science and international Relations, UNC Chapel Hill
Occupation: Corporate Development Consultant
Family: Single
Political experience: In North Carolina, I worked on the political campaigns of U.S. Rep. Richard Burr and Patrick Ballantine for governor and many others. Nationally, I worked with James C. Miller III, former member of the Reagan admininstration.
What makes you best qualified: I grew up in North Carolina, and graduated from UNC Chapel Hill. I've worked here most of my adult life. My work history encompasses almost two decades of work in the political, business and nonprofit sectors. I am a small businesswoman. I understand the challenges businesses face. I understand the impact government has on business. I am a bridge between the high tech young generation and the traditional baby boomer generation. I am a bridge between government and business.
Top priority if elected: North Carolina has lost thousands of jobs in the past three years. We must reverse this trend. The Office of Secretary of State plays a critical role in business and job creation. I want to help businesses, so we can put hardworking people back to work. I will fight for relief from excessive taxation and regulation. My priorities will be to institute mentoring programs, on-line tutorials for new entrepreneurs and tax credits so small businesses can prosper and create more jobs.
Superintendent of Public Instruction
June Atkinson
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: Superintendent of Public Instruction
Party: Democrat
Home address: 3913 Sunset Maple Court Raleigh
Date of Birth: Aug. 19, 1948
Education: Ph.d. in educational leadership and policy, N.C. State University; M.A. in vocational-technical Education, Virginia Tech; B.S. in business education, Radford University
Occupation: Educator, until May 1, 2004; director of Instructional Services, N.C. Department of Public Instruction
Family: Married
Political experience: none
What makes you best qualified: I have a 33-year record of service and leadership to public education, first as a public- school teacher and then an educational administrator. I have an extensive record as an educational reformer who has made a positive difference in student achievement, as evidenced by more than 15 state and national awards.
Top priority if elected: We must prepare all students for work, further education, and responsible citizenship by making sure that all children read well by the end of the third grade, reducing dropouts, improving student achievement, giving help and assistance to struggling students, and raising teacher pay.
Party: Democrat
Home address: 3913 Sunset Maple Court Raleigh
Date of Birth: Aug. 19, 1948
Education: Ph.d. in educational leadership and policy, N.C. State University; M.A. in vocational-technical Education, Virginia Tech; B.S. in business education, Radford University
Occupation: Educator, until May 1, 2004; director of Instructional Services, N.C. Department of Public Instruction
Family: Married
Political experience: none
What makes you best qualified: I have a 33-year record of service and leadership to public education, first as a public- school teacher and then an educational administrator. I have an extensive record as an educational reformer who has made a positive difference in student achievement, as evidenced by more than 15 state and national awards.
Top priority if elected: We must prepare all students for work, further education, and responsible citizenship by making sure that all children read well by the end of the third grade, reducing dropouts, improving student achievement, giving help and assistance to struggling students, and raising teacher pay.
Bill Fletcher
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: Superintendent of Public Instruction
Party: Republican
Home address: P. O. Box 5614, Cary
Date of Birth: April 20, 1949
Education: Certified Professional Direct Marketer-UMKC Bloch School of Business
B.S. in zoology, N.C. State University, 1971; Catawba College, 1967-1970; Broughton High School, 1967
Occupation: Principal and business owner, FletcherDirect marketing and consulting
Family: Married with three children
Political experience: Member, Wake County Board of Education, 11 years;
What makes you best qualified: I get results: reducing non-instructional costs; reallocating resources to the classroom; setting and reaching high goals. I believe in accountability, have a passion for education, and a “why not” point of view. My business experience teaches me to challenge the status quo, and to lead positive change.
Top priority if elected: I want to have high student achievement based on rigorous standards. I would like to implement my “Five Steps To Excellence” plan. I will hold leaders accountable for achievement and stewardship, and allow principals greater flexibility using resources. I want to improve the quality of principals and make instructional time a variable based on student need.
Party: Republican
Home address: P. O. Box 5614, Cary
Date of Birth: April 20, 1949
Education: Certified Professional Direct Marketer-UMKC Bloch School of Business
B.S. in zoology, N.C. State University, 1971; Catawba College, 1967-1970; Broughton High School, 1967
Occupation: Principal and business owner, FletcherDirect marketing and consulting
Family: Married with three children
Political experience: Member, Wake County Board of Education, 11 years;
What makes you best qualified: I get results: reducing non-instructional costs; reallocating resources to the classroom; setting and reaching high goals. I believe in accountability, have a passion for education, and a “why not” point of view. My business experience teaches me to challenge the status quo, and to lead positive change.
Top priority if elected: I want to have high student achievement based on rigorous standards. I would like to implement my “Five Steps To Excellence” plan. I will hold leaders accountable for achievement and stewardship, and allow principals greater flexibility using resources. I want to improve the quality of principals and make instructional time a variable based on student need.
State Treasurer
Richard Moore
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: State Treasurer
Party: Democrat
Home address: 325 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27603
Date of Birth: August 30, 1960
Education: B.A., Wake Forrest University, 1982; J.D., Wake Forest University 1986; London School of Economics graduate degree, 1984.
Occupation: State Treasurer
Family: Married with three children
Political experience: N.C. House 1993-1995, Ran for U.S. House 1994, Secretary of Department of Crime Control and Public Safety 1995-1999, State Treasurer 2001-present
What makes you best qualified: I hold a law degree from WFU and a graduate degree from the London School of Economics. I sit on the New York Stock Exchange Board of Executives. During my tenure as State Treasurer, I have done an excellent job of managing the $71 billion of public funds entrusted to this office.
Top Priority if elected: As state treasurer, I will continue my prudent and efficient management of the $71 billion of public money entrusted to this office. I will continue to invest the public employees’ pension funds in a fiscally conservative manner and continue to seek opportunities to save the taxpayers money by refinancing the state’s debt.
Party: Democrat
Home address: 325 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27603
Date of Birth: August 30, 1960
Education: B.A., Wake Forrest University, 1982; J.D., Wake Forest University 1986; London School of Economics graduate degree, 1984.
Occupation: State Treasurer
Family: Married with three children
Political experience: N.C. House 1993-1995, Ran for U.S. House 1994, Secretary of Department of Crime Control and Public Safety 1995-1999, State Treasurer 2001-present
What makes you best qualified: I hold a law degree from WFU and a graduate degree from the London School of Economics. I sit on the New York Stock Exchange Board of Executives. During my tenure as State Treasurer, I have done an excellent job of managing the $71 billion of public funds entrusted to this office.
Top Priority if elected: As state treasurer, I will continue my prudent and efficient management of the $71 billion of public money entrusted to this office. I will continue to invest the public employees’ pension funds in a fiscally conservative manner and continue to seek opportunities to save the taxpayers money by refinancing the state’s debt.
Edward A. Meyer
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: State Treasurer
Party: Republican
Home address: P.O. Box 10143, Greensboro, NC 27404
Date of Birth: Dec. 20, 1960
Education: B.A. in International Relations, Stanford University, 1982; Cornell University, J.D., Georgetown University, 1991
Occupation: Business Attorney
Family: Married with two children.
Political experience: Reagan Administration appointee to the Social Security Administration, US Department of Health and Human Services; Former legislative assistance for tax reform, Medicare and Social Security issues to U.S. Rep. Philip M. Crane.
What makes you best qualified: I am a conservative in the mold of President Ronald Reagan. I served in his administration at the very agency responsible for the retirement funds of millions of Americans. I understand that every dollar in our treasury is a dollar that once flowed freely in the hands of North Carolinians.
Top priority if elected: North Carolina lost the AAA Bond Rating that it held for more than 40 years. This will cause the taxpayers millions of dollars of additional costs for public financings. I am a conservative and my top priority is to return that rating for North Carolina.
Party: Republican
Home address: P.O. Box 10143, Greensboro, NC 27404
Date of Birth: Dec. 20, 1960
Education: B.A. in International Relations, Stanford University, 1982; Cornell University, J.D., Georgetown University, 1991
Occupation: Business Attorney
Family: Married with two children.
Political experience: Reagan Administration appointee to the Social Security Administration, US Department of Health and Human Services; Former legislative assistance for tax reform, Medicare and Social Security issues to U.S. Rep. Philip M. Crane.
What makes you best qualified: I am a conservative in the mold of President Ronald Reagan. I served in his administration at the very agency responsible for the retirement funds of millions of Americans. I understand that every dollar in our treasury is a dollar that once flowed freely in the hands of North Carolinians.
Top priority if elected: North Carolina lost the AAA Bond Rating that it held for more than 40 years. This will cause the taxpayers millions of dollars of additional costs for public financings. I am a conservative and my top priority is to return that rating for North Carolina.
Incumbent Justice Sarah Parker challenged for seat
COMPILED BY JESSICA GUENZEL
The N.C. Supreme Court’s senior associate justice and only woman, is up for re-election against a Republican who is a judge on the N.C. Court of Appeals.
Justice Sarah Parker, the only Democrat on the state Supreme Court, is trying to retain her seat for another term in the nonpartisan election. Judge John Tyson of the N.C. Court of Appeals is running against her.
Sarah Parker
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: N.C. Supreme Court
Party: Nonpartisan
Address: P.O. Box 12113, Raleigh, NC 27605
Date of birth: Aug. 23, 1942.
Education: Meredith College, B.A., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1964, J.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1969.
Occupation: Associate Justice, N.C. Supreme Court, 1993-present.
Family: Single.
Political experience: Judge, N.C. Court of Appeals, 1985-1992.
What makes you best qualified: My experience as an appellate judge for nearly 20 years. At this time, this experience is a valuable asset to the court, which has undergone frequent change in recent years. My record reflects that I am a fair-minded, hard-working, capable judge with common sense.
Top priority if elected: I will continue to the best of my ability to administer the law fairly and impartially to all, regardless of status, who come before the court. I will be a good steward of the public trust by performing the duties of the office with diligence and integrity.
Party: Nonpartisan
Address: P.O. Box 12113, Raleigh, NC 27605
Date of birth: Aug. 23, 1942.
Education: Meredith College, B.A., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1964, J.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1969.
Occupation: Associate Justice, N.C. Supreme Court, 1993-present.
Family: Single.
Political experience: Judge, N.C. Court of Appeals, 1985-1992.
What makes you best qualified: My experience as an appellate judge for nearly 20 years. At this time, this experience is a valuable asset to the court, which has undergone frequent change in recent years. My record reflects that I am a fair-minded, hard-working, capable judge with common sense.
Top priority if elected: I will continue to the best of my ability to administer the law fairly and impartially to all, regardless of status, who come before the court. I will be a good steward of the public trust by performing the duties of the office with diligence and integrity.
John M. Tyson
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: N.C. Supreme Court
Party: Nonpartisan
Home address: 101 Hay Street, Suite 2, Fayetteville, NC 28301
Date of birth: July 14, 1953.
Education: B.A., in English and secondary education, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, 1974, J.D., cum laude, Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University, 1979, M.B.A., Duke University, Fuqua School of Business, 1988, Master of Laws in judicial process, University of Virginia School of Law, 2004.
Occupation: Judge, N.C. Court of Appeals, 2001-present; adjunct professor of law, Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University, 1987-present.
Family: Married with four adult children.
Political experience: Judge, N.C. Court of Appeals, 2001-present; Appointed to Cumberland County Joint Planning and Zoning Board, vice-chairman and later chairman of the board, 1993-2001; Appointed to the N.C. Property Tax Commission by the Speaker of the N.C. House, 1997-1999; Elected to Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District, vice chairman and later board chairman, 1992-1996.
What makes you best qualified: For 30 years, I have served as judge, attorney, professor, business owner and law enforcement and a military officer. My work ethic and conservative judicial philosophy set me apart. Most importantly, I care about people and desire to serve our state
Top priority if elected: Our judiciary must be effective and accountable — providing swift justice, not backlog and delay. As a Court of Appeals judge, I promote efficiency and effectiveness. Although court policy allows 90 days for filing opinions, I average 40 days. As a Supreme Court justice, I will use taxpayers’ time and resources judiciously.
Party: Nonpartisan
Home address: 101 Hay Street, Suite 2, Fayetteville, NC 28301
Date of birth: July 14, 1953.
Education: B.A., in English and secondary education, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, 1974, J.D., cum laude, Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University, 1979, M.B.A., Duke University, Fuqua School of Business, 1988, Master of Laws in judicial process, University of Virginia School of Law, 2004.
Occupation: Judge, N.C. Court of Appeals, 2001-present; adjunct professor of law, Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University, 1987-present.
Family: Married with four adult children.
Political experience: Judge, N.C. Court of Appeals, 2001-present; Appointed to Cumberland County Joint Planning and Zoning Board, vice-chairman and later chairman of the board, 1993-2001; Appointed to the N.C. Property Tax Commission by the Speaker of the N.C. House, 1997-1999; Elected to Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District, vice chairman and later board chairman, 1992-1996.
What makes you best qualified: For 30 years, I have served as judge, attorney, professor, business owner and law enforcement and a military officer. My work ethic and conservative judicial philosophy set me apart. Most importantly, I care about people and desire to serve our state
Top priority if elected: Our judiciary must be effective and accountable — providing swift justice, not backlog and delay. As a Court of Appeals judge, I promote efficiency and effectiveness. Although court policy allows 90 days for filing opinions, I average 40 days. As a Supreme Court justice, I will use taxpayers’ time and resources judiciously.
Eight vie for seat on N.C. high court
COMPILED BY JESSICA GUENZEL
Eight candidates of varying qualifications are vying for the vacancy created when Associate Justice Bob Orr of the N.C. Supreme Court retired in August.
Judge James Wynn of the N.C. Court of Appeals and Judge Howard Manning of Wake County Superior Court are running against attorneys Ronnie Ansley, Rachel Lea Hunter, Betsy McCrodden, Marvin Schiller, Fred Gilbert Morrison, a senior administrative law Judge, and Paul Martin Newby, an assistant United States attorney.
Associate justices serve eight-year terms.
Ronnie Ansley
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: N.C. Supreme Court
Party: Nonpartisan.
Home address: 4509 Burlington Mills Road, Wake Forest 27587.
Date of birth: Nov. 20, 1961.
Education: B.S., agricultural education, N.C. State University, 1984; M.A., agricultural education, Clemson University, 1988; J.D., Mississippi College School of Law, 1991; N.C. Institute of Political Leadership, 1999.
Occupation: Attorney.
Family: Did not provide.
Political experience: Ran for lieutenant governor in 2000 and in Congress in 2002.
What makes you best-qualified: Judges must be honest, informed, fair and impartial while applying the law consistently and even-handedly to every case. As a trial attorney (with approximately 15,000 court appearances), arbitrator, mediator, former teacher and agricultural sales representative, I possess the background and training needed for the Supreme Court.
Top priority if elected: My top priority is to ensure the law is applied consistently, impartially and even-handedly to every case before the Supreme Court. The hallmark of an elected jurist is to apply the law fairly without regard for personal opinions or public pressures.
Party: Nonpartisan.
Home address: 4509 Burlington Mills Road, Wake Forest 27587.
Date of birth: Nov. 20, 1961.
Education: B.S., agricultural education, N.C. State University, 1984; M.A., agricultural education, Clemson University, 1988; J.D., Mississippi College School of Law, 1991; N.C. Institute of Political Leadership, 1999.
Occupation: Attorney.
Family: Did not provide.
Political experience: Ran for lieutenant governor in 2000 and in Congress in 2002.
What makes you best-qualified: Judges must be honest, informed, fair and impartial while applying the law consistently and even-handedly to every case. As a trial attorney (with approximately 15,000 court appearances), arbitrator, mediator, former teacher and agricultural sales representative, I possess the background and training needed for the Supreme Court.
Top priority if elected: My top priority is to ensure the law is applied consistently, impartially and even-handedly to every case before the Supreme Court. The hallmark of an elected jurist is to apply the law fairly without regard for personal opinions or public pressures.
Rachel Lea Hunter
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: N.C. Supreme Court
Party: Nonpartisan
Address: P.O. Box 332, NW, 1251 Maynard Road, Cary 27513
Date of birth: Feb. 18, 1961
Education: B.S., Carnegie Mellon University; J.D. University of Pittsburgh School of Law
Occupation: Attorney, Browne, Flebotte, Wilson, Horn & Webb, PLLC
Family: Single
Political experience: None
What makes you best-qualified: I am not tied to any political organization and have a proven record of interpreting the law as it is passed by the legislature. This has been shown through my writing of over 500 judicial opinions.
Top priority if elected: I am opposed to judicial activism. Judges should read and apply the law as written. Judges should not invent the law and act as a legislature. Nor should they force their personal views or social agendas on the citizen.
Party: Nonpartisan
Address: P.O. Box 332, NW, 1251 Maynard Road, Cary 27513
Date of birth: Feb. 18, 1961
Education: B.S., Carnegie Mellon University; J.D. University of Pittsburgh School of Law
Occupation: Attorney, Browne, Flebotte, Wilson, Horn & Webb, PLLC
Family: Single
Political experience: None
What makes you best-qualified: I am not tied to any political organization and have a proven record of interpreting the law as it is passed by the legislature. This has been shown through my writing of over 500 judicial opinions.
Top priority if elected: I am opposed to judicial activism. Judges should read and apply the law as written. Judges should not invent the law and act as a legislature. Nor should they force their personal views or social agendas on the citizen.
Howard E. Manning Jr.
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: N.C. Supreme Court
Party: Nonpartisan
Home address: 2103 Myrtle Avenue, Raleigh 27608.
Date of birth: July 25, 1943.
Education: B.A., University of North Carolina, 1965; J.D., University of North Carolina, 1968.
Occupation: Resident Superior Court judge, District 10-B, Wake County; 11 years as a Superior Court judge.
Family: Married with two children
Political experience: Appointed in 1998 by Gov. Jim Hunt as a resident Superior Court judge; elected as a Superior Court judge in 1988 (won the election as first Republican to be elected to Superior Court bench in the 20th century in North Carolina to serve term ending Dec. 31, 1990); Ran for chief justice of N.C. Supreme Court; ran for Superior Court judge in 1992; appointed special Superior Court judge by Gov. Jim Hunt in 1996 for five-year term; Appointed resident Superior Court judge in 1999 by Gov. Jim Hunt in present position; Elected as a nonpartisan candidate for resident Superior Court judge, District 10-B, Wake County, in 2000 for an eight-year term.
What makes you best-qualified: The Supreme Court requires common sense, experienced judges who apply the law fairly without agenda. I have 32 years of tough, common-sense courtroom experience as a lawyer and judge. For 11 years, I have been the presiding judge in hundreds of cases, including some of North Carolina’s most important.
Top priority if elected: On the Supreme Court, I will not change who I am. I will continue to be tough, but fair. I will continue to apply the law and constitution as it is written. Rest assured that no one can own me, no one can buy me and no one can scare me.
Party: Nonpartisan
Home address: 2103 Myrtle Avenue, Raleigh 27608.
Date of birth: July 25, 1943.
Education: B.A., University of North Carolina, 1965; J.D., University of North Carolina, 1968.
Occupation: Resident Superior Court judge, District 10-B, Wake County; 11 years as a Superior Court judge.
Family: Married with two children
Political experience: Appointed in 1998 by Gov. Jim Hunt as a resident Superior Court judge; elected as a Superior Court judge in 1988 (won the election as first Republican to be elected to Superior Court bench in the 20th century in North Carolina to serve term ending Dec. 31, 1990); Ran for chief justice of N.C. Supreme Court; ran for Superior Court judge in 1992; appointed special Superior Court judge by Gov. Jim Hunt in 1996 for five-year term; Appointed resident Superior Court judge in 1999 by Gov. Jim Hunt in present position; Elected as a nonpartisan candidate for resident Superior Court judge, District 10-B, Wake County, in 2000 for an eight-year term.
What makes you best-qualified: The Supreme Court requires common sense, experienced judges who apply the law fairly without agenda. I have 32 years of tough, common-sense courtroom experience as a lawyer and judge. For 11 years, I have been the presiding judge in hundreds of cases, including some of North Carolina’s most important.
Top priority if elected: On the Supreme Court, I will not change who I am. I will continue to be tough, but fair. I will continue to apply the law and constitution as it is written. Rest assured that no one can own me, no one can buy me and no one can scare me.
Betsy McCrodden
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: N.C. Supreme Court
Party: Nonpartisan.
Address: 1524 Carr Street, Raleigh 27608
Date of birth: Oct. 10, 1943.
Education: A.B., economics, Randolph-Macon Women’s College, 1966; J.D. with honors, University of North Carolina Law School, 1977 ; M.A., history, N.C. State University, 2001.
Occupation: I am currently in private practice focused on dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration; assistant attorney general, N.C. Department of Justice, 1987-1991; chief deputy commissioner, N.C. Industrial Commission, 1984-1986
Family: Married with two daughters.
Political experience: task-force chairwoman, N.C. Center for Women in Public Service, 2002-2004; judge, N.C. Court of Appeals, 1993-1994; board of directors, League of Women Voters of North Carolina, 1991-1992; member, Wake County Youth Services Planning Board, 1989-1993; member, Wake County Advisory Committee on Area Homelessness, 1993; board of managers, N.C. Congress of Parents and Teachers, 1988-1993.
What makes you best-qualified: I am best qualified because of my appellate judicial experience; my balanced experience with death-penalty cases as assistant attorney general and as an appellate defender for men on death row; and my experience with workers’ compensation law as a mediator and chief deputy commissioner of the N.C. Industrial Commission.
Top priority if elected: Our justice system needs judges who do the work of judging without regard to politics or personal ideology. To ensure fairness and independence, I pledge to hear both sides of every case and render decisions based on the law and facts, not on personal or political beliefs or special interests.
Party: Nonpartisan.
Address: 1524 Carr Street, Raleigh 27608
Date of birth: Oct. 10, 1943.
Education: A.B., economics, Randolph-Macon Women’s College, 1966; J.D. with honors, University of North Carolina Law School, 1977 ; M.A., history, N.C. State University, 2001.
Occupation: I am currently in private practice focused on dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration; assistant attorney general, N.C. Department of Justice, 1987-1991; chief deputy commissioner, N.C. Industrial Commission, 1984-1986
Family: Married with two daughters.
Political experience: task-force chairwoman, N.C. Center for Women in Public Service, 2002-2004; judge, N.C. Court of Appeals, 1993-1994; board of directors, League of Women Voters of North Carolina, 1991-1992; member, Wake County Youth Services Planning Board, 1989-1993; member, Wake County Advisory Committee on Area Homelessness, 1993; board of managers, N.C. Congress of Parents and Teachers, 1988-1993.
What makes you best-qualified: I am best qualified because of my appellate judicial experience; my balanced experience with death-penalty cases as assistant attorney general and as an appellate defender for men on death row; and my experience with workers’ compensation law as a mediator and chief deputy commissioner of the N.C. Industrial Commission.
Top priority if elected: Our justice system needs judges who do the work of judging without regard to politics or personal ideology. To ensure fairness and independence, I pledge to hear both sides of every case and render decisions based on the law and facts, not on personal or political beliefs or special interests.
Fred Gilbert Morrison Jr.
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: N.C. Supreme Court
Party: Nonpartisan
Address: 900 Indian Trail Drive, Raleigh 27609.
Date of birth: Dec. 16, 1939.
Education: B.A., Maryville College, 1960; J.D. with honors, Wake Forest University School of Law, 1963; National Judicial College, administrative-law courses, 1987-1992; Harvard Law School Program of Instruction for Lawyers, summers 1994-1999.
Occupation: Senior administrative law judge, administrative law judge, N.C. Office of Administrative Hearings, 1986-present; private legal practice/governmental consultant 1981-1986; executive director, N.C. Inmate Grievance Commission, 1974-1981; board attorney, Thomasville City Board of Education, 1965-1969; associate attorney, E.W. Hooper, attorney at Law, 1963-1965.
Family: Married.
Political experience: Solicitor of Thomasville Recorders Court, 1965-1969 (appointed by Gov. Dan Moore); legal counsel to Gov. Bob Scott, 1969-1972; legal counsel to Gov. Jim Holshouser, 1973-1974.
What makes you best-qualified: I have education, training and experience. I have been licensed to practice law for 41 years, longer than any other candidate for this seat. I have served four years as a prosecutor, seven years directing a state agency, six years in the governor’s office, and the past 18 years as a judge.
Top priority if elected: “Let justice prevail, though the sky fall.” I will follow advice of Socrates: “Hear courteously, answer wisely, consider soberly, and decide impartially.” I have done this for 18 years. I will continue to base my decisions only upon the issues, facts and laws applicable to the case, not outside opinion.
Party: Nonpartisan
Address: 900 Indian Trail Drive, Raleigh 27609.
Date of birth: Dec. 16, 1939.
Education: B.A., Maryville College, 1960; J.D. with honors, Wake Forest University School of Law, 1963; National Judicial College, administrative-law courses, 1987-1992; Harvard Law School Program of Instruction for Lawyers, summers 1994-1999.
Occupation: Senior administrative law judge, administrative law judge, N.C. Office of Administrative Hearings, 1986-present; private legal practice/governmental consultant 1981-1986; executive director, N.C. Inmate Grievance Commission, 1974-1981; board attorney, Thomasville City Board of Education, 1965-1969; associate attorney, E.W. Hooper, attorney at Law, 1963-1965.
Family: Married.
Political experience: Solicitor of Thomasville Recorders Court, 1965-1969 (appointed by Gov. Dan Moore); legal counsel to Gov. Bob Scott, 1969-1972; legal counsel to Gov. Jim Holshouser, 1973-1974.
What makes you best-qualified: I have education, training and experience. I have been licensed to practice law for 41 years, longer than any other candidate for this seat. I have served four years as a prosecutor, seven years directing a state agency, six years in the governor’s office, and the past 18 years as a judge.
Top priority if elected: “Let justice prevail, though the sky fall.” I will follow advice of Socrates: “Hear courteously, answer wisely, consider soberly, and decide impartially.” I have done this for 18 years. I will continue to base my decisions only upon the issues, facts and laws applicable to the case, not outside opinion.
Paul Martin Newby
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: N.C. Supreme Court
Party: Nonpartisan
Home address: 6108 Chowning Court, Raleigh 27612.
Date of birth: May 5, 1955.
Education: B.A. (magna cum laude) in public policy studies, Duke University, 1977; Law degree, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1980.
Occupation: Assistant United States attorney.
Family: Married with four children.
Political experience: Appointed during Reagan Administration as an assistant United States attorney, 1985-present.
What makes you best-qualified: In 25 years of legal practice, I have handled a variety of civil and criminal litigation, from defending medical-malpractice cases to taking assets from drug dealers, proving that “crime doesn’t pay.” As a federal prosecutor, I respect and understand our law-enforcement community and the sacrifices they make.
Top priority if elected: Judicial activism is undermining public trust in our judiciary. We need judges who will enforce our laws, not rewrite them. I am a principled conservative who opposes judicial activism and believes in the rule of law. I will fairly and impartially apply the law as intended, while exercising judicial self-restraint.
Party: Nonpartisan
Home address: 6108 Chowning Court, Raleigh 27612.
Date of birth: May 5, 1955.
Education: B.A. (magna cum laude) in public policy studies, Duke University, 1977; Law degree, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1980.
Occupation: Assistant United States attorney.
Family: Married with four children.
Political experience: Appointed during Reagan Administration as an assistant United States attorney, 1985-present.
What makes you best-qualified: In 25 years of legal practice, I have handled a variety of civil and criminal litigation, from defending medical-malpractice cases to taking assets from drug dealers, proving that “crime doesn’t pay.” As a federal prosecutor, I respect and understand our law-enforcement community and the sacrifices they make.
Top priority if elected: Judicial activism is undermining public trust in our judiciary. We need judges who will enforce our laws, not rewrite them. I am a principled conservative who opposes judicial activism and believes in the rule of law. I will fairly and impartially apply the law as intended, while exercising judicial self-restraint.
Marvin Schiller
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: N.C. Supreme Court
Party: Nonpartisan
Home address: 3359 Alleghany Drive, Raleigh 27609.
Date of birth: Did not provide.
Education: B.A., University of Miami, 1961; Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1970; J.D., Duke University Law School, 1975.
Occupation: Attorney.
Family: Married with two children
Political experience: Did not provide.
What makes you best-qualified: Did not provide.
Top priority if elected: Did not provide.
Party: Nonpartisan
Home address: 3359 Alleghany Drive, Raleigh 27609.
Date of birth: Did not provide.
Education: B.A., University of Miami, 1961; Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1970; J.D., Duke University Law School, 1975.
Occupation: Attorney.
Family: Married with two children
Political experience: Did not provide.
What makes you best-qualified: Did not provide.
Top priority if elected: Did not provide.
James A. Wynn Jr.
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: N.C. Supreme Court
Party: Nonpartisan
Address: P.O. Box 1091, Raleigh 27602.
Date of birth: March 17, 1954.
Education: B.A. in journalism, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, J.D., Marquette University School of Law, L.L.M., University of Virginia School of Law, Navy Judge Advocate General certification, Naval Justice School, Military Judge Certification, Army JAG School.
Occupation: Senior associate judge, N.C. Court of Appeals.
Family: Married with three children.
Political experience: Judge, N.C. Court of Appeals, 1990-1998, 1999-present; associate justice, N.C. Supreme Court, 1998.
What makes you best-qualified: Eight candidates are vying for one Supreme Court seat in this no-runoff election. I have more than the judicial experience of all seven of the others combined. I have trial judge and appellate judge experience (over 1,800 written opinions). I am a U.S. Navy captain with 26 years in the reserves.
Top priority if elected: My top priority will be to address the three most important concerns to the judiciary. That includes enhancing the public’s confidence and trust in the integrity of the judiciary, promoting judicial independence and accountability and addressing judicia- selection Issues — elected vs. appointed judges.
Party: Nonpartisan
Address: P.O. Box 1091, Raleigh 27602.
Date of birth: March 17, 1954.
Education: B.A. in journalism, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, J.D., Marquette University School of Law, L.L.M., University of Virginia School of Law, Navy Judge Advocate General certification, Naval Justice School, Military Judge Certification, Army JAG School.
Occupation: Senior associate judge, N.C. Court of Appeals.
Family: Married with three children.
Political experience: Judge, N.C. Court of Appeals, 1990-1998, 1999-present; associate justice, N.C. Supreme Court, 1998.
What makes you best-qualified: Eight candidates are vying for one Supreme Court seat in this no-runoff election. I have more than the judicial experience of all seven of the others combined. I have trial judge and appellate judge experience (over 1,800 written opinions). I am a U.S. Navy captain with 26 years in the reserves.
Top priority if elected: My top priority will be to address the three most important concerns to the judiciary. That includes enhancing the public’s confidence and trust in the integrity of the judiciary, promoting judicial independence and accountability and addressing judicia- selection Issues — elected vs. appointed judges.
Judge McGee faces challenger Parker
COMPILED BY JESSICA GUENZEL
Judge Linda McGee is running for re-election for her seat on the N.C. Court of Appeals against newcomer Bill Parker. McGee was elected in 1996 for an eight-year term on the appellate court.
Parker is a lawyer, a partner at a Raleigh law firm, and a retired Air Force officer.
Linda McGee
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: N.C. Court of Appeals
Party: Nonpartisan
Address: 1041 16th Avenue Pl., NW, Hickory, NC.
Date of birth: Sept. 20, 1949.
Education: B.A., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1971; J.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1973.
Occupation: judge, N.C. Court of Appeals.
Family: Married with two adult sons.
Political experience: In February 1995, Gov. James B. Hunt, Jr., appointed McGee as a judge on the N.C. Court of Appeals. She was elected statewide to an eight-year term on the Court of Appeals in 1996. I am now the third most senior judge and the most senior woman judge on the court.
What makes you best qualified: Experience. I have served as a judge on the N.C. Court of Appeals for nine years, writing over 1,000 opinions and deciding over 3,000 cases. I practiced law 17 years in state and federal courts, handling civil and criminal cases. I have a record of being independent, impartial, open-minded, even-handed and hard working.
Top priority if elected: I will continue to serve the people of North Carolina as an independent, impartial, and unbiased judge, dedicated to treating all people fairly. I have a record of being even-handed and hard-working, and I will continue to apply our laws with integrity to ensure that our courts remain strong and independent.
Party: Nonpartisan
Address: 1041 16th Avenue Pl., NW, Hickory, NC.
Date of birth: Sept. 20, 1949.
Education: B.A., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1971; J.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1973.
Occupation: judge, N.C. Court of Appeals.
Family: Married with two adult sons.
Political experience: In February 1995, Gov. James B. Hunt, Jr., appointed McGee as a judge on the N.C. Court of Appeals. She was elected statewide to an eight-year term on the Court of Appeals in 1996. I am now the third most senior judge and the most senior woman judge on the court.
What makes you best qualified: Experience. I have served as a judge on the N.C. Court of Appeals for nine years, writing over 1,000 opinions and deciding over 3,000 cases. I practiced law 17 years in state and federal courts, handling civil and criminal cases. I have a record of being independent, impartial, open-minded, even-handed and hard working.
Top priority if elected: I will continue to serve the people of North Carolina as an independent, impartial, and unbiased judge, dedicated to treating all people fairly. I have a record of being even-handed and hard-working, and I will continue to apply our laws with integrity to ensure that our courts remain strong and independent.
Bill Parker
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: N.C. Court of Appeals
Party: Nonpartisan
Address: 6013 Wolverhampton Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603
Date of birth: March 29, 1949
Education: B.A., University of Texas-Pan American; J.D., Regent University School of Law.
Occupation: attorney and partner at Parker, Hauser and Cabaniss; retired Air Force officer.
Family: Married with three children and two grandchildren.
Political experience: None.
What makes you best qualified: The breadth of my life experience prepared me for a judicial career. Several years as a teacher taught me the value of discipline and guidance. Twenty years in the Air Force forced me to make decisions under pressure. My law practice provides legal assistance to small businesses and medical practices.
Top priority if elected: My platform opposes judicial activism. Judges must respect the Constitution’s separation of powers and rule impartially — not manipulate laws to serve a political and cultural agenda. I will use common sense and a balanced approach to the law to defend our state’s Constitution and social institutions, and protect our democratic heritage.
Party: Nonpartisan
Address: 6013 Wolverhampton Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603
Date of birth: March 29, 1949
Education: B.A., University of Texas-Pan American; J.D., Regent University School of Law.
Occupation: attorney and partner at Parker, Hauser and Cabaniss; retired Air Force officer.
Family: Married with three children and two grandchildren.
Political experience: None.
What makes you best qualified: The breadth of my life experience prepared me for a judicial career. Several years as a teacher taught me the value of discipline and guidance. Twenty years in the Air Force forced me to make decisions under pressure. My law practice provides legal assistance to small businesses and medical practices.
Top priority if elected: My platform opposes judicial activism. Judges must respect the Constitution’s separation of powers and rule impartially — not manipulate laws to serve a political and cultural agenda. I will use common sense and a balanced approach to the law to defend our state’s Constitution and social institutions, and protect our democratic heritage.
Bryant, Stubbs vie for appellate court
COMPILED BY JESSICA GUENZEL
Judge Wanda G. Bryant is running for re-election to the N.C. Court of Appeals against Alice C. Stubbs, a District Court judge in the 10th Judicial District of North Carolina.
Gov. Mike Easley appointed Bryant to the bench in 2001. She served as an assistant district attorney for several coastal counties, then worked as assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. Stubbs is a certified Juvenile Court judge who has presided primarily in domestic and juvenile courts.
Wanda G. Bryant
(Click name to read full profile)
Party: Nonpartisan
Address: Raleigh
Date of birth: June 26, 1956
Education: B.A., Duke University, 1977; Oxford University (summer study), 1977; J.D., North Carolina Central University School of Law, 1982
Occupation: NC Court of Appeals judge
Family: Husband, Steve Douglas; two children, Edward Matthew Douglas and Alicia Rose Douglas.
Political experience: Served as N.C. Court of Appeals judge since 2001.
What makes you best qualified? As the 2004 recipient of the Lassiter First Amendment Award, and as a judge who enjoys producing quality legal work, I have been called an exemplary jurist. I have 22 years of substantial trial and appellate experience as a former prosecutor, senior administrator with the N.C. Department of Justice and judge.
Top priority if elected: I have served as a fair and unbiased judge who follows the Rule of Law, and have written over 400 opinions on cases involving all areas of law, including employment, property, contract, family and criminal law. I will continue to produce thoughtful and quality work for our citizens.
Alice C. Stubbs
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: N.C. Court of Appeals
Party: Nonpartisan
Address: 613 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh, NC 27607
Date of birth: March 4, 1967
Education: B.A., economics, Davidson College, 1989; J.D., University of North Carolina School of Law, 1992.
Occupation: District Court judge, 10th Judicial District of North Carolina.
Family: Married with two sons.
Political experience: Appointed as a district-court judge by Gov. James B. Hunt Jr. in 1997; elected in 1998 and 2002.
What makes you best qualified: Since becoming a certified juvenile judge in September 2001, I have presided primarily in domestic and juvenile courts. As a trial judge and a mother, I understand the importance of cases that directly effect the lives of families. I also clerked for a federal judge and spent five years in private practice before becoming a judge.
Top priority if elected: My priority will be to make decisions that are fair, consistent and predictable, both in published and unpublished opinions.
Party: Nonpartisan
Address: 613 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh, NC 27607
Date of birth: March 4, 1967
Education: B.A., economics, Davidson College, 1989; J.D., University of North Carolina School of Law, 1992.
Occupation: District Court judge, 10th Judicial District of North Carolina.
Family: Married with two sons.
Political experience: Appointed as a district-court judge by Gov. James B. Hunt Jr. in 1997; elected in 1998 and 2002.
What makes you best qualified: Since becoming a certified juvenile judge in September 2001, I have presided primarily in domestic and juvenile courts. As a trial judge and a mother, I understand the importance of cases that directly effect the lives of families. I also clerked for a federal judge and spent five years in private practice before becoming a judge.
Top priority if elected: My priority will be to make decisions that are fair, consistent and predictable, both in published and unpublished opinions.
Judge, attorney face off for appeals-court seat
COMPILED BY JESSICA GUENZEL
Judge Alan Thornburg is running for re-election to his seat on the N.C. Court of Appeals against newcomer Barbara Jackson. Thornburg joined the court this year when he was appointed by Gov. Mike Easley to fill a seat vacated by former Chief Judge Sidney Eagles, who retired in late January.
Thornburg practiced law in Asheville and served on the N.C. Board of Transportation during the Easley administration. He has also served as a legislative aide to the late U.S. Sen. Terry Sanford and as a law clerk to the late Judge Sam J. Ervin III when he sat on the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Jackson is the general counsel for the N.C. Department of Labor.
Appellate court judges serve eight-year terms.
Barbara Jackson
(Click name to read full profile)
Office being sought: N.C. Court of Appeals
Party: Nonpartisan
Address: 1213 Wedgeland Drive, Raleigh, N.C.
Date of birth: Dec. 25, 1961
Education: Meredith College Legal Assistants Program, summer 1986; B.A., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1984; J.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1990
Occupation: General counsel, N.C. Department of Labor
Family: Single
Political experience: Fellow, N.C. Institute of Political Leadership, spring 2003
What makes you best qualified? During 14 years practicing law, I have practiced in a variety of legal and professional settings. My practice areas have included education, disability, local government, real property, and labor and employment law. My background contains the experience necessary to serve as a Court of Appeals judge.
Top priority if elected: The most important goal of a judge is to adhere to the Rule of Law. My judicial philosophy is very straightforward: Judges should judge fairly and impartially, and leave it to the legislature to legislate.
Party: Nonpartisan
Address: 1213 Wedgeland Drive, Raleigh, N.C.
Date of birth: Dec. 25, 1961
Education: Meredith College Legal Assistants Program, summer 1986; B.A., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1984; J.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1990
Occupation: General counsel, N.C. Department of Labor
Family: Single
Political experience: Fellow, N.C. Institute of Political Leadership, spring 2003
What makes you best qualified? During 14 years practicing law, I have practiced in a variety of legal and professional settings. My practice areas have included education, disability, local government, real property, and labor and employment law. My background contains the experience necessary to serve as a Court of Appeals judge.
Top priority if elected: The most important goal of a judge is to adhere to the Rule of Law. My judicial philosophy is very straightforward: Judges should judge fairly and impartially, and leave it to the legislature to legislate.
Alan Thornburg
(Click name to read full profile)
Party: Nonpartisan.
Address: 28 Inglewood Rd, Asheville, NC 28804
Education: B.A., Davidson College, 1989; J.D., Wake Forest University School of Law, 1996.
Occupation: Judge, N.C. Court of Appeals.
Family: Married to Sarah Sparboe Thornburg, two children, Samuel Lacy Thornburg, 2, and newborn daughter Sarah Frances “Sally” Thornburg.
Political experience: In February 2004, I was appointed by Gov. Mike Easley as a judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals.
What makes you best qualified: Common sense and a diversity of experience gained not only by serving as an incumbent judge, but also in practicing law in our North Carolina mountains, clerking for Judge Sam Ervin, serving as a legislative staff member to Sen. Terry Sanford, and as the son of Judge Lacy Thornburg.
Top priority if elected: To view every case with impartiality, to ensure that the rights of the parties before this Court are protected as required by our laws and constitution, regardless of any party’s rank or privilege, and to continue our state’s tradition of fair, independent and distinguished appellate judge.
Address: 28 Inglewood Rd, Asheville, NC 28804
Education: B.A., Davidson College, 1989; J.D., Wake Forest University School of Law, 1996.
Occupation: Judge, N.C. Court of Appeals.
Family: Married to Sarah Sparboe Thornburg, two children, Samuel Lacy Thornburg, 2, and newborn daughter Sarah Frances “Sally” Thornburg.
Political experience: In February 2004, I was appointed by Gov. Mike Easley as a judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals.
What makes you best qualified: Common sense and a diversity of experience gained not only by serving as an incumbent judge, but also in practicing law in our North Carolina mountains, clerking for Judge Sam Ervin, serving as a legislative staff member to Sen. Terry Sanford, and as the son of Judge Lacy Thornburg.
Top priority if elected: To view every case with impartiality, to ensure that the rights of the parties before this Court are protected as required by our laws and constitution, regardless of any party’s rank or privilege, and to continue our state’s tradition of fair, independent and distinguished appellate judge.