As part of my new, added coverage as a "professional" blogger, I'd like to introduce a new category -- Elections 2006. This category will be used primarily for news, views, and analysis of 2006 elections -- mostly for NC as that's where I am.

One of the first big coverage events will happen this Thursday evening. There is a debate between Karen Ray and Robert Brawley for the district 95 seat in the North Carolina House of "Representatives." I would like to live blog the debate, but the debate is being held at Fat Boy's Restaurant in Mooresville, NC. I'll try and pick up a wireless signal, but if I can't, I'll take notes and report back here after the debate.

District 95 is one of those that the Democrats created for Republicans. This means that the number of voters in district 95 will be larger than in Democrat districts -- often called "packing" the districts. Therefore, there's no Democrat opposition -- whoever wins the Republican primary will win the seat.

Karen Ray is the incumbent. She's been in the office for 2 terms, or 4 years. She's known as an ally of Jim Black -- so yes, she's more liberal than conservative. She is very low-key -- I've been watching for news reports about her, and there is absolutely nothing.

In 2002 these same two candidates faced off. Karen Ray won 2,522 to 1,948. At the time, in my opinion, Robert Brawley didn't run a real aggressive campaign. I saw him at the polling place with dress shoes and no socks -- I'm not sure that helped him, although it's possible that there had been an accident while kissing babies or some such thing.

In 2004, Karen Ray was unopposed as Robert Brawley ran for the statewide office of Commissioner of Insurance. He easily won his home area as it is strongly Republican, but lost, as does nearly every council of state office, to the Democrats.

Robert Brawley, however, served in the NC House from 1981-1998. He was a member of the House Insurance Commission for 16 years. So, what happened to Robert Brawley from 1998 to 2002? I don't know, but I'll be sure to ask him!

So be sure to check back Thursday night (perhaps late) for results of the debate. And if you want to meet Ogre, just come on out to Fat Boy's -- I'll be the one with the Ogre Press badge.

Posted by: Ogre at 03:06 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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