For State Senate: Richard Morgan

Friday, April 30, 2010

The Republican race for state Senate District 22 pits two former close friends and political allies against each other: incumbent Sen. Harris Blake and former House Co-speaker Richard Morgan.

Though this campaign has taken on ugly overtones, it has not been as brutal as the one in 2006, in which Joe Boylan, with the help of outside forces, toppled the once-mighty Morgan. But Morgan has strongly implied that the aging Blake is no longer up to the demands of the job and might be slipping mentally. And Blake, during an interview with The Pilot, called Morgan "stupid" and "evil."

Some voters, no doubt, would rather write "Neither of the Above" on the ballot in Tuesday's primary. But we don't have that luxury. Though we harbor misgivings about both candidates, the matter boils down to one question: Which would be the most effective? Like him or not, the answer is clearly Richard Morgan.

Blake has represented the district since 2002, serving faithfully. While few question his honesty and dedication, one has to wonder just what he has done for Moore County in the past eight years. He ranked 48th out of 50 senators last year in a recent ranking. Asked twice during the Pilot interview to list his proudest accomplishments, he could come up only with a speech he once made against the state lottery.

Blake has led efforts to strengthen trade ties between North Carolina and China - a relationship that began with the identification of the body of a pilot from High Falls shot down over China during World War II. While all of that has been heartwarming, it doesn't do much to address the many crises now facing North Carolina.

Contrast that with the record compiled by Morgan, who represented Moore County in the state House for 16 years. Granted, he can be his own worst enemy, as The Pilot pointed out in its qualified endorsement four years ago. He brought much of that year's loss on himself with the way he wielded power in Raleigh, making enemies and then ridiculing them as "nuts" and "lizards."

But he chalked up significant accomplishments despite his minority status. The hog farm moratorium he pushed through was one of the most important pieces of environmental legislation in state history. He was a staunch advocate of open government. And his clout benefited Moore County directly, as when he secured funding for the Senior Enrichment Center that remains a centerpiece of local services to the elderly.

Is Richard Morgan a bit hirsty for power? No doubt - as demonstrated by the co-speaker arrangement he worked out with Democratic Rep. Jim Black (since imprisoned for corruption), a deal that left a bad taste in many mouths. But he could pull that off only because he knew the legislature inside and out - how to use the rules and work with the other side of the aisle.

In short, he knows how to make things happen in Raleigh. We could use that again.

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Strike1993 3 years ago

Great Editorial. We need a strong and effective leader in the State Senate. We need someone who will stand up to the Majority Party and also be smart enough to work together when it benefits us back home! My vote for that Strong and Effective State Senator is for Richard Morgan!

Nezumi 3 years ago

I would disagree with the statement about Senator Blake’s efforts with China not paying off. I believe China represents a great opportunity for North Carolina businesses, especially high tech and tourism. However, China can be a challenging market, and relationships with decision makers in China can make the difference between success and failure. These relationships do not happen overnight; they require persistence, patience, and foresight as Senator Blake has demonstrated. Considering the importance of tourism revenue for our community and the huge amounts of money Chinese tourists are spending globally, the importance of a strong Moore County – China relationship is obvious to me.

bigD 3 years ago

It seems likely the Republican Party will take control in Raleigh. If this happens we will need a representative that knows how to get things done. Richard Morgan (like him or not) is just the person we need.

Getalife 3 years ago

Bossom buds. The Pilot is supporting the biggest pay to play legislator not in the Democrat Party. Open government? Yea, if you are willing to pay Richard for his time. Knows how to get things done? Yea, if you are willing to pay Richard. Disagree with him and you are an automatic enemy. Elect Morgan and you will find that he will be ignored, even opposed by the rest of the Republican Senators. He will have to align himself with those Democrats that enter agreements like Morgan and Black and Decker did for Morgan to have any influence. Bossom buds, ignorant, blind, or maybe The Pilot is trying to help the Democrat party. After all the Democrat party is running out of leaders who haven't gone to prison. Yet. For The Pilot to print that Morgan has concerns about Blake's health is a lie, pure and simple. But Then The Pilot has its own agenda, it needs news, and Morgan in Raleigh will give them tons of bad news.

clodfelter37 3 years ago

I usually agree with your suggestions for political office.....not this time. Harris Blake is by far the best candidate. He may not be the most eloquent speaker, but you will not find a more honest, humble, christian man anywhere.

teufelhunden 3 years ago

I don't give a rip about eloquence either...character defines the man.

Psychodad1972 3 years ago

I just got a letter signed by Richard Morgan. The message is not important. It simply shows that he cannot write the English language (and probably does not know how to read it). You have endorsed an illiterate.

I will use one sentence to illustrate my point, although the letter is like this throughout:

"But the Governor wanted the pier and Democratic Senate Leader Marc Basnight wanted it and in an example of how insider politics works Republican legislators-including my opponent Harris Blake-went along with the Democrats and voted for Perdue's pier"

Far from being effective, if this man puts pen to paper, he will be laughed out of Raleigh. Is this the former Republican nominee for School Superintendent ?

I do not know whether I will vote for Harris Blake; but, I will not vote for an fugitive from remedial English.

Psychodad1972 3 years ago

Here is another Morgan illiteracy from his newest campaign letter. What follows is the entire sentence: "Because neither had a majority."

Technically, he used a prepositional phrase as a sentence or a conjunctive phrase without anything conjoined. However, for those of us who have not had grammar classes, it just sounds like the letter was proof read by an illegal alien.

Do not send an illiterate to Raleigh. A smart and honest geezer is better than a illiterate goof. I guess I'll vote for Harris Blake.

GeorgiaMan 3 years ago

Who cares about Richard Morgan's grammar. The man simply cannot be trusted in any position of authority. He wants only to be back in the limelight, raking in contributions. If you think Richard cares any at all about helping anyone other than Richard you are sorely in need of help. Tell all your friends - On Tuesday do not vote for Richard Morgan