Bad Advice for McCrory

Perhaps Pat McCrory's political advisers think they're being clever and milking free press by continuing to play coy about the Lord High Mayor of Charlotte's intentions of running for governor. I would contend that they are in fact doing him a disservice as well as primary voters. The unintended impression is simply that this whole exercise is a some kind of a lark and if and when he gets in the race he has nothing to lose and everything to gain.

On Monday night in Asheville there was a large gathering at an 11th District GOP dinner honoring Republicans that have worked hard over the years for candidates and the party. No McCrory siting and no one representing him (Fred, Bill and I were all there). The first WUNC-TV gubernatorial debate takes place tomorrow night on the economy and as of this morning, no indication that McCrory will participate.

Word on the political blogs is that McCrory will ultimately get in the race but continue to serve as Mayor and I assume draw his paycheck from Duke Energy. Even an energetic candidate might find juggling those responsibilities more than challenging. The sense is that old Pat will throw his hat in the ring, make some obligatory appearances at GOP functions, pontificate on being a big city mayor, splash up a million or so in slick TV ads and see if he can win the May primary. If not, no political harm done.

My impression is that Pat's being nudged into the race because his real political ambitions to replace Congresswoman Sue Myrick are blocked for the time being and his supporters want him to do something. Frankly, that's not a good reason to be running for governor and the whole cavalier attitude about the process and the last minute interest in running only adds credence to the perception about Charlotte.

Pat's a good guy and a capable politician but the current coyness to his gubernatorial plans is too clever by half. The issues facing our state are too complex and too serious to be playing political games. If you've got something to offer the debate on the issues then now's the time to step up.