I'm sorry if this has been posted. I did a quick search and didn't find anything.
Yesterday, the State North Carolina Democratic Party voted against Democratic Governor Easley's pick for state party Chairman, instead choosing 34-year old Jerry Meek to head the state party.
More after the break
The
Raleigh News and Observer reports (you'll have to sign in--it's free) in accepting his new position, Meek said:
"I believe that our state party has lost touch with the local party," Meek told a packed room at N.C. State University's McKimmon Center. "I'll create a party of inclusion where grass-roots workers have a real say and power isn't just limited to the Raleigh insiders."
Meek was elected by a 271 to 242 vote over Ed Turlington, a Raleigh attorney and veteran Democratic operative.
It was the first time in memory -- and maybe the first time ever -- that the party's ruling body had rejected the recommendation of the governor, who is the titular head of the party.
The rebellion could have several implications. It will probably dampen talk of Easley having any national aspirations. It could affect the Democrats' ability to raise money from business interests. It could lead to a more visible debate on polarizing social issues, such as a death penalty moratorium, that party moderates such as Easley would just as soon push under the carpet. It could also help re-energize the party's local organizations.
Meek promises to work with the state's party establishment but adds:
"I think what you have seen in the Dean race and races like Arkansas, where a 34-year-old defeated an incumbent state chair, is that people who are perceived as the insiders lost and people who were perceived as grass-roots advocates prevailed. I think there is a strong feeling in our party that that is the direction we need to go."