NC-11: All eyes now on Jennifer? (Good-bye to Karl?)
Just 48 hours ago, state rep. Karl Gillespie was being bantered about as the clear favorite for succeeding disgraced congressman Chuck Edwards. Now, the Karl talk has gone quiet and it’s all about state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom (R-Henderson county).
There’s a vote out west tonight to come up with a final decision on who will be the GOP nominee for the 11th congressional district in November. (More than one person has compared this situation to waiting for the cardinals in Rome to pick a new pope.)
One thing that could add some excitement to tonight’s vote — whether or not a set of at-large members of the executive committee get to vote. It’s not clear who those folks favor. We understand their participation has to be approved.
As with Gillespie, we’re hearing some favorable things about Balkcom from conservatives. She’s been good on things like keeping men out of women’s sports and women’s restrooms. Our site even gave her kudos for – at least, initially – resisting the effort to expand Medicaid in North Carolina.
One thing we’ve observed: Gillespie, a senior member of state House leadership, would have had to sacrifice a lot more politically to make this run than Balkcom – a more junior member – would. Balkcom is also younger and much better positioned to try again – or seek other opportunities – if November does not go well.
The election is about three months away. Early voting starts in about two. Whoever gets approved tonight will really have to hit the ground running.
After Gillespie’s failed launch, it’s time for him to sit down and list off the things he wants to have associated with his time as majority whip. Traditionally that’s a meaningless title, but if he does something with it, he might be able to take advantage of the next opportunity that comes along. So what will he put on his list?