Pouring cold water on (part of) a rumor
The Labor Day weekend is in our rear-view window, and the campaign silly-season is gearing up. Said silly season frequently features a gaggle of rumors about various campaigns and candidates.
The latest is one about state treasurer Dale Folwell. It’s being spun — from Murphy to Manteo, from Rowland to Roanoke Rapids — that Folwell plans to (1) step down early from his current post, so that (2) he can focus on running for governor full-time.
We reached out to some sources of ours who we know to be very, very, verrrrrrrrrrrry close to Folwell. It’s been confirmed that the treasurer IS being encouraged to run for governor by a number of influential Republicans. (If Folwell jumps into that race, he would likely face a primary with Lt. Governor Mark Robinson.) It’s been confirmed that Folwell is taking a serious look at the race.
However, our sources vehemently dispute the part about Folwell leaving his current job early. We are told that Folwell is not planning to leave early, and fully intends to serve out his entire current term.
If Folwell enters the gubernatorial primary, the 2024 state treasurer race would be for an Open Seat. If Folwell loses the primary or general election for governor in 2024, he would once again be entirely out of state government. If he wins both, we’ll have ourselves a great governor.
This is an interesting posting. I am a huge fan of both of these men. Their strengths are different, their ability to provide meaningful contributions to NC the same. Please, please don’t make me choose.
If Tillis gets in this race, as rumored, we would see two strong conservatives, one strong RINO, and a ridiculous 30% threshold to win the primary (the last courtesy of one of Phil Berger and Thom Tillis’ last minute “committee substitute” power plays). That is a bad chemistry. I wish Folwell would wait two years and run against Tillis for US Senate.
I am not so active any more in local politics. Out of touch so to speak. Having said that, I agree with you completely. Why is Tillis interested in gubernatorial race? Missing living in NC?
Correction, that was a Phil Berger and TIM MOORE power play on the 30% threshold.
Tillis is a non starter for many. I would not vote for him for soil supervisor…. He has burned so many bridges.
I deeply admire and respect my friend, Dale Folwell. I think he would make a great Governor. However, I hope he will not step down as Treasurer. We could not have a better one. I also respect and admire my friend, Mark Robinson, and have already committed to support him for Governor, if he runs. I would hate to see these two great gentlemen primary each other, and I would hate to see Dale cut short his excellent service as Treasurer. I would, instead, love to see the two of them supporting each other and working side by side as Governor and Treasurer. I think they would be a great team, and I just feel that being Treasurer is the best use of Dale’s talents.