Democrats rally at Town Common

With just over two weeks remaining before Election Day, local Democrats are more than doubling their efforts.

The Pitt County Democratic Party sponsored a Rock the Vote Rally at the Town Common on Sunday, and the next 15 days they'll spend canvassing, campaigning and then observing at polling sites.

Fewer than 200 locals drifted in and out of the event Sunday afternoon, catching songs played by band @RISK. But County Chair Johnny Rouse said he was grateful to each of them.

“It's as simple as a button on your shirt, a sticker on your car, a sign in your yard,” he told those assembled. “Everybody counts...It's small numbers that can bring great victories.”

A laundry list of Democratic candidates were on hand to answer questions and provide platform information. U.S. Senate candidate Kay Hagan's husband, Chip, N.C. Rep. Marian McLawhorn, N.C. Senate candidate Don Davis, State Auditor candidate Beth Wood, and candidate for Soil and Water Conservation Supervisor Zeke Jackson were all present, but the focus was on the men and women running for N.C. Court of Appeals. Suzanne Reynolds, Sam J. Ervin, Kristin Ruth, Cheri Beasley and incumbent judges Linda Stephens and John Arrowood all attended the rally. This was important because many go to the polls with little or no information about those running for court of appeals, Rouse said.

“A lot of people think they don't even have to vote for judges,” Rouse explained. “They just check Obama and then straight ticket. But they do. It's a three-step process.”

Volunteers for presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama were also on hand. Rouse said having Obama at the top of the ticket has greatly increased voter turnout, and noted North Carolina's status as a state “in play.” He added that Democrats working across the state over the last four years have made that possible.

“We planted the seeds and (Obama's campaign) is coming in for the harvest,” he said.

Rouse feels confident Democratic candidates will have plenty of success Nov. 4 in Pitt County. He said he thinks the party's policies are appealing to academics, African Americans and the middle class — all of which are abundant in the area.

“We've pretty much taken over the county,” he said, smiling.

Atkinson, Davis hosted in Greenville home

A reception was held Saturday for two Democrats vying for state office by Vice President of Pitt County Democratic Women Diane Taylor and her husband, Garrett, at their Greenville residence.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction June Atkinson and Snow Hill Mayor Don Davis, who is running against N.C. Rep. Louis Pate Jr. for the N.C. Senate District 5 seat, briefly addressed those assembled.

“There are tons of information available about national candidates, but very little about local ones,” Taylor said. “We just wanted residents to have a chance to come out and listen to the candidates and ask any questions before we rev up for voting.”

Atkinson shared her primary goals for another term as superintendent, should she be re-elected. They included increasing the number of youths graduating high school, paying teachers well, improving students' access to technology, and making sure all students read well.

She also said that during her current term she's become familiar with constituents' concerns, such as criticism of No Child Left Behind, the need for well-prepared teachers, and an increase in the graduation rate and the amount of money raised for struggling schools.

She noted her opponent, Republican Richard Morgan, has never worked in public education as either a teacher or administrator.

“To me, it would be a tragedy to have in the classroom someone who is not experienced and prepared to teach,” Atkinson said. “Education is rocket science. You can't just come off the street and say, ‘I want to lead public education' without any background and experience. We are making progress, and have lots of progress still to make. I would hate for us to change horses in mid-stream.”

Davis also spoke to attendees, and emphasized his policy on taxes — Davis said he would consider hikes but thinks the budget can be trimmed in other areas — and increasing growth and development opportunities for individuals and small businesses. He said he also wants to help bring “financial literacy” to high school students and health insurance to all children.

The candidate said his 10 years in higher education and seven years as mayor have prepared him to serve in the state legislature.

“We made tremendous progress in Snow Hill growing small businesses, expanded tax base by 40 percent and have had two tax cuts,” Davis said, later adding, “My record has been efficiency in operations.”

About 25 people heard from the candidates, and tried to absorb all the information available.

“I'm playing close attention to what they bring to the table,” said Claudia Vaughan, who attended the reception. “There are so many candidates who are self-serving and not really interested in the public. Right now, the public is hurting and there needs to be a change in the overall system.”

Contact Kathryn Kennedy at kkennedy@coxnc.com or (252) 329-9566.

Michael Abramowitz contributed to this report, and can be reached at mabramowitz@coxnc.com or (252) 329-9571.