Speculation about likely Democratic candidates for governor and lieutenant governor is dominating Raleigh’s political world these days. It is also serving as a reminder of a major problem that persists in our political system, known as the wealth primary.

Most of the stories about potential candidates mention money prominently, often before anything else, how much the candidate has raised or how able they are to finance their campaign with their personal wealth.

The fact that former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory has $2 million in his campaign account is described as evidence of his frontrunner status. Money equals credibility in the political process.

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