Governor’s race ranked most competitive

North Carolina will have the most competitive governor’s race in the country that features an incumbent, according to a Politico article published Monday.

Politico ranked the 12 governor’s seats up for grabs next year, using what it calls “micro and macro” factors such as demographic shifts and the incumbent governor’s popularity.

North Carolina’s race, likely between Republican Gov. Pat McCrory and Democratic attorney general Roy Cooper, ranked second behind West Virginia, where Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin isn’t seeking another term.

The article notes that unseating an incumbent governor “remains one of the hardest things to do in politics” but says it could happen in North Carolina and Indiana.

Politico notes that McCrory has “mediocre” approval ratings, and polls show him in a dead heat with Cooper. The national political website also notes that a scandal involving prison contracts for a McCrory campaign donor could affect the outcome.

“If that scandal develops further, it could turn into a rare fireable offense for voters,” reporter Kevin Robillard wrote.

The N.C. Democratic Party was quick to highlight the article, which is currently only available to Politico’s paying subscribers. “Politico ranks McCrory nation’s most vulnerable governor” was the alternate headline offered by Democrats.

Meanwhile, McCrory has been counting down to New Year’s Day on Twitter by listing highlights of his first term – racking up dozens of tweets since Saturday. Most involve changes in the state’s economy and tax policy.

“We’re rebuilding NC!” he tweeted Saturday. “When I took office NC was struggling to emerge from recession, but as of ‘14, NC recovered all jobs lost.”

On Sunday: “Silicon Valley who? NC has been recognized as one of most innovative states & is a top state for start-ups & entrepreneurs.”

Democrats weighed in with their own assessment of McCrory’s term.

“Gov. McCrory wants to re-write his record,” N.C. Democratic Party spokesman Ford Porter said Monday. “Given his low poll numbers, weak fundraising, and recognition as the most vulnerable incumbent in America, that makes sense. But the facts are clear: Under Pat McCrory, middle class families are paying higher taxes without making more money.”

Longer terms for legislators?

Republican Sen. Ronald Rabin says he’ll be pushing for four-year terms at the N.C. General Assembly when the legislature returns in April.

In his Christmas newsletter, Rabin notes that the 2016 election cycle is already under way – too soon for lawmakers who started their current term less than a year ago.

“Folks, two-year terms are simply too short,” said Rabin, who represents Harnett, Lee and western Johnston counties. “There is simply no way that two-year planning horizons are a good idea and, in reality, the second year of every term (the) emphasis is on campaigning. It is simply inefficient and expensive.”

Rabin said that he’ll re-file a bill that would amend the state constitution to elect legislators every four years. He says the bill will also include “some number of term limits.”

Rabin introduced similar legislation in March. That bill would have elected half the legislature every two years and imposed a term limit of four consecutive terms.

Rabin’s bill was sent to the Senate Rules Committee where it didn’t get a hearing this year.

Staff writer Colin Campbell

This story was originally published December 28, 2015 at 9:37 PM with the headline "Governor’s race ranked most competitive."