May 04, 2012 07:36 PM UTC

At Least It's Not Your Un-Endorsement

• 4 Comments
• by: droll

( – promoted by Colorado Pols)

North Carolina’s CD-9 is a vacant seat, drawing a load of Republican challengers. Handily, nine, easy to remember. As you might expect, the state’s largest newspaper, The Charlotte Observer, interviewed all the contenders and made an endorsement; Jim Pendergraph because of his “moderate” views that have broad appeal, while maintaining an overall conservative voice. Apparently it’s just this kind of district.

For example, this smart thing:

He also talked about his disdain for the polarization that plagues Washington today. He said balancing the budget would require something like the Bowles-Simpson plan, and specifically said taxes may have to rise as part of a comprehensive plan to erase the deficit. “Let’s be honest – it’s not going to be without pain for all of us,” he said.

Unfortunately for Pendergraph, the gleefully embattled Maricopa County, Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio came out to help with the campaign. At at least one of these events Pendergraph viciously beat a dead horse in the form of questioning President Obama’s citizenship. Why? Because, like, he’s been around in law enforcement for a long time (to his credit, that is his background of service) and you can totally forge anything! Ignoring that a state doesn’t really “forge” a state document, they’d need to “falsify” it. Oh, and that evidence-less conspiracies may be the best kind, they kind of make you seem… not sensible.

It seems the Observer was unimpressed by Pendergraph’s shift to the fringe, both birther-wise and Sheriff Arpaio in general, to the point that they have rescinded their endorsement. They feel that if he is so blown by whichever wind comes along, there’s no telling how he would actually govern.

The paper is now recommending one of two other challengers.

Former Charlotte City Council member Edwin Peacock brings a thoughtful, moderate approach to issues. He seeks to solve problems rather than be paralyzed by partisanship. And state Rep. Ric Killian brings broad experience in public office and the military. A colonel in the Army Reserve who has spent significant time in Afghanistan, Killian understands security matters. He is earnest and forthright and would bring a sensible conservatism to Congress.

From the horse’s mouth: http://www.charlotteobserver.c…