Wake County Commissioner Tony Gurley told members and guests of the Iredell Women Republicans Club Thursday that, as the GOP nominee for lieutenant governor, he would make the perfect running-mate for gubernatorial candidate Pat McCrory.
“He was the mayor of North Carolina’s largest city,” Gurley said of McCrory’s long run as mayor of Charlotte. “And I was the chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the state’s largest county. I think we’d make the perfect ticket.”
Gurley used the term “ticket,” but explained that North Carolina voters elect their governor and lieutenant governor in separate races.
In fact, there have been times when men from different parties were in office at the same time. This happened most recently from 1985 to 1989, when Democrat Bob Jordan was lieutenant governor and Republican Jim Martin was governor.
Gurley told the Republican Women that the powers of the office of lieutenant governor were diminished by a Democratic-controlled General Assembly, and that the office now has only three primary responsibilities: preside over the state senate; sit on the state Board of Education; and sit on the state Community College Board.
Gurley said the 10 years on the Wake County Board of Commissioners, particularly his two different stints as chairman of that board, more than satisfy any training standards that may be sought of a qualified candidate.
“I know what it’s like to preside over important meetings and work sessions,” Gurley said and added that he has a great appreciation and admiration for North Carolina’s community college system.
“The best state money we spend is on our community colleges,” he said.
Gurley said he would use the seat as a kind of bully pulpit to promote small business in the state and to push for more transparency in state government.
Raleigh architect Dan Forest, who is the son of U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick, has also announced a bid for lieutenant governor.
Whichever candidate emerges from the Republican primary next spring will likely face current Democratic Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton, who is permitted by state law to seek a second term.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement