For those thinking about 2009 Cary Elections and what this Fall's election results mean, I have some frustrating news. The Wake County Board of Elections tells CP that precinct level results of One Stop Early Voting won't be available for weeks, early January at best. The early voter turnout was huge and CP surmises it helped Democrat candidates throughout North Carolina, especially in light of the somewhat crummy weather on election day. CP doubts you will find any early voter regrets but we have to wonder if late breaking news might have changed a few minds. CP is also disturbed by the notion that most, if not all, of our newly elected leaders will be sworn in before we have a complete picture of who voted for them.
For those looking ahead at possible runs for Cary Town Council, waiting until January or later to have reliable precinct data to project trends - especially in the District races - is just downright annoying. CP is at a loss to explain why it should take so long to get the precinct level data from early voting.
Precinct results from votes cast on election day. Does NOT include One Stop Early Voting results which will not be availalble until after January 1. The purple indicates a statistical tie where fewer than 10 votes separated Obama & McCain.
Note: In spite of the import of National elections, it seems total voter turnout nationwide was about the same as in 2004. There was a bit of an increase in Democratic turnout and among the young though nowhere near the levels hyped prior to the election. Republican turnout was down a bit nationwide.
Weiss, Harrell, Stam, Dollar Retain Seats
Norwalk Wins
In a night where Democrats swept pretty much everything, Reps Dollar (NC 36) & Stam (NC 37) managed to hang on the their NC House seats. The race was particularly tight for Rep. Dollar who won a tough contest against political newcomer Al Swanstrom by fewer than 700 votes.
As we wait the final day of expected record-breaking voter turnout, more passion and hope for change expands on the horizon. The Obama train races for the White House with unprecedented voter registration and One Stop Early Voting throughout America.
Internationally, huge numbers of journalists, editorial writers, and bloggers of all sorts hopped aboard the Obama Campaign for Change. Why? Everybody wants change for America--dramatic change and now. Electioneering hit new heights in this presidential race beginning two years ago, and worldwide many writers can't figure out why. Not surprising, Americans can't either.
While pundits shared comparisons of great past presidents on television, Parade Magazine published a survey (10/2008) of seven traits that two of the greatest presidents embraced. Obama ranked far above McCain in five of the seven, the highest with a 38 percent difference; one trait tied 50-50, and another with a two percentage point margin, Obama in front.
No doubt about it, this election may be close, but the American public has expressed loud and clear their disappointment about the absurd attacks hurled at Barack Obama by John McCain. You'd think a 26-year seasoned senator and former Prisoner of War would think a little closer about what exactly his words imply about our country, our government, our leaders and our citizens.
Additionally, McCain repeatedly tried to create a racial and religious divide in America, along with terror-mongering all attributed to Obama as evidenced at some of the McCain rallies.
Sadly, McCain has tried to persuade the American public that Obama maintains ties with terrorists and promotes socialism. He evidently forgot that presidential candidates go through rigorous security clearances at the Top Secret/Special Background Investigation (TS/SBI) level. All members of their family do as well.
In one of the TV ads, McCain says he's been tested. Exactly what test did he receive to reside as our next president? Was he President Pro Tem when we weren't looking? I don't think so. And did running mate Sarah Palin get tested too? Sounds like years of entrenched politics, Bush supporter, maverick and age stand as qualifications. Maverick was never considered a positive quality, unless of course, your job was on Wall Street or in real estate.
Best of all, McCain must see Obama as a formidable opponent who displays all the characteristics of a charismatic leader. If not, then there would be no need for McCain to dream up ludicrous claims about Obama and questionable connections to the underworld. But wait, there's more. Does McCain expect the American public to believe it all?
Think about it, if America wants different results, then we need to get on board the do something really different overhaul train. Let's unload an antiquated infrastructure; try diplomacy and communication with our foes; reinvent health care for the masses; carve new standards for election campaigns; restore ethical values and respect to government; promote racial, religious, cultural and gender equality, and surrender major funds for education renovation, just to name a few.
America needs a president with lots of energy to mobilize an entire nation, and in the words of Colin Powell, a steady hand of leadership. A president must be fit for constant high stress, educated by the best in the world, seasoned in the trenches of America and harbor an acute awareness of world issues. Our president must be a bridge to both youth and maturity, personify cultural astuteness both at home and abroad, and exude a charisma unlike any before to stand up to the long road ahead.
Restore America to her rightful place. Vote for Change with Senator Barack Obama.
While walking down the street one day a US senator is tragically hit by a truck and dies.
His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.
'Welcome to heaven,' says St. Peter. 'Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you.'
' No problem, just let me in,' says the man.
'Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity.'
'Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven,' says the senator.
'I'm sorry, but we have our rules.'
And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.
Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people.
They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne.
Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go.
Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises...
The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him.
'Now it's time to visit heaven.'
So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.
'Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity.'
The senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: 'Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell.'
So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.
Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage.
He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.
The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. 'I don't understand,' stammers the senator. 'Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubh ouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?'
The devil looks at him, smiles and says, 'Yesterday we were campaigning... Today you voted.'
