newsobserver.com projects - Young running for Democratic state chair - Comments

Re: Young running for Democratic state chair

AshevilleToday — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 11:42:48 -0500

We know that David Young can raise money from wealthy investors, attorneys, land developers and corporate executives. Check out his contributions lists on the NC Board of Elections website for 2007 and 2008 during the state Treasurer primary race.
But as a loyal Democrat who has watched from inside as David Young operated in Buncombe County for these many years, I predict he will embarrass and weaken us with scandal if he is elevated to this position.
I believe that most of our NC and Buncombe County elected officials are in government to serve the public. They are there to improve the quality of life of our citizens; they are true public servants. Young has never exhibited this spirit of public service.
David Young is Blagojevich without the Big Shoulders. Everything with him is quid pro quo. He's like the Congressman in the 1970s who said into the FBI tape recorder in a restaurant booth, "I've got larceny in my blood."
You heard it here first: Scandal is a-comin'.

Re: Young running for Democratic state chair

danmanley2299 — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 11:54:20 -0500

I got my doubts about this Young guy, especially after reading this on his thouhgts on collective bargaining. http://www.ncacc.org/perspective/young/young09.html

Re: Young running for Democratic state chair

liam — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:17:06 -0500

In a year that saw unprecedented gains for Democrats across the state, prompted by the Obama campaign's early and continued investment in and organizing of NC, why is it that no one from his campaign structure is stepping up to run?

David Young seems like a nice enough guy, but what makes him worthy of being state party chair? The same goes for the rest of field.

Not to get all starry eyed and HOPE on y'all but NC went through a rapid transformation last year and the Obama campaign put together a fantastic operation from practically nothing, energizing activists and training the next generation of party leaders.

It seems like David Young is a step right back in to the 1990's for Dems here in the Tar Heel state. Someone who will get in the governor's line and follow orders instead of do the hard work needed to build on our success.

He's obviously the odds on favorite now in this already weak field. This is really disappointing for me as a regular, if not obsessive Obama, Hagan and county party volunteer activist. I would have volunteered for Bev if her campaign ever returned my calls or showed any interest in my support at all. If her campaign's field program is reflective of the way she wants to run the party than God help us Democrats.

Re: Young running for Democratic state chair

FFC1304 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:27:02 -0500

WHATs THIS we hear about BLAGO of ILLINOIS using Mike Easely as a comparative crook? ROFLMAO!!! How has Easely gotten away with so much?
Looks like things might heat up a little!!!

I guess if the NC AG wont 'indict', the Illinois media will!!!

Its in the news in IL, but WHEN will we see it here??? LOLOL>>>>

Young running for Democratic state chair

ryanteaguebeckwith — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:13:43 -0500

David Young is running for state Democratic Party chair — and he's got some strong backers.

The former Buncombe County commissioner announced the support of outgoing state chair Jerry Meek, Gov. Beverly Perdue, Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton, state Treasurer Janet Cowell and U.S. Rep. Larry Kissell, among others.

In an e-mail to Democrats sent today, Young said he would strengthen county parties, focus on all 100 counties, maintain staff diversity, continue technological advancement and boost fundraising.

"As a self-employed entrepreneur, I have the ability to commit the time necessary to do the job. I will be in Raleigh — and all over the state — to ensure that the job is done right," he wrote.

After an unsuccessful run for the Democratic nomination for state treasurer last spring, Young started a boutique firm offering local government consulting.

The party's executive committee will meet the Saturday after next to decide on the new chair.

District chairman Luke Hyde and vice chair Dannie Montgomery.

Update: Statesville attorney David Parker said he is no longer running for chair after having a "long, pleasant conversation with the governor" and learning of Young's candidacy.

Second Update: Hyde said he's still in the running, though he had earlier said he would not run if Perdue had a favorite.

"I made a commitment to a number of people in the party," he said. "I'm aware now that Mr. Young has several prominent and good supporters, but my word is more important to me than winning or losing."

Third Update: Young has also launched a Web site: www.davidyoungforstatechair.com.

The site was registered on Wednesday.

Fourth Update: Former Senate candidate Jim Neal has announced that he is no longer running.

In a press release, he said it was "an extremely difficult decision" based on the fact that he could not work full time in the job.

He also said that he made the decision while attending the inaugural festivities in Washington. The release does not mention Young's candidacy.

Fifth Update: Montgomery confirmed that she is still running.

"I am in it — to — win it!!!" she wrote in an e-mail to Dome. "It didn't take me two weeks before the election to decide that I want to get up every morning going to work for the NCDP leading us into the future."