http://projects.newsobserver.com/tags/phil_walker Comments for "Phil Walker" en http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/besses_republican_past#comment-4421 <p>For the record, I never voted for Jesse Helms, in any contest. I supported Harvey Gantt. More important than any blow-by-blow on who voted for whom when, though, is the basic rationale.</p> <p>Long-time advocates for the environment in North Carolina are well aware that I used my official Republican registration status to get our point of view (stewardship of clean air, water, land, and public health) into the state Republican policy mix during the '80's and start of the '90's. Otherwise, I would not have been in position to help protect our coastal resources program during that time during a Republican state administration.</p> <p>Hanging in as a registered Republican for that specific purpose, at a time when I had already determined that the GOP had been inescapably captured by advocates of social and economic policies I couldn't stand, was one of the toughest political things I've ever done. I used my Republican registration one last time in 1992, campaigning for the Clinton-Gore ticket as a "Republican for Clinton". In fact, I recall being introduced as such at a statewide Democratic rally during the 1992 campaign. It was a great personal relief, once that campaign was past, to be able to officially switch my registration to the Democratic party, where it has stayed for the 15 years since--and will continue to stay.</p> <p>Some Democrats introduce themselves as Democrats since birth. I like to point out that my party registration is a matter of adult conversion. Not conversion of policy views--but of switching to the party registration which, it had become clear to me, best represents the values I have always held.</p> Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:46:42 -0400 DanBesse2008 comment 4421 at http://projects.newsobserver.com http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/besses_republican_past#comment-4419 <p>Was Besse campaigning aganist Harvey Gantt in 1990? That's a kick in stomach to everyone who spent days and nights trying to defeat Jesse Helms. </p> <p>This is crazy!</p> Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:45:41 -0400 carolinabluebird comment 4419 at http://projects.newsobserver.com http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/besses_republican_past#comment-4418 <p>Agreed.</p> Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:18:24 -0400 liam comment 4418 at http://projects.newsobserver.com http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/besses_republican_past#comment-4417 <p>are to be much admired. </p> Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:05:24 -0400 Anglico comment 4417 at http://projects.newsobserver.com