Another name has surfaced for Crime Control secretary.
Gaston County Sheriff Alan Cloninger is reportedly under consideration for the Cabinet appointment by Gov.-elect Beverly Perdue.
A former prosecutor and defense attorney from a prominent political family, Cloninger is active in Democratic politics and worked on Perdue's gubernatorial campaign.
Scott Thomas, the district attorney for Carteret, Craven and Pamlico counties and a former state senator, is also in the mix. Current secretary Bryan Beatty is reportedly under consideration for Correction secretary.
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Thomas to Crime Control. Perdue Credibiity on the Line.....
Thomas has extensive service in statewide law enforcement. District Attorney in eastern North Carolina. State Senator and State House Member. Thomas is considered by many including Basnight to be one of the up and coming leaders in North Carolina.
In addition, Thomas is a native of New Bern (Perdue's home) and has worked hand-in-hand with the Governor-elect for over 20 years- along with members of his family- played a key role in getting Perdue elected every step of her career- and getting her where she is today.
Word on the street is Perdue has damaged her credibility considerably since November with many of her long-time supporters. Her personal solicitation of a number of secretary candidates-- including Thomas for the Crime Control & Public Safety role-- and subsequent decision will be looked at closely by watchers across the state.
If she hangs Thomas out to dry (a lifelong supporter and highly qualified professional) after soliciting his involvement... she will have set a dangerous pattern. Further demonstrating Perdue's rapid alienation of many key supporters at an alarming rate, many whom only weeks ago she was begging for resources to win a tight governors race....
According to supporters, since November Perdue has turned a deaf ear and has insolated herself in-hiding behind a underperforming Zack Ambrose, surrounded with a odd assortment of re-treaded bureaurcrats zero representation in her inner-circle with any crediblity outside the beltway with grassroots who elected her.
Word is many life-long supporters are extremely angry- and in a way which (if not adddressed) will manifest itself in stiff opposition and disregard to her agenda in the state legislature, causing her influence to be limited and legislative leaders taking a heightened leadership role in the upcoming session.