Did Republicans Jim Holshouser and Jim Martin become governor because of Democratic infighting?
That's the argument made by D.G. Martin in a column in the Chatham Journal Weekly. He says that splits between Democrats in the 1972 and 1984 primaries led to acrimony in the general elections, allowing the Republican candidates to win.
In '72, the split was between Lt. Gov. Pat Taylor and Skipper Bowles. Though Bowles won, Taylor backers were disinclined to vote for him, Martin argues.
In '84, former Charlotte Mayor Eddie Knox bitterly fought Attorney General Rufus Edmisten. Though Edmisten won, Knox and some of his supporters did not back the winner, Martin says.
Martin makes the case that the same could happen because of the fierce battle between Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue and state Treasurer Richard Moore for the Democratic nomination.
A couple quibbles: 1) The analysis is a bit blue-centric. Democrats lost, but Republicans also won. 2) In both cases, Martin's own history suggests the key test was after the primary, when Bowles failed to reach out and Knox refused to endorse. 3) With four candidates, the GOP may also split.
Hat Tip: Tom Jensen
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Re: Did Dem split help Holshouser, Martin?
As a veteran of the '84 Primary War, I saw the destruction brought on by the traitorous actions of Knox and his people! The republicans never would have won that year with that Liar's help! As with most of the republican victories in this state, they only happen with the help of weak, uncommitted Democrats!