A number of prominent state officials didn't waste time to launch their re-election efforts Monday. In a campaign season defined so far by who isn't running, most of the statewide Council of State officials filed paperwork to run again in 2012.
Among them: Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin, State Treasurer Janet Cowell, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, State Superintendent June Atkinson and State Auditor Beth Wood, all Democrats.
Atkinson faces a Democratic primary challenger in state Rep. Rick Glazier of Fayetteville. She said she is disappointed a member of her party would campaign against her. And she didn't mince words, saying Glazier, an attorney, is better suited to run for re-election to the legislature than running the state Department of Public Instruction. "My opponent has never had experience managing and leading a group that size," she said. "His skills are more useful in the General Assembly."
Dozens of others filed at the State Board of Elections in Raleigh, including Congressman David Price, Republican lieutenant governor candidate Dale Folwell and Republican Mike Causey, who is running for insurance commissioner.
Lee Sartain, a Democrat running for state House District 38, said he was the first in line when filing opened at noon. If elected, the 30-year-old would be one of the youngest members of the legislature.
Candidate filing continues through Feb. 29.
