Scandal-plagued and bullet-ridden Democratic Chairman David Parker opened the state convention Saturday facing more of the same questions about whether his leadership is a leg iron on the party's ticket.
Parker has been under fire for his role in a sexual harassment scandal that cost the Democratic executive director his job. Earlier this week a former staffer who was fired after voicing a complaint about sexual harassment filed a lawsuit against Parker and the state party.
But the ever-resolute Parker said Saturday that he doesn't expect the party's trouble to be much of a factor in the election. "I don't believe it's had any negative impact on the electorate," he said. "I do not believe that any of the stories will have an impact on the outcome in November. These issues that have come up are distractions. And they simply won't work."
Parker kept his job despite saying he would step aside at a May party meeting amid pressure from national Democrats and calls from the party's top leadership, including Gov. Bev Perdue and Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton, to resign.
--John Frank and Jim Morrill, staff writer
Comments
Usual N&O Tripe
June 17, 2012 - 12:08pm — wafranklinWell John Frank,
Dont you think you have milked this set of lies and canards about as much as you can, a stretch even for folks like you who could not smell the truth if it hit you in the face. Sally Leslie publicly recanted, via her attorney. Where is your story? Ortega's high priced Republican lawyer announced a suit just before the Convention - oh year, thats just a coincidence. This whole thing was driven by some Republicans with access who managed to get Democrats to turn on David Parker to distract and disarm the Democrats, but you cannot be bothered to find that story, can you. So how much more garbage will you make up on this non-story? Liars about describes it.
What Sexual Harassment?
June 17, 2012 - 9:51am — MalleusMaleficarumLast week, in her letter to Jay Parmley's attorney Sallie Leslie retracted her "unsubstantiated allegation" that Jay Parmley was a (sexual) "predator." In one fell swoop, the sex harassment case against Jay Parmley just went, "Pooooof!" Democrats at the State Convention were overheard talking about Sallie Leslie, once a popular employee of the NCDP. "Sallie Leslie admitted that she lied," said one Party grandee. Another said, "Sallie Leslie said that she didn't know what she was talking about." Case closed. No sexual harassment ever occurred. Those stories were based on misinformation from Sallie Leslie - and she has admitted it.
Scandal definition
June 16, 2012 - 11:01pm — FlowerpowerA publicized incident that brings about disgrace or offends the moral sensibilities of society.
What OTHER word could the N&O use?
a small man
June 16, 2012 - 10:41pm — FlowerpowerParker tried to wish away a bad office situation, even after he was given the chance to correct it. He reminds me of the bizarre office environment of the late 60s when men could harass the women all they wanted to, out in the open, and your boss could be a raging and abusive alcoholic--and everybody just pretended everything was peachy. Bad, unprofessional behavior was the right of the men and the bosses then.
In short, Parker is residue from the old South, not as good as a relic, and not as good as a mad genius. He is just mediocre, and he puts a foolish face on a decaying party.
David Parker is an
June 16, 2012 - 7:56pm — WilmingtonDemocratDavid Parker is an embarrassment. He should have the dignity and self respect to leave.
David Parker
June 16, 2012 - 2:19pm — minnieThat's quite an ego he's got there. I've worked in academia and in politics, so I've seen my share of egos. This one takes the trophy.
This the the Captain of the Titanic speaking, "Have no fear."
June 16, 2012 - 2:08pm — inandoh"I don't believe it's had any negative impact on the electorate," he said. "I do not believe that any of the stories will have an impact on the outcome in November. These issues that have come up are distractions. And they simply won't work."
I think it all comes down to close-talking. And it has been good for business. I was in the check-out lane this week and noticed a combination breath mint and antacid. The name was "Whisper sweet nothings in my ear" and it is being manufactured by the State Democratic Party.
The motto is: "What you are saying turns my stomach but your breath smells good."
David is "Dwight"
June 16, 2012 - 1:51pm — AgentPierceDavid Parker IS "Dwight" from The Office. Oblivious to reality and quite self-absorbed. Wanna bet he received a wedgie in Jr Hi PE!
Scandal
June 16, 2012 - 1:38pm — NotaliberalScandal, the N&O's favorite word.