Richard Moore's openness offensive

Richard Moore has recently become very accessible.

The Democratic gubernatorial candidate has held two open-ended press conferences in recent weeks in which he answered questions from reporters.

In the first case, the subject was his economic stimulus package. At the second, it was an endorsement by a state union.

But in both cases, he stayed late to field questions on a variety of other subjects, including the impact of the presidential race, his thoughts on Eliot Spitzer and the failure of mental health reform.

At the end of the second press conference, Moore made a point of noting his openness, referring to deputy campaign manager Julie White.

"Did you notice Julie didn't try to cut anybody off or keep you all away from me?" he asked, rhetorically.

Moore's openness offensive is a deliberate attempt to draw a contrast with rival Beverly Perdue, who has been the least accessible gubernatorial candidate. (Not to mention Gov. Mike Easley, who's had some access problems of his own.) It dovetails nicely with his call for more debates.

And — caveat lector — it could also be an attempt to cultivate a better relationship with the press.

Still, gambit or no, it's a welcome effort by any candidate.