David Young is running for state Democratic Party chair — and he's got some strong backers.
The former Buncombe County commissioner announced the support of outgoing state chair Jerry Meek, Gov. Beverly Perdue, Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton, state Treasurer Janet Cowell and U.S. Rep. Larry Kissell, among others.
In an e-mail to Democrats sent today, Young said he would strengthen county parties, focus on all 100 counties, maintain staff diversity, continue technological advancement and boost fundraising.
"As a self-employed entrepreneur, I have the ability to commit the time necessary to do the job. I will be in Raleigh — and all over the state — to ensure that the job is done right," he wrote.
After an unsuccessful run for the Democratic nomination for state treasurer last spring, Young started a boutique firm offering local government consulting.
The party's executive committee will meet the Saturday after next to decide on the new chair.
District chairman Luke Hyde and vice chair Dannie Montgomery.
Update: Statesville attorney David Parker said he is no longer running for chair after having a "long, pleasant conversation with the governor" and learning of Young's candidacy.
Second Update: Hyde said he's still in the running, though he had earlier said he would not run if Perdue had a favorite.
"I made a commitment to a number of people in the party," he said. "I'm aware now that Mr. Young has several prominent and good supporters, but my word is more important to me than winning or losing."
Third Update: Young has also launched a Web site: www.davidyoungforstatechair.com.
The site was registered on Wednesday.
Fourth Update: Former Senate candidate Jim Neal has announced that he is no longer running.
In a press release, he said it was "an extremely difficult decision" based on the fact that he could not work full time in the job.
He also said that he made the decision while attending the inaugural festivities in Washington. The release does not mention Young's candidacy.
Fifth Update: Montgomery confirmed that she is still running.
"I am in it — to — win it!!!" she wrote in an e-mail to Dome. "It didn't take me two weeks before the election to decide that I want to get up every morning going to work for the NCDP leading us into the future."
Blog RSS feed
Re: Young running for Democratic state chair
We know that David Young can raise money from wealthy investors, attorneys, land developers and corporate executives. Check out his contributions lists on the NC Board of Elections website for 2007 and 2008 during the state Treasurer primary race.
But as a loyal Democrat who has watched from inside as David Young operated in Buncombe County for these many years, I predict he will embarrass and weaken us with scandal if he is elevated to this position.
I believe that most of our NC and Buncombe County elected officials are in government to serve the public. They are there to improve the quality of life of our citizens; they are true public servants. Young has never exhibited this spirit of public service.
David Young is Blagojevich without the Big Shoulders. Everything with him is quid pro quo. He's like the Congressman in the 1970s who said into the FBI tape recorder in a restaurant booth, "I've got larceny in my blood."
You heard it here first: Scandal is a-comin'.