Three local races had something in common as primary voting came to a close today: Nick Mackey.Mr. Mackey won a special vote of Democratic Party activists to become Mecklenburg County Sheriff last year. But state party leaders threw out the results in February, saying precincts were improperly organized. Mecklenburg County commissioners then chose Mr. Mackey’s opponent Chipp Bailey for the job.
That didn’t set well with some folks who felt Mr. Mackey should have gotten the job, though his candidacy was wrapped in controversy because he filed for bankruptcy and left his job as a police officer under scrutiny for misrepresenting his work hours. Supporters said they’d remember the county commissioners who didn’t vote to give Mr. Mackey the sheriff’s office at the polls.
Thus District 2 commissioner Norman Mitchell found himself with a feisty opponent, Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board member Vilma Leake. As of 8:30 p.m., she was leading Mr. Mitchell, 65 percent to his 35 percent.County commissioner’s chair Jennifer Roberts was criticized during the Mackey debacle and supporters said they’d push for votes against her in her at-large race. She’s leading the five candidates seeking the Democratic nomination.
The three winners will face GOP candidates for three seats in the fall. Mr. Mackey himself is running for the N.C. House against incumbent Drew Saunders in District 99. Rep. Saunders tried to make Mr. Mackey’s woes in the sheriff’s race an issue but as of this moment Mr. Mackey is ahead, 57 percent to 43 percent.Of course, this is all early voting. Few of the precincts’ votes have been posted yet. The Mackey factor so far is unknown. Stay tuned.
I have a feeling Mr. Mackey was encouraged to run. As Mr. Obama was doing so well, why not put Mr. Mackey on the same ballot. Those showing up to support Mr. Obama at the voting booth may very well be inclined to vote for Mr. Mackey.
ReplyDeleteNick Mackey won. And the Mecklenburg County Commission can't take this victory away.
ReplyDeleteMackey will be in prison before long. I don't understand why black voters want a crook representing them. All he's going to do is line his pockets and disgrace the people that supported him.
ReplyDeleteBecause, like Obama, he dresses nice and talks pretty.
ReplyDeleteIts really sad that a majority of people would vote this crook in just because of his color.
ReplyDeleteMackey and his croneys are destroying the Democratic party. When you can be as low a character as he is and get elected because of it, then the bar has been set so low that it is just a matter of time before there is a major rebellion and implosion of the party. Vilma? Mackey? This is a very sad day for African Americans in politics. I also think Mackey will be in prison before long. He is a prime candidate for bribery, graft, extortion. A sad day for Mecklenburg County. Hello Republican majority.
ReplyDeleteI'll be switching parties and voting a straight Republican ticket from here on out. This refelcts really poorly on those constituents. It's laughable.
ReplyDeleteMake up and joke you want to and insert Leake, Mitchell or Macky as the punch line. You get the same laugh no matter which you insert.
ReplyDeletePathetic - absolutely pathetic.