THIS IS GOING TO BE A FUN N.C. HOUSE ELECTION
Let the gun-slinging begin: The 2008 N.C. House election between incumbent Van Braxton (Democrat) and former Representative Stephen LaRoque (Republican) has started. At his formal kickoff party last night, Braxton had some interesting things to say about his opponent, including, “If you get a postcard from (LaRoque), throw it away.”
Well, according to LaRoque, there haven’t been any postcards. I’m going to post the full rebuttal from LaRoque in my next blog post, but here’s a snippet for your perusal:
“It is unfortunate and sad that Van Braxton believes that to win an election he has to abandon all honesty,” LaRoque said. “Representative Braxton knows that my campaign hasn’t mailed out any postcards of any kind. Not a single one.”
Chris Lavender’s well-written article wraps up with a quote from the owner of the home where Braxton’s kickoff was held, Bert Alexander:
“I support Van because he is honest,” Bert Alexander said. “Stephen LaRoque is not a truthful person.”
My take: Folks, this is going to be a fun election. It matches up two politicians who I greatly admire, but who are on opposite ends of the political spectrum. Stay tuned; it’s gonna get nasty.
VIKINGS LOOK GOOD … AGAIN
As you know, the MNR is late today because I was in Jacksonville checking out the Kinston-Trinity summer league basketball game at Wells Gulledge’s East Coast Invitational.
My take: Like I’m reporting “news” here, but Kinston is loaded again. Reggie Bullock didn’t play much in the game I watched (about 5 minutes), but he really wasn’t needed as the Vikings rolled past Trinity, 38-25. The game was low-scoring because they use a running clock until the final minute of each half.
Some players to watch for: Senior guard Mister Height is going to be this year’s Akeem Sutton — the player who is going to step up and be that second or third leading scorer behind Bullock. Also, junior guard Dori Hines did a fine job running the point, junior guard/forward Josh Benoit showed good stroke, while senior post Victor Holloway looks like he’s polished his inside game and will be a factor this year.
I was a little disappointed in Trinity’s Josh Pittman; he is the player who almost single-handedly defeated Kinston in the 3A title game last year. He only scored 2 points on only 1-of-8 shooting. He appeared to hurt his groin in the final couple of minutes and was really ineffective. Of course, that was partially due to Kinston’s good defense.
ECU PROFESSOR NAMES SPIDER AFTER STEPHEN COLBERT
East Carolina associate professor Jason Bond has offered to name one of 27 new species of trapdoor spider after Comedy Central’s Stephen Colbert. Colbert, the hilarious host of “The Colbert Report,” was upset when Hall of Fame rocker Neil Young had a spider named after him.
My take: Regardless of your political affiliation, don’t you love Stephen Colbert’s show? I think he’s hilarious. Like wrestling, I know it’s all an act, but it’s funny how all the major politicians line up to be on his and Jon Stewart’s Comedy Central shows.
This is funny, but also a nice shout-out to ECU on a national stage — unless you’re reading E! Online’s story, which identifies Bond as a “University of North Carolina” biologist.
Let the letter-writing campaign begin, Pirate Nation…
The iPod shuffle
Surfin’ Bird — The Trashmen
Joy to the World — Three Dog Night
Mama Said Knock You Out — LL Cool J
Breakaway — Kelly Clarkson
It Was a Very Good Year — Frank Sinatra
