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Erskine Bowles (D) ran unopposed in the June 2004 primaries for the U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina that Senator John Edwards will leave open this fall. Bowles, the former Clinton aide, was the party favorite for the Senate race. However, other NC Democrats could have made high-quality candidates, ones "who [have] the skills and resources necessary to run a competitive campaign" (Maisel, 2001). Though he did not run, state Senator Tony Rand (D), the democratic leader in the NC General Assembly, has many of the makings of a quality senatorial candidate.
Rand's experience strengthens him most visibly as a political candidate. Rand has served 8, two-year terms in the General Assembly representing the 19th District. His party chose him as majority leader in 2001 and 2003. He serves on 15 state committees; chairs 2, co-chairs 2, and vice-chairs 1. Rand also has extensive experience writing laws, so far introducing nearly 200 bills during the 2003-04 session alone. He could easily prove through his committee chairmanships his understanding of the inner workings of legislative bodies and his expertise on issues important to the state, such as NC's uncertain economic future, health care costs, and campaign financing reforms.
In January 2003, the NC League of Municipalities said the "2003 General Assembly faces a serious projected budget shortfall estimated at $2 billion in crafting a budget for FY 2003-04.” As majority leader, Rand has worked with the state’s challenging budget deficits. A subsequent study of state government finances "ranked North Carolina 4th in the country in fiscal fitness" (Rice, 2003). Given the current national deficit, Rand's experience adds a particularly relevant and positive quality.
Contrarily, Rand’s politics and legislation focuses on local and state issues. His understanding of international issues and balancing national priorities is uncertain and limited.
After 16 years as state senator Rand would likely be recognized at the polls by many Tarheels, especially in central NC. The 19th district includes over 300,000 constituents from Bladen and Cumberland counties (2000 Census). Older citizens across the state may recognize his name from his 1988 campaign for Lieutenant Governor, though he lost. Serving as majority leader during the last 4 years undoubtedly helped widen name recognition. The press usually quotes him on any important issue covered in the General Assembly.
Rand has consistently been a succesful campaign fundraiser (Follow). Aside from the state senate, Rand works as a legal consultant in Lafayetteville. He likely has friends who make large sums of money. Influential Democrat and Governor Mike Easely has become an ally and friend to Rand over their years working together ("Lottery," 2002). These skills and factors would help Rand gain the resources necessary for a competitive campaign.
© 2004 Davidson College, Department of Political Science, Davidson, NC 28035
Send comments and questions to Adam Martin.
Created: 9/19/2004. Last updated: 9/22/2004