U.S. SENATE RACE 2004 - NORTH CAROLINA
Erskine Bowles (D) v. Richard Burr (R)
Issues Important to the State of North Carolina
Jobs and N.C. Economy
A poll conducted in April by Elon University showed that among greatest concern (nearly 3/4 of North Carolinians) is job creation.(Elon 1) Historically, North Carolina has enjoyed healthy economic prosperity through the industries of tobacco, furniture, and textiles. In the past decade, the growth of China and other developing countries and the rise in FTAs has pulled textile, agriculture and manufacturing jobs overseas. (National Journal 1)
Despite his record of voting for fast-tracked trade legislation and FTAs with Singapore and Vietnam, Burr's campaign has focused on trade with China: "I didn't think we could trust them...I was right." (Burr 1) The Bowles campaign has pushed "The Bowles Plan," a supposed comprehensive plan and budget for economic growth in North Carolina.
Healthcare
As the N.C. economy stretches families' budgets, affordable healthcare and prescription drugs become less of a possibility. Middle class families (the same who have recently lost their manufacturing and textile jobs) suffer the worst effects. As Burr and Bowles attempt to lure undecided voters, the quality of emphases on increasing affordable and accessible healthcare will be the determining factor. Burr's hand in streamlining FDA bureaucracy is pitted against Bowles' strong conviction that children's lack of access to prescription drugs is "morally wrong." (Bowles Ad )
The Military
Richard Burr's campaign web page states that 6% of the N.C. economy is contributed by military bases. (Burr 3) The Elon poll shows that nearly half of all North Carolinians view military enlargement as "very important" in choosing a candidate for Senate. (Elon 1) Again, the candidates' views seem synonymous, and the determining factor will be whether the electorate views Bowles' focus on benefits for Reservists or Burr's economic focus more beneficial.
Forecast
Summarily, the flavor through which candidates address issues, highlight their favorable records and cast the opponent in negative light will play a larger role than their actual stances, which, by the nature of this campaign are arguable more similar than different. North Carolina is anything but a "lopsided" state with respect to partisan predisposition, and both candidates' views on the main issues pool towards the center of the political spectrum. (Shea and Burton 31) Although Burr will draw voters impressed with his record of representation in Washington, the election will be won through Erskine Bowles' strategical finesse. His tenure as the White House Chief of Staff has afforded him the ability to cast issues in a collegial and bipartisan light that will attract most of the undecided (14%) North Carolinians. (National Journal 1)
Bowles Campaign Mainpage , Ads
North Carolina Democratic Party
North Carolina Republican Party
Look Up Any Politician's Voting Record on Key Issues
© Copyright 2004 Department of Political Science, Davidson College, Davidson, NC 28036
Send comments, questions, and suggestions to: Charles Wood
Created: 8 September 2004 - Updated: 20 September 2004