Final Analysis of the NC Senate Race
Why Burr Won
Shortly before Election Day, “Congress approved a federal buyout of tobacco quotas. Both Senator Dole and Helms credited Burr with the passage of the legislation” (Bauerlein 2004). Many have argued that this federal buyout was responsible for Richard Burr’s last minute victory. The buyout did not hurt Burr, but its significance in contributing to his victory has been grossly overblown. Richard Burr’s poll numbers steadily increased the more North Carolinians were exposed to him. No one event was responsible for his victory; instead his success can be attributed to a brilliant campaign strategy that was coupled with pragmatic financial management. The overall attempt to ally himself with President Bush was responsible for Burr’s victory. His rhetoric, combined with his staunch conservative record encouraged Bush supporters to also vote for Burr. The Burr team accurately recognized that NC would vote for a republican president as they have done every year since 1976 (nationaljournal.com). Their predictions proved correct as Bush won NC handily, with “nine out of ten of Bush’s backers voting for Burr” (AP 2004). While he had the right strategy, Burr also recognized that he would be outspent by his millionaire opponent. Burr chose to save his capital for the end of the campaign, even though some critics warned that delaying his message could prove fatal. Burr waited patiently and then slowly chipped away at Bowles lead. Burr’s financial restraint coupled with his overall strategy of closely allying himself with Bush both culminated in his victory.
Ethical Principles Compromised?
Neither candidate compromised their positions on any issues during the campaign. Remarkably both stayed consistent and didn’t contradict themselves. However, when considering with ethical standards, Erskine Bowles may have crossed the line on one occasion. During the last week of the campaign Erskine Bowles accused Burr of “blocking important breast cancer legislation” (Bauerlein 2004). Many in the media and in political circles felt that Bowles was unethical in levying such an incomprehensible charge. It is my belief that ultimately no one person can determine the ethical standards meant to applied in campaigns. Besides following the law, candidates are, and should be free to employ whatever strategic tools they wish. The ultimate purpose of an election is for the voters to make judgments, and we should never take that task away from them. Some may consider Bowles charge unethical, but I feel ultimately it is up to the voters to make that decision.
© Davidson College, 2004, Davidson College, Davidson, NC 28035
Created By Jack Hubbard for a project in Political Science 318
Created: 11/15/2004. Last updated: 11/15/2004.