This page is part of an assignment at Davidson College.
Elaine Marshall and the 2004 North Carolina Senate Election
by
Ward Long
Overview
When Jesse Helms announced his intention to not to seek re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2002, observers picked North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall as the early Democratic frontrunner (Spray). However, former White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles entered the running with the party establishment and his own personal fortune behind him. On the day of the Democratic Primary, Marshall captured only 15 percent of the vote, finishing behind Bowles and Dan Blue in a crowded nine person field (2002). Despite her loss, John Edwards' decision to bow out of his own Senate race created another opportunity for Marshall in 2004. Party leaders felt that the primary battle hurt Bowles, and enticed Marshall and Blue not to run again (Will Dems..). If Erskine Bowles had decided not to run, Elaine Marshall would be a viable Senate candidate marked by personal strenghts and strategic weaknesses.
Personal Resources
Elaine Marshall's career in politics has depended on the strength of her character. Marshall is an "energetic speaker" and a talented campaigner, as evidenced by her defeat of NASCAR legend Richard Petty in her 1996 race for Secretary of State (Spray). She fought hard for her clients as a lawyer, her district as a State Senator, and the people of North Carolina as Secretary (elainemarshall.org). In an address to UNC-Chapel Hill during Women’s Week, Marshall declared, “I don’t know how far I can go in public service yet, but I have the heart to travel some more distance,” exhibiting her determined career ambition, the quality that allows politicians to weather through the slings and arrows of politics.(Marshall).
Strategic Resources
As a Senate candidate, Marshall would draw upon on her experiences in North Carolina politics. In a poll by Elon University Poll in 2002, Marshall had a respectable name recognition rate of twenty-seven percent across the state, and enjoyed an excellent “favorability rating of thirty-five percent among those who recognized her name." If Bowles had decided not to run again in 2004, Marshall would likely enjoy strong party support for the Senate campaign. A loyal party member, Marshall campained for Bowles in 2002, has ties to currnet governor Mike Easly and headed the 2004 North Carolina delegation to the Democratic National Convention .
On the other hand, Marshall needs to drastically improve her fundraising skills if she wants to become a serious Senate contender. In her 2002 Senate campaign, Marshall only raised $352,119 and contributed no personal funds to her campaign (Elaine…). In stark contrast, eventual winner Elisabeth Dole raised more than twelve million dollars, and loser Erskine Bowles spent almost seven million of his personal wealth during his bid for the Senate.
Honor Pledge: This assignment represents my original, independent work and follows the guidelines of the Davidson College Honor Code.
Updated September 22, 2004.