COMMENTATORS ACROSS THE STATE APPLAUD DELLINGER'S RELEASE OF "MAJOR DIFFERENCES ON MAJOR ISSUES"

Tom Jensen, Communications Director for Public Policy Polling
(Public Policy Polling blogspot, (11/27/07):

Earlier this month I wrote about how nothing was going on in the Lieutenant Governor's race. But now something has.

I think Hampton Dellinger's going after Walter Dalton this week was a stroke of genius… By criticizing Dalton's voting record and using it as an opportunity to push his own progressive views, Dellinger has moved himself out of the pack a little bit.

If this race gets to a runoff I think Walter Dalton loses- he needs to sneak by with 41% of the vote in the primary. And it will probably take one of the other three candidates becoming a 'co-front runner' with Dalton to force that runoff. Dellinger was already primed for that spot because of his fundraising prowess, but his move this week does more to get him in the public eye on that front.

Dellinger stuck to the issues. I have been very critical of Bev Perdue and Richard Moore for the pettiness that pervades their race. But Dellinger didn't talk about minute details of Dalton's educational background or get an out of state family member to file a public records request. He went straight at specific items in Dalton's voting record. I think that's perfectly fair game.

He [Dellinger] put Dalton on the defensive and Dalton's response was weak. He [Dalton] sent out an e-mail spouting platitudes about his record; where Dellinger offered specific critiques Dalton gave vague responses. He also claimed Dellinger's attack was the 'worst aspect of the campaign season.' I don't think anyone really buys that criticizing an opponent's public voting record is one of the lower things that occurs in a political campaign.

[T]here's little doubt that Dellinger's move this week has caught attention with opinion leaders.

Assorted comments posted at www.BlueNC.com as part of an extended discussion of the differences between the two candidates:

• "This response is pretty close to perfect as far as I'm concerned. I hope candidates everywhere are taking note: It is possible to push back firmly, while maintaining a clear focus on the issues. Well done." (11/27/07)
• "Well done, indeed, Mr. Dellinger. Thanks for keeping the tone high." (11/27/07)
• "Hampton kept the focus on the issues… And he kept the tone respectful - great job Hamp!" (11/27/07)
• "Personally, I am always looking forward to hearing from new Democratic candidates. Sometimes that is absolutely what is needed to freshen up the policies in our State / Country. I'm glad Hampton is running and being very straight forward with his ideas." (11/28/07)
• "It really sticks in my craw when experienced politicos pretend to be insulted when their record is questioned. Hampton was respectful, and certainly never tried to belittle Walter in any way. And what you get back is an extended whine about how he's been attacked?" (11/27/07)
• "Wow. This is really an incredibly deep and diverse list of experiences. I am honestly impressed by the depth and breadth of your career -- very impressed." (posted 11/28/07 in response to a post detailing Hampton's experience working for progressive causes).