Friday, May 09, 2008

Reflections on the primary…

A few thoughts from Tuesday’s primary results:

* U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry’s sweep of all 10 counties of the 10th Congressional District appeared to mean a lot to the congressman, at least symbolically. He mentioned taking Catawba County several times in interviews.
What the development means is debatable. Challenger Lance Sigmon ran an aggressive campaign, but raised surprisingly little money and entered the race with virtually no name recognition. However, Catawba County is Sigmon’s home turf and the heart of McHenry opposition.
Sheriff David Huffman, by comparison, won Catawba County with about 60 percent of the vote in the 2004 runoff election against McHenry. McHenry won Catawba County Tuesday with 51 percent of the vote, compared to 66 percent district-wide.
Some observers feel Democrat Daniel Johnson could be a more formidable opponent than Sigmon. Well-known in Hickory, Johnson drew great support in the city on Tuesday. He’s already raised more money than any Democrat in years.
The general consensus is Johnson will have to win Catawba County by a fairly wide margin, take a couple of other counties and stay competitive in McHenry territory to pull the upset.

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