If the zingers Democrat Cal Cunnigham was directing at freshman Sen. Richard M. Burr last week are any indication, the former state senator is getting ready to take on the Republican incumbent in 2010.
In a videotaped speech to a Democratic gathering in Charlotte now making the Internet rounds, Cunningham hit Burr early and often. "In 15 years on Capitol Hill you can't name one thing that Richard Burr has done to make your life better, and I can't either," he declared, referencing Burr's time as a senator and a congressman.
Cunningham, an Iraq War vet, noted, "During the same period of time that Richard Burr was missing more than half of his Veterans Affairs Committee hearings, I was twice called to active duty for a war that he voted to authorize with no plan to keep the peace."
And he went after Burr's now infamous April comments in which he said that during the height of the financial crisis in the fall of 2008, he encouraged his wife to go and take out the maximum amount of cash from the ATM. Said Cunningham: "At the same time he was calling from Washington to his wife to hit the ATM machine and take cash out I was calling from Baghdad just to find out how my family was doing." Cunningham served as a senior trial counsel in the Multi-National Corps in 2007.
What really got the crowd howling, however, was his likening of Burr to a "post turtle." That, he explained, is something you encounter when "you're walking down an old country road and you see a turtle sitting up on a fence post."
"You know he didn't get there by himself, doesn't belong there, and he's not doing any good up there on that fence post, waving his arms. And out of a deep sense of compassion you just want to put him back down where he belongs."
As the crowd's response to his speech underscored, the young, telegenic Cunningham is capable of energizing the party base and has become a favorite of the state's netroots. He represents a stark contrast with the more staid, centrist Bob Etheridge, the seven-term congressman who is the party establishment's top choice to run.
Etheridge declined to discuss a possible bid during a press conference call on Monday.
The Democrats have had a tough time finding a top-tier candidate to take on Burr in 2010, despite his underwhelming approval ratings in the state. Durham, N.C., attorney Kenneth Lewis is the only Democrat officially in the race. Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, Chapel Hill Mayor Kevin Foy and former Lt. Gov. Dennis Wicker have also expressed interest in a campaign.
CQ Politics currently rates the general election contest a Toss Up.
To see how the 2010 Senate races are shaping up, check out the CQ Politics' election map.
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Comments
With Cal its not just about funny one liners, and amusing anecdotes about Burr's (lack of) accomplishments. Its also about him listening to the people of North Carolina, as you can see in his most recent blog post:
http://thefocalpoints.blogspot.com/2009/08/families-on-edge.html
and it is about his record of leadership, as you can see throughout his biography:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cal_Cunningham
Posted by: wccubbison
| September 3, 2009 12:51 AM
I agree with wccubbison. The more I hear Cal speak, the more he discusses the real problems North Carolinians are having and the real solutions he will offer as a member of the United States Senate.
His bio is terrific (see Wiki page above) and his message is starting to get more focused (I have seen him speak a couple times). When I talk to folks around North Carolina, they seem to really believe in this guy and are impressed with his vision, sincerity and willingness to lead.
Most importantly - he excites people. That is what its going to take to win an off year election. He has to generate enthusiasm throughout the state and, so far, if you read CQ and other politics sites, he appears to be the only candidate capable of sustaining exuberance among likely voters. If he's working half as hard to build a strong finance and ground game as he is on refining his speeches and exciting crowds, I think we have a true challenger here. I have no reason to doubt that such is the case.
And look, don't take it from me. Go find out more yourself and make your own decisions. I think you, like me, will come away convinced he is the best candidate North Carolina can put forward.
Posted by: MTC
| September 3, 2009 9:34 AM
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