North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue, a Democrat, is now backing off the suggestion that Congressional elections be put off by two years.
Beverly Perdue appeared at the Rotary Club in Cary, North Carolina, today and suggested that the 2012 Congressional elections be suspended so that lawmakers can focus on repairing the economy instead of their next campaign.
“I think we ought to suspend, perhaps, elections for Congress for two years and just tell them we won’t hold it against them — whatever decisions they make — to just let them help this country recover. I really hope that someone can agree with me on that,” said the North Carolina governor, a Democrat. “You want people who don’t worry about the next election.”
Right wing aggregator Matt Drudge was quick to link to a story on Perdue’s remarks, with the inflammatory headline, “DEM GUV CALLS FOR ‘SUSPENDING ELECTIONS,” basically guaranteeing a fire storm, and he got it. Raleigh, North Carolina’s ABC affiliate reports that the conservative group Civitas is already using Perdue’s comments to solicit donations.
From the group’s site: “Stand up for democracy, and tell Perdue to STAND DOWN! Help me protect democracy and our constitutional liberties today by signing our petition and sending $13 for each of North Carolina’s 13 congressional districts!”
Well aware of the political danger ahead, Perdue’s office insists their boss was only using “hyperbole.”
“Governor Perdue was obviously using hyperbole to highlight what we can all agree is a serious problem: Washington politicians who focus on their own election instead of what’s best for the people they serve,” said a spokesperson.
That apparently did nothing to quell conservative anger, because Perdue’s 2008 foe, Pat McCory, also released a statement blasting the governor: “Not only does this bizarre commentary suggest ignoring the Constitution, but does Governor Perdue forget her own inability to work with the Legislature, regardless if controlled by Democrats or Republicans?”
While Perdue’s suspension comments would require a Constitutional amendment, she does make a good point.
I’ve previously lamented how the perpetual election cycle weakens our democratic system. From a piece published last December:
All the 2012 election hoopla has already eclipsed the next months and years of legislation, assuming that our future political zeitgeist will resemble the one we see today. Chances are, it won’t, and the nay vote cast today will be explained away tomorrow, thus turning meaningful legislation into nothing more than a passing fad.
From that perspective, Perdue makes an excellent point.
But, as Marie Diamond notes, suspending elections would set a “dangerous precedent.”
Even if a temporary halt would help in the short-term, it would also allow future politicos — some benign, others not — to toy with the election cycle for ideological or party gain, a possibility our Founding Fathers foresaw, and hoped to avoid.
If nothing else, though, Perdue’s comments should open voters’ eyes to how elected officials too often vote for the ballot box, remaining focused on winning for themselves, rather than their constituents. Sadly, that likely won’t be the case, and Perdue’s contentions will be portrayed as an assault on democracy, not what they were: an honest criticism of self-serving politicians.
September 28, 2011 at 1:47 am, Pmoffatt11 said:
Ms Perdue get your head out of your ass and get out of politics. Moron.
September 28, 2011 at 2:21 am, littleperson said:
Joke?
how about “resign” and admit Treason?
was that another “misspoken” comment?
similar to “ducking snipers” from SCOTUS?
or…is this another ‘dot’ connected to show the ‘real’ picture?
September 28, 2011 at 5:41 am, Anonymous said:
#occupywallstreet
September 28, 2011 at 2:46 am, Jsmith said:
Was she just floating a trial balloon for a national movement?
September 28, 2011 at 2:46 am, Jsmith said:
Was she just floating a trial balloon for a national movement?
September 28, 2011 at 5:09 am, Caroline said:
I believe she was floating this idea to see how people would react, to see if we were paying attention. Thank goodness she has exposed the democrats’ plan and now we will pay REAL CLOSE ATTENTION!!! She needs to be impeached right away and we need to flood her office with calls and emails to let her know that we oppose it and it would be very unwise to try pulling something like that in America. She took an oath to uphold and protect the Constitution and here she is suggesting that we totally disregard it!! IMPEACH HER NOW!!
September 28, 2011 at 3:06 am, Carolinacajun6 said:
lay them all off no more retirement for less than 20 years service like it is for the rest of us in the real world;; enough rules al ready
September 28, 2011 at 3:31 am, Scott Pember said:
This is outrageous!!!! Just the concept being floated is grounds for termination. What an absolute slap in the face of every veteran that’s given everything at the alter of freedom. This isn’t a left or right issue — this tears at the very fabric of FREEDOM. How dare she throw this concept out there — she needs to be removed from office immediately!!!! All 535 members in Washington need to denounce this crap asap!!! If they have any regard for our country, they need to get their AZZ’s out of their offices and verbally destroy this idea. She’s the “Floater” — the one to throw the risky plan out to the public so they can monitor the response.
September 28, 2011 at 4:17 am, Jrsmmd said:
“Suspend elections”—Prepare for a coup d’etat to follow such un-American Fascist Socialist shenanigans. Perdue! A politician from Perdition—–A lady from Hades! In the toughest times in our history, America has never failed to hold elections.
September 28, 2011 at 5:14 am, Itsamindtrip said:
Dumb ass, declare marshael law in your state and the drop in a hole
September 28, 2011 at 5:30 am, Nobody said:
I like how the article sides with Perdue
September 28, 2011 at 8:02 pm, Dhee said:
One of many no doubt
September 28, 2011 at 5:40 am, Anonymous said:
Outrageous! This is the first trickle…a tide will flow as more corrupt politicians propose such a un-democratic measure. A Congressman is ALWAYS working on the next election!
September 28, 2011 at 5:40 am, Anonymous said:
#occupywallstreet
September 28, 2011 at 8:05 pm, Kdkdie said:
News flash: Marxism has failed everywhere it’s been tried and it failing this time, now be a good loser and go away.
September 28, 2011 at 11:07 pm, Anonymous said:
If you have pulled your head out of the ground…News Flash! The Current system is failing as well!
How about offering some solutions rather than criticisms — Watch, it’s quite easy!
Solution: Shall we try a “Resource-Based Economy” Look up: “Zeitgeist”
September 29, 2011 at 1:51 am, trueholygoat said:
How would suspending Constitutional elections help? I mean, if you don’t like the current system, run by the current lawmakers, why would you support letting them occupy their offices without challenge indefinitely?
September 28, 2011 at 6:31 am, ParaLarry said:
This author is just as moronic as the would-be dictator Perdue.
“Weakening the democratic system” by frequent elections and upsetting the plans of the fascists and socialists was the purpose of our Constitution; the founding fathers did their best to set up a system that would discourage professional politicians.
Perdue’s statement is even stupider for the assertion “just let them help this country recover.” Those in danger of losing their elected seats are the idiots who caused the current economic problems and deserve to be turned out, whether R or D.
September 28, 2011 at 10:53 am, We are watching said:
Mr Belonsky, when it comes to the Constitution is it NOT about “perspective”
“From that perspective, Perdue makes an excellent point”
Despite the reasons behind this, there simply is no excuse for even suggesting such a thing. Talk about a slippery slope ! It’s bad enough that some democrats want to “interpret” the Constitution as a matter of convenience, it’s totally something else to flat out ignore it.
September 28, 2011 at 11:27 am, Ssloco2001 said:
not surprised from arrogant politicians!
September 28, 2011 at 11:28 am, Ssloco2001 said:
I have a better idea, fire them and elect all new ones!!!
September 28, 2011 at 11:38 am, Panther said:
Governor’s mask slipped a little there. The dem’s socialist/communist agenda apparently doesn’t work without suspension of elections. Good to know…
September 28, 2011 at 11:50 am, Schweter said:
The4 only hope for America is Gov. Ron Paul. All should read his 11 point plan to save America. Ms Perdue should be removed from office ASAP
Respctfully
Stephen Schweter
September 28, 2011 at 11:50 am, Schweter said:
The4 only hope for America is Gov. Ron Paul. All should read his 11 point plan to save America. Ms Perdue should be removed from office ASAP
Respctfully
Stephen Schweter
September 28, 2011 at 11:50 am, Schweter said:
The4 only hope for America is Gov. Ron Paul. All should read his 11 point plan to save America. Ms Perdue should be removed from office ASAP
Respctfully
Stephen Schweter
September 28, 2011 at 11:50 am, Schweter said:
The4 only hope for America is Gov. Ron Paul. All should read his 11 point plan to save America. Ms Perdue should be removed from office ASAP
Respctfully
Stephen Schweter
September 28, 2011 at 11:54 am, Schweter said:
The only hope for America is Gov.Ron Paul. Ms perdue should be removed from office ASAP. Vietnam Vet.
Respctfully
Stephen Schweter
September 28, 2011 at 1:15 pm, Patriot said:
“Elections are the problem” These people are so wrapped up in their own ideology thay can’t even spin without showing who they are. We got Obamacare precisely because they were not concerned about the next election and hoped that we would just forget about it by the next election. RECALL the governor.
September 28, 2011 at 1:32 pm, Anonymous said:
The entire reason why the Founding Fathers set the House term at 2 years was precisely BECAUSE they wanted one house of Congress to be sensitive to the fluctuations in the will of the people. (While the other body, the Senate, with 6 year terms, could afford to be more independent.)
If we’ve got politicians perpetually campaigning, it’s not because the terms are too short, it’s because it now takes forever to garner enough money for campaigns.
We do need campaign finance reform. We don’t need to suspend elections.
September 28, 2011 at 3:52 pm, Anonymous said:
Wasn’t it President Obama, during the 2011 State of the Union address, tell members of Congress to work together in Washington and not worry about their campaigns? Then he went out and started his campaigning in April? The Democrats have failed to do their job (enact budgets, bring down deficits (Obama said after the stimulus law that he would bring our deficit down to $533B in 2012) and create a less volatile environment) and now look at reasons to stay in power. We have never suspended elections, even during the Civil War and the Great Depression.
Perdue has a 30% approval rating in NC and is trailing her opponent by over 10%. This is what it boils down to. She knows she will lose in 2012, but wants us to suspend elections so she doesn’t have to debate on her dismal record.
September 28, 2011 at 7:08 pm, Good Lt. said:
Kim Jong Il is still suspending elections after all these decades. For the good of the people, of course. Until the “work” is done.
How’s that working out for everyone?
September 28, 2011 at 7:08 pm, Good Lt. said:
Kim Jong Il is still suspending elections after all these decades. For the good of the people, of course. Until the “work” is done.
How’s that working out for everyone?
September 28, 2011 at 7:15 pm, Anonymous said:
No, Even a civil war, two world wars, the great depression, and etc. didn’t stop elections…so she terribly wrong and should be removed from office immediately.
September 28, 2011 at 7:28 pm, Jukin3 said:
Funny, Hitler had that same idea.
September 28, 2011 at 7:42 pm, Anonymous said:
Makes a good point? What are you smoking?
September 28, 2011 at 7:54 pm, Blue said:
Great example of how the left always veers into dictatorship and facism. If you worry about this issue, a normal person thinks of term limits, the left thinks of suspending democracy. Get it?
September 28, 2011 at 7:54 pm, Blue said:
Great example of how the left always veers into dictatorship and facism. If you worry about this issue, a normal person thinks of term limits, the left thinks of suspending democracy. Get it?
September 28, 2011 at 8:01 pm, Ted said:
Now, let see how the National Socialist Left comes running to back up Bev with a discussion of whether to do this or not.
Which is most likely why she make this bizarre comment in the first place.
September 28, 2011 at 8:35 pm, Secondary User said:
Didn’t we continue having elections during the Civil War? As well as during the Great Depression?
Liberalism is a mental disorder.
September 28, 2011 at 10:08 pm, Anonymous said:
Every now and then the Left’s fascistic mask slips off just a little bit for all the world to see….
September 28, 2011 at 11:14 pm, Foosar said:
Andrew, you are a f. U. C. K. I. N. G. Communist
September 29, 2011 at 1:55 am, trueholygoat said:
“Is Gov. Beverly Perdue Right About Suspending Congressional Elections?”
No.
September 29, 2011 at 1:56 am, janie Hatfield said:
I think they should all be fired in Congress. But at the same time this Beverly Perdue should be fired on the spot.
I think when congress is put in to house by voters they should only be allowed to be there for 2yrs. are only one.They should not be allowed to stay like so many of these people do for 30yrs plus. This is too long especially when you have a bad one. They just get worse and too comfortable.
September 29, 2011 at 2:48 am, Independent voter said:
What an idiotic idea! There are many problems in Washington that term limits might help decrease but suspending elections is a very frightening, unconstitutional idea. I guess Gov. Perdue just looks at the constitution like many of her fellow Democrats – as a set of general guidelines to be tweaked and/or ignored whenever convenient rather than as the law of the land. Good Luck, North Carolina! You are going to need it with Bev. in charge!
September 29, 2011 at 3:58 am, Russ said:
Of course Dems want to suspend elections – they know the People are rejecting their attempts to convert the USA into their totalitarian Utopia – even the suggestion, just proves who and what they are – McCarthy was right after all. This nation is infested with them.
September 29, 2011 at 5:23 am, Anonymous said:
Well, I think she is an idiot and deserves what comes…I would be scared too. Therefore, would want to postphone ALL elections if I were a liberal. Anyway, I’m ordering a pizza and drinking a coke!!!!
September 29, 2011 at 5:23 am, Anonymous said:
Well, I think she is an idiot and deserves what comes…I would be scared too. Therefore, would want to postphone ALL elections if I were a liberal. Anyway, I’m ordering a pizza and drinking a coke!!!!
September 29, 2011 at 5:26 am, Anonymous said:
I would be scared too and would to whatever I could to stop all elections if I were a liberal…….Lordy, Lordy, they are in trouble for all they stand for and lack of leadership. Anyway, I’m ordering a pizza and drinking a coke!!!!!! waiting for the day I can VOTE republican and get the fi out of office.
September 29, 2011 at 5:26 am, Anonymous said:
I would be scared too and would to whatever I could to stop all elections if I were a liberal…….Lordy, Lordy, they are in trouble for all they stand for and lack of leadership. Anyway, I’m ordering a pizza and drinking a coke!!!!!! waiting for the day I can VOTE republican and get the fi out of office.
September 29, 2011 at 3:12 pm, KikiEm said:
LMAO……Beverly Perdue…..welcome to the Cynthia McKinney…Sheila Jackson Lee and Hank Johnson club.
Hank Johnson D-GA…. Feared Guam might “tip over and capsize.”
Cynthia McKinney D-GA…. claimed 5,000 prisoners were killed execution style during Hurricane Katrina.
Sheila Jackson Lee D-TX….. complained that hurricane names were too “lilly white” and said that “All racial groups should be represented.”
October 01, 2011 at 1:11 am, Anonymous said:
Gov.Perdue’s statement was not hyperbol. It was not just an off-the-cuff short “Gaffe”. I understand it was a documented, rather lengthy approach to a situation as she saw it. However, I will give her the benefit of any doubt, but only if she acknowedges for whatever reason, the statement involved extremely poor judgement. She should be looking over her shoulder for whatever kind of impeachment or recall process is used in her state. I am beginning to sense that there is a contagous and malignant “foot-in-mouth” disease making its rounds within the Democratic Party. Also, the author of this article also can not get off scott-free. He made the point that she “made and exellent point”. Sir, the very problem we have is career polliticians and the cure is age and term limits for congress, the courts and the President, i.e., Age 70, for all, then “out” (there lots of valid reasons for that), one 4-year term for the House, one 6-year term of the Senate and one 4-year term for the President. Yes, we would give up some “experience” but that would be offset by the continual flow of new people and ideas. It would also stop about 80% of the current graft, corruption, greed and power issues—and look at all the money, time and confusion that would be eliminated by not having “re-elections”. It should also reduce the influence of big business, unions and the wealthy. It was never intended for our elected officials being career people–there are pages of discussion on that issue in the Federalist Papers. Not only that , all branches of goverment have clearly demonstrated over the years that they have been, and still are, incapable of established democratic in-house ground rules, such as prohibing all non-related riders and and amendmens being attached to other legislation—all laws should be able to stand on their own merits—-but that is a book in itself. I will mention but one other; Iit is absurd that both houses have the privilage of establishing their own pay scales and benefits. That should be the perview of the State Governors, via appointed “state senators” setting in a joint conference on a regular basis. Salaries should be clearly referenced to the annual median salary of the populace, i.e., “shall not exceed the annual median salary by more than , say 60%. Also, their pensions should be a fully portable defined contibution plan with several different investment options, with the pension being that amount the individual’s portion of the fund at retirement, would support.—–and there is much much more.
October 03, 2011 at 1:22 am, mm said:
“If nothing else, though, Perdue’s comments should open voters’ eyes to how elected officials too often vote for the ballot box, remaining focused on winning for themselves, rather than their constituents. Sadly, that likely won’t be the case, and Perdue’s contentions will be portrayed as an assault on democracy, not what they were: an honest criticism of self-serving politicians.”
I love how the left always has to speak for someone else and tell us what they meant to say.
Yeah, we’re the morons because we don’t get her point.
I heard what she said and she wasn’t joking.
Our democracy is under assault by people like this “governor” on the left and if we don’t wake up and stop this soon we’ll be living in a banana republic.