Greensboro News and Record Editorial: Hagan’s track record recommends election

Greensboro News and Record Editorial
October 5, 2008

For years, Kay Hagan has been Guilford County’s go-to state senator in Raleigh. Smart, energetic and well-connected, she’s drawn high ratings for effectiveness.

One example stands out: state support for the furniture market in High Point.

High Point isn’t part of Hagan’s Senate district, but she recognized its economic importance to Guilford County, the Triad and all of North Carolina. Then she made sure that leaders in Raleigh — in the administration and the legislature — understood, too. With other area representatives of both parties, she won backing for state funding for transportation and marketing to improve the important furniture show. The amounts of money have been modest compared to state incentives deals, but they’ve made an impact in bracing High Point’s competitive position against a potent rival in Las Vegas.

Hagan, 55, has worked vigorously on behalf of Greensboro interests as well, while becoming a leader in forging statewide spending priorities.

What she has done in Raleigh, she’s ready to do in Washington. She deserves election to the U.S. Senate seat held by Elizabeth Dole, 72.

The incumbent, a Republican, has represented North Carolina honorably, crowning a long career of distinguished public service with a term in the Senate, but the times call for a change.

With the state’s other Senate seat held by Republican Richard Burr, a respected Democrat like Hagan can see to it that North Carolina interests aren’t overlooked by Democratic majorities in Congress and a likely Democratic administration. She’s already proved she won’t sit for long on the back bench in a legislative chamber.

Hagan’s record has been moderate and business-friendly. She should remain on that centrist course, embracing the best ideas from either side of the political divide. Her priorities include fiscal responsibility, investing in effective education policies, health care reform, new energy development and what she calls “a whole list of pocketbook issues.” She exudes confidence, frequently promising that things will get done when she goes to Washington.

Unfortunately, voters haven’t always seen Hagan at her best during the campaign. More TV ads have attacked Dole than featured Hagan’s achievements. Dole’s campaign has responded in kind. Portraying Dole as a captive of the oil industry or out of touch is unfair and inaccurate. Tagging Hagan as “Fibber Kay” is unconscionable. These two women should be running for office in a manner that would convince North Carolinians that either would be a worthy winner.

The third candidate, Libertarian Christopher Cole, 44, said last week the relentless attack ads would prompt him, if he could afford his own TV messages, to declare: “They’re both right.”

Actually, they’re both wrong. Dole, before the barrage began, was liked by most North Carolinians. Although she has not gained as much influence in the Senate as her Washington experience should have earned for her, nor been as visible in North Carolina as she should have, she can count some accomplishments. Among them: helping give sheriffs more federal support to deal with illegal immigrants who commit crimes; negotiating a favorable tobacco buyout program; watching over a military realignment that strengthened North Carolina’s position. She also several times pushed for stronger regulation of lenders Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, but unsuccessfully.

Dole is vulnerable politically because of her alignment with President Bush on most issues over the years, from the Iraq war to massive deficit spending. All the nation’s troubles have fed voters’ desire for change in Washington, and Dole could be a casualty of that understandably restless mood.

Hagan, if elected, may be exactly the right replacement. She’s responsive to constituents, communicates well, works hard, comprehends complex issues, makes good decisions and is not content to be average. She can become an outstanding U.S. senator. With appreciation for Dole’s service, voters should give Hagan the chance to take her talents to Washington.

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