(As aired during the 6PM news on 4/25/08)

Last night’s political forum at Cape Fear Community College spoke volumes about the political process in this state.
I’m an unaffiliated voter, so I was looking forward to learning as much as possible about all of the candidates.
That didn’t happen last night.

Candidates often complain about the high cost of running for office and all of the money they have to raise.
Most of its for advertising… to buy TV time.
In fact Richard Moore’s campaign told us he wouldn’t be attending the forum because of a fundraiser.
We never did get a straight answer from the Perdue campaign.
As co-sponsors of last night’s forum, we were offering the gubernatorial candidates from both parties three hours of free television and radio air time.
That’s free… F_R_E_E.
The forum was aired live on the Big Talker FM here and on WWNC in Asheville.
It will be aired this Sunday at 9AM here on Newschannel3.

Democrat front-runners Moore and Perdue refused to participate, despite having been invited repeatedly beginning four months ago.
It was an arrogant slap in the face to you the voter and Southeastern North Carolina.
The four Republican candidates did attend and took part in a spirited give-and-take that gave the hundreds of people in the hall a chance to get a feel for how they’ll govern first-hand.
You can see them for yourself this Sunday morning at nine.

Colonel Dennis Nielsen was the lone Democrat.
A bona fide American hero, he was gracious and sincere… and seemed genuinely disappointed to be flanked by two empty chairs.
And he hit it on the head when he said in effect that if this is how Mr. Moore and Ms. Perdue treat you now when they need your vote, imagine how much attention you’ll get if one them gets elected governor.
Their refusal to participate spoke volumes in a silent voice that was heard loud and clear.