I am copying some of what I thought were the "best" counties the Libertarian candidate for North Carolina Governor, Michael Munger visited during his campaign.
Bladen County
Status: Visited!
April 2, 2008
Citgo Station, off of US 74. Bought some disgusting "Butter Puffs" to try to stay awake, and two large cups of colored dishwater that came out of the coffee machine. Talked to the counter staff (both women) for about 20 minutes, trying to wake up (it was about 12:30 am). Neither of them would believe I was running for Governor. When I told them I was running as a Libertarian, they agreed that THAT was possible. I gave them some cards, and bumper stickers, which they found amusing. They wouldn't sign the petition, saying they weren't registered votes, which I found perfectly believable.
Henderson County
Visited Thursday, November 29,2007
After turning off of I-26, heading south, I got on US 25. I hadn’t had time to stop for lunch before doing the TV appearance in Asheville, so I pulled into big Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant. Lots of folks. I got the buffet, and probably ate two whole chickens. Struck up a conversation with the people at the table next to me. When they found out I was a political scientist from Duke, they wanted to know about the Presidential election. The older kid, about 20, was a Ron Paul fan, but didn’t’ know much about Dr. Paul’s policies. When I said that I was a Libertarian, the kid was interested. But the dad pretty much told the kid to shut up, and get back to eating. They may have needed to leave, of course. Talked to people at two other tables for a few minutes, about issues and the presidential race. They appeared to believe that I was from Mars. In New Hampshire, candidates talk to folks in diners. in North Carolina, you don’t expect random political candidates to interrupt you while you eat KFC.
McDowell County
Status: Visited July 18, 2006
Visited the Hardees on NC 226, after stopping for gas. Talked to patrons about Libertarian Party, and ballot access. A spirited discussion about third parties with an elderly gentleman. He is apparently the honorary mayor of that Hardees, comes in to drink coffee and conduct the discussion of the day. A great guy, though he thinks that third parties are the work of the devil.
April 17, 2008
Pulled off near town of Old Fort for a soda, and to stretch my legs. A lot of driving lately, so my back is getting sore. Got to talking to two old guys and a woman at the Handy Hugo's. They really wanted to know what I was going to do about immigration. I finally admitted that I would fortify the NC-SC border, and prevent anyone from crossing. Yes, I know I lost their votes. But immigration? For a Governor? Please.
I think my favorite place was McDowell County. What do you think??
