Lenoir County Republicans won’t have to worry about a Democrat taking the state 10th District House seat if Willie Ray Starling continues his campaign rhetoric. Starling will hand over the seat to the Dems single-handedly.
In what has to be one of the most outrageous campaign performances in recent memory, Starling stormed into incumbent Rep. Stephen LaRoque’s home territory Thursday night and blasted LaRoque.
Starling, from Wayne County, wants LaRoque’s seat. This is his third attempt to go to Raleigh. No matter how often voters say no thanks, Starling is becoming the perennial candidate. Several party leaders tried to talk him out of filing but Starling takes no advice from anyone except himself.
He reached the pinnacle of inappropriate behavior at the Republicans’ Reagan Day Dinner. Party Chairman Keith King, toward the end of the meeting, invited all candidates in the room to stand, introduce themselves and say a few words. (The emphasis here should be on “few.”)
Most candidates complied. Not Starling.
LaRoque a few minutes earlier had delivered a succinct legislative update, at the request of dinner organizers. When Starling’s turn came to introduce himself he marched to the podium, saying since his opponent had spoken from there for several minutes, he was claiming equal time and position.
Then he delivered a campaign speech.
Most of Starling’s speech consisted of denigrating remarks about LaRoque. He accused LaRoque of everything short of being an Islamic terrorist. Here’s a man after the hearts of all Democrats.
A candidate’s desperation shows when the only way he can sell himself is by tearing down his opponent. Starling obviously is a desperate man. Having a debate with an opponent is one thing. Going into his home territory and making scurrilous attacks (“LaRoque has been making backroom deals with Morgan for more personal power …”) during a social event is quite another. Starling was a guest at the event. His behavior was far outside the bounds of proper behavior.
King let Starling know, in the nicest possible way, that his remarks were not appreciated. It’s doubtful that Starling got the message. He hears only what he wants to hear.
The best message to send to Willie Ray is through your checkbook. Keep it shut. If not, be prepared to see a Democrat in LaRoque’s seat in November.
Lee Raynor is editor of KinstonPress.com. She welcomes your comments at
leeraynor@kinstonpress.com.
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