McIntyre, Playing Footsie W/His Party In Charlotte

Congressman Mike McIntyre (D-Lumberton) isn’t one to cozy up with his party.  In fact, he’s not technically part of the DNC in Charlotte, but does want to be seen there, even as he doesn’t want to be affiliated with the President when he runs for Congress.  From the StarNews:

McIntyre has been in Charlotte for the past couple of days, where he welcomed Democrats and held a fundraiser at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. But he will leave the city by the time Obama arrives on Wednesday and will be absent as the president accepts the nomination with a speech Thursday night. Asked by reporters after his remarks to the delegation why he won’t endorse Obama, McIntyre said he has “always been my own person and run my own campaign.” He added that he is one of the most independent members of Congress. (Then why is he a Democrat?)

“My voting record’s always been right down the middle, no matter who was president, who was in the majority,” he said.

I’m not entirely sure what politician of note in history made their mark with the words, “right down the middle,” but it does seem to be a theme of opposums on NC highways.  What does that even mean?

Tourism: Don’t Talk To The Media

Just an observation.  Earlier today I had noticed that there was a crane doing work at the end of Market St.  I had already been told the work was being done because the riverwalk there was unstable.  WWAY news approached the tourism stand adjacent to the work being done and simply asked, “What’s going on here?”

The attendant looked at the WWAY badge and said, “I’m not allowed to talk to the media.”  That was an odd response, especially considering the person asking the question wasn’t holding a camera or taking notes, just asking a question.

When the tourism authority was called later they confirmed that NONE of their folks except Connie Nelson Communications/Public Relations Director, is supposed to speak to the media.

Really?  The guy at the booth couldn’t even say, “There are some guys here fixing things.”  Wilmington apparently does not equal Freedom Of Speech!  And they wonder why they have image problems.

Also of note, I’m getting ready to enter week two for the Chamber of Commerce to return a phone call to their office.  They’re also apparently not too keen on speaking to the media either.