Marcus Williams

With the big debate among US Senate Democratic hopefuls starting at 7:30 tonight, and early voting opening tomorrow, it's getting down to crunch time. Use this thread to say whom you're voting for and why.

It was great to see over 500 supporters turn out for Cal’s hometown campaign kick-off event in Lexington last night. It felt like a big family gathering, and Cal even led folks in singing Happy Birthday to a member of his staff. He spoke directly with the community that helped to raise him and reiterated his commitment to work on their behalf in the U.S. Senate for a prosperous economy, better schools, and a restoration of American values abroad.

Well, at least he's consistent:

Marcus Williams filed as a Democrat in the US Senate race. He actually really surprised some folks and got 13% in the primary two years ago, coming within five points of the much more heralded Jim Neal. I don't think he's a serious threat to win the nomination but he could have some impact on the race.

That 13% was 170,865 votes...

The debate between the five Democratic candidates running to take on Elizabeth Dole in the general election is available as a podcast from Public Radio East. Those participating were Duskin Lassiter of Lexington, Marcus Williams of Lumberton, Jim Neal of Chapel Hill, Howard Staley of Moncure and Kay Hagan of Greensboro. Megen George, News Director for PRE moderated the debate. A very generous grant from Chestnut, Clemmons & Peacock, P.A. made the live broadcast possible.

I am the state coordinator for Progressive Democrats of America here in NC - for the time being at least - I am stepping down next month. This year, we pursued obtaining an endorsement for a US Senate candidate by Progressive Democrats of America (PDA). PDA rules say that all chapters inside a state have to vote to endorse, and then endorse one candidate by majority rule in each chapter, for Senate candidate endorsements. We have five chapters in North Carolina.

Unfortunately, two of those chapters have told me that they have restrictions on their ability to endorse anyone running for a federal office. So, as a friend of mine said, THE RULES RULE.... and there will be no endorsement from Progressive Democrats of America. The remaining three chapters (Beaufort, Buncombe, and Mecklenburg) will consider endorsements on the chapter levels.