Sen. Ellie Kinnaird has resigned

Submitted by Martha Brock on

WRAL News at noon reporting that Sen. Ellie Kinnaird (D-Chapel Hill) has resigned effective today. News will follow on WRAL.com.

Sen. Kinnaird has been a fighter for the underdog and a strong progressive influence in the NCGA for years.

She plans to launch a project to ensure people have the identification required to vote under a new state law. Kinnaird has served in the Senate for 17 years.

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UPDATE on Sen. Kinnaird's resignation

Submitted by Martha Brock on

from WRAL.com:

Kinnaird is one of only 17 Democrats in the 50-members state Senate. With the House and governor's mansion also controlled by Republicans, any Democrat's ability to stop or influence legislation, particularly controversial measures, is limited.

"It has been a pleasure and the greatest experience of my life to serve for 17 years in the North Carolina Senate. There is no greater privilege than to make public policy," Kinnaird wrote in an open e-mail to fellow members of the legislature and legislative staff.

In a news release, Kinnaird explained, "I feel that my energy and time is best spent to help get Democrats elected statewide and restore our standing as a progressive beacon of light in the southeast. I am also working on a grass-roots effort to assure that people have a voter ID and are registered to vote."

Sen. Kinnaird has also sent a final newsletter to her constituents and supporters with more details on her departure from the NC General Assembly.

Martha Brock

I can't fault her reasoning

Submitted by Posmo on

And I wish her the best, and I applaud her for the grass-roots effort she's initiating.

I'm in!

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"I will have a priority on building relationships with the minority caucus. I want to put substance behind those campaign speeches." -- Thom Tillis, Nov. 5, 2014

She has been the best state

Submitted by Vicki Boyer on

She has been the best state senator we could have had. I will miss knowing that she is in the Senate on our behalf. I know her current constituents will support her new endeavor. Best wishes, Ellie!

NCDP Chair hails Sen. Ellie Kinnaird’s service

Submitted by Martha Brock on

NCDP Chair hails Sen. Ellie Kinnaird’s service

RALEIGH, NC – Today, The North Carolina Democratic Party (NCDP) Chair Randy Voller honored Sen. Ellie Kinnaird in a prepared statement following news of her resignation in order to ensure voters have the necessary identification to cast a ballot in North Carolina:

“We commend and honor Sen. Kinnaird’s rich tenure in the North Carolina Senate. Throughout her 17 years of service in the Senate, and previous service as the Mayor of Carrboro, Sen. Kinnaird has been a champion for jobs, education, the environment, women, and building community,” Voller said.

"We know Sen. Kinnaird will devote her time and voice to electing Democrats in the 2013 local elections and help fight for Senator Hagan and all Democrats in 2014. Most importantly, it illustrates the character of Sen. Kinnaird to devote her time and energy to ensuring North Carolinians have the resources they need to cast a ballot in our state, this is the mark of a true Tar Heel hero.”

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NCDP.org
@NCDemParty

Martha Brock

Does anyone know

Submitted by usna77 on

is McCrory bound by law to appoint the local party's nominee?

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The measure of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little. - FDR

Essentially yes

Submitted by Posmo on

I remember exploring this in the past. I can't recall all the legalities, but the governor has no real practical alternative other than appointing who the party selects. Someone more knowledgeable could explain how & why, but I recall that was the conclusion of the analysis I saw.

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"I will have a priority on building relationships with the minority caucus. I want to put substance behind those campaign speeches." -- Thom Tillis, Nov. 5, 2014

Kinda understand- but lame

Submitted by SPLib on

Finish it out. It stinks, but you can't let them see you cry. Mail it in if you will but finish out your term unless you can't.

I can see a strong resignation in light of appalling opposition action, but this seems more like, well, resignation...

Guarantee

Submitted by BlueToe on

you will revise your opinion in short order. Dems are dead meat in both houses until we take them back. Registering and educating voters about these horrible changes to election law is now job one. It was my great privilege to travel on a bus to D.C. with Ellie to protest the fraudulent installation of GW Bush as president. I have no doubt she will continue to do great good. Hey, maybe she should primary Kay — is that still doable?

A couple of ways to look at it

Submitted by teddyrooseveltp... on

On the one hand, you might say we need someone experienced in the GA, sticking it out and calling out the Republicans at every turn.

However, I think she made the right choice here. The Dems hands are tied - this isn't a "normal" functioning state legislature. The Republicans are using every opportunity to shut up and shut out the Dems - about the only thing you can do is show up for votes.

Kinnaird is getting a little older and might be thinking that, with limited time, the best thing she can do is give her experience and passion to the most pressing job in NC - registering and getting out the vote to get the corrupt Republicans sent back home where they belong.

When there's a big disaster, you shift resources to what is most essential. The state of NC is in critical condition and we need action to solve the problem. There's no use sitting in place and not making progress.