If it weren't so sad it would be funny. I don't know who this Guarino person is, but when a friend sent me a link to this I had to point out just how easy it could be to win in November 2010 if this guy has anything to do with Burr's strategy. His proposal? Attack Roy Cooper on the Eve Carson Murder.

First, we need to recall the murder of Eve Carson, the UNC student leader, by a probation violator. The News and Observer in Raleigh subsequently did a series that exposed the utter failure of the North Carolina probation system.

:::

Roy Cooper did not have direct control over the probation function within state government.

So, the plan is to attack Cooper on something he had no control over. Sounds good. I also think the public will appreciate seeing Eve Carson trotted out as Exhibit A for Republicans in 2010. Advising Burr to use Eve Carson in that way sounds about right if you're a heartless bastard who takes advantage of horrific murders of young women.

But wait! It gets better. He explains why Cooper should wear Eve Carson's murder around his neck.

He has had the power of a bully pulpit with his position to advocate for a stronger probation system within our state government; and he could have used his position of leadership to bring people and agencies together to maximize crime control.

But he did not do so.

In other words, Guarino is advising Republicans to attack Cooper because he didn't take advantage of Eve Carson's murder to speak from his bully pulpit on something Guarino himself admits Cooper had no control over.

Please, oh please, oh please let this guy be in charge.