Vinroot Makes 3rd Attempt at Statewide Office

Last Thursday, Vinroot, a former Charlotte mayor, announced that he will run for the U.S. Senate. Vinroot's announcement came just one day after long-time U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms announced that he would not seek a sixth term in 2002.

So far, Vinroot is the only Republican to announce his intention to seek the vacant seat.

Vinroot has run twice for statewide office in North Carolina and has lost both times. In 1996, Vinroot lost the Republican gubernatorial primary to Robin Hayes. Four years later Vinroot lost a close election for governor to Democrat Mike Easley.

But Vinroot said his two losses will not hinder his senatorial aspirations.

"I raised more money during the last campaign then any Republican that has ever run for governor," Vinroot said.

Vinroot's toughest challenge could come from fellow Republican and former presidential candidate Elizabeth Dole. Dole has yet to officially announce her intention to run, but she has publicly stated that she is exploring the possibility. During Vinroot's two campaigns for governor, Dole made several appearances in North Carolina to support his bid.

Ferrel Guillory, the director of UNC's Program on Southern Politics, Media and Public Life, said both Vinroot's strengths and weaknesses come from his experience running for governor.

"I guess one of his strengths is that he's run for statewide office," Guillory said. "Then again, people might remember that he's run for statewide office and lost.

"It's kind of a double-edged sword."

Guillory also said that while some issues will remain similar to those in gubernatorial races -- such as education and the environment -- the focus of the topics could change.

"Senate issues -- national issues -- tend to be more idealistic than state issues," Guillory said.

One advantage that Vinroot has is that he already has a foundation in place to run for office, Guillory said.

"Vinroot did run a pretty potent statewide race for governor," he said. "And he already has a network in place of people that support him."

But Barbara Allen, chairwoman of the N.C. Democratic Party, said she doesn't expect Vinroot to be a serious threat to potential Democratic candidates.

"Vinroot didn't give us too much trouble in the gubernatorial election," Allen said. "I don't see why things will be any different this time around."

Democratic Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, who announced her intention to seek the Senate seat last spring, is the only other candidate to officially announce her candidacy.

But two other Democrats -- N.C. Rep. Dan Blue, D-Wake, and Charlotte businessman Mark Erwin -- have been named as potential candidates.

The State & National Editor can be reached at stntdesk@unc.edu.