Cary Chapter Members Participate in NCPBA Candidate Interview and Endorsement Process

On March 31, April 1, and April 2, 2008, Cary Chapter members participated in interviews of candidates seeking the PBA endorsement for various offices. Candidates seeking office for US Congress, Governor, Lt. Governor, Treasurer, NC Court of Appeals, NC Supreme Court, and NC House and Senate races met with the screening committee over these three days to discuss issues that are of vital importance to the members of the PBA and law enforcement officers. Members from other chapters also participated in this important process. The focus of these candidate interviews was to make endorsements in selected races for the May 6, 2008 primary while looking ahead in races for the general election in November.

The candidates for Governor, Lt. Governor, and Treasurer were asked questions on topics concerning 25-year retirement, due process, state appointments, the Criminal Justice Education Training and Standards Commission, judicial appointments (governor), employment rights, protection from corruption, constitutional rights of law enforcement officers and protection of LEO funds and tax exemption for disabled law enforcement officers (treasurer).

Candidates for NC House and Senate were asked questions about 25 year retirement, due process, and the separation allowance for law enforcement officers. The separation allowance question focused on the actions of municipalities to restrict officers from working after retirement and continuing to receive the separation allowance.

Congressional candidates were asked questions related to due process, protection of personnel information, and providing continued health insurance coverage for family members of officers killed in the line of duty.

This years appellate and Supreme Court judicial races include many outstanding candidates who expressed genuine respect of the law enforcement profession and clear understanding of how the North Carolina Constitution protects the rights of law enforcement officers. Candidates in these races were asked questions concerning state constitutional claims, individual rights of officers, due process, free speech, disparate treatment, and use of force.

The primary election on May 6th produced some excellent results for the PBA. The PBA’s endorsed candidates for Governor and Treasurer won their respective races and will move forward to the general election in November. Lt. Governor Beverly Perdue won in her primary race for Governor. She was extremely proud of the PBA endorsement and had stated this in a campaign press release. Senator Janet Cowell won her primary race for Treasurer. Cowell has been a friend of the PBA since her days on Raleigh City Council and was very appreciative of the PBA endorsement. Court of Appeals candidates Judge James Wynn and Sam J. Ervin IV were also endorsed during the screening process and were the top vote getters in their respective primary races. They both move onto the general election in November.

Kevin Tingen with Judge James Wynn

Bruce Dale with Beverly Perdue


Randy Byrd with Janet Cowell