North Carolina PBA Conducts Most Ambitious Candidate Interview and Endorsement Process in History 

Successful Election Leads to the Largest Pool of Endorsed Candidates to Ever Take Office 

Twenty Eight Cary Chapter Members Participate in the Process

The North Carolina PBA conducted the most ambitious screening and endorsement of political candidates in its history during the 2006 general election season.   Candidates seeking office for numerous races at the federal, state, and local levels were invited to meet with the membership and answer questions in hopes of receiving the PBA endorsement for the general election.   In May, Congressional candidate interviews were conducted.  This was followed by interviews involving candidates for the North Carolina House and Senate in June.   In July, candidate interviews were held for candidates for the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.   In August, the Raleigh-Wake and Cary Chapters conducted interviews for candidates seeking election to the NC House and Senate, Wake County Clerk of Superior Court, Wake County District Attorney, County Commissioners, and District and Superior Court Judges.  In September, a final round of interviews with candidates for the NC House and Senate was conducted, along with interviewing candidates for the Office of Sheriff.  The Cary Chapter also conducted candidate interviews for those seeking appointment to a vacated seat on the Cary Town council.  In October, members of the Piedmont-Triad Chapter conducted interviews for District and Superior Court judges.  Based on their responses in a graded format, endorsements were given to those selected candidates. 

According to NC Division President Andy Miller, “The PBA endorsement is of great value and one that candidates seek above all others.” This is especially true of candidates seeking to be elected or re-elected to the NC House and Senate where the PBA has sponsored, authored or directly supported more legislation in North Carolina than all other North Carolina law enforcement groups combined.  Of 94 pro-labor and work improvement law enforcement bills sponsored, supported or authored by the PBA in the North Carolina General Assembly since 1989; 38 were ratified into law.  This success is directly related to the candidate interview and endorsement process and will eventually lead to the passage of critical legislation such as the 25 year retirement.   NC Legislative Chairperson Randy Byrd added, “Many long term relationships have been started through our professional interview and endorsement process and candidates are proud to call the PBA a friend.  This transcends into the PBA and legislators working to achieve meaningful legislation that benefits the entire law enforcement profession.”   Rep. Rick Glazier, who co-sponsored a PBA bill that became law, had this to say about his endorsement, “I am honored to receive the endorsement of the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association. The PBA’s mission is to support the professional development and quality of law enforcement in our state. The PBA supports and advocates for officers in the field on every police force in North Carolina, and in doing so, ensures a more effective, efficient and highly trained police system in this state.  We are all the beneficiaries of the PBA’s work, because in helping fellow law enforcement officers, the PBA makes all of our communities far safer.  No endorsement means more to me than that of the PBA and I will continue to fight for better pay, benefits, retirement and protection for law enforcement in North Carolina.”  Rep. Grier Martin who as a freshman representative sponsored a PBA Due Process Bill in 2005, had this to say about his endorsement; “The PBA endorsement is important to me because it is an honor to be supported by these men and women who put their lives on the line for the people of North Carolina.  It is their tireless commitment and sacrifice that inspires me to continue working hard for all North Carolinians.” And Senator Doug Berger who has co-sponsored 25 year retirement legislation had this to say about his endorsement; “I am proud to have received the endorsement of the PBA.  The PBA has a long history of being a critical advocate for rank and file law enforcement officers.  I believe with the PBA's assistance we can make the dream of a 25 year retirement plan for law enforcement officers a reality. The PBA has also been an invaluable resource for me in helping to assist law enforcement officers who have been mistreated due to politics.”

After the interview and endorsement process, the members went to work to get their endorsed candidates elected.  This included attending functions or meeting with candidates to offer campaign contributions on behalf of the PBA. The candidates also proudly displayed the PBA endorsement in various forms to include newspaper, television, and direct mail advertising.   In October, a direct mailing advising the membership of the endorsements was also sent.   On November 7^th, the fruits of the labor were realized with abundant victories across the state.   One only has to look and compare the PBA winning percentage in contested races with some current college basketball coaching legends in North Carolina.  According to Byrd, “I would put our political winning percentage in line with Coach Mike Krzyzewski of Duke and Coach Roy Williams of North Carolina.  Prior to this season Coach K had a winning percentage of .751 and Coach Williams stood at .799.   The PBA is in good company at .753.”