Easley's Electoral Success Profiled

Gov. Mike Easley of North Carolina is the subject of a flattering profile in the current issue of Blueprint, a political magazine published by the Democratic Leadership Council. The article appears as part of a series of articles discussing Democratic politicians who have succeeded in "red" states like North Carolina.

While Tar Heel voters gave President Bush a sizable victory in 2004, they also re-elected Easley by a substantial margin. Moreover, Easley received considerable support from the very communities and voting blocs that preferred Bush over the Democratic presidential nominee, Sen. John Kerry. Easley outperformed Kerry in North Carolina's urban, rural and -- most importantly -- suburban communities, as well as among white men.

The profile attributes Easley's success to a variety of factors: his willingness to campaign in GOP areas, his centrist record and personal traits, particularly his interest in speaking authentically to ordinary voters.