NC-5: Winston-Salem Journal pulls quick one, endorses Harrell!

Jim Harrell is gaining momentum, picking up the conservative Winston-Salem Journal's endorsement.

Given the poll numbers we reported here last week, Harrell could be poised to pull off something crazy.

The Republican primaries for the 5th District congressional seat were so ugly, so offensive, so remote from the issues important to the district that many Republicans were heard wishing for a moderate, sensible candidate to support.

Now they have one. Disaffected Republicans can join Democrats and unaffiliated voters in voting for the Democratic candidate, Jim Harrell Jr. The Journal strongly endorses Harrell for the 5th District seat.

Ideally, a moderate Republican would have emerged to run for the seat that went up for grabs when Richard Burr decided after 10 years in the House to run for the Senate. After all, the district as now configured has a comfortable Republican majority.

Unfortunately, most of the candidates in the GOP primary seemed to think it necessary to stake out positions far to the right of the political spectrum and to emphasize emotionally charged, divisive social issues rather than talking about how to rebuild the district's economy or what to do about the rising costs of health care.

But Jim Harrell offers a moderate, bipartisan approach that ought to appeal to voters of any political affiliation. He has worthwhile ideas about how to promote a good business climate and help the district adapt to the changing economy. As a practicing dentist in Elkin, he has a medical professional's insights into practical ways to reform the health-care delivery system.

Help Jim.