The Ever Changing Political Landscape of Harnett County

The Ever Changing Political Landscape of Harnett County

Gary A. House

With the primaries in Harnett County over this week, the landscape for our future in Harnett County is beginning to take shape.

I have a few predictions for November that I would like to throw out there.

Harnett County School Board District 3

Republican Howard Penny vs Democrat Doug Turner.

This one is a tough call.  Doug Turner is an attorney and a political newcomer.  I have known Doug for many years and he is fine gentleman and an excellent attorney who has children in the school system.  

Howard Penny has made a few unsuccessful runs for Harnett County Commissioner losing to Jim Burgin on two occasions.  From what I have been told, Burgin talked Penny into running for the school board.   Rumors are rampant that if Penny wins, he will run for County Commissioner in two years to fill the seat to be vacated by Jim Burgin.  

Apparently, Penny has the David Lewis Machine behind him.  Turner will no doubt have a strong political team behind him as well.  Although this district is strong Republican, Mr. Turner will have a strong showing in this race.   

NC Senate

Republican Ron Rabin vs Democrat Joe Langley

Ron Rabin is the incumbent.  Joe Langley is a highly energetic challenger who has made a few bids at political offices.  

Rabin is decorated veteran and businessman, who has earned respect in the community despite his close connection to the special interests of the Anderson Creek Club.  One key issue in this race is Rabin's stance on hydraulic fracturing in Lee County.  

Langley will likely make this fracking an issue in this election.

Langley has extensive experience in the medicaid/medicare field and will likely use his knowledge to challenge Rabin and the State of North Carolina in this area.

Rabin also has the David Lewis Machine behind him.  My prediction is Langley will tie Rabin and Lewis together as proponents of the special interests of the Anderson Creek Club.

My prediction is that Langley will give Rabin a run for his money but Rabin's camp will outspend Langley by 500% in an attempt to win this seat.

I believe that this will be Rabin's last time on the ballot.  It is obvious that Commissioner Jim Burgin is being groomed for this seat on the NC Senate in two years.

NC House

Republican David Lewis vs Democrat Susan Byerly

David Lewis is known to spend excessive amounts on his campaigns and has a well-oiled machine behind him.  Susan Byerly is a well-known retired educator/principal who no doubt knows what is lacking in North Carolina's educational system.

I predict this will be a close race like when Attorney Joe Tart challenged Lewis.