Christspeak, Rx

It should mean new leadership from Democratic legislators who were on the back of their party's bus. Those members who are free from the Black scandal, assuming they have the nerve and can unite, need to put their party's future ahead of any loyalty to their peers who are tainted by taking their powerful positions away. This establishes credibility and trust among the entire state government, the media and their constituents.

Being a Democrat on the state level is far easier than on the national level. In North Carolina, most Democrats sound and act more like Zell Miller than Ted Kennedy. The "Hot" issues are drastically watered down, allowing most legislators to rely more on their reputation and relationships within their community. That's why it is so important the honest one's distance themselves from their peers, their personal reputation is at stake as well.

This is a year the Republicans should pour monies disproportionately into state elections. They need to make sure every community knows exactly how their good ol' boy representing them in Raleigh sold them out. At the same time, Republicans need to realize that this scandle reflects badly on policians more than a political party. It is never good for either party when members become corrupt.