OK, everybody, time to wake up and vote. It’s time for Election 2006 and the primary vote on Tuesday. If you’re like most folks, you haven’t been paying a damn bit of attention to any of this. But we’ve still got to go out and do our democratic duty and vote, whether we know what we’re doing or not. So, as usual, we at Ashvegas will boldly step forward and offer you our predictions. Or at least wild-ass guesses.
11th Congressional District
In the Republican primary, it will be U.S. Rep. Charles Taylor handily defeating his opponent, first-timer John Armor. For the Democrats, it will be former footballer Heath Shuler. No surprises here.
Buncombe County sheriff
This is the race to determine who Sheriff Bobby Medford will run against in November. J.B. Howard and Van Duncan appear to be the leaders, though Lee Farnsworth has been around long enough that he might make this a race that goes to a run-off (the winner needs at least 40 percent of the vote.) We’re picking Duncan, mainly because he’s got the best campaign slogan, “Vote Van.”
Buncombe’s House District 116
Charles Thomas, through his consistent work in local Republican ranks, will win. Among Dems, it will be Doug Jones, who has a strong following among Ashvegas liberals.
House District 115
It’s a Republican race, and Eric Gorny wins.
Senate District 49
Name recognition carries the day for Republican R.L. Clark.