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Murphy – After nearly a decade, leadership in the Cherokee County Democratic Party is changing.
“This is my last election,” Chairman Lawrence McNabb said Friday afternoon.
McNabb said he has discussed his decision to step down with the local board, and has been in discussions with the district chair, but nothing is finalized yet. He was first elected Democratic chairman at a county convention in April 2012, then was re-elected this spring to another term, which was scheduled to end in 2022.
McNabb said there are “very competent people” who can take his place.
He said his decision was based on a combination of things. For one, his daughters – ages 10, 12 and 14 – are all extremely active, and he’s been dedicating time to supporting them. He added that he’s the type of person who goes “all in” on things, and he hasn’t been living up to his own expectations in the job as chairman.
“It’s difficult for me to do the job that’s needed to be done in the position I’m in,” McNabb said. “I’ve enjoyed this. I’ve enjoyed politics.”
He plans to remain involved to some degree, but will step back to allow new leadership to bring fresh ideas to the party. For
the future, he hopes local leaders from both parties will work together, adding that he’s been able to work well with Murphy Mayor Rick Ramsey as well as County Commissioners Cal Stiles and Gary “Hippie” Westmoreland.
“I just really hope that the Democratic Party in Cherokee County would continue to thrive,” McNabb said.
On the election, McNabb thinks the parties’ difference in opinion on the coronavirus pandemic hurt local campaigns, adding that most older voters still appreciate one-on-one campaigning from candidates.
He hopes partisan politics will recede a little bit. On Election Day, he made the decision to close Cherokee County Democratic Party headquarters at 5 p.m. based on concerns voiced by area Democrats. He said some things are being looked into.
“Any time you hear in today’s world a comment that can be construed or interpreted as a threat, it needs to be dealt with seriously, and it’s unfortunate,” McNabb said.
“You just can’t take chances today.”