Wright still fighting for spot on ballot

In politics, incumbents rule, but this year's Democratic primary for House District 18 doesn't really have one - or, depending on your point of view, maybe it has two.

Thomas Wright is running for a ninth term, having dominated the seat for years. Of course, that was before his recent expulsion from the House and imprisonment for up to 8 years for bilking others out of nearly $350,000.

So Sandra Spaulding Hughes, a former member of the Wilmington City Council, is technically the incumbent after local Democratic leaders named her as Wright's replacement earlier this month. But she's so new to the office her legislative furniture only started arriving Thursday.

Which leaves Hollis Briggs Jr., a chef and community activist, as the only Democratic candidate in the May 6 primary election with no time as a legislator, a fact that he thinks is without bearing. Losing the District 18 appointment to Hughes was a setback, but one he'll overcome, he said.

"It's not enough for me to concerned about," he said "We're rolling right along now."

The race appears likely to be settled on personality and name recognition rather than issues. Both Hughes and Briggs have put out similar platforms, stressing the need for infrastructure in rural Pender County, improvements in high school dropout rates in New Hanover County and economic development across the whole district, although they stop short of offering many details.

Wright's stance on the issues is harder to figure out. Prior to his sentencing, he didn't return a questionnaire sent by the Star-News to all local candidates. And now he's an inmate at Craven Correctional Institute.

In fact, as a convict, he may not even be eligible to hold office. The state constitution bars convicted felons from office, but experts disagree whether the ban takes effect upon a judge's ruling or when the person exhausts his appeals.

Gary Bartlett, the executive director of the N.C. State Board of Elections, said the board would address the issue if Wright wins the primary.

Hughes, a retired teacher, believes her term as a Wilmington city councilwoman gives her the experience to know how to get things done, negotiate political protocol and deal with power brokers, many of whom she dealt with as a councilwoman, she said.

"My goal is to cultivate an atmosphere of respect, trust, and cooperation - all to benefit the citizens of District 18," she said.

Briggs has no experience as an elected official, but he said serving in Raleigh will be like his work as a community activist, only for "more marbles." As president of the Bottom Neighborhood Empowerment Association, he has helped make life better in the inner city. And as head of the city's Martin Luther King Jr. parade, he has transformed a small event with 20-some parties into a regional draw with more than 130 participants.

"They just didn't jump in because they had nothing better to do," he said. "I had to impress all those people."

Attorney Thom Goolsby, the sole Republican candidate, awaits the Democratic nominee in the November election.

Sam Scott: 343-2370

sam.scott@starnewsonline.com