12th District race is off and running

Nevermind that U.S. Rep. Mel Watt is still in the 12th District congressional seat he's had since 1993. The race to succeed him is on.

Watt, a Democrat, is President Obama's choice to become director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Though he has yet to be confirmed by the Senate -- and faced some harsh questions at his confirmation hearing last month -- candidates are already lining up for an expected special election.

Charlotte lawyer George Battle III on Wednesday becomes the first candidate to formally announce for Watt's seat. He has events planned in Greensboro and Charlotte.

Other expected candidates include state Sen. Malcolm Graham and Rep. Rodney Moore, both Charlotte Democrats. Several other legislators are also exploring the race.

On Tuesday, Public Policy Polling came out with a new poll on the prospective race. It showed Graham leading several challengers with 31 percent of the vote. Rep. Alma Adams from Greensboro had 22 percent.

Battle had 8 percent.

Legislative rankings become campaign fodder

The ink was barely dry on new legislative effectiveness ratings when they became a weapon in at least one Mecklenburg County race.

Democrat Rodney Moore blasted his Democratic primary opponent in House District 99, Rep. Nick Mackey. The bi-annual rankings by the N.C. Center for Public Policy Research put Mackey at 115th in the 120-member House. He was the lowest-ranking of all 68 Democrats.

“Rep. Mackey should be embarrassed by his ineffectiveness as a legislator," Moore said in a statement. "His lack of performance is a disservice to the people of NC House District 99 and Mecklenburg County.”

Mackey could not be reached. [UPDATE 5:47: Mackey said the survey “is based on people’s opinions, not based on any facts.” “When you look at it scientifically, you come up with a different result,” he said. “I’ll put my record up against anyone, freshme or other people, in our delegation or any delegation.” He said voters should check records on the General Assembly Web site.]

The effectiveness rankings are based on surveys of legislators, lobbyists and capitol reporters.

Mackey was one of 21 House members tied for a 100 percent attendance record.

While Mackey was the lowest ranked Democrat, he wasn't the lowest-ranked Mecklenburg legislator. That honor went to Republican Rep. Jim Gulley of Matthews, who is retiring. He ranked 118th.