NC Gov. Roy Cooper as Democratic vice president nominee? Some naming him

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper's name has made some people's list as Democratic vice presidential nominee now that Joe Biden has exited the race and tapped Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him in the campaign.

Cooper, 67, has served two four-year terms, but will be out as governor after this year because of state term limits. Born in Nashville, N.C., he is married with three daughters. A former N.C. attorney general, Cooper steered North Carolina through the pandemic and has fought against the Republican-controlled General Assembly over teacher pay, tax breaks for the wealthy and expanding Medicaid — something the legislature eventually did.

Those backing Cooper as vice president include N.C. state Sen. Julie Mayfield of Asheville and N.C. House Rep. Eric Ager of Fairview, who listed Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly and Cooper as his picks. Other's naming the governor, include former national Democratic Chair Howard Dean and top party donors.

More: Biden exit: Western NC Democrats back Harris and Gov. Cooper or Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly

Leslie Carey, chair of the Henderson County Democratic Party, said she believes Cooper has a solid track record as a two-term governor in a swing state.

"He guided us through COVID very well. He knows how to navigate through dealing with a super majority that we have here. I think he is level headed and someone I had the opportunity to meet a couple of times. He listens to you and I think he has all the great qualities of what we would expect from a governor and I think that would transition into what would qualify for being a vice president," Carey told the Citizen Times Jan. 21.

"I’ve heard other names tossed around and I just don’t think they have the track record that Roy Cooper has. It’s different to win in a blue state than it is to win in a mostly red state, regardless of gerrymandering, he has carried North Carolina. I think that says a lot over other states that may have terrific governors but I think it says more when coming from North Carolina."

Cooper had been part of a meeting of Democratic governors with Biden early this month in a move to shore up Biden's campaign that faltered after his poor June 27 debate with Republican former President Donald Trump. Cooper weighed in after Biden's July 21 decision to exit the race, praising the president's service.

"President Biden has cemented his place among our nation’s finest presidents. When our democracy faced danger, President Biden stood strong as the rarest type of leader who could help us forge ahead with a vision to repair our country’s soul," Cooper said.

"He was able to pass transformative legislation that will benefit our economy, our families and our country for generations to come. Just as impactful as the laws he passed, though, is his ability to listen to everyday people, relate to their struggles and give them hope. I’m deeply grateful to call President Joe Biden my friend, and I thank him from the bottom of my heart for his service to our great nation."

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Joel Burgess has lived in WNC for more than 20 years, covering politics, government and other news. He's written award-winning stories on topics ranging from gerrymandering to police use of force. Got a tip? Contact Burgess at [email protected], 828-713-1095 or on Twitter @AVLreporter. Please help support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: NC Gov. Roy Cooper as Democratic vice president nominee?