C19TV’s Political Smackdown hosts talk local candidates, HS football, pay tribute to the late Jim Hunt on recent episode.
- Chuck Thompson
- Dec 24, 2025
- 4 min read
By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent
C19TV’s Political Smackdown, hosted by Mike Philbeck -R, Betsy Wells -D, Wes Westmoreland -R, and Andy Dedmon -D, had their last regular episode of the year on the last Friday before Christmas.
Former Shelby Mayor Mike Philbeck began the show by mentioning former North Carolina Governor James B. (Jim) Hunt, who recently passed away at age 88, mentioning Hunt was the only governor in NC to be elected four times, from 1977-1985 and 1993-2001.
“He championed early Childhood and development, he was responsible for the Smart Start initiative supporting pre-kindergarteners and their families,” noted Philbeck. “For much of his term he was about raising school standards and teacher pay; he did justice reform act trying to reduce youth crime, among many things.”
“Regardless of your politics,” added Philbeck, “Governor Hunt is an icon in North Carolina history.”
Philbeck mentioned how Dedmon knew Hunt, as did Wells, too.
Dedmon praised Hunt’s approachable demeanor and sense of humor, which helped people to feel relaxed and comfortable and to show how Hunt was a man of the people.
“There will never be another one like him,” Dedmon said.
“The North Carolina Democratic Party has lost a giant,” added Wells, noted. “He certain shaped North Carolina Democratic Politics.”
Philbeck also noted what a political force Hunt was during his time, losing only one race to Jesse Helms in 1984.
Westmoreland followed up by adding his thoughts. “In modern history, when most people think of North Carolina, they think of Jim Hunt and Jesse Helms, that define North Carolina on the state and the federal level,” said Westmoreland. “He was a great North Carolinian and I don’t think anyone will ever achieve four terms as (North Carolina) governor again – I don’t know if anyone will ever achieve four-terms of governor again.” Sending his condolences to his family.
All four of the show hosts continued to speak fondly of Hunt, before moving on to local high school football and Cleveland County candidates.
First, former Mayor Philbeck gave congratulations to both Crest and Shelby High School for their respective state championship wins.
“Shelby is a dynasty,” said Philbeck, noting their history as state champions in football.
Westmoreland praised Shelby quarterback Lan Farmer, stating, “Most prolific quarterback from Cleveland County, but all these young people, what a statement.
Philbeck agreed, also noting Farmer’s impressive record.
Dedmon, a Crest High School alumnus, who said he was there, “During the dark ages” talked how at one time it was basically just football, basketball and baseball, noting how far Crest has come with their variety of sports teams, and praised Crest for their victory at Durham.
“It amazes me,” Dedmon said. “Let’s think about the size of Cleveland County. To be able to produce consistently – not only with Shelby, but Crest – and Burns and Kings Mountain; they may not have the same winning streak as Crest and Shelby, but they’re still strong and it has to be the competition within this county… it’s just amazing we’re able to produce this caliber of player in small county of 100,000 people.”
“There’s certainly a lot of talent come through these schools,” said Philbeck. “Crest has been quite successful – and at Shelby, coaching is key.” Philbeck spoke of notable coaches at Shelby since the 1950’s and 60’s.
Wells, who taught for Shelby and Kings Mountain, was proud of these football programs, noting she hopes all four high schools can continue on to strive for more championships.
“Everyone is proud of Crest and Shelby for their championships,” added Wells.
Local political filings were the next topic of discussion.
The deadline for filing as a candidate for political office was 12 noon on Friday Dec. 19, 2025.
Philbeck noted they were recording the episode at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, and some last-minute filings may take place before the episode airs on C19.
As for the county commissioner filing, Laura Boggs Tharrington -R, was noted to be the most recent filing at the time of the episode was recorded.
“That makes seven republicans," Said Philbeck. “Still no democrats.”
All of these candidates will be vying for two seats up for election.
It was also noted that Coleman Hunt -D, had filed to run for school board. Two Republicans, Stephen Self and Rodney Fitch had filed as of last week. (Brandon Bridges filed after the recording of the show for school board, the information was not known at time of recording).
They also discussed NC House race, where Mary Silver -D, will run against the GOP primary winner Kelly Hastings or newcomer Caroline Eason.
Rod Powell -D, has filed to run against incumbent Ted Alexander -R, in the general election in 2026.
Andy Dedmon mentioned how interesting it is that nobody wants to run against Paul Scott for the NC House 111 seat.
Westmoreland noted how things had changed in just a couple of decades with Republicans now being the majority of office holders in Cleveland County.
The lone Democrat running for school board Coleman Hunt -D, was discussed, with Westmoreland having stated, “A former school board member, well-known, obviously qualified in the public’s eye for this seat will present an interesting race in November.”
Former Mayor Philbeck noted to his democrat counterparts on the show how one democrat in the school board race has the potential to gain a footing, to which Dedmon said if it is played correctly, it could be a possibility.
“If we play this thing smart, we have an outside chance to put a democrat on the board,” said Dedmon. “He’s a solid candidate.”
Political Smackdown is available to watch directly on C19TV’s YouTube Channel. C19TV is produced by Cleveland Community College.
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Chuck Thompson is a reporter and columnist for The Shelby Independent.
