When the North Carolina Democratic Chair said he would not seek reelection as leader of the NCDP he took responsibility for the 2014 election cycle and said it was time for new leadership.

But, what exactly did he mean?

What my ears heard was that he was saying, “the buck stops here.”  As the leader of the NCDP, he feels that new leadership, with new energy and vigor, could possibly galvanize the Democratic faithful in a new way—and maybe win more elections.

What I did not hear Voller say is that he took responsibility for Hagan’s campaign or her votes (rather a lack of votes).   

It would be impossible for him to do that—to take that level of responsibility—he had no control over that candidate, her team, her strategy or the outcome of Hagan’s collective failings.

Moreover, Voller can’t take responsibility for any congressional campaign that lost.   Those CD candidates were antonymous to the NCDP—and the only thing they had in common was that they were running as Democrats.

He also can’t take responsibility for counties that refused to use the Blue Ballot strategy.  It was made available to all counties, the only thing the Party asked is that they wouldn’t sell it to others.  A pretty simple request if you ask me.

Make no mistake about it: Voller’s responsibility can’t be misconstrued—responsibility (and falling on your sword) is one thing, ownership is something else.