RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - New state Democratic Party Chairwoman Patsy Keever has here work cut out for her. The party is broke and Democrats are still reeling from being relegated by voters to minority status in both houses of the General Assembly. Still, she presents a positive outlook.

"So many people are ready for the Democratic Party to be strong, to be positive," Keever said upon being elected to the top job last weekend. "This is a new beginning for us, and people are excited."

Keever is from Asheville and ran an unsuccessful campaign to oust Congressman Patrick McHenry from his 10th District seat in 2012.

Finances are a key problem area. At the meeting of top party leaders, the ougoing chairman, Randy Voller, said the party could look at getting a $200,000 line of credit to go forward.

Keever says her priorities include returning the governor's office to Democrats in 2016 and supporting the Democratic nominee for president.

Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper is believed to be planning a run against Republican incumbent Pat McCrory, but has made no official declaration. A recent Public Policy Polling survey showed McCrory handily beating Cooper by five points, if the election were held today.