By Brent Woodcox
Communications Director/Assistant Legal Counsel, North Carolina Republican Party
By a slim 5-4 majority, the Supreme Court upheld the right of private citizens to "keep and bear arms" this week. Though we thought that this right was guaranteed in 1791 when the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution was first adopted, the reality is that we are always one rogue decision of the Supreme Court from having even basic liberties stripped from us. For today, we can breathe a collective sigh of relief as those who would further erode the freedoms guaranteed us by the Founding Fathers have been defeated once again. This is why the issue of the role of judges and judicial appointments is so important. Please read Justice Scalia's brilliant opinion on behalf of the Court in Heller for yourself, but I particularly enjoyed this section and wanted to share it with you.
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District of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. ___, (2008)
We know of no other enumerated constitutional right whose core protection has been subjected to a freestanding "interest-balancing" approach. The very enumeration of the right takes our of the hands of government--even the Third Branch of Government--the power to decide on a case-by-case basis whether the right is really worth insisting upon. A constitutional guarantee subject to future judges' assessments of its usefulness is no constitutional guarantee at all. Constitutional rights are enshrined with the scope they were understood to have when the people adopted them, whether or not future legislatures or (yes) even future judges think that scope too broad. We would not apply an "interest-balancing" approach to . . . the First Amendment . . . The Second Amendment is no different. Like the First, it is the very product of an interest-balancing by the people--which JUSTICE BREYER would now conduct for them anew. And whatever else it leaves to future evaluation, it surely elevates above all other interests the right of law-abiding, responsible citizens to use arms in defense of hearth and home. ...
We are aware of the problem of handgun violence in this country, and we take seriously the concerns raised by the many amici who believe that prohibition of handgun ownership is the solution. The Constitution leaves the District of Columbia a variety of tools for combating that problem, including some measures regulating handguns. . . But the enshrinement of constitutional rights necessarily takes certain policy choices off the table. These include the absolute prohibition of handguns held and used for self-defense in the home. Undoubtedly some think that the Second Amendment is outmoded in a society where our standing army is the pride of our Nation, where well-trained police forces provide personal security, and where gun violence is a serious problem. That is perhaps debatable, but what is not debatable is that it is not the role of this Court to pronounce the Second Amendment extinct. ...
To read the full opinion, click here...
http://www.supremecourtus.gov/opinions/07pdf/07-290.pdf
Friday, June 27, 2008
Just another politician
In Case You Missed It...
Obama strays from image
Outsider appeal may fade as he shifts views and tactics
Margaret Talev, McClatchy Newspapers
WASHINGTON - From the beginning, Barack Obama's special appeal was his vow to remain an idealistic outsider and never to shift his positions for political expediency or become a captive of inside-the-Beltway intelligentsia or kiss up to special interests and big money donors.
In recent weeks, though, Obama has done all those things.
He abandoned public campaign financing after years of championing it. He backed a compromise on wiretap legislation that gives telecom companies retroactive immunity for helping the government conduct spying without warrants. He dumped his controversial pastor of two decades -- and then his church -- after saying he could no more abandon the pastor than abandon his own grandmother.
He said he wouldn't wear the U.S. flag pin because it had become a substitute for true patriotism; then he started wearing it. He ramped up his courtship of unions; shifted from a pledge to protect working-class families from tax increases to a far more expensive promise not to raise taxes on families that earn up to $250,000 a year; and turned to longtime D.C. Democratic wise men to run his vice-presidential search and staff his foreign-policy brain trust.
Presidential candidates often tack toward the center after securing their party's nominations. But all this tactical repositioning by Obama suggests that he's a more complex, pragmatic and arguably more opportunistic politician than the fresh face of "change we can believe in" that he presented during the primary season.
Click here for the full article...
http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1122086.html
Obama strays from image
Outsider appeal may fade as he shifts views and tactics
Margaret Talev, McClatchy Newspapers
WASHINGTON - From the beginning, Barack Obama's special appeal was his vow to remain an idealistic outsider and never to shift his positions for political expediency or become a captive of inside-the-Beltway intelligentsia or kiss up to special interests and big money donors.
In recent weeks, though, Obama has done all those things.
He abandoned public campaign financing after years of championing it. He backed a compromise on wiretap legislation that gives telecom companies retroactive immunity for helping the government conduct spying without warrants. He dumped his controversial pastor of two decades -- and then his church -- after saying he could no more abandon the pastor than abandon his own grandmother.
He said he wouldn't wear the U.S. flag pin because it had become a substitute for true patriotism; then he started wearing it. He ramped up his courtship of unions; shifted from a pledge to protect working-class families from tax increases to a far more expensive promise not to raise taxes on families that earn up to $250,000 a year; and turned to longtime D.C. Democratic wise men to run his vice-presidential search and staff his foreign-policy brain trust.
Presidential candidates often tack toward the center after securing their party's nominations. But all this tactical repositioning by Obama suggests that he's a more complex, pragmatic and arguably more opportunistic politician than the fresh face of "change we can believe in" that he presented during the primary season.
Click here for the full article...
http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1122086.html
Thursday, June 26, 2008
NCGOP E-Letter - June 26, 2008
FREEDOM
"Freedom" -- featuring Ronald Reagan's wisdom, Fred Thompson's narration and John McCain's vision for our future -- lays out the stakes on Election Day and was the feature video for the 2008 National Republican Senatorial Committee President's Dinner.
Dole supports lifting ban on offshore drilling
By Mike Baker
The News & Observer
June 26, 2008
RALEIGH - Sen. Elizabeth Dole said North Carolina should have the option of allowing oil exploration off the state's coast, backing away from her long-held support of a federal moratorium on Atlantic drilling.
In a statement Wednesday to The Associated Press, Dole said she supports lifting a 27-year-old moratorium that has prohibited exploration off the North Carolina coast.
"Now, more than ever, responsible and practical steps are needed to increase our energy independence and strengthen economic and national security," Dole said.
The Republican, facing re-election for the first time, said the option should be available to states so long as the exploration is safe, clean and not visible from land. She plans to sign on to a GOP measure allowing states to open areas at least 50 miles off their shorelines to exploration that could bring in extra revenue for the states.
For years, Dole had supported the ban on oil exploration, saying it was necessary to protect tourism and marine habitat.
"There is no question that now, more than ever, we must work to end our dependence on foreign oil," Dole said in a 2005 floor speech. "But we cannot do so by ignoring the wishes and economic needs of the majority of the people of North Carolina, and many other coastal states, who oppose this exploration."
But as gas prices have passed $4 a gallon, Dole has increasingly softened her stance on offshore exploration. She said at a forum with Democratic rival Kay Hagan last weekend that she still opposed the idea but would consider a measure if it came across her desk.
Hagan, like fellow Democrats in Congress, opposes the offshore drilling plan.
Republicans, including presidential candidate John McCain, have said offshore drilling could help the nation ease its dependence on foreign oil and provide short-term relief to gas prices. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has opposed the idea. …
Click here for the full article…
McCRORY SHINES IN FIRST DEBATE
Rating The First Debate
By John Hood
Carolina Journal Online
June 23, 2008
RALEIGH – Political experience differs as much in kind as in amount – a point clearly illustrated by the first candidate forum of the 2008 governor’s race. Beverly Perdue and Pat McCrory are both experienced politicians, but McCrory came to Saturday’s North Carolina Bar Association event in Atlantic Beach ready to speak, via television, to North Carolina voters. Perdue came ready to speak to the relatively small audience of lawyers, reporters, and dignitaries in attendance.
The difference was striking, and not to Perdue’s benefit. …
At Saturday’s forum, McCrory was comfortable, relaxed, smooth, and folksy. He led off his performance by contrasting the fantasy of speedy investigations and satisfying resolutions on CSI and Law & Order to the reality of overworked beat cops and underfunded crime labs trying to clear cases in North Carolina. He ended with an extended and funny Andy Griffth Show riff that also contrasted fiction and reality. (I felt like having a “big Orange drink” afterward.) …
At Saturday’s forum, Perdue at times seemed uncomfortable, anxious, and off-balance. She made joking reference to reporters and other individuals in the room that most of the audience watching at home wouldn’t have understood. She referred repeatedly to what “y’all know” about her record, a questionable choice given that most North Carolina voters probably don’t know much about her record. The assumed personal familiarity sounded odd and egotistical. In both the opening and closing statements, she also clumsily stated strident opposition to school vouchers, an issue that hasn’t come up yet in the campaign and didn’t during the forum itself. …
The fact that Perdue made her silly voucher attack Saturday told me two things: 1) she and her campaign team are far more worried about the McCrory candidacy than they let on publicly, and 2) she is a candidate largely unschooled in the art of televised debate against a capable opponent.
Perdue still has important advantages. Having spent the better part of three decades in Raleigh, she has a grasp of policy detail and will rarely be stumped for an answer to any question about state government. And the ability to perform in public forums and debates isn’t as critical in modern campaigning as performing well in broadcast ads and raising money to finance them, like it or not.
Still, it shows how experience in one political arena doesn’t necessarily translate well to another political arena. Pat McCrory actually reminded me, stylistically, of Mike Easley, minus the Eastern NC drawl and programmatic rhyming. Beverly Perdue came across as a state legislator trying to establish her credibility as a candidate for higher office. Shouldn’t she have already done that eight years ago?
It was a stumble, albeit in a race with a long, long stretch of track still to traverse.
Hood is president of the John Locke Foundation.
Click here for the full article…
FROM THE PRESS ROOM: SENATE DEMOCRATS PRACTICING MORAL RELATIVISM
Basnight, Boseman, Jenkins Lacking Moral Compass
RALEIGH—With new instances of Democrat corruption and conflicts of interest in the General Assembly making the news everyday, it is not difficult to see that the Democrat leadership in state government has lost its way.
“State Sen. Clark Jenkins, the primary sponsor of a bill that would allow wider boats and longer, heavier trucks on North Carolina highways, is an owner of a marina near Nags Head that claims on its Web site to be the fastest-growing new fishing marina in the state.
Jenkins, a Tarboro Democrat, said he didn't disclose his interest in Broad Creek Fishing Center & Marina when he shepherded his bill through two Senate committees because it wasn't necessary.
‘I don't have a conflict of interest, in my opinion,’ Jenkins said in an interview Tuesday. …
Sen. Marc Basnight, president pro tem of the Senate, said he agrees with Jenkins and added: ‘I don't see how it benefits him. It benefits the person pulling the boat.’” (Stith, Pat, “Boat bill sponsor is marina owner,” The News & Observer, June 25, 2008 http://www.newsobserver.com
Chairman Linda Daves, North Carolina Republican Party, made the following statement:
“Apparently, Marc Basnight doesn’t see a lot of things. He didn’t see a conflict of interest when Clark Jenkins introduced legislation that would directly increase his profit margin for his privately-owned business. He didn’t see a problem with being a guest at Julia Boseman’s fundraiser at the home of a convicted felon this week. He didn’t see Republican opposition to the Democrat budget because he silences Republicans before they can even engage in meaningful debate. The myopia of Marc Basnight and the Democrat leadership in North Carolina has caused enough problems for our state and its citizens. We need new and better vision in state government. Basnight and the Democrat leadership have consistently failed their eye exams.”
FROM THE BLOG: On the issues: Windfall profits tax
By Chris McClure
Executive Director, North Carolina Republican Party
June 23, 2008
Not one dime. That is how much savings you can expect at the pump if Democrats succeed in implementing a windfall profits tax. Not one dime. In fact, we already have tried a windfall profits tax implemented during the Carter administration. How did that work out? Well, it resulted in less domestic production and an energy crisis. There were long lines and higher prices at the pump. In short, it was a disaster. It is no wonder why North Carolina hasn’t voted for a Democrat for President since then.
If it is a proven failure, why propose it at all then? Because by doing so you give the appearance of doing something without actually doing anything to lower prices at the pump. Democrats don’t want lower gas prices. They never have. For the sake of forced conservation or increased revenue, Democrats have consistently opposed decreasing taxes on gas. Just ask Kay Hagan and the Democrat leadership in the General Assembly what they have done during her stint in office to lower gas prices for North Carolinians paying the price at the pump. As gas prices go up, so do taxes and nothing has been done to stop it. So now Democrats go back to the tried and true class warfare rhetoric and attack Big Oil as the evil entity guilty of ruining American lives and bottom lines. You’ll notice there is no talk of how much the government is taking in from taxes on each gallon of gasoline. There is no offer of giving up a little bit of their share to make the lives of North Carolina families just a little easier this summer. Punishing big oil companies might seem just or feel right but it won’t lower gas prices one dime. In fact, it will almost certainly cause us to pay even more at the pump. This is truly a “solution” we can’t afford.
Meanwhile, Democrats are united in their opposition to finding any way to increase domestic production and exploration. The new Democrat talking point is, “We can’t drill our way out of this problem.” Of course, no one is saying we can. Republicans have advocated drilling in places like ANWR as a temporary solution while we release American industry and ingenuity to make us completely independent from foreign oil forever. Democrats say we won’t be able to get oil from these places for five years. Well, we won’t be driving cars that use only alternative fuels in five years either but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t start working on the technology. Barack Obama’s proposal for lowering energy prices is the familiar windfall profits tax and suing OPEC. So let me get this straight. We can’t drill our way out of this problem, but we can tax and litigate our way out of it. This is utter nonsense. Here is the truth. Democrats are against increasing domestic production because they are held captive by powerful environmental lobbies and special interests. They will put their agendas over the needs of North Carolina consumers no matter how desperate times get. Democrats want high oil prices. They always have.
TAKE BACK OUR STATE RALLY A SUCCESS
Rally lures 1,000 conservatives
By Ryan Teague Beckwith
The News & Observer
June 26, 2008
RALEIGH - A group of nearly 1,000 conservative activists vowed Wednesday to "take back" North Carolina in this fall's elections at a rally in front of the Legislative Building.
Sponsored by the anti-tax group Americans for Prosperity, the rally promoted a mix of conservative and libertarian causes, focusing on reducing state spending, protecting private property rights and adding to the state constitution a ban on same-sex marriage.
The keynote speaker, former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas, mostly eschewed politicking to share folksy anecdotes about Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill and Ronald Reagan. …
Dole briefly mentioned the re-election campaign of his wife, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, while reminiscing about his own career in the Senate.
"I've never been before the Ethics Committee, and, I can guarantee you, Elizabeth's never been before the Ethics Committee," he said to loud cheers. Later, he added, "I know this is a nonpartisan event, but I do hope you'll take a good look at Elizabeth."
Other Republican candidates for state office were not as shy in their turns at the podium.
Robert Pittenger, a former state senator who is running for lieutenant governor, said the Democratic majority in the state Senate has essentially overruled the GOP minority, especially during recent budget negotiations.
"There's less freedom of speech in the North Carolina Senate than there is the Russian Duma," he said, referring to that country's lower house of parliament.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Pat McCrory vowed to change the culture of Raleigh -- even
In a 10-minute speech, McCrory pledged to address the problem of "local, national and international gangs," direct transportation spending to congested roads, and reduce the state's high school dropout rate.
Most of all, he promised to "change the culture" of Raleigh, saying it's been ruled by "four or five power elites."
"You've got to have a governor that you see -- not just at election time, but after the election is over," he said.
Click here for the full article…
Monday, June 23, 2008
What? Do you want a cookie?
By Linda Daves
Chairman, North Carolina Republican Party
At Saturday’s debate between Senator Elizabeth Dole and Kay Hagan, Hagan took the opportunity several times to pat herself on the back for overseeing a balanced budget during her time as a budget writer in the North Carolina Senate. This would be a remarkable and noteworthy accomplishment if the North Carolina Constitution did not require a balanced budget of the General Assembly. In 1977, the General Assembly sent a constitutional amendment to the voters requiring a balanced budget and it was ratified on November 8, 1977. Leave it to a Democrat politician in Raleigh to claim credit for what they are constitutionally required to do. However, if Ms. Hagan would like to take credit for Democrat budgets during her time in the N.C. Senate, we will be glad to give it to her along with her long record of raising taxes, engaging in wasteful spending, and perpetuating a failure of priorities in the North Carolina budget process. The episode in the N.C. Senate last week during the budget “debate” proves just why we need to shed some light on the budget process in Raleigh. It also proves why we don’t need to send a Democrat to Washington who has been a part of the problem in Raleigh.
Chairman, North Carolina Republican Party
At Saturday’s debate between Senator Elizabeth Dole and Kay Hagan, Hagan took the opportunity several times to pat herself on the back for overseeing a balanced budget during her time as a budget writer in the North Carolina Senate. This would be a remarkable and noteworthy accomplishment if the North Carolina Constitution did not require a balanced budget of the General Assembly. In 1977, the General Assembly sent a constitutional amendment to the voters requiring a balanced budget and it was ratified on November 8, 1977. Leave it to a Democrat politician in Raleigh to claim credit for what they are constitutionally required to do. However, if Ms. Hagan would like to take credit for Democrat budgets during her time in the N.C. Senate, we will be glad to give it to her along with her long record of raising taxes, engaging in wasteful spending, and perpetuating a failure of priorities in the North Carolina budget process. The episode in the N.C. Senate last week during the budget “debate” proves just why we need to shed some light on the budget process in Raleigh. It also proves why we don’t need to send a Democrat to Washington who has been a part of the problem in Raleigh.
On the issues: Windfall profits tax
By Chris McClure
Executive Director, North Carolina Republican Party
Not one dime. That is how much savings you can expect at the pump if Democrats succeed in implementing a windfall profits tax. Not one dime. In fact, we already have tried a windfall profits tax implemented during the Carter administration. How did that work out? Well, it resulted in less domestic production and an energy crisis. There were long lines and higher prices at the pump. In short, it was a disaster. It is no wonder why North Carolina hasn’t voted for a Democrat for President since then.
If it is a proven failure, why propose it at all then? Because by doing so you give the appearance of doing something without actually doing anything to lower prices at the pump. Democrats don’t want lower gas prices. They never have. For the sake of forced conservation or increased revenue, Democrats have consistently opposed decreasing taxes on gas. Just ask Kay Hagan and the Democrat leadership in the General Assembly what they have done during her stint in office to lower gas prices for North Carolinians paying the price at the pump. As gas prices go up, so do taxes and nothing has been done to stop it. So now Democrats go back to the tried and true class warfare rhetoric and attack Big Oil as the evil entity guilty of ruining American lives and bottom lines. You’ll notice there is no talk of how much the government is taking in from taxes on each gallon of gasoline. There is no offer of giving up a little bit of their share to make the lives of North Carolina families just a little easier this summer. Punishing big oil companies might seem just or feel right but it won’t lower gas prices one dime. In fact, it will almost certainly cause us to pay even more at the pump. This is truly a “solution” we can’t afford.
Meanwhile, Democrats are united in their opposition to finding any way to increase domestic production and exploration. The new Democrat talking point is, “We can’t drill our way out of this problem.” Of course, no one is saying we can. Republicans have advocated drilling in places like ANWR as a temporary solution while we release American industry and ingenuity to make us completely independent from foreign oil forever. Democrats say we won’t be able to get oil from these places for five years. Well, we won’t be driving cars that use only alternative fuels in five years either but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t start working on the technology. Barack Obama’s proposal for lowering energy prices is the familiar windfall profits tax and suing OPEC. So let me get this straight. We can’t drill our way out of this problem, but we can tax and litigate our way out of it. This is utter nonsense. Here is the truth. Democrats are against increasing domestic production because they are held captive by powerful environmental lobbies and special interests. They will put their agendas over the needs of North Carolina consumers no matter how desperate times get. Democrats want high oil prices. They always have.
Executive Director, North Carolina Republican Party
Not one dime. That is how much savings you can expect at the pump if Democrats succeed in implementing a windfall profits tax. Not one dime. In fact, we already have tried a windfall profits tax implemented during the Carter administration. How did that work out? Well, it resulted in less domestic production and an energy crisis. There were long lines and higher prices at the pump. In short, it was a disaster. It is no wonder why North Carolina hasn’t voted for a Democrat for President since then.
If it is a proven failure, why propose it at all then? Because by doing so you give the appearance of doing something without actually doing anything to lower prices at the pump. Democrats don’t want lower gas prices. They never have. For the sake of forced conservation or increased revenue, Democrats have consistently opposed decreasing taxes on gas. Just ask Kay Hagan and the Democrat leadership in the General Assembly what they have done during her stint in office to lower gas prices for North Carolinians paying the price at the pump. As gas prices go up, so do taxes and nothing has been done to stop it. So now Democrats go back to the tried and true class warfare rhetoric and attack Big Oil as the evil entity guilty of ruining American lives and bottom lines. You’ll notice there is no talk of how much the government is taking in from taxes on each gallon of gasoline. There is no offer of giving up a little bit of their share to make the lives of North Carolina families just a little easier this summer. Punishing big oil companies might seem just or feel right but it won’t lower gas prices one dime. In fact, it will almost certainly cause us to pay even more at the pump. This is truly a “solution” we can’t afford.
Meanwhile, Democrats are united in their opposition to finding any way to increase domestic production and exploration. The new Democrat talking point is, “We can’t drill our way out of this problem.” Of course, no one is saying we can. Republicans have advocated drilling in places like ANWR as a temporary solution while we release American industry and ingenuity to make us completely independent from foreign oil forever. Democrats say we won’t be able to get oil from these places for five years. Well, we won’t be driving cars that use only alternative fuels in five years either but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t start working on the technology. Barack Obama’s proposal for lowering energy prices is the familiar windfall profits tax and suing OPEC. So let me get this straight. We can’t drill our way out of this problem, but we can tax and litigate our way out of it. This is utter nonsense. Here is the truth. Democrats are against increasing domestic production because they are held captive by powerful environmental lobbies and special interests. They will put their agendas over the needs of North Carolina consumers no matter how desperate times get. Democrats want high oil prices. They always have.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
NCGOP E-Letter - June 18, 2008
McCAIN AND MYRICK PUSH TO LOWER GAS PRICES
McCain plays with fire on offshore drilling
By Charles Mahtesian and David Mark
Politico.com
June 18, 2008
By calling for an end to the federal ban on offshore oil drilling, John McCain is placing a risky bet. He is wagering that skyrocketing gas prices have finally reached a tipping point, a threshold moment that has led voters to rethink their strong and long-held opinions against coastal oil exploration.
The stakes couldn’t be higher: If he is wrong, McCain will have seriously damaged his chances in two key states with thousands of miles of coastline — California and Florida — and where opposition to offshore oil drilling has been unwavering. And he will have undermined some of his closest political allies in those states and others, including potential fall battlegrounds such as Virginia and North Carolina. …
State Assemblyman Doug LaMalfa, a Northern California Republican who favors offshore drilling, acknowledged drilling would be a heavy political lift but said rising prices may be a mitigating factor.
“Traditionally in California, it’s very difficult to move anything that even hints of being an environmentally sensitive issue. ... But people are sick and tired of creeping up to $5 gas. Will $5 a gallon be enough? $6? $7?” he said. "If [McCain] can articulate that we can safely and responsibly do this kind of exploration off shore, and that will lower gas prices and help national security, reasonable people would buy that notion.”
Rep. Sue Myrick (R-N.C.) also brushed off concerns that calls to lift the oil drilling moratorium could alienate environmentally minded independent voters.
“I don’t see it as a problem. In paying $4 a gallon for gas, the American people have come to realize we’ve got to get oil for ourselves,” said Myrick, who recently introduced legislation that would overturn a long-standing moratorium on drilling for oil and natural gas off the Atlantic Coast. “Everybody wants clean beaches. I certainly would not do anything that was going to destroy anything.”
Myrick and others pointed to a new Rasmussen Reports survey — conducted before McCain announced his proposal on Monday — which found that 67 percent of voters believed drilling should be allowed off the coasts of California, Florida and other states. Only 18 percent disagreed and 15 percent were undecided. According to the poll, conservative and moderate voters strongly support offshore drilling, while liberals are more evenly divided: 46 percent of liberals favor drilling; 37 percent oppose it.
Click here for the full article…
FROM THE TRAIL: Perdue Still Refusing to Match McCRORY Debates
Pat McCrory, has committed to 10 debates including three with a statewide audience
By Rob Cross
County NC News
June 17, 2008
Beverly Perdue is still refusing to join Pat McCrory in a series of joint issue forums across North Carolina. Lieutenant Governor Beverly Perdue has only agreed to just three regional debates and two regional forums. Meanwhile, the Republican gubernatorial nominee, Pat McCrory, has committed to 10 debates including three with a statewide audience. …
McCrory Campaign Manager Richard Hudson, released the following statement on the issue:
"All too often, Raleigh politicians like Lt. Gov. Perdue think they're above being responsive and accountable to the folks they've been entrusted to represent. She continues to reject all statewide debates and clearly feels no need to make her positions known to the very people she hopes will choose her as their next governor.
"Beverly Perdue was able to find time to attend a PAC reception for a special interest group of trial lawyers. Obviously, raising money with liberal special interests is a higher priority for the lieutenant governor than participating in two UNC-TV debates that would reach voters statewide on public television. If elected governor, Pat McCrory will represent all of North Carolina, not just special interest fringe groups."
It is not surprising that Lieutenant Governor Beverly Perdue is still refusing to expose herself to the general public in a subjective atmosphere. History always repeats itself, and it is no different here in this gubernatorial race. Visibly, from Beverly Perdue's past history as Lieutenant Governor, she opines the "have a need to know" point of view in regards to the North Carolina general public. …
Click here for the full article…
NCGOP IN THE NEWS
Delegate, 18, eyes GOP convention
By Justin Vick
Concord and Kannapolis Independent Tribune
June 16, 2008
Nelia Hamby of Kannapolis will be among the 2,380 delegates who will determine one-half of this year’s presidential ballot during the Republican National Convention in September.
Hamby, an 18-year-old sophomore attending UNC Asheville, was recently elected to represent the 8th District Republican Party as a delegate at the Minnesota convention.
Her undertaking defies stereotypes that members of the Republican Party are getting close to retirement age, said Chris McCartan, chairman of the Cabarrus County GOP. She has been a mainstay at GOP functions.
“She’s bright and up-to-date with current events and partisan politics,” McCartan said. “She’s very much the new face of the Republican Party.”
Hamby has been heavily involved in the Republican Party for a long time, partly because she’s the daughter of District Court Judge William Hamby Jr. She attended her first GOP meeting before her first birthday.
“I was a very well-behaved child so my parents dragged me to pretty much everything, including Republican meetings,” she said. “I’m a conservative person. It’s been a place I’ve grown up and known and have been able to participate pretty much my whole life.”
She used youth to her advantage in campaigning for one of three delegate positions in North Carolina’s 8th District. She said the Republican Party needed youth representation to counter that of the Democratic Party.
“There’s a place in the Republican Party for youth, too,” she said. “You don’t have to be young and on one side.” …
Brent Woodcox, communications director for the North Carolina Republican Party, believes she is among the youngest elected to serve as a delegate.
“I think it’s awesome to have someone who understands they have a voice and can be part of the process,” Woodcox said. “We always talk about elections being about the next generation. Maybe they ought to be a part of it.”
Click here for the full article…
FROM THE PRESS ROOM: DEMOCRATS HAVE NO NEW IDEAS FOR EDUCATION
Same Failed Policies Bring Same Failing Results
NCGOP Press Release
June 17, 2008
RALEIGH—A recent study by the Editorial Projects in Education Research Center (EPE), the non-profit organization that publishes Education Week, highlights that North Carolina’s high school graduation rate stands at 67.0% for the class of 2005. North Carolina ranked 40th of the 50 states according to the study. The EPE report also pointed out the fact that the state reported a graduation rate of 95.0% for 2005, the top reported rate in the nation, by using a calculus far different than the cohort rate employed by the EPE report and far closer to the real number of students graduating in 2005. To see the full details of the report, please visit: http://www.edweek.org/ media/ew/dc/2008/40sgb.nc.h27
Chairman Linda Daves, North Carolina Republican Party, made the following statement:
“This report confirms a sad truth about North Carolina’s education policy: We are failing one in three high school students. Instead of addressing the problems in our state’s schools with common-sense solutions or rethinking the same failed educational policies of the past, the Democrat leadership has offered more of the same in its new budget. Instead of considered alternatives to the paths we have already followed to dead ends in education, Democrats prefer to continue to throw more money at the problem while providing no oversight or accountability to ensure that North Carolina taxpayers are getting their money’s worth when it comes to education. Democrats have refused to consider worthy ideas such as expanding career, technical and vocational education options for our high school students. They have refused to lift the cap on charter schools even though we have seen great success stories in many of these schools. They have refused to evaluate the effectiveness of pet projects like More at Four or Smart Start or examine the efficiency of previous grants directed at dropout prevention. We need a change. We need accountability. We need leadership. We need vision in education if we are to solve the problems we face in our state’s public schools. The unfortunate fact is that Democrats are more interested in serving unions and special interests to maintain their power than they are in serving the best interests of children in North Carolina. We can do better and we will do better with Republican leadership in Raleigh.”
FROM THE BLOG: The new guilt by association
By Brent Woodcox
Communications Director/Assistant Legal Counsel, North Carolina Republican Party
When the NCGOP ran the “Extreme” ad nearly two months ago, we were universally condemned for engaging in “guilt by association” politics. Nearly every newspaper in the state accused us of being malicious, twisting the facts, or worse. So-called “guilt by association” was universally decried as a scare tactic not worthy of serious debate. Here are just a few examples of the press coverage at the time.
“That's a ludicrous defense of this kind of guilt by association, twice removed.” (“Action, low-down,” News & Observer, April 25, 2008 http://www.newsobserver.com
“Let's call it guilt by association by association.” (Curtis, Mary C., “‘Extreme” link, twice removed,” Charlotte Observer, April 26, 2008 http://www.charlotte.com/local
“…this old and tired guilt-by-association gimmick.” (Betts, Jack, “GOP ad the latest in N.C. to rely on race,” Charlotte Observer, April 27, 2008 http://www.charlotte.com/291
“…guilt-by-tenuous-association tricks…” (“Despicable Ad,” Winston-Salem Journal, April 25, 2008 http://www2.journalnow.com
Now, of course, there is a new guilt by association tactic being deployed by Democrat candidates against Republicans. Suddenly, guilt by association is all the rage. It looks to be positively fashionable for the fall. It’s as in as designer jeans and big sunglasses. Most prominently, you see the new guilt by association tactic being employed by Barack Obama. Obama can’t utter a single sentence anymore without somehow trying to relate John McCain to President Bush. Everything now is the “Bush-McCain” policy or “Bush-McCain” tactic. Even Kay Hagan has got in on the mix by sending out a mailer trying to tie Senator Dole to President Bush.
Maybe Democrats need to be reminded that the Constitution term-limits President Bush. His name will not be on the ballot this year. However, Democrats without new ideas of their own would rather run against an unpopular incumbent President than actually offer solutions to the problems facing North Carolinians. The media is quick to go into lockstep with the Democrat talking points. Suddenly over their initial qualms with guilt by association politics, reporters are all too eager to remind voters that Republicans come from the same party as the President.
Never mind that John McCain has parted with the President on some of the most important issues being debated this year. Senator McCain has taken principled stands on wasteful spending, earmarks, the surge strategy in Iraq, and energy policy. His positions have not always made him well-liked by the left or the right, but he has always stuck to what he believed was the correct course for the country. Senator McCain has his own vision for the country and would set his own bold course as President. Lest we forget, Senator McCain was the last Republican to oppose President Bush in his run to the White House. With these facts, it cannot be seriously contended that John McCain represents a third Bush term.
The same can be said of Senator Dole. Though Kay Hagan would not like to admit it, Senator Dole has been a vocal critic of the Bush Administration on issues important to North Carolinians. That includes being a primary sponsor of the 287(g) program that gave tools to local sheriffs so they can work with federal officials to see that illegal aliens caught committing further crimes are deported and not released back on our streets. It also includes pushing for the Iraqi government to start shouldering the financial responsibility for the War in Iraq so we can do more to improve our economy and rein in government spending here at home. She has also consistently been an advocate for North Carolina farmers and workers to make sure they get a fair shake from the federal government.
It is time for the media to stop parroting the talking points of opportunistic Democrat politicians and start focusing on the issues of this campaign. Simply yelling the name “George Bush” at the top of your lungs as many times as you can is not an agenda to change our state and nation for the better. It is a tired, unimaginative attack and North Carolinians deserve better. We deserve a full airing of the issues of this campaign and I hope the media will do its part to provide that debate.
TAKE BACK OUR STATE RALLY SET FOR JUNE 25
Bob Dole to join Michael Steele at NC Take Back Our State Rally
I’m pleased to announce that Senator Bob Dole will be joining former Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele at the Take Back Our State Rally on Wednesday, June 25th at 4:30 pm at Halifax Mall behind the General Assembly.
This is an opportunity for you to reach state leaders about some of the most important issues facing North Carolina today and let our elected officials know how you feel about issues like higher taxes and big government, with renowned national and state conservative leaders by your side.
There will be Free Food! LIVE Beach Music with The Craig Woolard Band!
The Take Back Our State Rally is an event for the entire family! Make your voice heard in the battle for lower taxes, smaller government private property rights, and laws that protect traditional families.
So, REGISTER today and join Bob Dole, Michael Steele, and hundreds of conservatives on June 25th on Halifax Mall behind the General Assembly at 4:30 pm and together we can Take Back Our State!
Sincerely,
Dallas Woodhouse
Americans for Prosperity Foundation
North Carolina, State Director
P.S. We’re offering bus transportation from different areas of the state, check out the links below for one near you.
Coming from Asheville? Ride our bus for only $10.00.
For more information Register Here.
Coming from Wilmington? Ride our bus for only $10.00.
For more information Register Here.
Coming from Jacksonville / New Bern? Ride our bus for only $10.00.
For more information Register Here.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
The new guilt by association
By Brent Woodcox
Communications Director/Assistant Legal Counsel, North Carolina Republican Party
When the NCGOP ran the “Extreme” ad nearly two months ago, we were universally condemned for engaging in “guilt by association” politics. Nearly every newspaper in the state accused us of being malicious, twisting the facts, or worse. So-called “guilt by association” was universally decried as a scare tactic not worthy of serious debate. Here are just a few examples of the press coverage at the time.
“That's a ludicrous defense of this kind of guilt by association, twice removed.” (“Action, low-down,” News & Observer, April 25, 2008 http://www.newsobserver.com/print/friday/opinion/story/1049237.html)
“Let's call it guilt by association by association.” (Curtis, Mary C., “‘Extreme” link, twice removed,” Charlotte Observer, April 26, 2008 http://www.charlotte.com/local/story/597049.html)
“…this old and tired guilt-by-association gimmick.” (Betts, Jack, “GOP ad the latest in N.C. to rely on race,” Charlotte Observer, April 27, 2008 http://www.charlotte.com/291/story/598432.html)
“…guilt-by-tenuous-association tricks…” (“Despicable Ad,” Winston-Salem Journal, April 25, 2008 http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2008/apr/25/despicable-ad)
Now, of course, there is a new guilt by association tactic being deployed by Democrat candidates against Republicans. Suddenly, guilt by association is all the rage. It looks to be positively fashionable for the fall. It’s as in as designer jeans and big sunglasses. Most prominently, you see the new guilt by association tactic being employed by Barack Obama. Obama can’t utter a single sentence anymore without somehow trying to relate John McCain to President Bush. Everything now is the “Bush-McCain” policy or “Bush-McCain” tactic. Even Kay Hagan has got in on the mix by sending out a mailer trying to tie Senator Dole to President Bush.
Maybe Democrats need to be reminded that the Constitution term-limits President Bush. His name will not be on the ballot this year. However, Democrats without new ideas of their own would rather run against an unpopular incumbent President than actually offer solutions to the problems facing North Carolinians. The media is quick to go into lockstep with the Democrat talking points. Suddenly over their initial qualms with guilt by association politics, reporters are all too eager to remind voters that Republicans come from the same party as the President.
Never mind that John McCain has parted with the President on some of the most important issues being debated this year. Senator McCain has taken principled stands on wasteful spending, earmarks, the surge strategy in Iraq, and energy policy. His positions have not always made him well-liked by the left or the right, but he has always stuck to what he believed was the correct course for the country. Senator McCain has his own vision for the country and would set his own bold course as President. Lest we forget, Senator McCain was the last Republican to oppose President Bush in his run to the White House. With these facts, it cannot be seriously contended that John McCain represents a third Bush term.
The same can be said of Senator Dole. Though Kay Hagan would not like to admit it, Senator Dole has been a vocal critic of the Bush Administration on issues important to North Carolinians. That includes being a primary sponsor of the 287(g) program that gave tools to local sheriffs so they can work with federal officials to see that illegal aliens caught committing further crimes are deported and not released back on our streets. It also includes pushing for the Iraqi government to start shouldering the financial responsibility for the War in Iraq so we can do more to improve our economy and rein in government spending here at home. She has also consistently been an advocate for North Carolina farmers and workers to make sure they get a fair shake from the federal government.
It is time for the media to stop parroting the talking points of opportunistic Democrat politicians and start focusing on the issues of this campaign. Simply yelling the name “George Bush” at the top of your lungs as many times as you can is not an agenda to change our state and nation for the better. It is a tired, unimaginative attack and North Carolinians deserve better. We deserve a full airing of the issues of this campaign and I hope the media will do its part to provide that debate.
Communications Director/Assistant Legal Counsel, North Carolina Republican Party
When the NCGOP ran the “Extreme” ad nearly two months ago, we were universally condemned for engaging in “guilt by association” politics. Nearly every newspaper in the state accused us of being malicious, twisting the facts, or worse. So-called “guilt by association” was universally decried as a scare tactic not worthy of serious debate. Here are just a few examples of the press coverage at the time.
“That's a ludicrous defense of this kind of guilt by association, twice removed.” (“Action, low-down,” News & Observer, April 25, 2008 http://www.newsobserver.com/print/friday/opinion/story/1049237.html)
“Let's call it guilt by association by association.” (Curtis, Mary C., “‘Extreme” link, twice removed,” Charlotte Observer, April 26, 2008 http://www.charlotte.com/local/story/597049.html)
“…this old and tired guilt-by-association gimmick.” (Betts, Jack, “GOP ad the latest in N.C. to rely on race,” Charlotte Observer, April 27, 2008 http://www.charlotte.com/291/story/598432.html)
“…guilt-by-tenuous-association tricks…” (“Despicable Ad,” Winston-Salem Journal, April 25, 2008 http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2008/apr/25/despicable-ad)
Now, of course, there is a new guilt by association tactic being deployed by Democrat candidates against Republicans. Suddenly, guilt by association is all the rage. It looks to be positively fashionable for the fall. It’s as in as designer jeans and big sunglasses. Most prominently, you see the new guilt by association tactic being employed by Barack Obama. Obama can’t utter a single sentence anymore without somehow trying to relate John McCain to President Bush. Everything now is the “Bush-McCain” policy or “Bush-McCain” tactic. Even Kay Hagan has got in on the mix by sending out a mailer trying to tie Senator Dole to President Bush.
Maybe Democrats need to be reminded that the Constitution term-limits President Bush. His name will not be on the ballot this year. However, Democrats without new ideas of their own would rather run against an unpopular incumbent President than actually offer solutions to the problems facing North Carolinians. The media is quick to go into lockstep with the Democrat talking points. Suddenly over their initial qualms with guilt by association politics, reporters are all too eager to remind voters that Republicans come from the same party as the President.
Never mind that John McCain has parted with the President on some of the most important issues being debated this year. Senator McCain has taken principled stands on wasteful spending, earmarks, the surge strategy in Iraq, and energy policy. His positions have not always made him well-liked by the left or the right, but he has always stuck to what he believed was the correct course for the country. Senator McCain has his own vision for the country and would set his own bold course as President. Lest we forget, Senator McCain was the last Republican to oppose President Bush in his run to the White House. With these facts, it cannot be seriously contended that John McCain represents a third Bush term.
The same can be said of Senator Dole. Though Kay Hagan would not like to admit it, Senator Dole has been a vocal critic of the Bush Administration on issues important to North Carolinians. That includes being a primary sponsor of the 287(g) program that gave tools to local sheriffs so they can work with federal officials to see that illegal aliens caught committing further crimes are deported and not released back on our streets. It also includes pushing for the Iraqi government to start shouldering the financial responsibility for the War in Iraq so we can do more to improve our economy and rein in government spending here at home. She has also consistently been an advocate for North Carolina farmers and workers to make sure they get a fair shake from the federal government.
It is time for the media to stop parroting the talking points of opportunistic Democrat politicians and start focusing on the issues of this campaign. Simply yelling the name “George Bush” at the top of your lungs as many times as you can is not an agenda to change our state and nation for the better. It is a tired, unimaginative attack and North Carolinians deserve better. We deserve a full airing of the issues of this campaign and I hope the media will do its part to provide that debate.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Voter reg the name of the game
By Jillian DeCamp
Political Director, North Carolina Republican Party
“Elections are about people.” In election years, you can hear just about any candidate utter those words to inspire their supporters and those who are working so hard on their behalf. Nothing could be truer. No candidate or party can win an election without the support of the people.
Today, in North Carolina, there are 2,633,248 registered Democrats. There are 1,932,522 registered Republicans and 1,244,998 unaffiliated voters. In N.C., Democrats start with a 700,000 vote lead in every statewide election. For those not familiar with grassroots politics, the task then is to turn out as many voters as a party can that will support their candidates. With 700,000 fewer Republican registrants, we must do our job better than Democrats do and have historically been able to do this explaining why Republicans have carried this state in presidential elections in every election since 1980. Simplistically, for every three Democrats that come out to vote, we must turn out four Republicans.
With a prolonged primary process surrounded by media hype and exposure, Democrat registrations have skyrocketed across the country. In North Carolina, since the first of the year, Democrat registration has risen by 4.6% overall with 121,802 newly registered voters. Independent voters have increased by 5.7% with 71,599. Meanwhile over that same period, Republican registration in N.C. has only increased by 0.6% or 12,947 voters. I am not trying to paint a rosy picture. I am telling you the truth and the numbers don’t lie.
Newly registered voters will play an important part in this year’s election. That is why kicking up our voter registration efforts will be key to winning in November. There are folks all across North Carolina who have conservative values, love freedom, and want to keep more of their paychecks in their wallets and not in the hands of government bureaucrats, yet many of these folks remain unregistered. They are at county fairs and school festivals, at parades and concerts taking place in communities all throughout our state, and yes, they are at NASCAR races. We have to seek out these voters, we have to get them registered, and we have to remind them why the Republican Party is the party with a commitment to their shared vision for our state. This will not be easy. It will take hard work coming from the grassroots up. The Republican Party has always been lead by the common, everyday folks who just want to make a difference for our country, who want to make North Carolina a better place to live and raise a family. I am confident that Republicans in North Carolina will once again rise to the challenge in 2008.
Please sign up and be a part of what we are doing to register voters and elect Republicans this November. Contact the NCGOP and/or county parties with any festivals, county fairs, street fairs, or sporting events that you know about where voter registration could take place. The NCGOP or your county party can provide voter registration forms for booths as well as campaign materials with information about GOP candidates running for office from the courthouse to the White House. Finally, contact county parties for walking/calling lists to register voters in your community. This is your North Carolina Republican Party. Step up. Be a part. Rise to the challenge.
Political Director, North Carolina Republican Party
“Elections are about people.” In election years, you can hear just about any candidate utter those words to inspire their supporters and those who are working so hard on their behalf. Nothing could be truer. No candidate or party can win an election without the support of the people.
Today, in North Carolina, there are 2,633,248 registered Democrats. There are 1,932,522 registered Republicans and 1,244,998 unaffiliated voters. In N.C., Democrats start with a 700,000 vote lead in every statewide election. For those not familiar with grassroots politics, the task then is to turn out as many voters as a party can that will support their candidates. With 700,000 fewer Republican registrants, we must do our job better than Democrats do and have historically been able to do this explaining why Republicans have carried this state in presidential elections in every election since 1980. Simplistically, for every three Democrats that come out to vote, we must turn out four Republicans.
With a prolonged primary process surrounded by media hype and exposure, Democrat registrations have skyrocketed across the country. In North Carolina, since the first of the year, Democrat registration has risen by 4.6% overall with 121,802 newly registered voters. Independent voters have increased by 5.7% with 71,599. Meanwhile over that same period, Republican registration in N.C. has only increased by 0.6% or 12,947 voters. I am not trying to paint a rosy picture. I am telling you the truth and the numbers don’t lie.
Newly registered voters will play an important part in this year’s election. That is why kicking up our voter registration efforts will be key to winning in November. There are folks all across North Carolina who have conservative values, love freedom, and want to keep more of their paychecks in their wallets and not in the hands of government bureaucrats, yet many of these folks remain unregistered. They are at county fairs and school festivals, at parades and concerts taking place in communities all throughout our state, and yes, they are at NASCAR races. We have to seek out these voters, we have to get them registered, and we have to remind them why the Republican Party is the party with a commitment to their shared vision for our state. This will not be easy. It will take hard work coming from the grassroots up. The Republican Party has always been lead by the common, everyday folks who just want to make a difference for our country, who want to make North Carolina a better place to live and raise a family. I am confident that Republicans in North Carolina will once again rise to the challenge in 2008.
Please sign up and be a part of what we are doing to register voters and elect Republicans this November. Contact the NCGOP and/or county parties with any festivals, county fairs, street fairs, or sporting events that you know about where voter registration could take place. The NCGOP or your county party can provide voter registration forms for booths as well as campaign materials with information about GOP candidates running for office from the courthouse to the White House. Finally, contact county parties for walking/calling lists to register voters in your community. This is your North Carolina Republican Party. Step up. Be a part. Rise to the challenge.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
NCGOP E-Letter - June 12, 2008
SAFE
CLOUT
FOXX CALLS ON CONGRESS TO STOP IGNORING EPIC GAS PRICES
Rep. Foxx calls on Congress to vote on legislation to increase the production of American oil and gas AND invest in alternative and renewable energy sources.
Click here to find out more about Republican plans to lower gas prices and the Democrats’ failures…
NCGOP IN THE NEWS
N.C. GOP rallies support for November
By Stephanie Stilwell
News 14 Carolina
June 7, 2008
GREENSBORO -- Top republicans from across the state were in Greensboro over the weekend for their party's annual convention. It was a chance for republicans to hear from party candidates and get revved up for the November elections.
“Well it's electric. Republicans are here from all over the state and they are energized and they are excited about this fall. And I think they are ready for a good go around to elect those people this fall,” said Linda Daves, the North Carolina Republican Party chair.
The candidates were on hand to state their case and get support from their party. “Obviously we're working hard, enjoying listening to people across the state in terms of what issues they feel are important to them and getting the record out,” said U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, who is running a re-election campaign against State Sen. Kay Hagan.
Dole is talking about a record that includes one-of-its-kind cooperation between county sheriffs and government to check the immigration status of prisoners, “And the whole idea very simply is to identify and to deport illegal aliens who have identified themselves,” Dole said, “self-identified because of their criminal behavior.”
And with the caliber of candidates across the party lines, the North Carolina Republican Party leadership says they're getting ready for some heated races. “Well you know a good fight never hurt anyone. A good fight keeps the juices flowing a little bit.” Daves said. “But with any campaign that's as high end as a presidential and all the way back down to the state party offices, you always expect to have a battle.”
“We're in this to win re-election and it's just such a privilege to serve the people of North Carolina,” Dole added. …
Click here to view video from News 14 Carolina about the 2008 NCGOP Convention…
Click here for the full article…
FROM THE PRESS ROOM: NCGOP ELECTS NATIONAL COMMITTEEMAN AND NATIONAL COMMITTEEWOMAN
NCGOP Press Release
June 9, 2008
RALEIGH—At this weekend’s NCGOP Convention, North Carolina Republicans elected new representatives at the Republican National Committee. The National Committeeman and National Committeewoman will take their seats directly following this year’s Republican National Convention. Both will serve a four year term at the RNC.
For National Committeeman, Republicans elected Representative David Lewis (R-Harnett). Rep. Lewis is currently serving as National Committeeman after he won a special election of the North Carolina Republican Executive Committee in April to fill the term of former National Committeeman Ed McMahan. Rep. Lewis will begin his first full term after attending this year’s Republican National Convention.
Chairman Linda Daves, North Carolina Republican Party, made the following statement:
"We are proud to send David Lewis back to the RNC on our behalf. He has served the people of his district well as a member of the North Carolina House. He has vision and integrity and he is a tremendous leader in the Republican Party in North Carolina. He will serve us well at the RNC."
North Carolina Republicans also elected Dr. Ada M. Fisher as National Committeewoman. Ada M. Fisher, MD, MPH is a business minded physician with more than twenty years of management experience having served in two major "Fortune 500" corporations as a Medical Director and Manager in Occupational Medicine, as well as public and private sector work in family medicine, community medicine and public health services. She is a candidate for NC House District 77. She is also North Carolina’s first African American National Committeewoman.
Chairman Daves said, "I am happy to congratulate Dr. Fisher on her wonderful achievement. This weekend, the party of Abraham Lincoln reaffirmed that we do not have a party divided by color or creed but united by a common code of conservative principles. Ada Fisher will be a strong voice for North Carolina Republicans at the RNC."
FROM THE BLOG: STUDYING THE NUMBERS, NOT THE HYPE
By Chris McClure
Executive Director, North Carolina Republican Party
It is appropriate that the first post on our new “Seeing Red Again” blog would address the ongoing controversy on whether or not North Carolina is in play for the fall. With leaders like John McCain, Elizabeth Dole, and Pat McCrory at the top of our ticket, I believe we will see North Carolina remain a red state this November. Republicans also have an opportunity to take more seats on the Council of State and in the General Assembly. We have the strongest ticket from top to bottom as we have had in a very long time. However, we shouldn’t just stop with hype but we should actually study the numbers.
According to the North Carolina State Board of Elections, in November 2004, there were 2,582,462 Democrats in North Carolina. There were 1,903,119 Republicans at that time and 1,021,648 Independent voters. As of today, there are 2,634,388 Democrats in North Carolina, 1,933,148 Republicans and 1,245,477 Independents. That means there are 51,926 more Democrats now than there were in 2004. There are 30,029 more Republicans and 223,829 more Independents.
In the 2004 election, President Bush received 1,961,166 votes statewide in North Carolina. John Kerry received 1,525,849 votes. In this year’s Democrat Presidential Preference Primary, there were 1,580,726 Democrats and/or Independents who cast a ballot. 887,391 of those votes went to Barack Obama.
For Barack Obama to win North Carolina in November, he would need to not only carry those who voted for him in the primary. He would need to win all of those Democrats who voted for someone else in the primary. Even adding to John Kerry’s total in 2004 the 51,926 new Democrat registrants, Obama would not be close to President Bush’s 2004 total. He would not reach President Bush’s total even if every single Independent who has registered since 2004 voted for Obama as well. Even with all of those inflated numbers, Obama would still be 100,000 votes short of President Bush’s total.
Some may make the claim that a portion of Bush Republicans will not vote for John McCain. Personally, I find that unlikely. At any rate, there are just as many if not more Clinton Democrats who have already indicated that they will refuse to vote for Obama in November. Under the only calculus that makes any difference, actual voting statistics, there is not evidence that Barack Obama can win North Carolina. Any way you calculate the numbers, they just aren’t there for Obama winning North Carolina. Believe the numbers, not the hype. We will carry this state. We will see red again this November.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Where's Bev?
By Linda Daves
Chairman, North Carolina Republican Party
First, Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue is too busy to be seen with Barack Obama when he was in town this week. Now she won’t agree to more than six debates over the course of the entire campaign for Governor. Pat McCrory has already announced his intentions to attend more events that would provide the two candidates with a meaningful dialogue about the issues facing North Carolinians this November and called for joint appearances by the two candidates across the state.
North Carolina deserves better from someone looking for the top job in the state. We have had enough of MIA public officials during the Easley-Perdue administration. We need a Governor who is open and accessible to the public. Pat McCrory’s idea to hold a series of joint appearances with Bev Perdue throughout the state is an excellent one. She should accept it if she wants to shed the image that she will be just as inaccessible as Governor Easley has been over the past seven years. North Carolinians deserve a robust and open debate before they choose their next Governor. Voters should pressure Bev Perdue to see that it happens.
Chairman, North Carolina Republican Party
First, Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue is too busy to be seen with Barack Obama when he was in town this week. Now she won’t agree to more than six debates over the course of the entire campaign for Governor. Pat McCrory has already announced his intentions to attend more events that would provide the two candidates with a meaningful dialogue about the issues facing North Carolinians this November and called for joint appearances by the two candidates across the state.
North Carolina deserves better from someone looking for the top job in the state. We have had enough of MIA public officials during the Easley-Perdue administration. We need a Governor who is open and accessible to the public. Pat McCrory’s idea to hold a series of joint appearances with Bev Perdue throughout the state is an excellent one. She should accept it if she wants to shed the image that she will be just as inaccessible as Governor Easley has been over the past seven years. North Carolinians deserve a robust and open debate before they choose their next Governor. Voters should pressure Bev Perdue to see that it happens.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Sen. Boseman: Before raising our taxes, pay your own
By Linda Daves
Chairman, North Carolina Republican Party
Voters of the North Carolina’s 9th Senate District may be interested to know that while supporting nearly every tax increase that has been considered by the N.C. Senate since Sen. Boseman became a member, she has not paid her own taxes. If Sen. Boseman wants to remain in Raleigh and raise our taxes, she ought to be paying her share. For someone who has voted for over $750 million in new taxes, including increasing sales taxes, income taxes, satellite TV taxes, mobile phone taxes, taxes on coffins and increasing fees on driver’s licenses, birth certificates, car registrations and newborn screenings, it is unbelievable that she would refuse to pay $4,700 in property taxes. That is the Raleigh mentality in a nutshell. Absolute power. No accountability.
NC senator defaults on $1.3M mortgage loan
The Associated Press
The Fayetteville Observer
June 10, 2008
A North Carolina state senator and her former domestic partner have defaulted on a $1.3 million mortgage on a New Hanover County home.
Sen. Julia Boseman and Melissa Jarrell have failed to pay the $7,156 monthly payments since last August, according to evidence at a court hearing last week. The home is now scheduled to be auctioned June 25 at the county courthouse, the Star-News of Wilmington reported.
County tax records show $4,700 in taxes are also owed on the property. …
Click here for the full article…
http://www.fayobserver.com/article_ap?id=124124
Chairman, North Carolina Republican Party
Voters of the North Carolina’s 9th Senate District may be interested to know that while supporting nearly every tax increase that has been considered by the N.C. Senate since Sen. Boseman became a member, she has not paid her own taxes. If Sen. Boseman wants to remain in Raleigh and raise our taxes, she ought to be paying her share. For someone who has voted for over $750 million in new taxes, including increasing sales taxes, income taxes, satellite TV taxes, mobile phone taxes, taxes on coffins and increasing fees on driver’s licenses, birth certificates, car registrations and newborn screenings, it is unbelievable that she would refuse to pay $4,700 in property taxes. That is the Raleigh mentality in a nutshell. Absolute power. No accountability.
NC senator defaults on $1.3M mortgage loan
The Associated Press
The Fayetteville Observer
June 10, 2008
A North Carolina state senator and her former domestic partner have defaulted on a $1.3 million mortgage on a New Hanover County home.
Sen. Julia Boseman and Melissa Jarrell have failed to pay the $7,156 monthly payments since last August, according to evidence at a court hearing last week. The home is now scheduled to be auctioned June 25 at the county courthouse, the Star-News of Wilmington reported.
County tax records show $4,700 in taxes are also owed on the property. …
Click here for the full article…
http://www.fayobserver.com/article_ap?id=124124
Studying the numbers, not the hype
By Chris McClure
Executive Director, North Carolina Republican Party
It is appropriate that the first post on our new “Seeing Red Again” blog would address the ongoing controversy on whether or not North Carolina is in play for the fall. With leaders like John McCain, Elizabeth Dole, and Pat McCrory at the top of our ticket, I believe we will see North Carolina remain a red state this November. Republicans also have an opportunity to take more seats on the Council of State and in the General Assembly. We have the strongest ticket from top to bottom as we have had in a very long time. However, we shouldn’t just stop with hype but we should actually study the numbers.
According to the North Carolina State Board of Elections, in November 2004, there were 2,582,462 Democrats in North Carolina. There were 1,903,119 Republicans at that time and 1,021,648 Independent voters. As of today, there are 2,634,388 Democrats in North Carolina, 1,933,148 Republicans and 1,245,477 Independents. That means there are 51,926 more Democrats now than there were in 2004. There are 30,029 more Republicans and 223,829 more Independents.
In the 2004 election, President Bush received 1,961,166 votes statewide in North Carolina. John Kerry received 1,525,849 votes. In this year’s Democrat Presidential Preference Primary, there were 1,580,726 Democrats and/or Independents who cast a ballot. 887,391 of those votes went to Barack Obama.
For Barack Obama to win North Carolina in November, he would need to not only carry those who voted for him in the primary. He would need to win all of those Democrats who voted for someone else in the primary. Even adding to John Kerry’s total in 2004 the 51,926 new Democrat registrants, Obama would not be close to President Bush’s 2004 total. He would not reach President Bush’s total even if every single Independent who has registered since 2004 voted for Obama as well. Even with all of those inflated numbers, Obama would still be 100,000 votes short of President Bush’s total.
Some may make the claim that a portion of Bush Republicans will not vote for John McCain. Personally, I find that unlikely. At any rate, there are just as many if not more Clinton Democrats who have already indicated that they will refuse to vote for Obama in November. Under the only calculus that makes any difference, actual voting statistics, there is not evidence that Barack Obama can win North Carolina. Any way you calculate the numbers, they just aren’t there for Obama winning North Carolina. Believe the numbers, not the hype. We will carry this state. We will see red again this November.
Executive Director, North Carolina Republican Party
It is appropriate that the first post on our new “Seeing Red Again” blog would address the ongoing controversy on whether or not North Carolina is in play for the fall. With leaders like John McCain, Elizabeth Dole, and Pat McCrory at the top of our ticket, I believe we will see North Carolina remain a red state this November. Republicans also have an opportunity to take more seats on the Council of State and in the General Assembly. We have the strongest ticket from top to bottom as we have had in a very long time. However, we shouldn’t just stop with hype but we should actually study the numbers.
According to the North Carolina State Board of Elections, in November 2004, there were 2,582,462 Democrats in North Carolina. There were 1,903,119 Republicans at that time and 1,021,648 Independent voters. As of today, there are 2,634,388 Democrats in North Carolina, 1,933,148 Republicans and 1,245,477 Independents. That means there are 51,926 more Democrats now than there were in 2004. There are 30,029 more Republicans and 223,829 more Independents.
In the 2004 election, President Bush received 1,961,166 votes statewide in North Carolina. John Kerry received 1,525,849 votes. In this year’s Democrat Presidential Preference Primary, there were 1,580,726 Democrats and/or Independents who cast a ballot. 887,391 of those votes went to Barack Obama.
For Barack Obama to win North Carolina in November, he would need to not only carry those who voted for him in the primary. He would need to win all of those Democrats who voted for someone else in the primary. Even adding to John Kerry’s total in 2004 the 51,926 new Democrat registrants, Obama would not be close to President Bush’s 2004 total. He would not reach President Bush’s total even if every single Independent who has registered since 2004 voted for Obama as well. Even with all of those inflated numbers, Obama would still be 100,000 votes short of President Bush’s total.
Some may make the claim that a portion of Bush Republicans will not vote for John McCain. Personally, I find that unlikely. At any rate, there are just as many if not more Clinton Democrats who have already indicated that they will refuse to vote for Obama in November. Under the only calculus that makes any difference, actual voting statistics, there is not evidence that Barack Obama can win North Carolina. Any way you calculate the numbers, they just aren’t there for Obama winning North Carolina. Believe the numbers, not the hype. We will carry this state. We will see red again this November.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
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