By Chris McClure
Executive Director, North Carolina Republican Party
What was Barack Obama thinking wading into the N.C. debate surrounding illegal immigrants and community colleges?
Although Obama has been content to phone it in on the financial crisis and the legislation being discussed on Capitol Hill, polls currently show he is getting all of the credit and none of the blame for the problems we are facing. (In the "worst financial crisis of our lifetimes," Obama wants us to know he can be contacted by cell phone if needed. Very reassuring.) Despite the fact that Obama and Democrats in Congress were the ones who blocked the reforms needed to avoid this crisis when Senator Dole and Senator McCain fought for more regulation on companies like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, now Democrats want credit as saviors of the economy and they are receiving it. Obama's poll numbers are skyrocketing in N.C. and across the country.
And then he had to open his mouth.
Obama is clearly on the wrong side of the debate about illegal immigrants being admitted to North Carolina's community colleges. Not only does his position completely ignore the rule of law and fail to consider that these students once educated would still not be allowed to work in N.C., it also clearly sticks a finger in the eye of the vast majority of North Carolina voters. An August Civitas poll found that 71% of voters said they would be less likely to vote for a candidate who supports allowing illegal immigrants to enroll in North Carolina's community colleges.
This is a serious political mistake at a pivotal time in a crucial state for the Obama campaign. The more people know Obama's position on this issue, the less likely they will be to vote for him.
The only question that remains is what N.C. Democrats will follow Obama's lead on the issue. Beverly Perdue and Kay Hagan, in particular, have tried to tie themselves to the Obama campaign. Do they support or oppose Barack Obama on this?
Memo to reporters: Time to start asking questions.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Perdue's Absence Speaks Louder Than Words
By Linda Daves
Chairman, North Carolina Republican Party
In last week's only statewide debate, two candidates for governor debated the issues that matter to North Carolinians and a Democrat leader remained behind closed doors. This example of inaccessibility to public questioning and failure to address the real concerns of the people of North Carolina is an all-too-familiar sight as a Democrat power elite continues to run state government. Throughout her 22-year tenure in state government, as a powerful Senate budget leader and for the last 8 years in the state's second highest office, Beverly Perdue has been part of the problem. Just two weeks ago, she was promising in an ethics forum to set the standard for transparency and accountability. Last week, her campaign was rocked by scandal and she chooses to run and hide rather than face the voters of North Carolina. This is not leadership. This is unacceptable and we must break the cycle.
Beverly Perdue decries the inaccessibility and closed door meetings being conducted in the state legislature. Yet until this campaign, she has not raised a fuss or said one word about the conduct of the State Senate even though as Lieutenant Governor she serves as presiding officer. As Senate budget leader, she conducted the same closed door meetings and avoided the same questions and oversight we should expect from state government. Now, even in the midst of a campaign and asking the voters for a promotion to the top spot in state government, Beverly Perdue has shown that she is incapable of change.
There is no doubt that times are tough in North Carolina. Families are struggling to make ends meet. We are losing far too many jobs and not creating enough. Our education system is failing 30 percent of our children. State government is broken and unresponsive to the people because of a power elite with complete control over how our state operates. Excess and waste in state government have put the state budget and our overall debt burden in a perilous position.
Still, I believe that our state stands on the brink of great opportunity. I believe that our best days are ahead of us and not behind us. The strength of North Carolina is its people and only together can we work for the changes that state government so desperately needs. Electing Pat McCrory Governor will send a message to the power elite controlling North Carolina that their time is up. Enough is enough. We want a government that works for the people and not the most powerful. Our leaders will be accountable to us again. In this election, we have the chance to make a change. We must break the cycle of inaccessibility, corruption, and elitism that has insulated state government officials like Beverly Perdue and make certain that the people's voice is heard once again. I believe wholeheartedly that Pat McCrory is the leader we need to change the course of state government and that with Pat McCrory as Governor, the promise of North Carolina will shine brighter than ever before.
Chairman, North Carolina Republican Party
In last week's only statewide debate, two candidates for governor debated the issues that matter to North Carolinians and a Democrat leader remained behind closed doors. This example of inaccessibility to public questioning and failure to address the real concerns of the people of North Carolina is an all-too-familiar sight as a Democrat power elite continues to run state government. Throughout her 22-year tenure in state government, as a powerful Senate budget leader and for the last 8 years in the state's second highest office, Beverly Perdue has been part of the problem. Just two weeks ago, she was promising in an ethics forum to set the standard for transparency and accountability. Last week, her campaign was rocked by scandal and she chooses to run and hide rather than face the voters of North Carolina. This is not leadership. This is unacceptable and we must break the cycle.
Beverly Perdue decries the inaccessibility and closed door meetings being conducted in the state legislature. Yet until this campaign, she has not raised a fuss or said one word about the conduct of the State Senate even though as Lieutenant Governor she serves as presiding officer. As Senate budget leader, she conducted the same closed door meetings and avoided the same questions and oversight we should expect from state government. Now, even in the midst of a campaign and asking the voters for a promotion to the top spot in state government, Beverly Perdue has shown that she is incapable of change.
There is no doubt that times are tough in North Carolina. Families are struggling to make ends meet. We are losing far too many jobs and not creating enough. Our education system is failing 30 percent of our children. State government is broken and unresponsive to the people because of a power elite with complete control over how our state operates. Excess and waste in state government have put the state budget and our overall debt burden in a perilous position.
Still, I believe that our state stands on the brink of great opportunity. I believe that our best days are ahead of us and not behind us. The strength of North Carolina is its people and only together can we work for the changes that state government so desperately needs. Electing Pat McCrory Governor will send a message to the power elite controlling North Carolina that their time is up. Enough is enough. We want a government that works for the people and not the most powerful. Our leaders will be accountable to us again. In this election, we have the chance to make a change. We must break the cycle of inaccessibility, corruption, and elitism that has insulated state government officials like Beverly Perdue and make certain that the people's voice is heard once again. I believe wholeheartedly that Pat McCrory is the leader we need to change the course of state government and that with Pat McCrory as Governor, the promise of North Carolina will shine brighter than ever before.
Obama Fact Check on Tax Increases
At Friday’s Debate, Obama Denied Voting To Raise Taxes On People Making As Little As $42,000 Per Year
At Friday's Debate, Barack Obama Said It Was "Not True" That He Voted To Raise Taxes On Those Making As Little As $42,000 A Year. JOHN MCCAIN: "But again, Senator Obama has shifted on a number of occasions. He has voted in the United States Senate to increase taxes on people who make as low as $42,000 a year." BARACK OBAMA: "That's not true, John. That's not true." MCCAIN: "And that's just a fact. Again, you can look it up." OBAMA: "Look, it's just not true." (Presidential Debate, Oxford, MS, 9/26/08)
FACT CHECK: "McCain Was Right" That Barack Obama Voted To Raise Taxes On Those Making Just $42,000
Barack Obama Voted Twice In Favor Of The Democrats' FY 2009 Budget Resolution That Would Raise Taxes On Those Making Just $42,000 A Year. (S. Con. Res. 70, CQ Vote #85: Adopted 51-44: R 2-43; D 47-1; I 2-0, 3/14/08, Obama Voted Yea; S. Con. Res. 70, CQ Vote #142: Adopted 48- 45: R 2- 44; D 44- 1; I 2-0, 6/4/08, Obama Voted Yea)
· In March 2008, Obama Hailed His Vote For The Budget As Making "Significant Progress In Getting Our Nation's Priorities Back On Track." Obama: "The budget passed by the Senate tonight makes significant progress in getting our nation's priorities back on track. ... We need change in this country, and this budget is an important step in helping bring it about." (Sen. Barack Obama, "Obama Statement On The Senate's Passage Of The FY 2009 Budget," Press Release, obama.senate.gov, 3/14/08)
FactCheck.org: Barack Obama Did Vote For Higher Taxes On People Making $42,000 Despite Saying The Opposite. "Obama denied voting for a bill that called for increased taxes on 'people' making as little as $42,000 a year, as McCain accused him of doing. McCain was right, though only for single taxpayers." ("FactChecking Debate No. 1," FactCheck.org, http://www.factcheck.org, 9/27/08)
· "Yes, As We’ve Said Before, Obama Did In Fact Vote For A Budget Resolution That Called For Higher Federal Income Tax Rates On A Single, Non-Homeowner Who Earned As Little As $42,000 Per Year." ("FactChecking Debate No. 1," FactCheck.org, http://www.factcheck.org, 9/27/08)
At Friday's Debate, Barack Obama Said It Was "Not True" That He Voted To Raise Taxes On Those Making As Little As $42,000 A Year. JOHN MCCAIN: "But again, Senator Obama has shifted on a number of occasions. He has voted in the United States Senate to increase taxes on people who make as low as $42,000 a year." BARACK OBAMA: "That's not true, John. That's not true." MCCAIN: "And that's just a fact. Again, you can look it up." OBAMA: "Look, it's just not true." (Presidential Debate, Oxford, MS, 9/26/08)
FACT CHECK: "McCain Was Right" That Barack Obama Voted To Raise Taxes On Those Making Just $42,000
Barack Obama Voted Twice In Favor Of The Democrats' FY 2009 Budget Resolution That Would Raise Taxes On Those Making Just $42,000 A Year. (S. Con. Res. 70, CQ Vote #85: Adopted 51-44: R 2-43; D 47-1; I 2-0, 3/14/08, Obama Voted Yea; S. Con. Res. 70, CQ Vote #142: Adopted 48- 45: R 2- 44; D 44- 1; I 2-0, 6/4/08, Obama Voted Yea)
· In March 2008, Obama Hailed His Vote For The Budget As Making "Significant Progress In Getting Our Nation's Priorities Back On Track." Obama: "The budget passed by the Senate tonight makes significant progress in getting our nation's priorities back on track. ... We need change in this country, and this budget is an important step in helping bring it about." (Sen. Barack Obama, "Obama Statement On The Senate's Passage Of The FY 2009 Budget," Press Release, obama.senate.gov, 3/14/08)
FactCheck.org: Barack Obama Did Vote For Higher Taxes On People Making $42,000 Despite Saying The Opposite. "Obama denied voting for a bill that called for increased taxes on 'people' making as little as $42,000 a year, as McCain accused him of doing. McCain was right, though only for single taxpayers." ("FactChecking Debate No. 1," FactCheck.org, http://www.factcheck.org, 9/27/08)
· "Yes, As We’ve Said Before, Obama Did In Fact Vote For A Budget Resolution That Called For Higher Federal Income Tax Rates On A Single, Non-Homeowner Who Earned As Little As $42,000 Per Year." ("FactChecking Debate No. 1," FactCheck.org, http://www.factcheck.org, 9/27/08)
Thursday, September 25, 2008
ICYMI: Financial Crisis Puts Dole’s Tenure on Banking Committee in Spotlight
By Sean Mussenden
Media General News Service
September 24 2008
WASHINGTON-When Bush administration officials came to Capitol Hill earlier this week to make the case for a buyout of bad mortgage debt, Sen. Elizabeth Dole said she was skeptical of the plan. Then she looked backwards.
In 2003, Dole began sponsoring legislation to beef up weak government oversight of two key players in the housing market - Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac - warning that failure to fix the mortgage giants could lead to problems.
That prediction proved accurate. The government was forced to take over the two firms this summer, shortly after the passage of provisions Dole had been pushing for five years.
"This problem could have been resolved years ago," Dole, R-N.C., told Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke at a hearing of the Senate banking committee Tuesday.
Over the last six years, Dole's membership on the committee gave her a voice on a host of debates related to the current crisis, from the regulation of mortgage giants, to oversight of Wall Street investment banks and hedge funds and monetary policy.
With Congress mulling over a proposal to buy $700 billion worth of Wall Street securities linked to bad mortgages, many are now asking whether Congress and the administration did enough to prevent the current financial woes.
Dole's role on the banking committee has come up as an issue in her bid for re-election against Democratic state Sen. Kay Hagan.
A review of committee hearing transcripts and bills Dole sponsored during her tenure show she was an early and sometimes lonely advocate for beefing up oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, even after a series of accounting scandals revealed deep problems at both firms.
Financial analysts and economists say a lax regulatory environment helped the firms conceal substantial problems created by their purchase of massive quantities of risky subprime loans, a flaw that has hurt the broader economy. …
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been key players in the housing market for decades. They buy mortgages from banks, package the mortgages together as securities, and sell them to investors or keep them on their own books.
Until a few years ago, the firms mainly bought mortgages that banks issued to the safest borrowers. But a few years ago, they expanded into the growing market for subprime mortgages. Their presence helped make it easier for many Americans to get loans - and drive housing prices up by bringing more buyers into the market.
The firms were private, but long operated with an implicit bailout guarantee from the federal government.
Because of that guarantee, Dole and a handful of Republican senators introduced legislation on several occasions to allow federal regulators to take a closer look at Fannie's and Freddie's books. The legislation gave regulators the power to force the companies to reduce risk by decreasing the number of securities tied to subprime mortgages in their portfolios and to require the companies increase the amount of money kept on hand to cover bad bets on subprime mortgages.
Both led to financial problems for the companies that led to the government takeover.
For years, the legislation went nowhere, though Dole and others raised the issue repeatedly in banking committee hearings.
"We need it now," she said at a hearing in 2006. Many of those provisions passed this year, just in time for the government to take over the companies.
Senate Republicans have blamed Democrats for resisting the measure both before and after Congress changed hands in 2006. …
McLagan said the senator did everything she could to get it passed in the face of intense lobbying from the two mortgage firms.
"On what I think is universally seen as the major tipping point of the current crisis, Freddie and Fannie, she talked about it with regulators, staff, members of the administration, and used all private and public venues up to and including bringing it up in committee hearings," he said. …
Click here for the full article: http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/financial-crisis-puts-doles-tenure-on-banking-committee-in-spotlight/1769/
Media General News Service
September 24 2008
WASHINGTON-When Bush administration officials came to Capitol Hill earlier this week to make the case for a buyout of bad mortgage debt, Sen. Elizabeth Dole said she was skeptical of the plan. Then she looked backwards.
In 2003, Dole began sponsoring legislation to beef up weak government oversight of two key players in the housing market - Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac - warning that failure to fix the mortgage giants could lead to problems.
That prediction proved accurate. The government was forced to take over the two firms this summer, shortly after the passage of provisions Dole had been pushing for five years.
"This problem could have been resolved years ago," Dole, R-N.C., told Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke at a hearing of the Senate banking committee Tuesday.
Over the last six years, Dole's membership on the committee gave her a voice on a host of debates related to the current crisis, from the regulation of mortgage giants, to oversight of Wall Street investment banks and hedge funds and monetary policy.
With Congress mulling over a proposal to buy $700 billion worth of Wall Street securities linked to bad mortgages, many are now asking whether Congress and the administration did enough to prevent the current financial woes.
Dole's role on the banking committee has come up as an issue in her bid for re-election against Democratic state Sen. Kay Hagan.
A review of committee hearing transcripts and bills Dole sponsored during her tenure show she was an early and sometimes lonely advocate for beefing up oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, even after a series of accounting scandals revealed deep problems at both firms.
Financial analysts and economists say a lax regulatory environment helped the firms conceal substantial problems created by their purchase of massive quantities of risky subprime loans, a flaw that has hurt the broader economy. …
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been key players in the housing market for decades. They buy mortgages from banks, package the mortgages together as securities, and sell them to investors or keep them on their own books.
Until a few years ago, the firms mainly bought mortgages that banks issued to the safest borrowers. But a few years ago, they expanded into the growing market for subprime mortgages. Their presence helped make it easier for many Americans to get loans - and drive housing prices up by bringing more buyers into the market.
The firms were private, but long operated with an implicit bailout guarantee from the federal government.
Because of that guarantee, Dole and a handful of Republican senators introduced legislation on several occasions to allow federal regulators to take a closer look at Fannie's and Freddie's books. The legislation gave regulators the power to force the companies to reduce risk by decreasing the number of securities tied to subprime mortgages in their portfolios and to require the companies increase the amount of money kept on hand to cover bad bets on subprime mortgages.
Both led to financial problems for the companies that led to the government takeover.
For years, the legislation went nowhere, though Dole and others raised the issue repeatedly in banking committee hearings.
"We need it now," she said at a hearing in 2006. Many of those provisions passed this year, just in time for the government to take over the companies.
Senate Republicans have blamed Democrats for resisting the measure both before and after Congress changed hands in 2006. …
McLagan said the senator did everything she could to get it passed in the face of intense lobbying from the two mortgage firms.
"On what I think is universally seen as the major tipping point of the current crisis, Freddie and Fannie, she talked about it with regulators, staff, members of the administration, and used all private and public venues up to and including bringing it up in committee hearings," he said. …
Click here for the full article: http://www.mgwashington.com/index.php/news/article/financial-crisis-puts-doles-tenure-on-banking-committee-in-spotlight/1769/
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
NCGOP E-Letter - September 24, 2008
DEMOCRATS VS. PERDUE
RALEIGH—The North Carolina Republican Party released a new web video today entitled, "Democrats vs. Perdue." It highlights two leaders in her own party who have cast doubts on the trustworthiness of Bev Perdue.
FORMER SEN. BOB DOLE TO VISIT LEXINGTON, WINSTON-SALEM FRIDAY
Davidson County Dispatch Staff
September 22, 2008
Bob Dole, a former U.S. senator and Republican presidential candidate, will visit Lexington on Friday to campaign on behalf of his wife, Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C.
Mia Palmieri, deputy campaign manager for Elizabeth Dole’s re-election campaign, who was contacted at Dole campaign headquarters in Salisbury on Monday night, confirmed that Bob Dole is expected to visit two Lexington restaurants and then visit Davidson County Republican Party headquarters on Main Street.
Lance Barrett, the county’s Dole campaign coordinator, said Bob Dole would be at the county party headquarters at 12:30 p.m. Friday.
Bob Dole, a veteran of World War II, served many years as a U.S. senator from Kansas, including time spent as the Senate majority leader. He made runs at the presidency in 1980, 1988 and 1996, winning the Republican Party’s nomination in 1996.
Elizabeth Dole is engaged in a re-election campaign that pits her against Democrat Kay Hagan, a state senator from Greensboro.
Palmieri said Bob Dole’s appearances Friday would be informal meet-and-greet visits.
http://www.the-dispatch.com/
Former U.S. senator and presidential candidate Bob Dole will visit Winston-Salem at 2 p.m. Friday at the Forsyth County Republican Headquarters, 2110 Cloverdale Ave.
Dole will speak and meet with volunteers at the headquarters as a part of a campaign stop for his wife, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole and other Republican candidates.
Dole also will be in Lexington Friday morning, visiting Smiley's Barbecue and Char's Hamburgers before heading to Davidson County Republican headquarters.
Click here for the full article
FROM THE NCGOP PRESSROOM: NCGOP ANNOUNCES FOUR NEW VICTORY 2008 OFFICES
RALEIGH-The North Carolina Republican Party announced today the opening of four new Victory 2008 offices around the state. The new offices are located in Boone, Jacksonville, Gastonia, and Durham.
Boone Victory 2008 Office
149 Meadowview Dr., Boone, NC 28607
Jacksonville Victory 2008 Office
487 Western Blvd., Jacksonville, NC 28540
Gastonia Victory 2008 Office
224 S. New Hope Rd., Gastonia, NC 28055
Durham Victory 2008 Office
4600 Durham Chapel Hill Blvd., Durham, NC 27707
Executive Director Chris McClure, North Carolina Republican Party, made the following statement:
"The strength of the Republican Party in North Carolina has always been the grassroots. Volunteers are pouring in the doors excited about electing John McCain, Sarah Palin, Elizabeth Dole, and Pat McCrory and we have already made contacts with hundreds of thousands of voters throughout the state. With four new offices, we are continuing to build momentum for the Republican ticket and carry out our strategic plan for victory on Election Day."
“MUM” AD FROM JOHN MCCAIN
ARLINGTON, VA -- McCain-Palin 2008 released its latest television ad, entitled "Mum." The ad highlights that while John McCain was outlining an economic recovery plan, Barack Obama was staying "mum" -- refusing to outline a solution, take a position on bailouts and even criticizing his running-mate for having a position. The ad will be televised nationally.
Click here to view the video…
FORMER GOVERNOR MARTIN ENDORSES DAN BARRETT FOR NORTH CAROLINA COURT OF APPEALS
Press Release
Former Governor James G. Martin has endorsed Dan Barrett’s candidacy for the North Carolina Court of Appeals.
“The North Carolina Court of Appeals is critical to our system of justice,” said Martin. “Dan Barrett will apply and interpret the law fairly. He will be tough on crime. Dan will not legislate from the bench.”
“I fully support and endorse Dan Barrett for a seat on the North Carolina Court of Appeals,” said former Governor Martin.
Barrett was widely recognized as a future state-wide candidate after his 2004 grassroots campaign for governor. In that campaign, Barrett embarked on a 582 mile walk across North Carolina.
During his journey from Murphy to the coast, Barrett walked 15 miles a day and wore out five pairs of shoes. "It was a remarkable experience," said Barrett. "I was privileged to witness the natural beauty of our state, and to get to know wonderful people from all walks of life."
Barrett has practiced law for 23 years, and has tried cases across North Carolina. Barrett is author of North Carolina Employment Law, the only comprehensive treatise on employment law in our state. Barrett is also past chair of the Labor and Employment Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association. He has been recognized as one of the leading employment law attorneys in the state. He has the highest rating (AV) from the Martindale-Hubbell National Legal Directory.
Barrett has extensive public service experience. He served as a Davie County Commissioner and as Chair of the Board of Commissioners. Barrett has also worked on a number of charitable boards, including as Chair of the Davie County Hospital Board of Trustees.
Barrett has been recognized for his public service efforts, including the 2004 North Carolina Hospital Association Trustee Service Award, the Dr. Francis W. Slate Community Service Award and the 2002 ARC (Davie County) Member of the Year. In 2001, Barrett and his fellow commissioners were recognized as the County Commission Board of the Year by the North Carolina School Board Association.
Dan Barrett lives in Advance in Davie County with his wife, Kathleen, and his two children, Daniel and Rebekah.
Click here to learn more about Dan Barrett…
ELECTIONS CHIEF ASKS FOR VOTER FRAUD PROBE
Former Obama employer, ACORN, accused of fraud
By Matthew E. Milliken
Durham Herald-Sun
September 19, 2008
DURHAM -- A Durham official is asking state elections administrators to check approximately 80 voter registration forms for possible fraud.
Mike Ashe, Durham County's elections director, said the forms were among about 4,000 submitted to his office over the past four to six weeks by a national left-wing group called Acorn, for Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now.
"They will be turned over to the State Board of Elections for investigation and prosecution," Ashe said of the questionable documents.
Most of the forms at issue bear one of six names. Ashe was not sure whether the people named existed or not.
Many of the papers are incomplete, which Ashe said is a nuisance, not a crime. But the group contains very different versions of what are purportedly the same person's signatures.
Signing another person's name on a voter registration form can result in up to 15 months in prison….
A woman who visited the elections office Wednesday said that Tamion Richardson of Buffalo Way had received a mailing stating that he had been registered to vote. The woman, who said she was Richardson's mother, said he was 14 years old and ineligible to vote….
Friday, September 19, 2008
Perdue deliberately misleading voters on public education
By Linda Daves
Chairman, North Carolina Republican Party
Bev Perdue likes to make claims about how she has worked with teachers and public schools throughout her long career in state government. But what kind of results has she received from her efforts? One in three high school students in North Carolina public schools are failing to finish high school. Meanwhile, Bev Perdue has been in Raleigh for 22 years. She has been on the State Board of Education for the last eight years. If she has a plan to save public education, what is she waiting for? How many more of our students will fail before she unfolds this magical plan?
Bev Perdue stands for only more of the same in education. Her magic bullet: more money. No surprise there. Typical of a liberal, Raleigh mentality, there is no problem Democrats can't claim will be fixed by more state spending and a few tax and fee increases. The truth is we are already spending more money than ever before for public education. K-12 appropriations have risen 42 percent since the year 2000 or by more than $2 billion total, but the state's graduation rate has seen no improvement. (Luebke, Dr. Robert, "2008-2009 State Budget: Education," August 13, 2008)
To deflect from her own dismal record on education, she is now running attack ads saying Pat McCrory will take away money from public education. This claim is not only false; it is a deliberate attempt to manipulate the facts and engage in scare tactics. First, Pat McCrory has announced no such plan. Second, school choice plans have time and again proven to increase, not decrease, the per student spending in public education systems. School choice programs have already saved hundreds of millions of dollars for public education systems in Maryland, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, South Carolina, and Utah. (Enlow, Robert C., "Analysis: School Choice Improves Public School Funding," June 1, 2005)
The word "voucher" is generally seen as a dirty word in politics. But what do vouchers do? They send public money to a private school, but that's not all they do. They also send a public school student to a private school. Since private schools operate in the free market, they spend their education dollars more efficiently and are able to do more on smaller budgets. This saves the state money for each public school student that is sent to a private school. In addition, the public school student is able to get a higher quality of education in a private school as opposed to remaining in a failing public school. Since school choice programs save money for every student sent to a private school, that savings is then pumped back into the public education system. This allows public schools to spend more money on each student, to increase teacher salaries, and to reduce class sizes, all factors that are attributed with bettering academic performance. The surest, cheapest way to increase per student spending in public education is to promote school choice. Bev Perdue likes to talk about providing an opportunity to every student in North Carolina. However, what kind of opportunity are we providing a student in a failing public school? If Perdue really cared about opportunity and not in courting the big money of labor unions, she would come out in support of school choice today.
We already know Bev Perdue's plan for education. More of the same. And it's not working. Until Bev Perdue stands against teachers' unions and special interests in Raleigh and chooses to stand up for our children, she is only paying lip service to true reform in public education. Our children cannot afford for us to continue advocating the same failed strategies when it comes to education. We need new solutions to fix lingering problems. We need a change in leadership in state government.
Chairman, North Carolina Republican Party
Bev Perdue likes to make claims about how she has worked with teachers and public schools throughout her long career in state government. But what kind of results has she received from her efforts? One in three high school students in North Carolina public schools are failing to finish high school. Meanwhile, Bev Perdue has been in Raleigh for 22 years. She has been on the State Board of Education for the last eight years. If she has a plan to save public education, what is she waiting for? How many more of our students will fail before she unfolds this magical plan?
Bev Perdue stands for only more of the same in education. Her magic bullet: more money. No surprise there. Typical of a liberal, Raleigh mentality, there is no problem Democrats can't claim will be fixed by more state spending and a few tax and fee increases. The truth is we are already spending more money than ever before for public education. K-12 appropriations have risen 42 percent since the year 2000 or by more than $2 billion total, but the state's graduation rate has seen no improvement. (Luebke, Dr. Robert, "2008-2009 State Budget: Education," August 13, 2008)
To deflect from her own dismal record on education, she is now running attack ads saying Pat McCrory will take away money from public education. This claim is not only false; it is a deliberate attempt to manipulate the facts and engage in scare tactics. First, Pat McCrory has announced no such plan. Second, school choice plans have time and again proven to increase, not decrease, the per student spending in public education systems. School choice programs have already saved hundreds of millions of dollars for public education systems in Maryland, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, South Carolina, and Utah. (Enlow, Robert C., "Analysis: School Choice Improves Public School Funding," June 1, 2005)
The word "voucher" is generally seen as a dirty word in politics. But what do vouchers do? They send public money to a private school, but that's not all they do. They also send a public school student to a private school. Since private schools operate in the free market, they spend their education dollars more efficiently and are able to do more on smaller budgets. This saves the state money for each public school student that is sent to a private school. In addition, the public school student is able to get a higher quality of education in a private school as opposed to remaining in a failing public school. Since school choice programs save money for every student sent to a private school, that savings is then pumped back into the public education system. This allows public schools to spend more money on each student, to increase teacher salaries, and to reduce class sizes, all factors that are attributed with bettering academic performance. The surest, cheapest way to increase per student spending in public education is to promote school choice. Bev Perdue likes to talk about providing an opportunity to every student in North Carolina. However, what kind of opportunity are we providing a student in a failing public school? If Perdue really cared about opportunity and not in courting the big money of labor unions, she would come out in support of school choice today.
We already know Bev Perdue's plan for education. More of the same. And it's not working. Until Bev Perdue stands against teachers' unions and special interests in Raleigh and chooses to stand up for our children, she is only paying lip service to true reform in public education. Our children cannot afford for us to continue advocating the same failed strategies when it comes to education. We need new solutions to fix lingering problems. We need a change in leadership in state government.
Democrats vs. Perdue
The North Carolina Republican Party released a new web video entitled, "Democrats vs. Perdue." It highlights two leaders in her own party who have cast doubts on the trustworthiness of Bev Perdue.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
NCGOP E-Letter - September 18, 2008
REPUBLICANS SPEAK OUT FOR MCCAIN AT NEW BERN EVENT
By Sue Book
New Bern Sun Journal
September 15, 2008
A bus carrying campaigning Republicans arrived later than planned but in time to please a larger-than-expected crowd at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center on Monday.
Traffic delays near Goldsboro and Kinston slowed the Victory 2008 bus, which started the day in Wilmington and traveled to Fayetteville before stopping in New Bern. Among those on bus were U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole; Linda Daves, North Carolina Republican Party chairman; Buddy Roemer, former Louisiana governor who is campaigning for John McCain; state Sen. Robert Pittenger, candidate for lieutenant governor; and Jack Sawyer, candidate for N.C. secretary of state.
More than 550 people came out for the 15th annual God and Country Banquet sponsored by the Craven-Pamlico Christian Coalition. The group recognized candidates attending from parties, but the dinner was highlighted by speeches from Roemer, Dole and Pittenger….
Hurricane Ike provided Roemer a platform for warm-up stories of Hurricane Katrina, from which he escaped to come home to his house still standing untouched by seven of his eight trees felled by the storm.
But he was clearly stumping for his longtime friend and told the story of McCain's faith during his prisoner-of-war experience.
"Being a hero doesn't make you a good president," he said. "But being a Christian and a hero is a good start where I come from."…
Dole said: "I think Sarah Palin is just a brilliant choice. She is a feisty person willing to stand up for what she thinks is right. I think we have taken the issue of change from our opponents and there is certainly reform needed in Washington, D.C."…
Click here for the full article...
JOHN MCCAIN’S “DOME” AD
September 18, 2008 - Today, McCain-Palin 2008 released its latest television ad, entitled "Dome." The ad highlights Barack Obama's support for increased federal spending that will only lead to an expansion in the size of government. To pay for it, Barack Obama will have to, and promises to, raise taxes that American families just cannot afford. The ad will be televised nationally.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
NC LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR CANDIDATES SPAR IN DEBATE
By Whitney Woodward
Associated Press
September 17, 2008
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — North Carolina's major party candidates for lieutenant governor hammered each other on their records in the state Senate in a debate Wednesday evening.
Republican Robert Pittenger, who resigned from his third term in the Senate in May to campaign, criticized Democrat Sen. Walter Dalton for voting to increase the state budget and debt during an hour-long televised debate.
Pittenger pegged himself as a reformer who will stop the "incredible waste of our tax dollars" — a clear knock on Dalton, who is one of the Democrats' lead budget-writers in the Senate.
"State government's gotten too big, spends too much, doesn't give taxpayers what they really deserve," Pittenger said….
Dalton is a six-term senator from Rutherfordton who became co-chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee in 2003. …
"I voted against budget-busting budgets," Pittenger said….
Although the position carries limited powers, the lieutenant governor presides over the Senate and serves on state education panels, including the State Board of Community Colleges. In August, the board voted to keep an existing policy which prohibits illegal immigrants from being admitted to the schools while experts study other states' policies. …
But Pittenger accused Dalton of backing legislation which would help illegal immigrants have access to state services — a charge Dalton denied.
Pittenger also said Democrats who control both chambers of the General Assembly have made North Carolina an attractive home for illegal immigrants because they have failed to restrict their access to state services.
"These are all issues we need to address and the leadership in Raleigh, the Democrats in charge, have been silent on it," Pittenger said….
Click here for the full article…
Click here to watch the debate…
NC GOVERNOR CANDIDATES CALL FOR GOVERNMENT REFORMS
By Gary D. Robertson
Associated Press
September 16, 2008
RALEIGH, N.C. — The two leading candidates for North Carolina governor called Tuesday for more restrictions or transparency on attempts to influence state government and elections, with each lamenting the recent string of corruption convictions….
At least eight state officials or lobbyists - including four state lawmakers - have been convicted, pleaded guilty to or accepted punishment for a crime in state or federal court since 2006, a roster that includes former Speaker Jim Black.
Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, the GOP candidate, believes there remains an unacceptable "culture of intimidation" within state government that is reducing the trust of Raleigh by citizens and local governments.
"I'm here to bring it out into the open," he said.
McCrory said his mayoral colleagues worry about complaining about shortcomings in state government for fear state officials will punish their city or town by withholding public money.
"I've been told, 'Mayor, don't complain anymore about the DOT and a lack of roads ... because you'll not only not get what you need, but you'll lose what you have. Keep it down,'" McCrory said, saying later that some messages come through intermediaries.
After the luncheon, he said other mayors fear reprisals, so he could provide no additional proof of his accusation. He also said state employees have told him they will vote for them but can't register as a Republican for fear of retribution from their superiors.
The candidates, who appeared separately at the North Carolina Coalition for Lobbying and Government Reform event in Raleigh, said they would take different tacks to reduce the influence of money in campaigns. …
Click here for the full article…
FROM THE NCGOP PRESS ROOM: NEGATIVE BEV WANTS TO MAKE RULES BUT NOT LIVE BY THEM
RALEIGH—In a speech at a gubernatorial forum on ethics yesterday, Bev Perdue unveiled her plan for "[a]n endowment, funded by nonprofits, that would finance the campaigns of candidates for governor, reining in both spending and negative campaigning. Perdue halted her negative ads during the primary but has used them so far in the general election." ("The candidate's ideas on reform," News & Observer, September 17, 2008)
Bev Perdue has previously used members of the Board of Transportation in order to do her fundraising for her campaigns, including Thomas Betts who resigned from the board amidst scandal.
Earlier this year, one of Bev Perdue's aides was granted access to Perdue's financial disclosure statements at the State Ethics Commission and allowed to examine them alone in an office with the door closed in a clear violation of policy. The incident is currently being investigated.
Chairman Linda Daves, North Carolina Republican Party, made the following statement:
"Negative Bev wants to lecture others about the use of negative ads in campaigns even while she uses them in her own campaign to attack and distort the record and positions of Pat McCrory. Is there no limit to her hypocrisy? Over the last eight years, we have seen countless examples of the powerful elite in state government who want to make the rules but not live by them. This is not acceptable. When it comes to reforming ethics in state government, Bev Perdue is part of the problem and not part of the solution. In her eight years as Lieutenant Governor, she has done nothing to challenge the status quo on ethics reform. During the course of this campaign, one of her aides set off a firestorm requiring an investigation of the State Ethics Commission. Only Bev Perdue would be involved with ethics violations at the Ethics commission and then claim to be able to solve the state's ethics woes. Bev Perdue has zero credibility on this issue and represents only more of the same failures of the past."
NATIONAL REPUBLICN SENATORIAL COMMITTEE “PEDAL” AD
Click here to view the video…
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
NCGOP E-Letter - September 10, 2008
FROM THE PRESS ROOM: McCRORY DRAWS CONTRAST WITH PERDUE IN DEBATE
September 9, 2008
RALEIGH—North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Linda Daves released the following statement following tonight's gubernatorial debate hosted by WRAL in Raleigh.
Chairman Linda Daves, North Carolina Republican Party, made the following statement:
“Viewers tuning into tonight's debate were presented with a stark contrast between the two candidates for governor. If voters are satisfied with a 30 percent dropout rate in North Carolina high schools, satisfied with a failed and broken mental health system, and satisfied with the status quo in state government, then electing Bev Perdue will guarantee more of the same. However, if we think that we can do better for our children and fulfill the promise of a quality education that prepares them for a changing economy, then Pat McCrory offers change. If we think that it is possible to create jobs by investing in new energy technologies and reduce our pain at the pump by drilling offshore, then Pat McCrory offers fresh vision. If we think that we can stand up to the same few Raleigh power elites who have been running state government so long that they have run out of new ideas and begun recycling old ones, then Pat McCrory offers strong leadership. The choice is clear. Pat McCrory is the only candidate who can lead us in a new and better direction as the next Governor of North Carolina."
McCRORY AND PERDUE DEBATE
Click here to view the debate…
McCAIN LEAPS AHEAD IN NC
WTVD
September 9, 2008
RALEIGH -- In an election for President of the United States in North Carolina Tuesday, Republican John McCain suddenly and breathtakingly surges to a 20-point win over Democrat Barack Obama, 58% to 38%, according to this latest exclusive SurveyUSA election poll conducted for ABC11-WTVD.
In 3 previous SurveyUSA NC tracking polls, McCain had led by 8, 5, and 4 points. Today: 20. McCain has gained ground in every demographic group. Among men, McCain led by 9 last month, 27 today. Among women, Obama led by 2 last month, trails by 12 today. McCain holds 9 of 10 Republican voters; Obama holds 3 of 4 Democratic voters; independents, who were split last month, break today crisply for McCain, where, in the blink of an eye, he is up by 25…
Click here to view the video…
FACT CHECK
DOLE RECEIVES ENDORSEMENT FROM BUSINESS GROUP
By Daniel Goldberg
Durham Herald-Sun
September 5, 2008
PITTSBORO -- State and federal governments can boost small businesses in counties like Chatham by getting out of the way, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole told a group of business and community college representatives Thursday.
"There's too much excessive regulation of small business that is strangling small business," Dole said during an early afternoon stop at Central Carolina Community College to speak with members of the Chatham County United Chamber of Commerce. During a question and answer period that lasted nearly 45 minutes, Dole supported greater tax breaks for manufacturers, elimination of the estate tax and giving the go-ahead to oil drilling off the North Carolina coast.
"I think anything we can do to make it a pro-growth climate ... ," Dole said in describing her philosophy for supporting entrepreneurial ventures in Chatham….
Dole said the first step the government must take to respond to concerns about illegal immigration is to secure the borders. She supported regulated programs for guest workers and seasonal workers and blamed the Senate's Democratic leadership for the failure of comprehensive reform. Dole said Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada, the Senate majority leader, introduced a comprehensive bill on a Friday, declared there would be a vote on Monday and then did not allow amendments to the bill.
Enforcement of existing laws is the second step toward immigration reform, Dole said. She stressed the need to give local law enforcement the tools to police illegal activity, such as criminal databases that link states and agencies.
"I think the bottom line of this issue is that we have to restore the confidence of the people," Dole said….
The other topic on Dole's mind Thursday was energy, a matter that she said every small business owner and CEO had in common. She wants to stem the flow of corn for use as ethanol, pointing to rising food costs, and explore oil shale deposits said to be beneath the Rocky Mountains. Dole has also lobbied Gov. Mike Easley for his support in removing a moratorium on offshore oil drilling.
"If it's 50 miles off the shore, I say let's do it, let's drill," she said.
Click here for the full article…
COUNCIL OF STATE PASSED RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING FLEXIBILITY FOR GUARD AND RESERVISTS’ PROFESSIONAL LICENSES
Office of the State Auditor
Press Release
September 9, 2008
RALEIGH, NC
Today, the Council of State unanimously passed a resolution proposed by State Auditor Leslie Merritt to urge NC licensing boards and the General Assembly to offer relief in terms of greater flexibility for National Guard members and Reservists who must maintain professional licenses while on deployment.
“I would like to thank the Council of State for recognizing and addressing a need of Guard members and Reservists who serve on deployment and return to find their professional licenses in jeopardy,” said State Auditor Leslie Merritt.
The need for greater flexibility came to the State Auditor’s attention during preliminary work on a performance audit that is looking into the quality of NC’s veteran’s services. During a focus group of veterans who were gathered to discuss what issues were important to them, the issue of maintaining professional license requirements for Guard and Reservists while on deployment was discussed as an immediate concern.
“The next step in the process is for NC’s legislature, boards and commissions to build on the Council of State’s resolution and revise licensing procedures for our Guard members and Reservists who return from deployment and rejoin NC’s work force,” concluded Auditor Merritt.
September 9, 2008
RALEIGH—North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Linda Daves released the following statement following tonight's gubernatorial debate hosted by WRAL in Raleigh.
Chairman Linda Daves, North Carolina Republican Party, made the following statement:
“Viewers tuning into tonight's debate were presented with a stark contrast between the two candidates for governor. If voters are satisfied with a 30 percent dropout rate in North Carolina high schools, satisfied with a failed and broken mental health system, and satisfied with the status quo in state government, then electing Bev Perdue will guarantee more of the same. However, if we think that we can do better for our children and fulfill the promise of a quality education that prepares them for a changing economy, then Pat McCrory offers change. If we think that it is possible to create jobs by investing in new energy technologies and reduce our pain at the pump by drilling offshore, then Pat McCrory offers fresh vision. If we think that we can stand up to the same few Raleigh power elites who have been running state government so long that they have run out of new ideas and begun recycling old ones, then Pat McCrory offers strong leadership. The choice is clear. Pat McCrory is the only candidate who can lead us in a new and better direction as the next Governor of North Carolina."
McCRORY AND PERDUE DEBATE
Click here to view the debate…
McCAIN LEAPS AHEAD IN NC
WTVD
September 9, 2008
RALEIGH -- In an election for President of the United States in North Carolina Tuesday, Republican John McCain suddenly and breathtakingly surges to a 20-point win over Democrat Barack Obama, 58% to 38%, according to this latest exclusive SurveyUSA election poll conducted for ABC11-WTVD.
In 3 previous SurveyUSA NC tracking polls, McCain had led by 8, 5, and 4 points. Today: 20. McCain has gained ground in every demographic group. Among men, McCain led by 9 last month, 27 today. Among women, Obama led by 2 last month, trails by 12 today. McCain holds 9 of 10 Republican voters; Obama holds 3 of 4 Democratic voters; independents, who were split last month, break today crisply for McCain, where, in the blink of an eye, he is up by 25…
Click here to view the video…
FACT CHECK
DOLE RECEIVES ENDORSEMENT FROM BUSINESS GROUP
By Daniel Goldberg
Durham Herald-Sun
September 5, 2008
PITTSBORO -- State and federal governments can boost small businesses in counties like Chatham by getting out of the way, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole told a group of business and community college representatives Thursday.
"There's too much excessive regulation of small business that is strangling small business," Dole said during an early afternoon stop at Central Carolina Community College to speak with members of the Chatham County United Chamber of Commerce. During a question and answer period that lasted nearly 45 minutes, Dole supported greater tax breaks for manufacturers, elimination of the estate tax and giving the go-ahead to oil drilling off the North Carolina coast.
"I think anything we can do to make it a pro-growth climate ... ," Dole said in describing her philosophy for supporting entrepreneurial ventures in Chatham….
Dole said the first step the government must take to respond to concerns about illegal immigration is to secure the borders. She supported regulated programs for guest workers and seasonal workers and blamed the Senate's Democratic leadership for the failure of comprehensive reform. Dole said Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada, the Senate majority leader, introduced a comprehensive bill on a Friday, declared there would be a vote on Monday and then did not allow amendments to the bill.
Enforcement of existing laws is the second step toward immigration reform, Dole said. She stressed the need to give local law enforcement the tools to police illegal activity, such as criminal databases that link states and agencies.
"I think the bottom line of this issue is that we have to restore the confidence of the people," Dole said….
The other topic on Dole's mind Thursday was energy, a matter that she said every small business owner and CEO had in common. She wants to stem the flow of corn for use as ethanol, pointing to rising food costs, and explore oil shale deposits said to be beneath the Rocky Mountains. Dole has also lobbied Gov. Mike Easley for his support in removing a moratorium on offshore oil drilling.
"If it's 50 miles off the shore, I say let's do it, let's drill," she said.
Click here for the full article…
COUNCIL OF STATE PASSED RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING FLEXIBILITY FOR GUARD AND RESERVISTS’ PROFESSIONAL LICENSES
Office of the State Auditor
Press Release
September 9, 2008
RALEIGH, NC
Today, the Council of State unanimously passed a resolution proposed by State Auditor Leslie Merritt to urge NC licensing boards and the General Assembly to offer relief in terms of greater flexibility for National Guard members and Reservists who must maintain professional licenses while on deployment.
“I would like to thank the Council of State for recognizing and addressing a need of Guard members and Reservists who serve on deployment and return to find their professional licenses in jeopardy,” said State Auditor Leslie Merritt.
The need for greater flexibility came to the State Auditor’s attention during preliminary work on a performance audit that is looking into the quality of NC’s veteran’s services. During a focus group of veterans who were gathered to discuss what issues were important to them, the issue of maintaining professional license requirements for Guard and Reservists while on deployment was discussed as an immediate concern.
“The next step in the process is for NC’s legislature, boards and commissions to build on the Council of State’s resolution and revise licensing procedures for our Guard members and Reservists who return from deployment and rejoin NC’s work force,” concluded Auditor Merritt.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
NCGOP E-Letter - September 3, 2008
FROM THE NCGOP PRESSROOM:
MAVERICK CHOOSES MAVERICK AS RUNNING MATE
RALEIGH—With John McCain's announcement today of Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska as his vice presidential running mate, North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Linda Daves made the following statement.
Chairman Linda Daves made the following statement:
"With his selection of Sarah Palin as running mate, John McCain has demonstrated once again his commitment to putting country first and his determination to shake up the status quo in Washington. Sarah Palin not only brings executive experience to the ticket, she brings true credentials of reform. In her impressive tenure as Governor, Palin has shown leadership in her stands against ethics violations and against wasteful spending. She has shown vision for promoting alternative and domestic energy sources in Alaska. In addition, as the head of Alaska's National Guard and as the mother of a soldier herself, Governor Palin bring a unique perspective to leading our nation and supporting our troops.
Like John McCain, Sarah Palin not only talks about change, she has a long record of producing results. With this pick, John McCain signals that it is time to write a new book in Washington and Governor Palin will serve as a perfect co-author for a new American story. North Carolina Republicans are proud to be represented by these two visionary leaders and look forward with excitement to electing them this fall."
BURR WORKS HARD – IN BACKGROUND
Barbara Barrett
News & Observer
September 2, 2008
ST. PAUL, MINN. - U.S. Sen. Richard Burr had his big moment in the Republican National Convention spotlight Monday afternoon, but the nation's eyes were turned elsewhere.
Burr spoke for about three minutes to rowdy cheering from his home-state delegation, just as the nation's attention and most of the media were turned elsewhere -- to the events on the Gulf Coast in the wake of Hurricane Gustav.
So it goes for Burr, considered a smart, hard-working policy wonk by colleagues and yet relatively unknown outside his home state of North Carolina or insider GOP circles.
He's been with John McCain since the early days. Still, he wasn't rewarded with a prime-time speaking slot at this week's convention or a short-list shot at the vice presidency.
Instead, Burr was named in May to be a co-chairman of the GOP platform committee, a deep-in-the-weeds role that meant long hours, back-room diplomacy and very little glamour. It would be his job to help shepherd the document laying out Republican principles without letting controversy leak into the press.
He was working hard at that job Monday when he told the convention: "Before you is the most principled and forward-looking Republican platform in history."
Burr said that this year's GOP is welcoming to Libertarians, Democrats, conservatives, moderates and even liberals.
"We have cohesive principles," he said. "This platform is a testament to the American spirit."
Trust from the top
Even though co-chairman of the platform committee is a role that offers no glitz, political observers say it signals McCain's and other Republican leaders' overwhelming trust in North Carolina's junior senator.
"It's an important honor," said Darrell West, vice president and director of governance at the Brookings Institute. "It means [Burr] is trusted with sensitive party issues."
This convention could still be Burr's biggest chance yet for national exposure. The freshman senator counts McCain as a close friend, and he was among the Arizona senator's early supporters, endorsing him in March 2007. Burr stuck with the candidate as McCain's campaign crumbled last summer.
Throughout last year, he stumped for McCain across the country, traveling to Iowa, then standing in snowy New Hampshire -- sockless in his brown loafers -- to talk up McCain outside polls.
It's the kind of loyalty that attracts attention in the insular, chummy world of the Senate. With Burr's relative youth -- he is 52 -- and ability to work well with others, many say he could have a strong future in the party.
"It's open-ended," said Newt Gingrich, former House Speaker, who talked with Burr several times about ideas for the platform. "He's a great national talent, very smart, personable, open-minded, and that goes a long way in national politics."
"If you want flash, go see Obama," said state Sen. Tom Apodaca of Hendersonville. Burr, he said, "is very well thought of. I definitely think he's an up-and-comer."…
Click here for the full article…
NC DELEGATE, OTHER TEENS ADD YOUTH TO GRAND OLE PARTY
WRAL
September 2, 2008
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Political analysts have said the outcome of the presidential election in November could depend on voter turnout among two groups: minorities and young voters. Although those groups tend to vote Democratic, the Republican Party is working to win them over.
The Grand Old Party, the party of Lincoln and Reagan, is seen by many as just that – old. Making 72-year-old John McCain the oldest first-term presidential nominee in U.S. history doesn't alter that image.
But Nelia Hamby sees a streak of youthful excitement in the Republican Party. The 18-year-old from Kannapolis is the youngest North Carolina delegate at the national convention this week and could be the state's youngest delegate in history.
"The Republican Party isn't just a whole bunch of old, stuffy people. There is youth and vibrance in the Republican Party too because we are the next generation," said Hamby, who noted she is inspired by McCain's vice presidential pick, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, and all she's accomplished in her public life….
"A lot of my classmates and I will be voting on Nov. 4," said Lauren Hadley, a senior at Ravenscroft School. "I think it's important that they take an interest in this, and a lot of them aren't taking it very seriously. They're either voting Republican because that's what their parents are, or they're voting (for Democratic nominee Barack) Obama because they want change."…
Click here for the full article…
MCCRORY STUMPS IN ONSLOW
Suzanne Ulrich
Jacksonville Daily News
August 30, 2008
Republican gubernatorial candidate Pat McCrory made a jam-packed campaign swing through Onslow County on Friday, saying he believes state officials need to get out more often to see what's going on in North Carolina….
"The customers of North Carolina are being ignored and they deserve better. My job is to listen...," he said.
McCrory faces Democratic Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue, a former state senator from New Bern, and a familiar presence in Onslow County, in the Nov. 4 general election.
Some of the Onslow residents he encountered at Hilda's on Friday came away impressed.
Sneads Ferry resident Andy Canady said McCrory reminds him of another Republican from Mecklenburg County, former Gov. Jim Martin.
"One of the things I admire about (McCrory) is he put in a rail system in Charlotte," Canady said. "At first it wasn't looked upon very favorably by many, he was criticized for the expenditure and other things.... Now, with gas prices, there isn't a vacant seat on it," he said. "He looks ahead, he's progressive."
Dr. John Dudley of Hubert agreed with McCrory that the state capital needs a culture change, and he spoke favorably about the GOP candidate's experience as Charlotte mayor.
McCrory has served seven terms at mayor of Charlotte. He also serves on the Homeland Security Advisory Commission….
McCrory said state government is not doing enough work to develop technology for water and sewer needs. He said this area will need new technologies to help with the growth of Camp Lejeune, and to attract industry, jobs and people into the area.
"I am so impressed with your town," he said. "But you need a governor that understands your problems - resources are second to none.... You need to have proper water and sewer and other infrastructure. State government is not working on the new technology which would help provide you with the pressures of the military base expansions."
McCrory said an improved infrastructure would help Onslow County diversify its economy. "Attracting other industry would provide jobs and attract other people besides the base to move to the area and that will help with property taxes," he said.
Monk Walton of Sneads Ferry said water and sewer service is an important issue to the residents in his area.
"What he said about water and sewer is really important, particularly for the Sneads Ferry area - it's one of the things we need that we don't have and it's keeping us from developing and growing," Walton said.
In a visit to The Daily News offices, McCrory said he was ready to take on the challenges facing the eastern region of the state. "I firmly believe there is some excellent opportunity to rebuild the economy in the East, especially with offshore drilling and getting people involved in the energy business," he said.
Click here for the full article…
GOLD MEDAL
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