Archive for the ‘NC Republicans’ Category

By Susan Bryant, Chairman, Wake County Republican Party

It’s Tax filing time, and when you file your IRS and North Carolina Tax returns, I am asking that you DO NOT check off the box that sends public funds to political parties!

From the time it began in the 1970’s, I have been opposed to public financing of political campaigns.  This includes the years I made my living as a campaign consultant, and could therefore have pocketed some of the money involved myself.  I consider my position one of the most selfless and altruistic I have ever espoused.  But seriously, why should taxpayers’ money go to pay for politicians’ bumper strips when we are running up trillions of dollars of debt?

So I’ve been against all public financing schemes, the Presidential check-off, the many various proposals for financing Congressional campaigns that have been floated over the year, and, yes, the North Carolina check-off law, too.  Now that we have a Republican legislature, I think elimination of the Political Parties Financing Fund ought to be a major part of the campaign reform bill they pass, along with Voter ID and a number of other changes that are needed.

Not all of the reports have been filed yet, but last year, more than $2 million was doled out by the state to the three recognized political parties, with by far the largest share going to the Democrats, who got over a million and a half.  Some of the Democrat money (as Francis DeLuca pointed out in a Civitas Review article last April,) went to pay for the settlement the Dems paid to cover up the allegation of sexual harassment.

Doing away with the check-off fund would also make it unnecessary for Republicans to wrestle with the choice between honor and political expediency.  Assuming they don’t get it repealed in time for the 2012 tax returns we’re all dealing with now, I will decline to say yes to wasteful spending again, hopefully for the last time, at least at our state level.  I hope you will, too.

Democrats argue that public financing will cut down on political clout by fat cats and other special interests, but doesn’t that go against their basic philosophy of “soak the rich?”  When they check the box, they are taking $3 out of the funds that would otherwise go to education, mental health and other worthy causes in the state budgets and give it to the politicians.  How did that ever get to be the policy of the party of the “little guy,” anyway?

I don’t believe those precious dollars should go to politicians, but rather should go to the education of our children, homeless veterans and other worthy causes.  And I encourage all who want to contribute to a political party to do so…and for you Republicans, I’m including a link to do so for either the North Carolina GOP or the Wake County GOP.

North Carolina Senate leaders introduced legislation Wednesday to opt out of participation in several costly provisions of the federal Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.

Senators Tom Apodaca (R-Henderson), Harry Brown (R-Onslow) and Bob Rucho (R-Mecklenburg) filed Senate Bill 4 to exempt North Carolina from establishing a state-based health insurance exchange or a state-federal partnership exchange.

The bill also directs the N.C. Department of Insurance to return unspent taxpayer funds awarded by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services earlier this month to create a state-federal partnership exchange.

“Obamacare was forced on us against our will by the federal government, and they should shoulder the burden of implementing it,” said Sen. Apodaca.  “Any claim that North Carolina would ‘control’ this program is nothing more than an illusion.”

 

Senate Bill 4 also rules out expansion of the North Carolina Medicaid program.  In its 2012 decision on Obamacare, the U.S. Supreme Court exempted states from the federal mandate to expand Medicaid eligibility.  Based on the court’s ruling, North Carolina has the authority to opt out of expansion.

Costs for North Carolina’s existing Medicaid program have increased significantly in recent years. In 2012, the General Assembly was forced to fill a surprise Medicaid shortfall that totaled more than $500 million.  Recent figures from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services indicate that an expansion of the program would add hundreds of millions of dollars in additional state costs to North Carolina’s Medicaid budget through 2019.

“Senate Republicans are committed to ensuring every North Carolinian receives the highest quality health care and outcomes,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R-Rockingham).  “Saddling our citizens with the enormous costs of a new federal bureaucracy and entitlements is simply not the way to achieve this goal.”

Background:

Under Obamacare, each state must have in place a health exchange where individuals and small businesses, which are now mandated to have insurance, can purchase health care coverage.  There are three options:  a state-run exchange, a state-federal partnership exchange and a federally-run exchange. Senate leaders have spent months evaluating the implications of each type of exchange.

In November 2012, former Gov. Beverly Perdue prematurely declared her intent to establish a state-federal partnership exchange – three months before the deadline for the state to make this declaration – while at the same time applying for $73.9 million dollars in federal grant funding to set up the new government program.

Chairman Priebus delivers remarks immediately following his re-election as Chairman of the RNC

1:00 p.m. The Republican National Committee has reconvened and only one candidate has qualified to run, Reince Piebus.  He is being nominated and seconded.

You may follow the proceedings live on C-SPAN.

Since no other nominations qualify, rule 5-B says that they close nominations and stand for voting.  Only three people voted against him, assuring him of re-election.  Congratulations to Chairman Priebus.

In his acceptance speech, he called this overwhelming support, “a great honor.”

Renew, Grow, Win is the theme of the meeting and is his agenda for the next two years.

National Media captured the events live.

1:16  We must train activists and volunteers with modern tools.  (We will have more details of the speech soon.

1:33  Sharon Day is being nominated for a second term as Co-Chairman of the RNC.

1:40  After four seconding speech, Sharon Day was elected, un-opposed, as Co-Chairman of the Republican National Committee.  She wants to lead a principled path to reach every single voter.  Lead a path that every single American knows is right.

The convention next elected Treasurer, Tony Parker, and Secretary Demetra DeMonte, unanimously, as was Sharon Day.

NC National Committeewoman Ada Fisher thanked everyone for coming down to North Carolina.

2:00  After a few final announcements, the meeting was adjourned.

Dan Forest Takes the Oath of Office from Justice Paul Newby (Photo Courtesy of WRAL-TV)

Raleigh Republican Dan Forest, became North Carolina’s newest Lt. Governor on Monday. He was sworn into office by Associate Supreme Court Justice, Paul Newby.

Joined his wife Alice, elected officials, family, and invited guests, the private ceremony was held in the Old Senate chambers on Capitol Square in downtown Raleigh.

Forest’s mother, former Congresswoman Sue Myrick,  sat on the front row and watched proudly as her son promised to abide by North Carolina law.

According to the Associated Press:

Forest said he’s eager to join (Governor Pat) McCrory and fellow Republicans who now control the General Assembly in transforming state government. Forest says he hopes his fellow GOP leaders will be bold in removing regulations from businesses and in reducing taxes including possibly eliminating income taxes paid by individuals and corporations. He also hopes lawmakers will revolutionize education and open the exploration and production of energy.

Forest is an architect who holding his first public office. Monday, he became the first Lt. Governor of North Carolina since Jim Gardner.  Gardner, of Rocky Mount, took office in 1989.

McCrory at Monday’s Press Conference, courtesy of the Charlotte Observer

On his first official workday in office, newly minted Governor Pat McCrory got down to business.  He signed his first executive order and named three more appointments to his leadership team.

His first act was to rescind one of his predecessors executive orders which was to have a panel pick vacant statewide judicial positions.  In Executive Order 1, he will do it directly.

At his first press conference this morning, the governor expressed concern over the state’s exploding budget and warned agency directors to watch their bottom lines.

Additonally, he discussed the state’s Information Technology (IT) infrastructure, calling it antiquated and out-of-date.  He had specific worries about the computers in Health and Human Services.

Finally, he named three more to positions of political importance:

Tony Almeida as Senior Advisor to the governor for Jobs and the Economy, Fred Steen as the governor’s Legislative Liaison and Chris Estes as State Chief Information Officer.

Tuesday evening, the Governor will be in his predecessor’s (and this blogger’s) hometown of New Bern, greeting constituents.  Katy’s Conservative Corner will be there and have the story for you, as well as other stories of the day and from the past weekend.

NC Chief Justice Swears in Governor Pat McCrory, pool photo by Gerry Broome

More than 100 people gathered in the old House chambers for the swearing-in. They listened to mostly patriotic music from the Liberty Brass Quintet that’s part of the 440th Army Band from the North Carolina

Gov and Mrs McCrory Greet well-wishers as they leave the chamber in the NC Capitol. Kieran Shanahan is at the front left.

National Guard. Transition team leader John Lassiter emceed the event.

Perdue told McCrory that with the seal she transferred to him “the powers and duties as chief executive officer of the great state _ the greatest state in America _ and may God bless you in the months and years ahead as you and Ann serve North Carolina’s people as their governor and leader of this great state.”

Chief Justice Sarah Parker administered the oath to Patrick Lloyd McCrory at 12:10 p.m. on two Bibles held by Ann McCrory _ the McCrory family Bible and the George Durant 1599 Bible, which is known as North Carolina’s oldest book. After saying “I do,” the crowd applauded and the new governor hugged his wife.

Remember all that work you did last Spring, Summer, and Fall?  Today is pay off time as North Carolina’s new Governor, Pat McCrory, is inaugurated.   The activities will take place in the old Senate Chambers at Capitol Square in downtown Raleigh.  The details follow, below.

Find out how you can watch the entire event on your computer, via Livestream and scroll down to see the activities of the noon hour.  Katy’s Conservative Corner  will also be there to bring you photos and interviews.

We listed a viewing guide beneath the video box, to assist you.

ACTIVITIES OF NOON HOUR 

DETAILS:

12:00pm – Gov. Elect McCrory enters chamber
12:02pm – Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem
12:05pm – Invocation by Minister David Chadwick
12:07pm – Transfer of the seal w/ Gov. Elect McCrory & Gov. Perdue
12:11pm – Gov. Elect McCrory takes the oath of office, administered by Chief Justice Parker
12:17pm – Gov. McCrory exits chamber

OPEN TO FAMILY and media only

Swearing in of Cabinet Secretaries  

You may also watch the proceedings on North Carolina Public Television.

Gov. Pat McCrory

Thursday,  North Carolina Governor-Elect Pat McCrory appointed Brigadier General Anthony J. Tata (U.S. Army, Retired) as Secretary of the Department of Transportation, Sharon Decker as Secretary of the Department of Commerce and Bill Daughtridge as Secretary of the Department of Administration. Additionally, the Governor-Elect announced Neal Alexander will serve as Director of the State Office of Personnel.

With these appointments, Governor-Elect McCrory has filled all eight of his cabinet secretary positions with a diverse, bi-partisan group of people representing all portions of the state. Half of Governor-Elect McCrory’s cabinet secretaries are Republican and half are either Democrat or Independent.

“I am incredibly proud of the strong team we’ve assembled,” said Governor-Elect McCrory. “These individuals are pragmatic problem solvers and leaders that will help me run the government in the most effective way possible while seeking long-term solutions for our state.”

DOT Secretary Tony Tata

Brigadier General Anthony J. Tata (U.S. Army, Retired) joins Governor-Elect McCrory’s cabinet after most recently serving as Superintendent of the Wake County Public School System, leading the state’s largest school district of 18,000 employees, 150,000 students and a $1.25 billion budget.

Prior to serving as Superintendent, General Tata was in Afghanistan where he served as the Deputy Commanding General of U.S. forces from 2006-2007. Throughout his career, General Tata has planned and implemented multiple operations involving complex transportation and infrastructure challenges ranging from multi-mode operations involving ports, airfields, rail, and highways to designing and implementing extensive infrastructure plans in developing countries. Among his many military assignments, General Tata served two tours of duty in the 82^nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg.
He also served as a brigade commander in the 101st Airborne Division and as the Deputy Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division. General Tata graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1981.

Sharon Decker enters the McCrory Administration with extensive private sector experience. She was the CEO of the Tanner Company, a large textile company based in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. In 2004, Decker created the Tapestry Group, a non-profit that helps individuals lead healthy lives in body, mind and spirit. Decker has served on the boards of three Fortune 500 companies. She also has more than 17 years of experience with Duke Power Company, now Duke Energy. She began working with the company in consumer services and moved rapidly through the ranks to become the youngest and first female vice president in Duke Power’s history. Her work at Duke Power led to the creation of its 24-hour customer service center, an organization that still serves as a model for the industry.

Tata, McCrory, and Bill Daughtridge at Thursday’s announcement

Bill Daughtridge is the President of Daughtridge Gas & Oil Company based in Rocky Mount and currently is on the UNC Board of Governors, where he serves on the Budget Committee. From 2002-2008, Daughtridge served in the North Carolina House of Representatives, where he chaired the Commerce Committee and focused his efforts on promoting economic growth and development in North Carolina.

Daughtridge is also a former President Area Seven (VA and NC) on the Southern Region Board of Directors for the Boy Scouts of America and is a former member of the North Carolina Travel and Tourism Board, the Nash County Board of Travel & Tourism, Carolinas Gateway Partnership and the Rocky Mount Community Foundation. Daughtridge also held other statewide and local leadership positions including President of the North Carolina Petroleum Marketers Association, Rocky Mount Area United Way and Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to three Cabinet appointments, McCrory also announced that Neal Alexander will serve as the Director of the State Office of Personnel.

Alexander joins Governor-Elect McCrory’s leadership team with 40 years of experience in various Human Resources roles at Duke Energy. Most recently, he served as Vice President for Human Resources for Duke Energy’s US Franchised Electric and Gas Service, and has won awards for excellence in Human Resources such as the Duke Power William S. Lee Leadership Award and The Employers Association Babcock Award. He also currently serves as chair of the Gardner-Webb University Board of Trustees and The Employers Association, which provides human resources and training services to organizations.

The National Republican Party (RNC) has been a popular whipping post lately, after losing the Presidential election.  Indeed heads will probably roll at their annual meeting in Charlotte, which KCC will cover for you.    KCC enjoyed covering the RNC convention in Tampa hopes to bring you more such action.

Meanwhile, here in North Carolina, the state Republican Party certainly did its job and more during the last election cycle.

The Party helped elect, another Republican General Assembly and this time added on a Republican Governor.  Good times have returned to Raleigh for the GOP.

There will be the old battles between the moderate and conservative wings of the Party as the libertarian wing, the tea party, moves along.   No one knows if they will join their own, more fitting Libertarian Party, or continue to try to win (and fail) as a branch of NC Republicans.

Robin Hayes, Chairman of   the NCGOP, is up for re-election at this Spring’s State Party Convention

Robin Hayes, chairman of the NCGOP, is up for re-election at this Spring’s state party convention.  That three-day-event, will be held in Charlotte and KCC will have the dates for you soon.

Meanwhile, consider these accomplishments of the Republicans and other groups, as presented by the NCGOP:

• Historic dominance of all three branches of state government
• Landslide Republican gubernatorial win: McCrory 55%; Dalton 43%; Howe 2%
• Enabled Pat McCrory to be only the second statewide Republican to win Early Voting in NCSuper majorities in NC Senate (33/17) and NC House (77/43)
• Republican Lt. Governor to preside over GOP Senate (Dan Forest)
• Gained 3 US House seats to make a Republican majority congressional delegation (9/4)
• Landslide passage of Marriage Amendment in May
• Maintained Conservative Republican majority on NC Supreme Court
• Progress in County Commissioners: 54 GOP County Boards; 44 Democratic; 2 Non-Partisan
• Only “Swing” state not carried by President Obama in 2012 Presidential race.   Yes, North Carolina did its party as the state voted for Mitt Romney in November.  There was nothing else it could have done.

Editor’s Note:   Conservatives, please make plans to attend the State Republican Convention in Charlotte and vote to keep Robin Hayes  your state Chairman.

NC Delegates waiting for the bus to go to Tropicana Field in St. Pete.

ST PETERSBURG FL    The Tampa Bay Buccaneer cheerleaders danced, bands played, and there were even “diversity dancers” from Busch Gardens.  Yes, this Tampa welcome was everything and more than attendees to the 2012 Republican National Convention could ask for.  (Naturally, your blogger yelled “go Redskins” during the conclusion of the cheering.)  I can’t forget to mention the Cirque performance with elephants, which was fun.

As KCC writes, she is sitting in the middle of Tropicana field, watching a fantastic light show and listening to  music and having a great time with Margaret, a guest of the convention from Maryland.  It’s been fun meeting delegates from across the nation and we hope there is much more of this.

The North Carolina delegation shared a bus with the Minnesota crowd on the way to the baseball stadium.

Just outside, we witnessed a cage full of protestors in their proper place.  One held a sign that said “why are you so mean?”  Suddenly, KCC’s tiniest violin began playing “My Heart Bleeds for You.”  So sad to see the protesters in a cage in the wind and rain.

Aww.

Katy had the pleasure of sitting next to Mr. & Mrs. Art Pope and trading war stories.

Meanwhile, enjoy the photos below of people having a great time tonight.  Perhaps you’ll see someone you know. More to come later.  Frank Williams, wish you were here.  Ditto, Rob and Bobby Benningfield.  It’s not the same without you.

More to come!  Subscribe to our updates via email by clicking on the envelope at the top left of the page, or subscribe to the RSS feed.

The RNC is really putting on a nice show for their top activists and donors! Bravo!

Martha Jenkins and company

Dome of Tropicana Field. See the party going on beneath?

Fun Oklahoma delegates. KCC adored these delightful ladies. It’s been a pleasure meeting nice people
from all over the nation!

Happy NC Delegates happy to be in St. Pete!