US Senate Candidate Erica Smith Disavows Republican-Backed Ad

Controversy is swirling around an advertisement ostensibly supporting US Senate candidate Erica Smith. A recently-formed Republican PAC, Faith and Power, has lined up $1.6 million in media buys to air the ad, which links Smith to progressive policies such as the Green New Deal and Medicare for all. You can view the ad here.

Smith is running against Cal Cunningham, who has raised more money. Both are seeking to run against Republican Thom Tillis who has raised more than either Democratic candidate. The ad is perhaps the best evidence yet that Republican operatives are concerned about Tillis' weakness as a candidate.

In a statement on Thursday Smith said “We reject the influence of special interest, corporate-PAC and dark money in politics. . . I remain unbought, unbossed, and unapologetic in my 17 years of advocating for equity, opportunity, and fairness.”

Cunningham also rejected Republican interference, saying: "Washington Republicans know Senator Tillis is weak, and apparently they don't like his chances against me in November. Now they're resorting to shady tactics to meddle in our election -- and it's disrespectful to North Carolina voters."

Click here for WSOC's story about Republican mischief in the primary. CNN's story on the issue can be found here.

Republican-Dominated Legislature Oblivious to Black Infant Mortality

A recent joint study by the Charlotte Observer and the Center for Health Journalism found that Medicaid expansion offers a clear path to reduce the rate of infant deaths among African American children. Despite strong support from Governor Roy Cooper and his Democratic colleagues in the legislature, the Republican legislative majority continues to block Medicaid expansion in North Carolina.

(From the Charlotte Observer) Deaths of African-American babies declined most quickly in states that expanded Medicaid coverage, researchers have found. North Carolina isn’t one of those states. More than 15% of North Carolina women ages 19-44 don’t have health insurance, 10th most among states, according to the United Health Foundation. North Carolina is one of 14 states that has not adopted Medicaid expansion as allowed by the Obama-era Affordable Care Act. States that expanded Medicaid, which allowed more low-income adults to have health insurance, also had greater overall declines in infant death rates, said a 2018 study published in the American Journal of Public Health. Those improved rates were driven by declines in black babies’ deaths.

Governor Cooper has made Medicaid expansion a central goal of his administration and has argued that reduction of the infant mortality gap is an important reasons to expand coverage. Last year the House of Representatives briefly considered House Bill 655, a bipartisan effort to expand coverage for low-income adults. The bill was viewed by some as a ploy by the Republican majority to erode Democratic support for Governor Cooper's budget veto. Nonetheless, the legislature's Republican leaders have refused to allow a vote on any plan that resembles Medicaid expansion, leaving North Carolina's most vulnerable citizens needlessly at risk.

New Hanover County Dems Announce Office Hours, Phone Line

Harry Tuchmayer, recently retired as Director of New Hanover County Public Libraries, has volunteered to manage the NHCDP Office! Also, we have installed a phone. Here's what you need to know:

The New Office Phone Number is (910) 805-5703.

The Office Hours are:

Tuesdays 11 am to 2 pm

Thursdays 3:30 pm to 6 pm

We expect to expand office hours with the addition of volunteers. If you know someone who wants to volunteer, please leave a message on the office phone.

Harry urges Precinct Chairs to pick up Sample Ballots and Early Voting Schedules before the precinct meetings on February 15th. Also, candidates are welcome to drop off signs and literature for pickup by their supporters.

Get Ready for the March 3 Primary

North Carolina's election primary will be held on March 3, Super Tuesday, this year. A few things to remember:

One Stop Early Voting begins in a few short weeks, on February 13.
One Stop Voting and registration site information is available here.
You won't need to show a voter ID to vote in the primary.
17-year-olds who will be 18 by the November election may vote in the primary on March 3 if they register.
A sample ballot for New Hanover Democrats is available here.

DOING (Democrats Organizing In Neighborhood Groups) Going Strong in New Hanover County

Are you feeling anxious about this years election? Do something! If you want to make a difference consider joining the ongoing DOING effort to establish contact with as many Democratic voters as possible. People in each precinct can work together to build community and mobilize Democrats in their local area.

Here is a list of canvasses, which is updated as new canvasses are added.

"Get Elected" Workshop Planned for March

Are you running for office or managing an election campaign? LEAD NC is organizing a two-day workshop in Wilmington on March 14 and 15. LEAD NC is a non-partisan 501(c)4 organization that provides training and leadership development for any North Carolinian who strongly supports LEAD NC's values such as voters rights, women's rights, transparency in government and inclusiveness.

The training covers campaign messaging and story, base building, direct voter contact, fundraising, and campaign planning. The fee is $40, and helps cover the cost of the trainers, food and materials for the training. Please feel free to register now to reserve your seat even if you are facing a primary. Some scholarships are available. Email [email protected] for details.

EVENTS

Happy Hour at Good Hops Brewing with Kyle Horton -- February 10

When: Monday, February 10, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Good Hops Brewing, 811 Harper Ave, Carolina Beach, NC 28428

Kyle Horton, candidate for the New Hanover County Commission, is holding an event featuring a special appearance by "our 4-pawed chief of staff, Dudley" at Good Hops Brewing. The event is free and open to the public. Donations to the campaign can be made here.

Meet Leslie Cohen for "Coffee With the Candidate" -- February 10

When: Monday, February 10, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Port City Java, 2301 S. 17th Street, Wilmington

Leslie Cohen, candidate for the New Hanover County Commission, wants to hear citizen concerns, answer questions and talk about what's going on in New Hanover County. Visit Cohen's website here.

Democratic County Commissioner Candidate Forum -- February 11

When: Tuesday, February 11, 6 to 8 p.m.

Where: Cape Fear Museum, 814 market St, Wilmington

Moderator: Kimberly McLaughlin Smith

A forum for our six wonderful Commission candidates. We anticipate a format where the candidates will be able to make introductory statements and respond to questions submitted in writing from the floor. If you want to submit a question in advance, you can do so by emailing [email protected] or by replying to this email.

Inaugural Weekly Phone Bank for Kyle Horton -- February 12

When: Wednesday, February 12, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Where: Democratic Headquarters, 5041 New Centre Drive, Wilmington

The campaign to elect Kyle Horton to the New Hanover County Commission will hold its inaugural weekly phone bank on February 12. Volunteers will make calls to turnout voters for the March 3 primary. Other opportunities to support the campaign can be found at http://tinyurl.com/kylehortonevents

House Party to Elect Dr. Kyle Horton -- February 13

When: Thursday, February 13, 5:30 to 7:00

Where: Belle Meade Plantation, 4210 Pine Hollow Drive, Wilmington

Please RSVP to [email protected]

Early Voting Electioneering for Leslie Cohen -- February 13 through 29

When: February 13 through 29, times TBA

Where: Early voting polling stations

The Leslie Cohen campaign for the New Hanover County Board of Commissioner is seeking volunteers to hand out literature to voters during the early voting period. To get information on times and places and to sign up for shifts, click here.

Have a Heart Rally to Support New Hanover Regional Medical Center, February 14

When: Friday, February 14, noon to 1:00 p.m.

Where: Innis Park, 102 N. 3rd Street, Wilmington

Dr. Kyle Horton invites the public to celebrate Valentine’s Day by discussing NHRMC’s fate. Participants will be calling for a delay in any restructuring changes until January 2021 when the voters will have weighed in through the 2020 election. Details of the event can be found on Facebook here.

Precinct Organization Day -- February 15

When: Saturday, February 15, Time TBD by Precinct Chair

Where: TBD by Precinct Chair

Because this is a presidential election year, the rules are a bit different. Instead of a ten day period for precinct organization, there is a single day, February 15th. There is only one make-up day, March 14th, for precincts that fail to organize in February. If you want to know where your precinct is meeting, Click Here. If you don't know which precinct you live in, Click Here.

Brewery Tour with Marcia Morgan -- February 16

When: Sunday, February 16, 2:00 p.m.

Where: Starting place TBD

Marcia Morgan, who is seeking election to the North Carolina House of Representatives, is hosting a tour of three downtown breweries with samples served at each site. Tickets to the event (seating is limited) can be purchased here.

New Hanover County Democratic Party Monthly Meeting -- February 17

When: Monday, February 17, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Where: Democratic Headquarters, 5041 New Centre Drive, Wilmington

The regular meeting of the county Democratic party is held the third Monday of each month. This month we expect to host statewide candidates who are competing in the primary.

SEC Meeting and Blue NC Gala -- February 29

When: Saturday, February 29, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Where: Charlotte, NC

2020 WINTER SEC MEETING:

UNC Charlotte, McKnight Theater, Cone Center

9025 University Rd.

Registration 9:00 a.m., Statewide Candidate Speeches, 11:30 a.m., Meeting, Noon-5.

Proxy Form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S8VZoEKRr5AMaFh3ltUV_evDCUKygmLQ/view?usp=sharing

SEC Pre-Registration (open until 2/14): https://forms.gle/N46NjUeQLPA99kBH9

Hotel Room Reservations:

Drury Hotel

415 West W.T. Harris Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 2826

https://www.druryhotels.com/bookandstay/newreservation/?groupno=2402130

Or call 800-325-0720 and use Group Number 2402130 (note that the deadline for the hotel room block was January 28th).

2020 NCDP BLUE NC GALA: (After the SEC Meeting)

Hilton Charlotte University Place

8629 J.M. Keynes Dr. Charlotte

VIP Reception: 6:00 p.m.

Dinner: 7:00 p.m.

2019-2021 SEC Member-Only Link: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/sec-blue-nc-2020#basics. General Admission Link: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/blue-nc-2020. Please notify Richard Poole when you buy your ticket if you want to be seated with others from New Hanover County.

Fundraising Reception for Harper Peterson -- March 1

When: Sunday, March 1, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Where: Parsley Woods Clubhouse, 6610 Sedgewood Road, Wilmington

Former UNCW Chancellor Jim Leutze invites you to a Reception for Senator Harper Peterson. Harper is running for his second term for NC Senate 9 and has been a strong advocate for cleaning harmful chemicals out of our drinking water, protecting our environment, increasing investment in public education, bringing the film industry back to Wilmington, and expanding Medicaid to North Carolinians in need. For reservations and donations, click here.

Save the Date -- Reception for Attorney General Josh Stein -- March 16

When: Monday, March 16, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Where: The home of Carol and Todd Atwood, 2009 Montrose Lane, Wilmington

Representative Deb Butler will be a special guest at this reception honoring Attorney General Josh Stein who is seeking reelection. For reservations and donations, click here.

New Hanover County Democratic Party Convention -- March 28

When: Checkin begins at 9 a.m., closes at 10 a.m.

Where: Board of Education Center, 1805 South 13th Street, Wilmington

Italian Wine Tasting Event with Marcia Morgan -- March 31

When: Tuesday, March 31 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Where: Home of Anne York and Jeffrey Schrager, 305 S Lumina, Wrightsville Beach

Click here for a ticket.

Micah's Rule Concert for Marcia Morgan -- April 9

When: Thursday, April 9, 7:00 p.m.

Where: Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, 102 S. 2nd Street, Wilmington

Join supporters of Marcia Morgan for an evening of inclusive inspirational gospel and patriotic songs with local vocal trio Micah's Rule. The group will perform inspirational, gospel, country, bluegrass and blues stylings with powerful voices and intricate harmonies. Proceeds benefit the campaign for Marcia Morgan NC-19. Tickets available here: https://secure.ngpvan.com/Z2Ko_xK14k6cObuhp8toDA2

7th Congressional District Convention -- April 25

When: Saturday April 25, Time TBA

Where: Riegelwood NC

New officers for the 7th District Party were elected on February 1st. Sonya Bennetone-Patrick was elected Chair of the organization. Congratulations Sonya!

State Convention -- June 6

When: Saturday June 6, checkin at 10 a.m.

Where: TBD

Best,

Richard Poole, Chair

News Content by James Cummings

If you have any announcements, comments, questions or concerns regarding this email series, please contact the Editor here.

Paid for by the New Hanover County Democratic Party

Mailing Address:

NHCDP

PO Box 3036

Wilmington, NC 28406

Office Address:

5041 New Centre Drive

Wilmington, NC 28403

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