Because This Is America!
Weekly News, Updates, and Events
We As Democrats Believe:
"Our daughters deserve the same pay as men who are working the same job."
-- Roy Cooper, Governor of North Carolina
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NEWS
Democrats Join NAACP Souls To The Polls March
Yesterday afternoon New Hanover Democrats stood up for Sunday voting by joining the Souls to the Polls march organized by the NAACP, starting at St. Stephens AME church and ending at the CFCC early voting location. Everyone enjoyed the sunshine and unexpectedly warm weather. Joining the Sunday vote helps preserve the Sunday option, which is important to African American voting.
Sanders Opens Office In New Hanover County
Bernie Sanders held a grand opening party for his New Hanover County office on Friday night. The event was well attended and the enthusiasm was palpable. Sunday night Ashly Spannbauer, a volunteer coordinator, reported that the Bernie campaign distributed 800 early voting schedules on their first day of canvassing. The office is located at 122 South Front Street, Wilmington, next to the entrance of City Market. See information on the "Bernie Barnstorm" on February 25 below.
Blocking Medicaid Expansion Threatens Rural Hospitals, Endangers Infants
(From NCDP) Waynesville North Carolina leaders voted unanimously to add their support to the large chorus of other rural community leaders calling on the legislature to expand Medicaid “in hopes of moving the needle in Raleigh.” (See details of the Waynesville story here.) Rural North Carolina communities’ calls to protect rural hospitals by expanding Medicaid come amidst the publication of a study from the University of North Carolina that shows that 120 rural hospitals have closed across the country since 2010 and over 450 more are currently considered vulnerable to closure. Numerous research reports have found that expanding medicaid would not only benefit every county in North Carolina but reduce the chances of a rural hospital closing by 62 percent.
“There’s patients who are behind this and we are getting caught up in politics instead of taking care of people,” said Rod Harkleroad, the CEO of Haywood Regional Medical Center
These statistics come only weeks after another study from the NC Department of Health and Human Services showing that there is a massive gap in infant mortality rates between African-American and White infant mortality rates that could be helped by the state expansion of Medicaid.Despite calls from rural leaders and leaders of local health care systems, Republicans in the General Assembly continue to ignore those requests and make politically motivated decisions rather than making important progress for their constituents.
Mitch McConnell Super PAC Admits Meddling in NC Senate Primary
(From NCDP) Last week, Mitch McConnell’s Super PAC finally admitted that they’re behind a Republican effort to prop up Senator Tillis’ flailing reelection campaign by meddling in the Democratic primary. McConnell is desperately trying to prop up Tillis because he knows Tillis is one of the “most vulnerable senators up for reelection this year” and a uniquely weak candidate who’s limping into the general election campaign.
An advertisement ostensibly supporting US Senate candidate Erica Smith has been airing in North Carolina for weeks. 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. Smith has disavowed the ad. Smith is running against Cal Cunningham, who has raised more money. Both Smith and Cunningham are seeking to run against Republican Tillis who has raised more than either Democratic candidate. Cunningham, like Smith, has spoken out against the shady tactics calling the Republican ploy "disrespectful to North Carolina voters."
Click here to see The Hill's article on the Republican plot.
Thom Tillis Raises Money By Calling His Campaign The "Presidential Protection Fund"
(From NCDP) Last week, NC Democrats filed an ethics complaint against Senator Tillis for using his official position as a Senator on the Judiciary Committee and his vote on impeachment to inappropriately solicit campaign cash for his floundering re-election campaign. The complaint is centered around an email sent by the Tillis Senate Campaign on January 21st in which he used his official title and “Judiciary Committee Member” to call for contributions for a “Presidential Protection Fund.” This is the same Thom Tillis who swore an oath to do "impartial justice' in the impeachment trial of President Trump. Find the full story on the ethics complaint here.
So is it fair to call his campaign a protection racket?
Early Voting for the March 3 Primary Now Underway
North Carolina's election primary will be held on March 3, Super Tuesday, this year. A few things to remember:
One Stop Early Voting continues through Saturday, February 29.
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. It's simple - knock on doors of registered Democrats who don't always vote to encourage them to vote in 2020.
Here is a list of canvasses, which is updated as new canvasses are added.
"Get Elected" Workshop: Please Sign Up Now
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
Early Voting Electioneering for Leslie Cohen and Marcia Morgan -- Now Through February 29
When: February 13 through 29, times TBA
Where: Early voting polling stations
Volunteers are sought to electioneer for the Leslie Cohen for County Commission campaign and Marcia Morgan for NC House 19. Volunteers at Pine Valley Library location will electioneer for both Leslie Cohen and Marcia Morgan. We are 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.
Elizabeth Warren Volunteer Opportunities -- Now through March 3
When: Various times
Where: Various locations
Senator Elizabeth Warren is seeking volunteer help in her campaign for President. To find and sign up for canvassing and phone banks, visit her Website here. Volunteers should dress for the weather and bring a fully changed phone.
Barnstorm for Bernie Sanders -- February 25
When: Tuesday, February 25, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Bernie Sanders HQ, 122 South Front Street, Wilmington
GOTV Party for Bernie supporters and Bernie curious. Organizers will discuss the strategy for the final weekend before the Super Tuesday primary on March 3rd. Bernie supporters can sign up for calling and canvassing shifts. Click here to RSVP.
Forum for Democratic Candidates for County Commission -- February 25
When: Tuesday, February 25, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Bernie Sanders Campaign Headquarters, 122 South Front Street, Wilmington
The CFCC Political Science Club is hosting a forum for Democratic candidates for New Hanover Board of County Commissioners. The free event will feature questions from CFCC students.
W25 Voter Information and Meet the Candidates Event -- February 26
When: Wednesday, February 26, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Robert Taylor Homes, 1308 N. 5th Street, Wilmington
Precinct W25 is hosting a voter information event that will offer an opportunity to meet some candidates. Food will be served. RSVP to Ernestine Washington at
[email protected]
Free parking is on the right side of the building; do not park in front of building.
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-5:00 p.m.
Proxy Form: [link removed]
SEC Pre-Registration (open until 2/14): [link removed]
Hotel Room Reservations:
Drury Hotel
415 West W.T. Harris Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 2826
[link removed]
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: [link removed]. General Admission Link: [link removed]. Please notify Richard Poole when you buy your ticket if you want to be seated with others from New Hanover County.
Senator Harper Peterson's 2020 Campaign Kick-off -- February 29
When: Saturday, February 29, 3:00 p.m.
Where: Halyburton Park, 4099 S. 17th Street, Wilmington
Harper Peterson Jr. in 2018 was elected to the 9th District seat in the North Carolina State Senate and is now seeking reelection. Light refreshments will be served at his official campaign kick-off. To RSVP or to contribute, click here.
Canvassing for Leslie Cohen for County Commission -- March 1
When: Sunday, March 1, 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. shifts
Where: Visit Leslie's Website for locations here
Volunteers are needed to knock on doors in support of Commission candidate Leslie Cohen. This will be the last canvas prior to the March 3 primary. o sign up for a shift and for more information, visit here.
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.
Election Day Electioneering for Leslie Cohen for County Commission -- March 3
When: Tuesday, March 3, various shifts available
Where: Outside voting locations
County Commission campaign for candidate Leslie Cohen needs volunteers to pass out information about the campaign to voters at polling locations. Sign up at her Website, and the campaign will contact you about your preferred precinct on election day.
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: Check-in begins at 9 a.m. and closes at 10 a.m.
Where: Board of Education Center, 1805 South 13th Street, Wilmington
New Date for Italian Wine Tasting Event with Marcia Morgan -- March 25
When: Wednesday, March 25, 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: [link removed]
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. ending at 5 p.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.
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| Paid for by the New Hanover County Democratic Party |
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Mailing Address:
NHCDP
PO Box 3036
Wilmington, NC 28406
Office Address:
5041 New Centre Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
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