Super Tuesday Shows Surge in Democratic Enthusiasm

(From NCDEMS) More than 500,000 people cast Democratic ballots during early voting ahead of the Super Tuesday contest, and this major Democratic enthusiasm continued through election day. Statewide turnout increased from more than 1.1 million with all votes counted to more than 1.3 million, leading Vox to proclaim: “The Democratic voter surge was very real on Super Tuesday.”

Cunningham Offers Strong Challenge to Tillis

(From NCDEMS) North Carolina Democratic voters chose veteran and former legislator Cal Cunningham on Tuesday. And while Cal hit the ground running, Senator Tillis limped into the general election as “one of the most vulnerable senators” in the country.

Polling released last week shows Cunningham leading incumbent Republican Senator Thom Tillis by 5 points (46% Cunningham - 41% Tillis). The poll, the first released since the primary, reflects other public polling showing Cunningham in a strong position and Tillis falling behind. A NBC News/Marist poll released earlier this week also found Cunningham beating Tillis by 5 points. On top of that, Cook Political moved this race to Toss Up, noting how Tillis is “in the danger zone for an incumbent” and has “struggled to regain his footing among conservatives in the state.”

Extremist Republican Mark Robinson Wins Republican Nomination for Lieutenant Governor

(From Raleigh NewsObserver) On Tuesday, Republicans picked Mark Robinson for Lieutenant Governor over several establishment choices.

Robinson is believed to only the second black Republican nominee to run for statewide office since the 19th century.

The last black Republican to win a major office in North Carolina was George Henry White, who served in the US House from 1897 to 1901. White didn't seek re-election in 1900 because of the the imposition of Jim Crow laws suppressing black votes and because of the bloody 1898 Wilmington insurrection resulting in the overthrow of Wilmington's biracial government.

Robinson's candidacy was propelled by a viral video of him speaking at a 2018 Greensboro City Council meeting which has been viewed millions of times. Robinson lives in Greensboro, where after the Parkland school shooting in 2018, city leaders briefly considered cancelling a gun show. The city council decided against cancelling the gun show, but Robinson's pro-gun speech opposing cancellation went viral.

Among other things Robinson has said, in the speech and elsewhere, is that he has a "god-given, inalienable right" to carry guns to protect himself. He has equated abortion with slavery and opposes "demonizing" law enforcement.

Before he decided to run for office, Robinson was working on a teaching certificate. He has suspended working on his teaching certificate to run for Lieutenant Governor.

Democrats Yvonne Holley and Terry Van Duyn In Possible Runoff For Lieutenant Governor

Raleigh's Yvonne Holley received 306,795 votes in Tuesday's primary to Van Duyn's 236,004. Because Holley received less than the 30% necessary to win outright, Van Duyn has until Thursday March 12 to decide whether to seek a runoff. Van Duyn has said "I need to examine the results and look at the political terrain. There are some folks I need to check with but I'm going to do what I think is best for the Democratic Party moving forward." The winner will oppose Republican nominee Mark Robinson.

Republicans Choose Extremist Dan Forest to Challenge Governor Cooper in November

(From NCDEMS) On Tuesday, Republicans also picked extremist Lt Gov. Dan Forest to lose to Governor Roy Cooper this November. Dan Forest is unequivocally the wrong choice for North Carolina:

Forest has a dark history which includes accepting a $2.4 million contribution from Greg Lindberg, the billionaire political donor who was convicted last week of attempting to bribe Republican Insurance Commissioner, Mike Causey. Even Republican Holly Grange saw a problem with that.

Forest's dark history includes being chief architect of the discriminatory and job-killing. "Bathroom Bill." The bill was credited with harming Wilmington's film industry as movie makers boycotted the state.

North Carolina was embarrassed earlier this year when Forest’s repeated the fully debunked claim that Planned Parenthood was created to “destroy the entire black race.” The claim drew national headlines.

Additionally, Forest posted awful first quarter fundraising numbers at the end of last month, raising only about one sixteenth Governor Cooper's fundraising.

Despite Republican Efforts, Courts Resist Voter Suppression in North Carolina

(From NCDEMS) Recently the North Carolina Court of Appeals blocked the implementation of Republican’s voter suppression law on the basis that it would “disproportionately impact African American voters to their detriment.” This is a huge win for the people of North Carolina. It is clear that this law would have raised unnecessary hurdles to the ballot box that would have made it harder for people to vote, especially young people, minorities, and seniors. Nevertheless, House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate leader Phil Berger persist in their attempts to tilt elections by erecting barriers to voting.

NHCDP Office Hours Now on Mondays and Tuesdays

Volunteers will be on hand two days a week now to answer phones and aid candidates and other party supporters. Harry Tuchmayer, recently retired as Director of New Hanover County Public Libraries, earlier this year volunteered to manage the NHCDP Office, and he continues to organize other volunteers.

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

Office Hours are:

Mondays 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tuesdays 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

NHCDP would like to expand the office hours to include weekends. Harry will handle scheduling and training of office volunteers. If you know someone who wants to volunteer for regular office hours, please leave a message on the office phone.

DOING Program Persists

DOING canvasses are ongoing in New Hanover precincts. Here is a list of upcoming New Hanover canvasses, which is updated as new canvasses are added.

EVENTS

Bernie Sanders Phonebank -- March 9

When, Monday, March 9, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Where: Lucky Jones Coffee Shop,1414 S College Rd. Wilmington 28403

Democratic Women of New Hanover County Meeting -- March 10

When: Tuesday, March 10, 6:00 p.m.

Where: Skytown Beer Company, 4712 New Centre Drive, Wilmington

At DMNHC's March meeting, the group will celebrate with our candidates who won in the primaries and start working to help ensure victory in November. The group is inviting all local Democratic candidates who will be on the ballot in November. DWNHC invites attendees to bring a friend to the meeting. The social part of the event starts at 6:00 p.m. with the business meeting starting at 6:30.

Bernie Sanders Phonebank -- March 11

When: Wednesday, March 11, 6-8 p.m.

Where: NHCDP Office, 5041 New Center Drive, Wilmington 28401

Bernie Sanders Phonebank -- March 14

When: Saturday, March 14, 4-6 p.m.

Where: NHCDP Office, 5041 New Centre Drive, Wilmington

SPACE STILL AVAILABLE!! "Get Elected" Workshop -- March 14 and 15

When: Saturday and Sunday March 14 and 15

Where: Details TBA. Click here to register.

Are you running for office or managing an election campaign? LEAD NC will present 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. Complete the application form here. Accepted applicants will be notified via email. Once accepted, applicants will receive a link to register for the workshop.

Debate Watch Party-- March 15

When: Saturday, March 15, 7:30-10 p.m.

Where: Skytown Beer Company, 4712 New Centre Drive, Wilmington

Organized by Democrats for Bernie Sanders.

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 Monthly Meeting -- March 16

When: Monday, March 16, 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.

New Hanover County Democratic Party Convention -- March 28

When: Saturday, March 28, Check-in at 9 a.m. and meeting at 10 a.m.

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

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 Ave., 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

We will elect District Delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee at this meeting. For details about becoming a Delegate to the Convention, click here.

State Convention -- June 6

When: Saturday June 6, check-in at 10 a.m. ending at 5 p.m.

Where: TBD

We will elect At-Large delegates to the Democratic National Convention at this meeting. For details about becoming a Delegate, click here.

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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