"Our world faces a true planetary emergency. I know the phrase sounds shrill, and I know it's a challenge to the moral imagination."

Three Judge Panel Throws Out Gerrymandered Maps For NC Legislature

(From NBC News) A panel of three judges in North Carolina threw out the state’s legislative district maps last week, ruling that the maps were such an extreme partisan gerrymander that they violated the state constitution. Lawmakers' partisan intent in drawing the maps, the "surgical precision" with which they were executed, and the distinct advantage the maps gave to Republicans violated the state’s constitutional protections of free elections, free speech and assembly, and equal protection under the law, the judges wrote in a 357-page ruling that reads as a stinging condemnation of partisan gerrymandering.

"The 2017 Enacted Maps, as drawn, do not permit voters to freely choose their representative, but rather representatives are choosing voters based upon sophisticated partisan sorting," the judges wrote. "It is not the free will of the People that is ascertained through extreme partisan gerrymandering. Rather, it is the carefully crafted will of the map drawer that predominates."

The legislature must draw new maps in two weeks, the court said, demanding that they be drawn based on neutral criteria like population, contiguity, and county lines. They must be drawn without "partisan considerations and election results data," the judges wrote, and done so in plain view, a pointed departure from the closed-door processes the ruling eschews.

McCready Leads in Poll as District 9 Special Election Approaches on Tuesday

(From Roll Call) Dan McCready has a narrow advantage over Republican Dan Bishop heading into the final days of the Sept. 10 redo election in North Carolina’s 9th District, according to a new bipartisan poll for Inside Elections. The survey, conducted from Monday through Wednesday last week by Harper Polling and Clarity Campaign Labs, showed McCready ahead of Bishop, 46 percent to 42 percent, with two third-party candidates receiving a combined 3 percent. Some 8 percent of voters were “unsure” and the survey had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.19 percentage points.

In November 2018, McCready finished less than a point behind Republican Mark Harris, but a winner was never certified or seated in Congress because of allegations of fraud by a GOP consultant affiliated with the Harris campaign. (Harris opted against running in the redo election.)

But Dan McCready needs your help! Without more volunteers, Bladen County volunteers will probably not reach all of his GOTV targets. That means we are missing out on some low hanging fruit. The 40 or 60 doors you knock could mean the difference between electing another Democrat to Congress or electing the author of HB2. See below for details on how you can make a difference.

New School Building and Ambulatory Care Center or Useless Border Wall? Details on Tillis' Fecklessness

(From NCDEMS) Senator Thom Tillis’ “Olympic Gold flip flop” on the president’s emergency declaration last spring is costing Camp Lejeune, Fort Bragg, and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base more than $80 million in funding, according to a list released by the Pentagon. See full list here.

What's worse? That Senator Tillis actually bragged about these projects:

A radio complex ($25.7 million) and addition to an ambulatory care center ($15.3 million) at Camp Lejeune he called "major wins"
An elementary school ($32.9 million) at Fort Bragg he dubbed "significant"
A KC-46A ADAL for Alt Mission Storage ($6.4 million) at Seymour Johnson AFB he said was part of "critical improvements" at the base.

Tillis’ failure to stand up for North Carolina earned him a self-funding primary challenger. This week, it earned him a bad day that came with this piece of advice: “when you buy political favor in exchange for your principles, the bill is always more than you thought it would be.”

County Commission Vote on New Hanover Regional Medical Center Vote Rescheduled on September 16

The New Hanover County County Board of Commissioners was scheduled to vote last week on the controversial "Resolution of Intent to Sell" the county-owned New Hanover Regional Medical Center. That vote is now scheduled to be held at the Commission's meeting on September 16th at 4 pm.

The vote will arguably be one of the most important votes in a generation. You can attend in person at the Training Room at Government center or watch it live on NHCTV.com and probably also on cable news channels.

EVENTS

Get Out the Vote Canvassing for Dan McCready -- September 9 and 10

When: Monday and Tuesday, September 9 and 10. Shifts at 9:00 a.m. and 12:00, 3:00, and 6:00 p.m.

Where: Elizabethtown office (1 hour from Wilmington)

This is your last chance to flip a Congressional seat in 2019! Dan is running for the District 9 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in a September 10th special election. His campaign hopes to schedule 100 volunteer shifts to canvass in the days before the election. Contact Jim Fleagle at [email protected] if you wish to participate with other New Hanover County volunteers. Or, sign up directly for canvassing at https://www.mobilize.us/mccreadyforcongress/event/107644/

Fundraising Reception for Wilmington City Council Candidate Paul Lawler -- September 9

When: Monday, September 9, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Where: The home of Doug and Margi Erickson, C.W. Worth House, 412 S. Third Street, Wilmington

Don Betz, Ham Hicks, Harper Peterson and Spence Broadhurst invite the public to attend a fundraising reception for Wilmington City Council candidate Paul Lawler. Online donations will be accepted at ElectPaulLawler.com/contribute. Direct questions and comments to [email protected].

Demonstration of New Voting Machines at Board of Elections -- September 10

When: Tuesday, September 10, 4:30 p.m.

Where: Suite 34 at the New Hanover County Government Center, 230 Government Center Drive, Wilmington

The NC State Board of Elections recently certified three options for county boards of elections to replace aging voting equipment. At its regular meeting the New Hanover County Board of Elections will have a demonstration of the potential voting machines. The local board of elections is required to invite the county officials and political parties to the demonstration.

NAACP Forum For Wilmington Municipal Candidates -- September 10

When: Tuesday, September 3, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: MLK Center, 401 N 8th Street, Wilmington

There are 10 candidates for three Wilmington City Council seats, and two candidates for Mayor. Hear them speak about issues important to Wilmington before you go to vote.

Cocktails With Candidate Leslie Cohen -- September 12 (Rescheduled from August 13)

When: Thursday, September 12, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Where: Home of Shelly O'Rourke, 213 Forest Hills Dr., Wilmington

Join Leslie Cohen, candidate for NC House District 20, for cocktails and heavy hors d'oeuvres at the home of Shelly O'Rourke on Tuesday, August 13th from 6-8PM. Tickets start at $25 and sponsorships available.To purchase tickets or sponsor, click here .

Democratic Women of North Carolina Annual Convention -- September 13 through 15

When: September 13 through 15, times TBA

Where: Doubletree by Hilton Raleigh-Durham Airport Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina

The 59th Annual Convention of the Democratic Women of North Carolina features sessions on organizing and growing local parties, award ceremonies and a banquet. Further details are posted at www.democraticwomenofnc.org

Rescheduled County Commission Vote On NHRMC Sale -- September 16

When: Monday, September 16, 4:00 p.m.

Where: Training Room, NHC Government Center Suite 135, 230 Government Center Drive, Wilmington

Arguably the most important vote by the County Commission in a generation. If you can't attend but want to watch the meeting, see details above.

NHCDP Countywide Meeting -- September 16

When: Monday, September 16

Where: NHCDP Office Large Conference Room, 5041 New Centre Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403

The New Hanover County Democratic Party meets the third Monday of each month.

End of Summer Celebration with Harper Peterson -- September 16

When: Monday, September 16, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Alina Szmant and Dan Baden’s home, 210 Braxlo Lane, Wilmington

NC State Senator Harper Peterson. Senator Peterson will give an update on what has been happening in the state on a legislative and political level. If you can't attend, you can still support Harper: bit.ly/DonateHarper . RSVP for the celebration here: bit.ly/PetersonSummerCelebration

Reception for Judge Lucy Inman, Candidate for NC Supreme Court -- Septmber 17

When: Tuesday, September 17, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Where: Home of Louise and Steve Coggins, 150 Beach Road S, Wilmington

Lucy Inman who has served in North Carolina courtrooms for nearly a decade is running for the NC Supreme Court in 2020. For tickets and to select a sponsorship level, click here.

We the People March on Washington Bus Trip -- September 21

When: Saturday, September 21, bus departure at 1:30 a.m., March Saturday, September 21, 12:00 noon.

Where: Meet at Steinmart, 3501 Oleander Drive, Wilmington

The Leland Indivisible chapter is taking part in a September 21 March On Washington and is organizing a bus to transport marchers from Wilmington to and from Washington D.C. The mission of the march is stated: "We the People are marching to be seen and heard. We are marching to remind our elected officials that they work for us. We are marching because the current regime is a threat to our democracy and values. We are marching to demand accountability. Silence and inaction are complicity." Cost of the bus ride is $62.25 per person. For details and to register go here.

2019 Unity Banquet -- September 21

When: Saturday, September 21, 6 to 9 pm

Where: Wilmington Convention Center, 515 Nutt Street, Wilmington

Keynote Speaker: NC Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley.

The Doug Irving Quartet: Playing jazz standards at the reception before the banquet, the musicians will include Doug Irving (bass), Charity Whittington (vocals), Jerald Shynett (piano) and Riley Ball (drums).

Silent Auction Items: Organizers of the silent auction gratefully acknowledge the many contributions they have received, and have announced that they are not seeking additional items.

Deb Butler Re-election Campaign Kick-off and Fundraiser -- September 24

When: Tuesday, September 24, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Home of Nancy O'Donohue on Figure 8 Island.

There are a limited number of tickets available to this event to launch the campaign to re-elect Deb Butler to the North Carolina House of Representatives. . The event includes passed hors d’oevres, a seafood station, a grill station, sliders, dessert, beer and wine, a Zero Proof bar trivia, golf chipping and an art collection tour. Click here to purchase tickets if you live outside Figure 8 Island. As Figure 8 residents may park anywhere, they may purchase tickets here.

East Wilmington Community Day -- October 12 and 13

When: Saturday, October 12, 12:00 p.m., and Sunday, October 13, 3:00 p.m.

Where: 3009 Princess Place Drive (Corner of 30th Street and Princess Place Drive), Wilmington

On-Time Ministries and other organizations are hosting a weekend event to eradicate violence and unify the community. The gathering will include food, games and entertainment.

Democratic Women of New Hanover County Social -- October 26

When: Saturday, October 26, time TBA

Where: Good Hops, Carolina Beach

Democratic Women on New Hanover County hold their fall social on October 26. Save the date! Details to be announced.

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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