NC-13: Ted Budd moves to Tossup
his matchup may be the biggest culture clash in the country: Budd is a gun store owner and first-term Freedom Caucus member who homeschools his children in rural Davie County. Wealthy Democratic philanthropist Kathy Manning was the chief fundraiser for Greensboro's $78 million performing arts center scheduled to open next year. If ever there was a race that's "all about that base," this is it.
It's also behaving like open seat: Budd remains relatively unknown and undefined after winning this seat in 2016 with just 20 percent of the vote in the crowded GOP primary and some help from the Club for Growth. And even though the district voted for President Trump 53 percent to 44 percent, Greensboro may be energized and there aren't compelling statewide races to turn out rural GOP voters.
Manning has outraised Budd $1.9 million to $1.2 million and has aired ads touting her opposition to Nancy Pelosi for speaker in an effort to pre-empt attacks on her as a liberal elitist. Her extensive list of political donations over the years should provide fodder for Budd, but he'll need a bailout from GOP outside groups. Several private polls on both sides show Budd stuck in the low-to-mid 40s, a dangerous place to be.
KATHY MANNING
https://kathymanning2018.com/