Retrowire's North Carolinian Endorsements for the Bernie voter!
Hello all!
So, I've been asked by several North Carolinian DUer's now for my opinions on who we should vote for. Some of you have already done your homework but are unsure of one or two options. Some of you are unfamiliar with North Carolina's current political make up. Some of you just need a second opinion! So I've decided to write up this OP.
DISCLAIMER: I am not telling you who to vote for. That is your solemn right and I respect any differences in opinion we're bound to have. This is just a post that I'm writing to help those who are leaning on their options and need a little help with committing.
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Okay, I'm going to go down the line of all the down ticket Dems that I'll be voting for on Tuesday. Some of them are only within my district, so unless you live in Wake County, THOSE particular Dems won't be necessary for you.
I've done all kinds of research on each of the candidates, I've looked at their voting records (when I could find them), their top contributors (when I could find them) and any statements they've made politically (when I could find them). Other than that, I looked at their mission and their experience. So let's go down the list!
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My Notes: Not a career politician, currently the president of an employment recruiting company. Very smart regarding business needs and has great ideas about businesses being distributed in more rural areas. Knows what the businesses need in order for that to happen. A strong progressive. A SANDERS DEMOCRAT. (meaning he has approved of Bernie's platform and proves that he would certainly work well with a Bernie presidency.)
My Notes: A true progressive. Anti Fracking, Pro Choice, Anti Discrimination. Issues are the most important thing to him on his website. His popular rival Roy Cooper is too entrenched in economics. Even when confronted with issues against LGBT people, Cooper's first response was "Well how would it effect the economy?" Roy Cooper is also funded by Big Pharma, Big Tobacco and Progress Energy, the same energy company that caused the Coal Ash Spill that ruined one of NC's rivers. Roy Cooper doesn't have a stance on much. But he always seems to have a stance on things when it comes to economics. Ken Spaulding however, is focused on that and much more.
My Notes: Knows exactly what she's talking about regarding NC's economy and job issues. She knows exactly which industries have left NC and we need back (Auto and Film industry). Seems much more knowledgeable than her rivals.
My Notes: Very knowledgeable on crime and punishment, knows which crimes are most common in NC, also an adamant equal rights advocate.
My Notes: Sounds like a local Robert Reich. Definitely knows his stuff. Knows the numbers very well. Pension and retirement is his top priority. Totally against Wall St.
My Notes: She's the incumbent and says all the right things. She's basically identical with the rival but has more experience already working in the Public Instruction Department. She's been in the department since 2005. And in her tenure she has lifted the NC graduation rate from the 60 percents to the 80 percents. She's doing her job well and her challenger isn't promising anything that she isn't already. Keep her in.
My Notes: Pro Union and wants to repeal "Right to Work" laws that restrict the collective bargaining of workers. Cares about farm workers, wants to encourage technological training to all eligible workers, not just high school graduates. Is more focused on the worker rather than the business as her rival seems to be.
Reasoning: I did the best research I could. Essentially, this is the state taking out a 2 billion dollar "mortgage" to invest into our infrastructure, education and National Guard. According to the website and several other sources, it WILL NOT RAISE OUR TAXES. But according to an opposition website it WILL RAISE OUR TAXES. Looking into it though, most Democrats and Liberals approve of the Bond. The Republican party is split 50/50 on it. And from what I read, it's the Tea Party division of the Republicans that are the only ones opposing it.... Anything the Tea Partiers are against... I figure I'm for it.
Notes: Jay Chaudhuri is a Progressive champion. He supports equal pay for women, fighting LGBT discrimination, strong gun control, higher minimum wage, reducing income inequality, Pro Choice, higher pay for teachers, reduction of class sizes, restoring funding to schools, etc... AND Vicki Scroggins Johnson has more experience in district management than her rival. Has broader goals rather than just being focused on a few things.
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So there you have it. I hope that cross referencing your list with my list can help you out. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
= new reply since forum marked as read
who's your choice for president?
Couldn't leave the coast huh?
And Wilmington I can see totally going for Bernie!
due to your listing of why you're voting for them.
This is what I had earlier today:
Bernie!
Spaulding for governor
Wilson for lt gov (will probably switch to Coleman)
Elmer for State Treasurer
Griffin for US Senate
Roberts for US House of Representatives
Williams for NC Attorney General (will likely switch that to Stein)
Ferguson for NC Commissioner of Labor
Atkinson for NC Sup of Public Instruction (was unsure earlier, but will take your points to tip to her side)
Will vote Yes on improvement bond.
Anyone with anything to say about my choices, hop in and give me a reason to switch. Except for Bernie. Nothing going to change that vote. 
I'm in northern Alamance county, which I think is in the process of being redistricted. I saw something about voting in May for something or other, which would explain why no local offices are listed on our dem site. Or I may be misunderstanding it and missed them.