Senate Race Brings Controversy to MeckGOP Fundraiser
A controversy is brewing within the Mecklenburg County Republican Party.
On March 15, the Party’s annual Lincoln Reagan Dinner will be held at the Carmel Country Club. This event is the single largest fundraising opportunity held every year for the County Party, which is by and large responsible for it’s own funding.
It has not been uncommon for the ranking Republican legislator to address the Party faithful during this event in years past, however, this year adds a new wrinkle.
In Mecklenburg, Speaker of the House Thom Tillis is the legislator scheduled to give the update. This has been confirmed by Party leadership, even though it has not specifically been advertised as part of the program.
Speaker Tillis is one of eight Republicans who filed to run for the US Senate seat currently held by Democrat Kay Hagan.
The controversy? None of the other seven candidates is being allowed to address those assembled.
This puts the Party in the awkward position of essentially elevating one candidate above the others, which is a direct violation of Article 7, Section G of the Party’s Plan of Organization.
“Each Officer and each Member of the State Executive Committee shall refrain from utilizing the powers and dignity of his or her office or position in any Republican Primary for public office at any level.”
Clearly, using the powers of office to determine who gets to speak and who does not in this case gives clear favor to one candidate at the expense of the others.
When word of this situation leaked last night, attempts by those in opposition were made to reach out to Party leadership. When no answers were quickly offered, Adam Love, a member of the State GOP Executive Committee, sent a mass email in an effort to apply pressure to Brad Overcash, the Chairman of the MeckGOP.
Included as part of his email is the following:
“To provide one candidate in a crowded and competitive primary election exclusive access to donors and activists while denying it to other Republican candidates is not only an unacceptable demonstration of bias, it’s also short-sighted and unwise.
This is precisely the sort of finger-on-the-scale tactic that angers supporters of other candidates, and can lead to voters sitting at home in November. It puts me in mind of the now-infamous rail-roading of rules changes slammed through at the 2012 RNC Convention in Tampa, passed over the roaring objections of hundreds of delegates.
More than anything else, the Republican Party needs unity of purpose and strategy to defeat Kay Hagan and re-take the United States Senate. Key to that unity is fair and equal treatment of ALL candidates by the party leadership.”
Included in the email were the personal cell phone number and email address of Chairman Overcash. It could be said that including a cell phone number in a public email before even the first hints of dialogue took place could be perceived as over aggressive.
The email itself is spot on.
Love went on to say in a written comment not part of the email that,
“You know, no one is saying, “Don’t let Thom speak!” I don’t have a problem with him speaking, about the House or his campaign or the price of oranges. I’m simply saying that if he does, all the other candidates should be afforded the same opportunity as well.”
Response to Love’s email has been mixed.
While most are in agreement, some have discounted his opinion as, “Your attitude sucks” and still others have attempted to rationalize the Party’s position by saying, “I appreciate your perspective, but as someone engaged in grassroots you know its paramount we have a strong candidate with name ID to win…. Although I may concede, having Mr. Tillis as a guest speaker at LRD could be perceived advantage, incumbency has privileges.”
In a phone conversation with Overcash, this author was able to procure the official Party stance on the situation.
At every Lincoln Reagan Day dinner, tradition holds that in addition to the featured speakers, both a state legislative and congressional update be given by the highest ranking Republican on the respective bodies.
This year, that would include both Speaker of the House Thom Tillis and 9th district Congressman Robert Pittenger. On Tuesday night, the MeckGOP board met. The situation was acknowledged by leadership and a vote was held to confirm that Tillis would retain the ability to give the traditional legislative update. The vote passed.
One board member shared some concern afterward, but the next day sent an email to the executive committee (the larger body of MeckGOP leadership) outlining the situation. This is how the issue made it’s way into the public dialogue.
The board is a smaller body made up of roughly 20 members of the larger executive committee. Their input, while valid, does not necessarily echo the views of the majority of the larger committee.
Overcash maintains that, “The Party is not taking sides in the primary. Every candidate in attendance will be recognized and each is allowed to have a brief biography read. Every candidate will be allowed to speak at the March 29 County Convention. It is tradition that the highest ranking GOP legislator be given the opportunity to give a legislative update, and we feel it would be more controversial to sway from tradition and ask another legislator to present instead.”
He acknowledged that if this were a stand alone event, that Tillis would not be invited to speak. The decision is purely based on tradition and history.
He also mentioned that none of the other candidates had yet made reservations to attend the event.
The acknowledgement that a stand alone event would not include Tillis speaking suggests to this writer that there is understanding by leadership that this move is controversial and fundamentally the wrong stance to take. That doesn’t seem to sway opinion.
This writer, admittedly in opposition to allowing only one candidate to speak, thinks that either all candidates should be allowed or none. Fairness is of utmost importance, and this decision truly does represent a slap in the face to those who recognize a single candidates speaking ability to be tantamount to endorsement.
If you are opposed to the seemingly biased operation of the County Party, please share your opinions with them. There has apparently already been a great deal of communication, but the more the merrier.
Thom who? Is he a Democrat or Republican?
LOL. His registration is Republican. The question is, what type of Republican is he? The type that wants real change or the type that enjoys the status quo?
Oh yes, I remember someone said he’s Kay Hagen without the skirt, that they knew about anyway, the skirt part.
He has no allegiance other than the corportations that are making him rich at our expense.
So Gates GOP ENDORSES a candidate and there is no outcry. The 3rd highest ranking official in the state gives a legislative review and there is a massive outcry. Hmmm . .
I will stand publically in opposition to any official GOP body that endorses in a primary. Even if I support the endorsed candidate.
Really? A thumbs down to not wanting Party endorsements? LOL. OK, out yourself! Who thinks it’s a good idea?!
Actually, State GOP jumped all over Gates GOP about that….Ashe County got the same treatment IIRC.
This is a clear endorsement of the controversial candidate Thom Tillis and the party ought to be ashamed of their participation in this. At least let the true front runner
Greg Brannon speak too. Let them all speak. Here’s why no one should ever give another penny to the GOP, give directly to a conservative candidate of choice. Tillis, what a smarmy trouble maker. He’s always in the midst of causing trouble.
So where is the Pundit House article publicly denouncing the actions of Gates county? Did I miss it?
Write it up, I’ll post it.
I thought Charlotte was in Mecklenberg county as is the Mecklenberg GOP?
What a dumb move by any county GOP to have Tholl Road Thom come to speak. He’s as nuclear toxic and polarizing as his BFF Richard Morgan. What are they going to have Morgan come in and speak as the keynote at the next GOP event? Same difference. Maybe throw in a little soft shoe routine from Jim Black for entertainment value? Maybe he can reminisce about his chief of staff (married) having a romp in Tillis’s shared apartment in Raleigh with a married lobbyist and all the other details revolving around Zippergate and other staff member’s sexcapades in his office.
I wish they would let Brannon give an update on his legal woes. He keeps saying he is going to appeal his $250,000 judgement, but has yet to post bond and file his appeal. But that is Brannon’s MO- talks about what he is gonna do, but has yet to do it. Don’t see how the ranking GOP elected office holder is disqualified to speak, do to the face that he is also running for Senate. Why would the Meck GOP want a convicted stock swindler to speak? Perhaps they could get a 1 night furlough for Bernie Madoff, and he could offer investment advice.
It’s a regular soap opera over there. You have to admit Republican primaries are at a minimum entertaining.
Tillisnista loyalist and chief kool-aid drinker Barton who has posted online to this site comparing President Obama to a primate and references to slavery. That ought to play out nicely. Keep up the good work.
Brian- When they called Bush the chimp…
I bet you soiled your panties giggling so hard.
Brian I don’t drink Kool Aid- Coors Light or Stella
I have heard all types of chatter since the trial. Why did not Brannon speak in his own defense and give his side of the story. I have always felt that is the thing to do when you face the jury.
Will this type person mislead North Carolina? That is the question.
It is not uncommon for defendants to not take the stand. The strategy was to downplay Brannon’s involvement to the point that he would have nothing to add. It seemed viable, especially considering the plaintiffs own affidavits say that Brannon wasn’t even in the meetings where details were discussed. The whole trial was a farce.
The whole case to me seemed to be a frivelous lawsuit. If there was fraud you can bet the AG’s office would come after a Republican with a vengence.
http://www.wwnc.com/onair/pete-kaliner-46655/brannon-codefendant-ruling-defies-logic-12094947/
Please take the time to listen if you wish to be informed.
Please get all your facts concerning Greg Brannon’s legal woes. Find Pete Kaliner’s radio interview on iTunes podcasts.
Party establishment is reasserting control. The only question left is whether or not conservatives will hold their noses to vote for Thom Tillis in November.
I won’t. I don’t vote for liberals, so Hagan isn’t getting a vote either.
I will leave it blank, unless D’Annunzio wins the Libertarian primary.
If he is the nominee the well informed primary voter will write in a candidate of their choice or not bother to show Not Tillis. The Democrats and the media are waiting patiently for Tillis to be delivered to the general election where he will be without a base and they can drag all his baggage out of the closest then. Remember the Republicans are fed up with him and the Democrats and conservatives are ready to eviscerate him. It’ll be a cakewalk for Hagen. GOP gotta get better candidates, not Karl Rove inside the beltway go along to get along types. Thom Tillis handler Karl Rove vows to destroy the conservatives in the GOP. Nice.
Brannon, Haugh, or No Vote for me.
Great. Tillis is too much of a coward to show at ANY debate (preferring to hide behind Rove and throw stones), and now the Executive Board is actively protecting him from having to face any opposition, here, too?
No money to the GOP. Obviously, the established process in place breeds cowardice.
If I write up a post about Gates county, do you think Brant Clifton will run it too? I guess you aren’t so outraged as you indicated in the article about impartiality since you couldn’t be bothered to report on an ACTUAL endorsement.
Funny – I did a simple search and Brant did publish an article about the Gates GOP going rogue.
Comparing the Gates GOP to the Mecklenburg GOP – is a huge stretch. Gates population isn’t a tenth of the numbers of registered Republicans in Mecklenburg.
Gates County GOP should not have endorsed any candidate. Since I live in Mecklenburg County and not Gates County, I’m more in tune with what’s going on here.
I do think it’s funny that the only real defense I’ve heard of the Meck GOP’s decision to proceed in this biased manner is to bring up what some other county is doing. I guess if the other kids are all jumping off a bridge, we should too?
More like all the other kids are gang-raping their party.
I’m one guy with three jobs. I can’t possibly know everything that takes place everywhere or have time to write opinion pieces on everything.
I have no control over what Brant Clifton writes or doesn’t write, but as has been pointed out, he actually did talk about Gates.
I’ve already said three times that Gates was wrong. Do you need me to sign it in blood or something?
Regardless of what they did, the fact is Mecklenburg is still wrong to elevate one candidate over the others. There is simply no defense here. Tillis himself should recognize this and step down and allow Ruth, Bill, or any other GOP legislator to give the update.
From an analytical perspective, Mecklenburg Republicans are urban and moderate much like party establishments in other urban areas. The conservatives are largely rural. Is this a struggle between urban and rural for control of the party. Rural May have the votes, but urban has all the money.
Last nights results at the Lincoln/RR dinner in Lincoln County show rural and urban GOPers working behind one candidate.
Well that’s just a straw poll. That’s not like preferential speaking. But you could have a point, maybe the party hierarchy ( far right and moderate) has already coalesced around Tillis and both events are evidence of it.
You mean another dinner where the other candidates weren’t allowed to speak?
President Michele Bachmann endorses the legitimacy of straw polls.
From my experience (not vast, but enough),the Lincoln Co. GOP is an entrenched establishment faction. They may make a little noise from time to time, but when it matters, they will do as they are expected.
So it’s no surprise the Tillis straw poll win…. they draw their water from the same well as Mecklenburg.
Most of these Dinners are Rubber Chicken events where the local Party Machine can meet and party in suit and tie. If you’re not part of the machine i wouldn’t expect an invite.
Tillis- 129, Blown dried preacher 28, Stock Swindler 11- The straw poll results from last night’s LR Dinner in Lincoln County,
Tillis is the only logical choice for Republicans if we want to avoid having to wear the Tin Foil hats. I have nothing against the Tin Foil hats but they do look a little gaudy on the girls. I love it when the girls wear their Easter Bonnets but I just do not think that the Tin Foil hats look all that good in church. But hey, that’s just me.
So much for Rick’s Lent. How long did you make it? A couple days?
Sunday is cheat day, you can do what you give up on Sunday.
President Michele Bachmann endorses the legitimacy of straw polls.
Please!
This is politics and certainly not a church social. And let us be honest. Tillis is the only choice the Republicans have for bringing Kay back to North Carolina. All this nonsense is only being brought up by the last remnants of the Tea Party nutcases. They want to go out with a bang. We need to concentrate on winning the general election rather than making noise which will in the end not amount to a hill of beans.
Actually, Tillis is among the most likely to lose to Hagan. He unites the Dems and splits the GOP. Not a recipe for success.
how did he split the GOP, did you see the straw poll results fro Sat. night?
Yeah, good thing Romney, Santorum, Paul, Huntsman, Gingrich and Perry conceded the nomination after Bachman won Ames.
Tillis will lose to Kay Hagen. He is an unwinnable general election candidate now. Why? The media is trying to carry him to the general election so they can unload on him with all the baggage he carries in the general. He will be without his base of any significance. Republicans and Democrats agree that he is terrible and he’s alienated the Party’s base and more particularly conservatives. If he were to win the primary the base will leave him alone on the field to be defeated in November and will in turn choose to write in a candiate of their choice regardless of whether it means Hagen returns to the Senate. Republicans and more particular conservatives will not stand for Thom Tillis. Karl Rove and Thom Tillis have alienated themselves from the much needed base they needed to win. Thom Tillis is another Tricky Dick Richard Burr and people see that now. Tricky Dick Burr will have to go next time around.
I don’t see any of them beating Hagan, but Tillis is their only hope. All she has to do his hold the Party of Old (wealthy) White men moniker around Tillis’ neck and she carries 60% of the Independent women and 50% of Republican women voters. There are not enough angry white guys in the state to make up for it.
Besides, Tillis isn’t very popular with the libertarian and conservative wings of the party. Many of them would rather vote ‘none of the above’ as vote for Tillis. And don’t forget, most of the citizens of Charlotte hate his guts for trying to steal our airport.
Hi Zon- I think Kay’s connection to and adoration of Obama will end her Senate run. She’ll be a great lobbyist (planned parenthood/NARAL?) and make much more money. OBTW we are drinking like rich democrats- Stella
Credibility?
Rick Barton
March 8, 2014 – 12:15 pm
Brian I don’t drink Kool Aid- Coors Light or Stella
Brian- at least some have the balls to post under their own name,
Behold! Brother Barton has seen the light of good beer. Can I get an Amen! Stella is good, but it’s the Budwieser of Europe (ick, bad beer AND liberals!). If you like that, try the Elliot Ness by Great Lakes Brewery or the Hell’s Belle by Big Boss (Raleigh). And, anything brewed by Bell’s out of Michigan.
Remember: Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy – Benjamin Franklin
>> Party of Old (wealthy) White men
Hagan’s #1 contributor is a tobacco company (Lorillard); #4 & 5 are Wall Street banksters Morgan Stanley and Citigroup.
Jeff, I think you’re right. We know he has caused so much trouble many Republicans won’t vote for him, certainly not conseratives, they know he’s a snake and their tired of Richard Burr types. So if many of the conservatives won’t vote for him and Republicans are fed up with his tricks in general, and we know the Democrats won’t vote for him, who’s let? I’m voting for Brannon. I believe that he’s actually the most winnable but for some reason the media and the Party don’t seem to want come to grips with Brannon is the most likely to win. No legislative record to attack, a nice guy, and women trust him as their doctor. The incompetent Tillis couldn’t treat a paper cut and women think Tillis is creepy. Brannon is trustworthy.
Thomas Hill of Gates County admitted he was in error with his endorsement during a County Chairmans Conference call in January. He doing the best he can in Gates. County against overwhelming domocratic odds.
And he didn’t think it was a good idea in the first place….his Executive Committee went for it, putting him in an impossible position.
I’ll say this about the controversy du jour, if the other candidates want equal time they should buy a ticket or sponsor a table. I believe individual tickets are only $75. As Christian pointed out, this is the county party’s largest annual fundraiser, the candidates will all likely be at the upcoming county convention which is usually attended by far more grassroots activists. You can’t expect a candidate (Tillis) to turn down an opportunity to speak to a room of potential donors about the legislature’s recent accomplishments (under his leadership) in his home county, but the current Meck GOP leadership should have anticipated this conflict and taken steps to avoid it.
My personal gripe about the Lincoln-Reagan Day Dinner, and the reason I will not be attending, is the keynote speaker. Apparently no one remembers Haley Barbour’s Clintonesque pardon scandal as he left office:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/01/09/mississippi-governor-haley-barbour-frees-murderer-who-was-recently-denied/
Granted, Mr. Barbour has been more successful politically than I’ll ever be, and is a proven fundraiser, but there are far more honorable men I’d rather pay to listen to.
Yes if you were a serial killer doing time in Miss. when Barber was gov., all you had to do is whisper in Barber’s ear how you so loved the baby Jesus, and you were on your way home!
Tillis got an F from Civitas for his very UNConservative votes. The Rockefeller Republicans and Rove think they can force Conservatives to vote for another Romney candidate. He’ll lose in the general because Conservatives won’t fall for all the slick ads trying to portray crony capitalist Tillis as a Conservative.
And who do we have if not for Thom Tillis?
Bernie Madoff?
Give me a break. The die is cast. Tillis will beat Kay Hagan.
Actually, Tillis path to victory is the most difficult. Hard to win when a sizable portion of your own party won’t support you and the Dems are fired up to beat you. Ya, their passion won’t be pro Hagan, it will be anti Tillis. No need to give them fuel in this race.
Christian- sizable portion of the GOP? Between your great site, and Haymaker, I count at most 30 people. That’s a good turnout for an Amway party/Panther tailgate, but it won’t move an election. How would you break down the vote?
Can’t see Brannon,Heather or Pastor Harris getting more than 20% each. Math is not your friend in this race.
People know about Tillis now amongst the well informed across the state and they are angry, the ones who show up to vote in primaries. His consultant will not be able to save him. He is a little man afloat in a huge sea storm of opposition about to overtake and sink him. The base will stay home if he makes it to the general. Bring on the Tillis Blueprint evisceration in the general if he surives the primary. He’s in that bad a shape. The Senate race encompasses an area greater than 2 miles outside of the county line of Mecklenburg past that, few people have ever heard of him. Watch and learn.
>> Can’t see Brannon,Heather or Pastor Harris getting more than 20% each.
Be careful what you wish for… Tillis is at 14.
http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/main/2014/03/gop-senate-primary-tied-in-nc.html
Well you know most people are going into that both and click that R or D button unless they are a disgruntled disciple of Ron Paul.
NAME ID??? Toll Roads Tillis’ “name” is tainted. He is a general in the war aginst democracy which is fascism. He has all but put a for sale sign on the lawn of the capital. It is obvious the Republican Party is incapable of handling criminals like Tillis, and remians the thrall of the same donors who wish to thwart the will of the people and institute policies that are in direct conflict with the well being of very party, and larger community, which they (barely) pretend to serve. What our party needs is a few “super men” vigilantes that will take our party, and by extension, our state and country back for the people who must labor under the laws they pass to (attempt) to control us.
NAME ID??? Toll Roads Tillis’ “name” is tainted. He is a general in the war aginst democracy which is fascism. He has all but put a for sale sign on the lawn of the capital. It is obvious the Republican Party is incapable of handling criminals like Tillis, and remians the thrall of the same donors who wish to thwart the will of the people and institute policies that are in direct conflict with the well being of very party, and larger community, which they (barely) pretend to serve. What our party needs is a few “super men” vigilantes that will take our party, and by extension, our state and country back for the people who must labor under the laws they pass to (attempt) to control us.
How much Thom Tillis troublemaking do I have to keep reading about! I was just trying to read my paper today and get away from the usual political junk and there he is again making trouble. Who is this guy anyway a member of the mob? Why do Republicans tolerate him in their party!? I thought Republicans were supposed to be a the good guys. Now with this character, I don’t know who’s good or not. I was going to vote for the Republican side but I’ve had it with them because of this Tillis! Give me a break. Sorry, I really tried but to vote for the Republicans but Tillis? No way! Troublemaker now, bigger troublemaker later.
Kay Hagen is thanking everyone for their support here.
She wants to get back to Washington and help Obama run our country and continue to get people healthcare, immigrate to this country and get as much money from rich people as she can to fund it all.
VOTE KAY HAGEN!
A vote for Tillis is a vote for Hagan.
Then write in Santa Claus….
I’m sure he will get more votes than the two mentioned.
So which devil will win in the whole field?
If I were going to write in Santa Claus I would just cut to the chase and vote for a Democrat ;).
The Tillis Downhill Sliiiiide – It’s a downward shift for Tillis, who held a commanding 20 percent in the PPP poll a month ago, and puts him in the morass of an eight-candidate field despite pumping big money into a TV ad campaign. Guess he greased the skids with too much cash, slip sliding away.
Morning Memo: GOP Senate race starts with deadlock as Tillis slides, poll finds
http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/03/11/3692218/morning-memo-gop-senate-race-starts.html
Wooo-hoooo! Probably a scam to raise more campaign cash but in the meantime. Whooo-hooo! We’ll take it. There’s hope for North Carolina yet!
The Melting of candidate Tillis to Irrelevancy
March 11, 2014
GOP Senate Primary Tied in NC
PPP’s newest North Carolina poll finds that Thom Tillis’ support has declined after a month defined by his gaffes on the campaign trail, and that he’s now tied for the Republican Senate nomination with Greg Brannon. Tillis and Brannon are both at 14%
February 13, 2014
Raleigh, N.C. – PPP’s monthly look at the North Carolina Senate race finds Thom Tillis continuing to have difficulty breaking away from the pack in a way that would let him avoid a runoff in the Republican Senate primary. Tillis is polling at 20%, followed by Greg Brannon
January 14, 2014
Raleigh, N.C. – For the first time in our polling of the North Carolina Senate race, presumptive frontrunner Thom Tillis has opened a little bit of space between himself and the rest of his opponents in the Republican primary. Tillis now leads the field with 19% to 11% for Greg Brannon
http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/main/north-carolina/
Mecklenburg GOP is still trying to hauck tickets at this late date, shouldn’t this event have been sold out by now? Wonder what the problem is why they couldn’t sell all the tickets. Anyone hear anything?
Jeff: I think the word you are looking for is hawk i.e. sell tickets. Brannon was going to buy some tickets. But I guess he has to concentrate on paying his judgement/posting his bond. Brannon has until a week from tomorrow to pay the people he swindled, or post his bond.
Notice that Palin is avoiding Brannon like the plague. Unlike Sen. Lee she knows about Brannon’s stock swindle trail verdict.
Nice update on Ponzi Brannon’s appeal on WRAL’s website- link by Carolina Plotthound. Wake County judge told Ponzi B, that if he loses his appeal he is out $450,000. He has yet to appeal and post the bond. If Brannon can’t pay the judgement, he will have to file bankruptcy. Otherwise he will be jailed for contempt of court.
Thom Tillis is Wrong for US Senate – Raleigh Columist
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brian-lasorsa/thom-tillis-is-wrong-for-_b_4930726.html
Tillis is currently struggling in a tough primary race against Greg Brannon, a Tea Party Republican who has been endorsed by Senator Rand Paul, Congressman Thomas Massie, RedState editor Erick Erickson, FreedomWorks president Matt Kibbe, and many other leaders in the conservative movement.
One thing is certain reading through the comments, most of the people posting hate Thom Tillis as much the Democrats do. Unfortunately, I don’t see him losing in the primary. I don’t think there will even be a runoff and here’s why:
The conservative vote will split between Harris and Brannon(assuming Brannon makes it to the primary). Look, Brannon’s Primary support from FreedomWorks isn’t campaigning against Tillis, they are advertising against Hagan already. Even Tillis is predicting victory already, he’s not even considering Brannon and Harris as opponents. He’s already spending his money against his general election opponent.
Zon’s smoking crack cocaine again. Put the crack pipe down Zon.
NC-Sen: Fox News Analyst Calls Thom Tillis (R) A Weak Candidate. Since January his polling numbers have been declining. Poor Toll Road Tillis his campaign is in the break down lane on the new toll road. Least electable against Hagen.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/07/23/1225823/-NC-Sen-Fox-News-Analyist-Calls-Thom-Tillis-R-A-Weak-Candidate
Janet that story is a year old. Dailey Kos like the above mentioned Huffington Post are closely followed by NC GOP voters for sure. Ponzi Brannon hasn’t been making many campaign appearances this week. Is he dodging process servers over his stock swindle verdict?
l
Tillis Kool-aid flowing at the Mecklenburg rubber chicken event. Some Mecklenburg Republicans still in a state of denial and delusion.
Sgt. Shultz. I know noth-ing, I see noth-ing!!!
Google This:
TILLIS HAS FACED A “REVOLT” AMONG HIS OWN CAUCUS, AFTER BEING CRITICIZED FOR CATERING TO SPECIAL INTERESTS AND USING THE POWER OF HIS OFFICE FOR HIS U.S. SENATE CAMPAIGN
Beaufort Observer Headline: “Speaker Tillis Facing A Revolt Among The Troops.” [Beaufort Observer, Editorial, 5/22/13]
Beaufort Observer Editorial: Tillis “Is Viewed By Many As Being Domineering, Autocratic And Condescending To Other Legislators And Staff” And “There Is A Broad And Deep Resentment Growing Against Tillis’ High-Handed Method Of Operating.” “House Speaker Thom Tillis is under siege. We have been reporting here that we continue to pick up rumors on Jones Street and from Administration operatives that there is a broad and deep resentment growing against Tillis’ high-handed method of operating. Tillis is viewed by many as being domineering, autocratic and condescending to other Legislators and staff.” [Beaufort Observer, Editorial, 5/22/13]
Beaufort Observer Editorial: Tillis Is Reported To Kill Bills Without Debate, And “Few Will Openly Complain Or Criticize, With That Fear And Intimidation Adding Fuel To The Fire.” “The fact that Tillis is viewed as having run roughshod over a number of key bills that were banished to the Black Hole and never heard before ‘crossover deadline’ has exacerbated the disenchantment with Tillis and other key leaders. Tillis’ team is reported to have used the ‘sandbagging’ technique (killing bill without them ever being given a hearing in committee or brought to the floor for a vote in a much more cavalier manner than previous Speakers were reported to have done. Few will openly complain or criticize, with that fear and intimidation adding fuel to the fire. But the revolt appears to be picking up steam.” [Beaufort Observer, Editorial, 5/22/13]
REP. ROBERT BRAWLEY: ANGRILY RESIGNED FROM HIS COMMITTEE CHAIRMANSHIP CITING, AMONG OTHER ISSUES, TILLIS’ “BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP” WITH TIME WARNER AFFECTING ONE OF HIS BILLS
Rep. Brawley “Resigned His Committee Chairmanship Wednesday, Citing A Litany Of Differences With House Speaker Thom Tillis And Accusing Him Of A Conflict Of Interest.” “In a rare move, a leading Republican lawmaker resigned his committee chairmanship Wednesday, citing a litany of differences with House Speaker Thom Tillis and accusing him of a conflict of interest. It’s the second time in less than a month that a Republican lawmaker broke ranks to condemn Tillis’ leadership as he considers a bid to challenge U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan in 2014. Rep. Robert Brawley of Mooresville’s decided to step down as a Finance Committee chairman in a letter that listed four reasons, including the speaker’s apparent business relationship with Time Warner. ‘You slamming my office door shut, standing in front of me and state that you have a business relationship with Time Warner and wanting to know what the bill was about,’ Brawley wrote, not mentioning the specific legislation. ‘You and I both know the bill stifles the competition with MI Connections in Mooresville.’” [Raleigh News & Observer, Under the Dome, 5/22/13]
Rep. Brawley Complained Of Tillis “Slamming My Office Door Shut, Standing In Front Of Me And Stating That You Have A Business Relationship With Time Warner,” Implying This Was The Reason Brawley’s Bill To Help Mooresville’s MI Connections Was Killed. Rep. Robert Brawley’s letter listed grievances, including: “You slamming my office door shut, standing in front of me and stating that you have a business relationship with Time Warner and wanting to know what the bill was about. You and I both know the bill stifles competition with MI Connections in Mooresville. MI Connections is being operated just as any other free enterprise system and should be allowed to do so without the restrictions placed on them by the proponents of Time Warner.” [Rep. Robert Brawley, Letter to Speaker Thom Tillis, 5/22/13]
•Rep. Brawley Repeatedly Claimed Tillis Said He Had “A Relationship” With Time Warner. “Brawley’s letter says Tillis told him he has ‘a business relationship’ with Time Warner, which of course provides internet services. But in recounting the story today on the telephone, Brawley told me – twice – that Tillis simply called it ‘a relationship.’ When I asked about the difference, Brawley said Tillis must have said ‘a business relationship’ because he wrote the letter off of notes on the meeting. At any rate, Brawley said he has ‘no earthly idea’ what relationship Tillis meant. The Associated Press quoted a Time Warner spokesperson as saying there is no such relationship, and Tillis’ spokesman says the same. ‘Frankly, that’s bunk,’ [Tillis spokesman, Jordan] Shaw said. The whole dust up, Shaw said, is ‘a result of a member who’s frustrated that some of his bills didn’t get heard, including one to repeal the gift ban.’” [Greensboro News & Record, North State Politics, 5/23/13]
Brawley’s “Rare” Resignation Was “The Second Time In Less Than A Month That A Republican Lawmaker Broke Ranks To Condemn Tillis’ Leadership.” “In a rare move, a leading Republican lawmaker resigned his committee chairmanship Wednesday, citing a litany of differences with House Speaker Thom Tillis and accusing him of a conflict of interest. It’s the second time in less than a month that a Republican lawmaker broke ranks to condemn Tillis’ leadership as he considers a bid to challenge U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan in 2014.” [Raleigh News & Observer, Under the Dome, 5/22/13]
REP. LARRY PITTMAN: CLAIMED TILLIS HAS BEEN USING THE NORTH CAROLINA LEGISLATURE AS AN ARM OF HIS WOULD-BE U.S. SENATE CAMPAIGN, EVEN EMPLOYING A “COLOR CODE” SYSTEM TO AVOID ANY LEGISLATION THAT COULD HURT HIS SHADOW SENATE CAMPAIGN
Daily Haymaker: Rep. Larry Pittman Told A Group Of North Carolinians That Many Decisions Within The House Majority Are Made In Light Of Speaker Tillis’ Upcoming Senate Campaign. “Pittman told his audience that many decisions within the House majority are made in light of Speaker Thom’s upcoming Senate campaign. Legislators are seriously and frequently told to back off certain tactics that might cause problems for the Senator-in-Waiting. Wow. The lower chamber of our state legislature has been morphed into an arm of the Tillis for Senate campaign.” [Daily Haymaker, Brant Clifton, 4/30/13]
Daily Haymaker: “The Lower Chamber Of Our State Legislature Has Been Morphed Into An Arm Of The Tillis For Senate Campaign.” [Daily Haymaker, Brant Clifton, 4/30/13]
•Rep. Larry Pittman: “I Was Proud To Vote For Thom Tillis To Be The Speaker Again” But “Now He’s Running For U.S. Senate, Or Planning To” And “Things Have Changed.” Rep. Larry Pittman: “You know, I was proud to vote for Thom Tillis to be the Speaker again, when we got back up there this year. Because last session, he was great! You know, I thought, no one could be more fair than this guy is. But, now he’s running for U.S. Senate, or planning to. Things have changed. They tell us all the time about how bad it was when they were in the minority and the Democratic leadership wouldn’t let them get their bills moved or anything. Well now the constitutional conservatives, the Republican part of the house know what that’s like.” [Rep. Larry Pittman remarks, posted 4/28/13]
Rep. Larry Pittman Claimed Tillis Uses A “Color Code System” To Push Through Legislation That Would Benefit His Run For U.S. Senate And Kill Legislation That Might Hurt It – According To Pittman, Some Bills Are Met With: “Well, That’s Too Controversial, It Might Hurt Somebody’s Senate Campaign.” Rep. Larry Pittman: “I have two gun bills. They were talking earlier about the bill that they pushed through, House Bill 937 that we’re working on. Let me tell you about that. I have two bills: House Bill 246, the gun rights amendment, and one that Glen mentioned earlier, House Bill 624, the Enabling Patriots Act. And, um, there’s a color code system that the Speaker gives to, you know, committee chairs when those bills are sent to committee. They’re either coded green, yellow, or red. Those two gun bills right now are coded yellow. Which means for the moment they’re not going anywhere. […] I have some provisions in the Enabling Patriots Act about — well, actually, when it came back from bill drafting, they’d taken some of this out, so I might have to put it back in if it ever gets heard in committee. I had specified that students, faculty, and staff in colleges and community colleges could do concealed carry as long as they — all they had to do is just let security know they were going to do it. Some may think you shouldn’t even have to do that, but I felt like that was about the only way I could get that passed. And also, that principals who have concealed carry and teachers who have concealed carry, I spelled out how they could be allowed to carry on K-12 campus. Well, that’s too controversial, it might hurt somebody’s Senate campaign. And, so, that’s not going to go forward unless I can get some support for it.” [Rep. Larry Pittman remarks, posted 4/28/13]
Robert Brawley said that “M-I Connection operates just as any other free enterprise system” was he drunk when he said that? They are subsidized with millions of annual taxpayers subsidies , paid by the towns of Morresville & Davidson..
Robert Brawley is not running for U.S. Senate, unfortunately for all of us Thom Tillis is. Those who are the forever apologists for Thom Tillis and his corrupt actions that simply cannot be defended amaze me. Please stick to arguing in favor your controversial candidate in Tillis and his support for amnesty for illegals, pay to play politics, and all his other baggage that comes out daily regarding him if you must. Giving disgraced staff caught in affairs in Tillis’s own apartment a golden parachute and pay raises before termination. Really? Undecided who I will support but I do know I’ve seen enough and many others agree, NOT TILLIS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. NOT TILLIS. Let Hagen have it back if he’s the nominee.
Pat, did you learn to read in a government school? Who said Brawley was running for Senate? If you prefer the candidate of Planned Parenthood/post birth abortion over a pro life candidate, go help Kay kill some more babies and keep her in the Senate.
Well hopefully we won’t have to worry about that Rick. There is a simple solution. Send Thom Tillis home after the primary he’s unelectable in the general election. There are other actual conservatives to vote for in the primary. I appreciate your interest in Tillis but he’s too much of a liability for North Carolina. I agree with Pat. Not Tillis.
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