For Tillis and his donors, an interest in bills

Moments before the N.C. House began debating a contentious abortion-related bill last week, Speaker Thom Tillis exited for the campaign trail.


The leading Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate traveled to Charlotte for a campaign fundraiser where donors paid as much as $2,600 to meet him.

Tillis entered the race in May, vowing to stay focused on his job. But just weeks later, he finds himself pulled in competing directions and raising money from donors interested in legislation.

As a legislator, Tillis is prohibited under state law from raising money from lobbyists or companies and organizations with lobbyists during the lawmaking session.

The ban, however, doesn’t apply to federal candidates – meaning Tillis can solicit U.S. Senate campaign cash even as he influences major state legislation, such as a tax overhaul, the state budget and industry regulations. As speaker, Tillis sets the House agenda, deciding in large part which bills live and which die.

Running parallel to the campaign effort, a super PAC supporting Tillis’ candidacy, Grow NC Strong, is soliciting checks not subject to federal donation limits.

The Tillis campaign’s fundraising strategist, Jonathan Brooks of Macon Consulting, is also collecting money for the super PAC. Under federal rules, the two entities aren’t permitted to coordinate messages and strategy, but they can blend the fundraising operations, campaign attorney Roger Knight said.

Ahead of Sunday’s fundraising period deadline – the first for Tillis to show he is a viable candidate – the campaign put an emphasis on banking donors with three events last week in three cities over a three-day span. The events were hosted by more than 30 of the state’s most prominent Republican donors.

The Raleigh hosts included Bob Ingram, former chief executive of GlaxoSmithKline, John Kane, who developed North Hills, and builder John Coley.

The hosts for all three events combined to give an estimated $125,000, according to invitations. With a $250 minimum donation for the event, the total haul likely will total much more.

Interested in legislation

A number of the top donors are advocating for legislation this session. Royce Everette, a co-host for the Greenville event, is one the state’s largest consumer finance lenders. He helped direct $1.8 million for lobbying and campaign donations in an effort to convince lawmakers to approve legislation that increases profits for the industry, the Associated Press reported.

The fundraiser came days after the industry’s bill to raise loan interest rates and fees won legislative approval and Gov. Pat McCrory signed it into law.

Everette said his donation was not directly tied to the legislation, adding that he has supported Tillis for years. “If you have a person who you think is a good person, you try to support them,” Everette told the AP. “That’s the way it goes. Thom Tillis is a good person. Did he help us? Yes. So I support him.”

Everette’s mother, Gail Blanton, another lending industry executive, hosted a fundraiser for Tillis’ legislative campaign in 2011 that brought in $30,000, campaign finance reports show.

Even though federal fundraising during session is legal, Bob Phillips at Common Cause, a Raleigh nonprofit that advocates for diminishing the role of money in politics, said it looks bad for Tillis to raise money from people with an interest in state legislation.

“I’m not saying (Tillis) is leveraging his office for more money, but it creates a perception out there that some folks are getting an advantage,” he said.

Tillis was not available for comment. But his political consultant, Paul Shumaker, dismissed concerns about Tillis soliciting donors who have interests pending in the legislature.

Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/06/29/2998621/for-tillis-and-his-donors-an-interest.html#emlnl=Politics#storylink=cpy

Meet and Greet: September 7, 2012--NC House Candidates!

Note:  CCTA is a non partisan organization.  We do not endorse any particular candidate or political party.  News items are presented for you the reader to help you become informed and reach your own conclusions.

Attention Craven County Voters

Meet and Greet:  NC House Candidates!

September 7, 2012--11:00 am -2:00 pm

Capt Ratty's in New Bern, NC

Everyone is invited!

Special Guest will be House Majority Leader

Paul ‘Skip’ Stam.

Donations are welcome.  

Craven County has three House Districts Seats in the upcoming election!

The Republican Candidates for these seats

House District 3 - Michael Speciale

House District 10 - John Bell

House District 12 - Jim Dancy

Come out and meet these outstanding Candidates for Office!

April 18th Pizza Buffet Fundraiser for Mattie Lawson NC House District 6

Fundraiser & Kick-Off Early Voting for the 2012 Primary

Wednesday APRIL 18th 7:00 PM, at Frank’s Pizza

816 John Small Ave, (near the Hospital)

Salad, pizza buffet and beverage, $35.00 per person

Mattie Lawson for NC House District 6
THIS AD PAID FOR BY THE LAWSON4HOUSE COMMITTEE
Christian, Conservative, 35 Year Republican

Please, join us to kick-off Early Voting and to bring in a bump in funding to help with the final push toward a successful campaign for NC House District 6 (northern Beaufort County and Washington, Hyde and Dare Counties).

Help keep this seat Republican as part of a powerful Republican majority House of Representatives in the NC General Assembly.

Please invite your conservative friends. Our Conservative-friendly campaign of reduced regulations and lower taxes benefits Unaffiliated, Democrat and Republican voters alike. Come, join us at Frank’s Pizza on April 18th at 7 pm. Let’s talk.

Blessings,
Mattie Lawson
Christian, Conservative, Republican

NC House Candidate for District #6: North Beaufort County & Dare, Washington & Hyde Counties.  Make donations to “Lawson4House Committee” – Remember to VOTE!
904 Clipper Court, KDH, NC 27948 252-619-1225
Website: http://www.lawson4house.com/  Email:Mattie@Lawson4House.com
Twitter: MattieSigma.  “Like” our campaign on Facebook: Lawson4House
Freedom: protect it or lose it!

Note: CCTA is a non partisan organization. We do not endorse any particular candidate or political party. News items are presented for you the reader to help you become informed and reach your own conclusions.

Video of candidates for the NC Legislature: Beaufort County Candidates Forum

Video of candidates for the NC Legislature--We have video from the Candidates' Forum sponsored Tuesday night (4-3-12) by the Beaufort Patriot TEA Party, the Beaufort Observer and the County Compass. The forum was held at Beaufort County Community College as a service to the community. We will report the video in a series of articles.

The first includes the opening comments by Buzz Cayton, the Chair of the Beaufort Patriot TEA Party. In the first segment he explains the procedures to be used. In Round 1 each candidate was given two minutes to introduce themselves. The state candidates went first, followed by the candidates for Beaufort County Commissioner. After the introductory round, each candidate was then allowed three minutes to address the issues and their positions on those issues.

The second clip is the introductory round for the candidates in Senate District 1, House District 3 and House District 6. Bill Cook was the only candidate in attendance running for Senate 1 and goes first.

The third clip: Michael Speciale, Clayton Tripp, Robert Cayton and Wayne Langston were the candidates for House District 3 in Round 1 in the third clip followed by Jeremy Adams and Mattie Lawson in House District 6:

http://www.beaufortobserver.net/Articles-NEWS-and-COMMENTARY-c-2012-04-04-259636.112112-Video-of-candidates-for-the-NC-Legislature.html/

NC House Select Committee on Immigration--MEETING NOTICE

Immigration Enforcement


February 27, 2012
NC House Select Committee on Immigration--MEETING NOTICE

Where: NC Legislative Office Bldg Rm. 643, Raleigh, NC

When: Wednesday 29, 2012, 1:00 pm

This is a reminder to attend the third NC House Select Committee on the State's Role in Immigration Policy hearing on Wednesday, February 29th @ 1:00 PM at the Legislative Office Building in Room 643 (LOB is just behind the NC General Assembly Legislative Building) in Raleigh.

You can use this link to find the bldg and nearby parking: http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/graphics/downtownmap.pdf

We need to show the NC General Assembly that the citizens are behind them and we want illegal aliens out of NC. Please make plans to be there!

Contact:
James Johnson
President-NCFIRE
NCFIRE@ncfire.info
1-888-885-0879

Media Release: Businessman Wayne Langston Announces Candidacy for NC House 3

Media Release

For Immediate Release
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Bill Tarpenning, 410-919-7572

Washington, NC businessman Wayne Langston announced today he will seek the Republican nomination for the North Carolina State House 3 seat representing southern Beaufort, Pamlico and much of Craven counties. This is the seat currently held by Norm Sanderson (R - Arapahoe) who is expected to run for Senate District 2 seat of retiring Senator Jean Preston (R - Emerald Isle). Langston,43, styles himself a fiscal conservative and believes the state budget crisis continues to be a priority for the GOP controlled state legislature.

"We are in terrible trouble with our budget situation. Among other things we have borrowed over two billion dollars from the federal government to fund unemployment payments with no end in sight. Northeastern North Carolina needs representation within the GOP house majority, and I aim to provide that voice."

Langston, a real estate management director, vows to vote the issues and not the straight party line. "Sometimes our party is wrong. " I was very disappointed to see the General Assembly impose a fee structure on what are now toll-free ferry routes. I do not favor government intervention in the citizen's right of passage on the public transportation grid. When I get to Raleigh I will work to repeal this flawed legislation

Langston will attend the Craven County Republican Women's club luncheon at the Chelsea restaurant in New Bern on Wednesday, January 25, and the Beaufort County Republican Club on Thursday, January 26th at Woogie's Seafood Restaurant in Chocowinity.

Langston makes his home in the Chocowinity precinct where he has been active in community recreation. This is his first run for public office.

#

Michael Speciale Announces Cadidacy for NC House District 3

FYI, folks!

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For further information contact: Michael Speciale at 252-635-5326 or speciale@ec.rr.com

January 24, 2012

NEW BERN – Local activist Michael Speciale (pronounced spe sha lee) has announced his candidacy for the North Carolina House of Representatives for District 3. This District includes all of Pamlico County, as well as portions of Craven and Beaufort Counties.

Speciale has a background of service to his country as well as to his State and community. He is a Retired U.S. Marine, a former Chairman of the Craven County Republican Party, a former Director of The Retired Enlisted Association Chapter 92 Cherry Point, a former American Red Cross CPR and Adult First Aid Instructor, a past volunteer reader for the Radio Reading Service of Eastern North Carolina, and he was the driving force behind re-establishment of the Coastal Carolina Taxpayer’s Association (CCTA). He is a former small business owner and has been active in politics, having run for the NC House previously.

Speciale has been active in the community as well as involved in local and State issues. He petitioned the Craven County Board of Commissioners on several issues, as well as the North Carolina General Assembly and the Havelock Board of Commissioners. He is a graduate Fellow of the North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership, has an AAS in Business Management/Operations Management, graduated from Basic Law Enforcement Training.

Speciale will be married for 38 years in April, 2012, and he and his wife Hazel have two children and seven grandchildren.

Speciale plans on registering for the election at the Craven County Board of Elections office in New Bern.

Contact information:
Home: 252-635-5326

Email: speciale@ec.rr.com
Address: 803 Stately Pines Road
New Bern, NC 28560

It is not the function of the government to keep the citizen from falling into error; it is the function of the citizen to keep the government from falling into error. ---John Strider Coleman

SUN JOURNAL NEW BERN: Sanderson, Speciale announce bids for election

January 24, 2012

Filing for the 2012 election opens Feb. 9 but candidates are already lining up and announcing their intention to seek office, including Rep. Norman Sanderson, R-Pamlico.

Sanderson announced he plans to seek the N.C. District 2 Senate seat now held by Sen. Jean Preston, R-Carteret, who last week said that she will not seek reelection.

Preston said she will fill out her present term “with the same zeal….”

Stepping up with an announcement to run for the house seat Sanderson will vacate is Michael Speciale, a retired Marine who is former Craven County Republican Party chairman. A leader in Coastal Carolina Taxpayers Association, Speciale has previously run for the house.

In declaring his intent to file for the seat, Sanderson said: “Senator Preston has set the bar high when it comes to hard work, ethical standards and sound fiscal accountability. I assure the people of the 2nd District that I will uphold that legacy as I strive to be their next State Senator.”

Pamlico resident and Havelock businessman Sanderson has served Craven and Pamlico counties in N.C. House District 3 and said he sees the move as a logical progression.

CONTINUED:

http://www.newbernsj.com/articles/seek-103844-sanderson-senate.html

Eminent domain amendment should provide real protection

JLF expert offers model language to help protect fundamental rights


Legislators should provide real property-rights protections as they pursue a constitutional amendment targeting eminent domain abuse. The John Locke Foundation's top legal expert offers that advice in a new Spotlight report..........
 
An amendment is critically important, Bakst said. "North Carolina has the weakest property rights protection in the country," he said. "This is the only state that does not expressly address eminent domain in its constitution. There is absolutely no state constitutional protection from eminent domain abuse, such as the government seizing private property for economic development."


http://johnlocke.org/press_releases/show/591

LEGISLATIVE REPORT

U.S. House of Representatives


On January 25, 2011 the House voted on a bill entitled “To reduce spending through a transition to non-security spending at fiscal year [FY] 2008 levels.” The bill passed 256 to 165 with 13 not voting.

NC Representatives voting for the bill: Renee Ellmers (R-2nd), Walter B. Jones, Jr. (R-3rd), Virginia Foxx (R-5th), Howard Coble (R-6th), Larry Kissell (D-8th), Sue Myrick (R-9th), Patrick T. McHenry (R-10th), and Heath Shuler (D-11th).

NC Representatives voting against it: G.K. Butterfield (D-1st), David E. Price (D-4th),
Mike McIntyre (D-7th), Melvin L. Watt (D-12th), and Brad Miller (D-13th).

On January 26, 2011 the House voted on a bill, “To reduce Federal spending and the deficit by terminating taxpayer financing of presidential election campaigns and party conventions.” The bill passed 239 to 160 with 35 not voting.

NC Representatives voting for the bill: Renee Ellmers (R-2nd), Virginia Foxx (R-5th), Howard Coble (R-6th), Sue Myrick (R-9th), Patrick T. McHenry (R-10th), and Heath Shuler (D-11th).

NC Representatives voting against it: G.K. Butterfield (D-1st), Walter B. Jones, Jr. (R-3rd), David E. Price (D-4th), Mike McIntyre (D-7th), Larry Kissell (D-8th), Melvin L. Watt (D-12th), and Brad Miller (D-13th)

The North Carolina General Assembly


NC House of Representatives

The 120 members of the NC House of Representatives were sworn in on January 26, 2011, when the House convened at 12 Noon. Members include 67 Republicans, 52 Democrats and 1 Unaffiliated. The room and balcony were packed for the historic event.

The Representatives voted for the Speaker of the House. Republicans nominated Thom Tillis (Mecklenburg) and Democrats nominated Joe Hackney (Chatham, Moore, Orange). Tillis won with 74 votes, Hackney had 46.

House Speaker Tillis delivered comments to the attendees. He said that NC has a budget deficit as a result of high spending. He noted that we must lower expectations on what the government does for us and raise expectations on what we can do for ourselves as individuals. His plans for the House include: a sunset of temporary taxes, to pass a term limit bill, and to complete a 180 – day schedule around June 4, 2011.

He added that the House must act swiftly on Education, Health and Human Services, Law Enforcement and Transportation infrastructure. The cost of government needs to be reduced through privatization. Goals of Republicans in the House are based on: limited government, free markets, and federalism. Citizens have been taxed enough as exemplified by the TEA Party movement.

Tillis acknowledged the Republican Women’s caucus who were wearing red and admired their red roses, given as gifts from the NCFRW. He noted that the House men were wearing red ties and that both the women and men symbolized Republican unity by wearing red. He also thanked former Speaker Hackney and his staff for the help they had given him during the transition.

Speaker Tillis has a new gavel, which he has named “Ray” as a tribute to his father. The gavel was made from a long leaf pine tree planted in the Colonial Forest of NC that lived more than 100 years ago. The wood was from the tree first used to build an 1830′s home, later salvaged, and recently used to make the gavel.

The House also elected a Speaker Pro Tempore. Republicans nominated Dale Folwell (Forsyth) and Democrats nominated William Wainwright (Craven, Lenoir). Folwell won with 68 votes and Wainwright had 52.

On the Calendar for Thursday, January 27, 2011 are the following bills: ”Protect Health Care Freedom,” ”Community Colleges/Opt Out of Federal Loan Program,” and “Eminent Domain” among others.
The North Carolina General Assembly


NC House of Representatives

The 120 members of the NC House of Representatives were sworn in on January 26, 2011, when the House convened at 12 Noon. Members include 67 Republicans, 52 Democrats and 1 Unaffiliated. The room and balcony were packed for the historic event.

The Representatives voted for the Speaker of the House. Republicans nominated Thom Tillis (Mecklenburg) and Democrats nominated Joe Hackney (Chatham, Moore, Orange). Tillis won with 74 votes, Hackney had 46.

House Speaker Tillis delivered comments to the attendees. He said that NC has a budget deficit as a result of high spending. He noted that we must lower expectations on what the government does for us and raise expectations on what we can do for ourselves as individuals. His plans for the House include: a sunset of temporary taxes, to pass a term limit bill, and to complete a 180 – day schedule around June 4, 2011.

He added that the House must act swiftly on Education, Health and Human Services, Law Enforcement and Transportation infrastructure. The cost of government needs to be reduced through privatization. Goals of Republicans in the House are based on: limited government, free markets, and federalism. Citizens have been taxed enough as exemplified by the TEA Party movement.

Tillis acknowledged the Republican Women’s caucus who were wearing red and admired their red roses, given as gifts from the NCFRW. He noted that the House men were wearing red ties and that both the women and men symbolized Republican unity by wearing red. He also thanked former Speaker Hackney and his staff for the help they had given him during the transition.

Speaker Tillis has a new gavel, which he has named “Ray” as a tribute to his father. The gavel was made from a long leaf pine tree planted in the Colonial Forest of NC that lived more than 100 years ago. The wood was from the tree first used to build an 1830′s home, later salvaged, and recently used to make the gavel.

The House also elected a Speaker Pro Tempore. Republicans nominated Dale Folwell (Forsyth) and Democrats nominated William Wainwright (Craven, Lenoir). Folwell won with 68 votes and Wainwright had 52.

On the Calendar for Thursday, January 27, 2011 are the following bills: ”Protect Health Care Freedom,” ”Community Colleges/Opt Out of Federal Loan Program,” and “Eminent Domain” among others.

NC FREEDOM GENERAL ASSEMBLY RALLY

NC FREEDOM GENERAL ASSEMBLY RALLY

Wednesday January 26. 2011, 11:00 am -1:00 pm

Legislative Building, 16 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC and Halifax Mall (one block north of the Legislative Building). 

The 2011-2012 biennium of the North Carolina General Assembly will convene on January 26, 2011 at noon. The Moccasin Creek Minutemen and NCFreedom are organizing a rally in Raleigh at the General Assembly to serve notice to our North Carolina lawmakers that we are watching you. The Tea Party movement is not dead and we will remain ever vigilant. We will hold you accountable to your campaign promises including not raising or extending our taxes. 

 http://ncfreedom.us/2011/01/general-assembly-rally-on-january-26th/

MAJOR NC ALERT…Governor Perdue questions voters’ abilities and unfair redistricting, say WHAT!!!

photo above is just one big mistake.

Randy’s Right

By Oscar Y. Harward

For the first time in more than one hundred years, Republicans won a majority in both branches of the N.C. Legislature. Now Governor Perdue is calling for changing the rules of the legislature in redistricting.

Governor Perdue, where was your voice on representation while serving in the N.C. legislature and/or as Lt. Governor? Your record shows that you supported the Democrat Party’s legislation on almost every turn. Did you “ever” question the sprawling and, perhaps otherwise, unconstitutional districts’ representation as drawn out by your own majority Democrat Party? Prior to your elected offices, can you present any evidence that you explored any spotlight on this topic?

In November 1984, Jim Martin was the first Republican Party nominee elected Governor of N.C. in more than one hundred years, then re-elected in 1988. One of the majority Democrat Party’s first legislative actions was to change the law prohibiting Gov. Martin from appointing a new N.C. State Board of Elections Executive Director.

Eight years later, Democrat Party nominee, Jim Hunt was elected N.C. Governor. The majority Democrat Party controlled legislature then reversed the previous law allowing Governor Hunt to reinstate political control of the Board of Elections.

Governor Perdue, if it is your desire for being upfront on everything, why not open “all” of your files for total scrutiny? The media has already revealed unethical and/or illegal activity concerning you and your campaign. Further investigations may prove that you, too, may be just as guilty on illegalities as (y)our immediate previously convicted governor.

Governor Perdue, North Carolina’s citizens will establish that members of the 2011 General Assembly are qualified and capable legislators on redistricting members of the N.C. House, N.C. Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives. N.C. voters ordered a “change” in North Carolina. The end tallies represent the results.


http://randysright.wordpress.com/2010/12/17/major-nc-alert-governor-perdue-questions-voters%e2%80%99-abilities-and-unfair-redistricting-say-what/

This campaign is not about me. It's about WE.

A MESSAGE FROM NORMAN SANDERSON, CANDIDATE FOR NC HOUSE DISTRICT 3:

Vote as if your life depends upon it! It's true. I firmly believe that the life, liberty and pursuit of happiness that we have all enjoyed is at stake. As I have been out visiting with your friends and neighbors, we all agree on one thing: Our government on both a state and national level is OFF TRACK. We need a change in direction!


This campaign is not about me. It's about WE. It's about ensuring our personal freedoms, keeping more of our hard-earned money in our pockets, and holding government accountable in its spending practices. We need to keep first things first: economic recovery, improved education, properly funded military/fire/rescue/police departments. We need to allow the principles our great nation was founded upon to work without government take-over.

I have been personally attacked by my opposition who will stoop to any level to maintain political power. I hope you see through the political tactics and false promises and recognize that THERE IS A BETTER WAY.

If you have read something about me that concerns you, please feel free to call me directly at (252) 671-9610, and we will discuss your concerns.

You can still vote early through this Saturday at 1pm. If you are not registered to vote, you may do so at your early voting site and then vote - right on the spot. Please take your friends and family, and GO VOTE!

Your support is greatly appreciated!
Norman Sanderson

Norman is honored to have received the following endorsements:

National Federation of Independent Business - North Carolina
North Carolina Right to Life
National Rifle Association
North Carolina Chamber PAC
NC Retail Merchants Association

SUN JOURNAL NEW BERN: LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Trash spewing


October 25, 2010 9:25 PM

I cannot believe how the Democrats in the N.C. House and N.C. Senate campaigns have been so seduced by their goal of winning that they have no standards of decency by which to campaign. Between Barbara Garrity-Blake and Alice Underhill, their political campaigns reek of desperation. Both of their opponents, Jean Preston and Norman Sanderson, are intelligent, educated, caring people. These two Republicans have run respectable campaigns, and I applaud them. After the trash that has been spewed forth by Garrity-Blake and Underhill, I wouldn’t blame Preston and Sanderson one bit if they went on the attack as well. I know that if they did, it would still be more civil than what they had to endure. The two faces of Garrity-Blake and the “My daddy’s name helped get me elected to this seat” Underhill deserve to lose on the actions of their campaigning alone. Jean Preston has brought honor to the Senate, and Norman Sanderson will bring integrity to the House. I hope they will be our representatives come Nov. 2.

CCTA Member, Hazel Speciale, New Bern