MARCIA MORGAN
Marcia MorganInternet & New Media ReviewJuly 18, 2018Contents TOC \o "1-3" \h \z \u MARCIA MORGAN PAGEREF _Toc519693572 \h 4Summary of Findings from Internet & New Media PAGEREF _Toc519693573 \h 4Social Media: PAGEREF _Toc519693574 \h 8Facebook: PAGEREF _Toc519693575 \h 8Twitter: PAGEREF _Toc519693576 \h 25Instagram: PAGEREF _Toc519693577 \h 28Campaign Website: PAGEREF _Toc519693578 \h 30Port City : PAGEREF _Toc519693579 \h 36Retired Army Colonel Marcia Morgan will challenge Ted Davis’ state representative seat (1/8/2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693580 \h 36Election filing ends Wednesday. Take a look at who is running so far (2/27/2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693581 \h 37Star-News Online: PAGEREF _Toc519693582 \h 38Fundraising in full swing for fall election (2/7/2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693583 \h 38PHOTOS: Student walkout at Hoggard (4/20/2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693584 \h 39Lee, Peterson raising large amounts for NC Senate race (5/25/2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693585 \h 39LETTERS, June 6: Davis’ tenure is folly (6/6/2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693586 \h 40Surfrider Foundation holds GenX panel on story’s 1-year anniversary (6/7/2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693587 \h 41Watauga Watch: PAGEREF _Toc519693588 \h 44More New Hopes on the Horizon (1/15/2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693589 \h 44WataugaWatch's "2018 Candidates Worth Watching for #ncga" (7/15/2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693590 \h 44The Weather Continues: PAGEREF _Toc519693591 \h 46My CONVERSATIONS with My Democrat NC Representative Deb Butler, City Councilman Rev. Clifford Barnett, and WWAY TV-3 Ace Reporter Andrew James at Wilmington, NC's BIG PROTEST of Trump's Immigration Policies (6/30/2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693592 \h 46I Met Marcia Morgan, Democratic Candidate for NC House, at Church Today -- and Just Wrote Several TOP WRITERS about my Kenan Family's Complicity in Tennessee Williams's Death. What a DAY!!! (7/8/2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693593 \h 47Other Internet Hits: PAGEREF _Toc519693594 \h 48Ballotpedia: Marcia Morgan (Undated) PAGEREF _Toc519693595 \h 48Bold : Champions (2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693596 \h 48Equality NC: 2018 Voter Guide (2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693597 \h 49Flip NC: The 18 Most Flippable NC House Districts in 2018 (2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693598 \h 50Future Now USA: Signers (2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693599 \h 51Leap-: Marcia Morgan (2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693600 \h 51Lillian's List: Marcia Morgan (2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693601 \h 52New Hanover Democrats: Candidates (2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693602 \h 53Sierra Club: 2018 Endorsements (2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693603 \h : Retired Army colonel announces run for state House seat (1/8/2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693604 \h 54Lumina News: Candidate for Wrightsville Beach’s state house district to focus on beaches, water, schools (1/18/2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693605 \h 55North Carolina 10th Congressional District Democrats: Blue Monday 2.0: NC House Dems Announce Five News Candidates to Break the Majority (1/29/2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693606 \h 57Longleaf Politics: 9 N.C. candidates with enough cash to upset an incumbent this November (2/18/2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693607 \h 58Charlotte Observer: HB2 ‘saddened and infuriated’ her, and it’s why she’s challenging the man behind it (2/22/2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693608 \h 59Stand Up for the Truth: Gay "Christian" worship band says many more in closet (3/2/2013) PAGEREF _Toc519693609 \h 60Encore: LIVE LOCAL, LIVE SMALL: Gwenyfar Rohler interviews District 19 candidate Marcia Morgan (3/6/2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693610 \h 61WTOP: North Carolina ‘bathroom bill’ saga lingers in election year (3/30/2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693611 \h 66EMILY's List: EMILY's List Endorses Nineteen Women Leaders for North Carolina's State Legislature (5/10/2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693612 \h : LGBTQ Candidates Make History in Democratic Primaries Across U.S. (5/23/2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693613 \h 70Conservation PAC: Conservation PAC announces 2018 legislative endorsements (7/10/2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693614 \h 71WUNC: Offshore Drilling Cuts Across Party Line In North Carolina Coastal Campaigns (7/12/2018) PAGEREF _Toc519693615 \h 72MARCIA MORGANSummary of Findings from Internet & New Media The following is a summary of findings based on an Internet review of Marcia Morgan, candidate for North Carolina House District 19:Says She Supports Right to Bear Arms - But Supports Ban on "Assault Rifles" & Other Restrictions: In an October 2017 post on her campaign's Facebook page, Morgan writes that she supports the right to bear arms and understands the desires of "some people to hunt or target shoot" (which is not the point of the Second Amendment), but then goes on to say that automatic weapons and "assault rifles" should not be protected by law and that there is no "reasonable justification" for allowing silencers.Following the mass shooting at a high school in Florida, Morgan conflated "assault" weapons with automatic weapons, writing that "automatic weapons need to be controlled." Of course, the shooter in that situation didn't use an automatic weapon, and in any event, automatic weapons are already severely restricted.Despite her repeated claims to support the Second Amendment, in March 2018 she wrote that it was “guaranteed under a completely different set of circumstances” and “we have a right to limit what weapons are covered.” She called for a ban on “military grade weapons and ammunition”, stricter background checks, and a firearm licensing process.Doesn’t Recognize the US Anymore: In August 2017, Morgan submitted a letter to the editor to the Star News, which published it. She wrote how her heart was breaking because of fear among Americans towards those different from themselves. Specifically she wrote of her Army service, "I was proud of who we were as a nation and felt such great joy to be a part of her strength. I no longer recognize who and what we have become. When did hatred become the norm? When did 'Christianity' become something to be feared? Haven't we learned anything from our past? We cannot grow as a nation by tearing each other down, only by supporting each other and accepting our differences. Instead we are being encouraged to fear what is different and to strike out against anyone who doesn't look like us."Voter Fraud is Non-Existent, So Requiring ID is Racist: In an interview, Morgan said that "Voter ID laws are similarly detrimental [to gerrymandering]. Since voter fraud is not a valid issue, then it’s obvious the true intent of such laws is to discourage and disenfranchise African-American, Latino, and even elderly voters from exercising their Constitutional right."Accuses GOP of Trying to Reduce Voting by Minorities: In a June 2018 Facebook post, Morgan accused state Republicans of wanting to restrict voting by minorities by moving to eliminate the final Saturday of early voting.Rallying against the Administration’s Separation Policy: In June, Morgan participated in a rally against the Trump Administration's policy of separating illegal immigrant parents and their children. She also praised Governor Cooper on her campaign Facebook page for recalling the state's National Guard troops from the Mexican border.Shared Misleading Story Trump Deporting Troops Promised Citizenship: In July, Morgan shared a misleading news story on Twitter claiming the Trump administration was deporting troops who were promised citizenship in exchange for their service. In reality, the Obama Administration had actually started removing some troops from the program (and continued under Trump) for failing background checks and other administrative purposes.Re-Tweeted Tweet Equating Jesus to Illegal Immigrants: Re-tweeted tweet saying Jesus was a refugee who broke the law and was “crucified as a felon under Roman law.” Of course, Jesus was not crucified for being an illegal immigrant.Opposes School Choice: In an interview, Morgan talked about the need to increase teacher salaries and "refrain from prioritizing tax cuts over education". She also said "we must revisit the school-voucher program and insist on greater accountability for school choice programs."Attended Teacher Protest: In May, Morgan attended the protest by North Carolina teachers for higher pay and education funding.Endorsed by Abortion Rights Groups: Morgan has been endorsed by EMILY's List and Lillian's List, groups devoted to recruiting and supporting progressive female Democrat candidates that support abortion rights.Opposes Religious Liberty for Employers: In October 2017, Morgan posted called a move by the Trump Administration to remove a requirement for employers to cover employee birth control "insane."Endorsed by Planned Parenthood: Morgan has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood. On March 21st, Morgan posted a photo from a gala on her campaign Facebook page praising Planned Parenthood for the "tremendous work" it does on behalf of "women's health."Endorsed by Gay Rights Group: It is not a surprise that Morgan, a lesbian who champions gay rights, has been endorsed by Equality NC.Endorsed by Big Labor: Morgan has been endorsed by the AFL-CIO.Opposes Bathroom Bill: Morgan opposed HB 2, the law that required transgender people to use the bathrooms and locker rooms of the gender on their birth certificate, not of their gender identity, in government buildings. She told the Charlotte Observer that while it was "not the only thing" she was running on, "it is one of the things" and said it symbolizes "the regressive policies of the current legislature."Supports ERA: Morgan has stated she supports legislation to ratify the now long-dead federal "Equal Rights Amendment."Endorsed by Green Groups: Morgan has been endorsed by the Sierra Club and the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters Conservation PAC.Opposes Offshore Oil Drilling: Morgan has repeatedly posted on her social media accounts regarding her opposition to offshore oil drilling, claiming it would not create jobs in the District and would harm tourism.Supports Taxpayer-Funded Incentives to Hollywood: Morgan decried the replacement of a tax incentive program that lured film and television productions to the state with a "devastating grant-based program."Signed Progressive Pledge: Morgan also signed onto the "Future Now" pledge, which signers agree to pursue progressive policy goals while in office, including 100% of jobs paying a "livable wage" and provide family, vacation and sick leave; universal affordable health coverage; limit "corporate special interest spending"; "end mass incarceration", and "all new energy investments in clean, safe energy."Endorsed by Uber-Progressive Group: Morgan has been named a "champion" by the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, which advocates for numerous liberal agenda items including expanding Social Security, "debt-free" college, more regulation of the financial industry, net neutrality, and a public health insurance option.Outraised Opponent....Fake News: In May 2018, it was reported that Morgan had raised $103,200 to GOP incumbent Ted Davis' $86,268. However, $50,000 of Morgan's haul was a loan she gave to her campaign, so in reality, she really only raised about $53,000.Social Media: Facebook:Personal: Most of her posts on her personal page are non-political, but there are a few posts of note:Wearing the “pussy hat”:Picture of a girlfriend?Virtue signaling that she would be there for those scared of a Trump administration:Opposed tax cuts, wants higher teacher pay instead:Dallas Cowboy fan:Campaign page: Posts of note:Attacking opponent for supporting tax relief “that are benefiting corporations and those at the top while leaving hardworking families behind”:Rallying against the Administration’s policy of separating illegal immigrant parents and their children:People who quote the Bible in supporting this policy “never read it nor do they understand what it teaches us.”GOP trying to keep minorities from voting:Attended rally for higher teacher pay and education funding:Backing Sanders’s call for a “moral economy”:Pro-Gun control/Says automatic weapons need to be controlled (they already are):It turns out she really doesn’t support the Second Amendment, because she wrote that it was “guaranteed under a completely different set of circumstances” and “we have a right to limit what weapons are covered.” She called for a ban on “military grade weapons and ammunition”, stricter background checks, and a firearm licensing process:Supporting high school student’s protest for gun control:More needs to be done on race because the majority of white men and women in Alabama voted for Roy Moore:Opposes employer religious liberty, by opposing Trump Administration move to remove requirement forcing employer health plans to cover birth control:Attended March event supporting Planned Parenthood, saying they continue “to do tremendous work for women’s health”:Twitter: tweet saying Jesus was a refugee who broke the law and was “crucified as a felon under Roman law.” Of course, Jesus was not crucified for being an illegal immigrant….: Shared misleading news story claiming the Trump administration was deporting troops who were promised citizenship in exchange for their service. In reality, the Obama Administration had actually started removing some troops from the program (and continued under Trump) for failing background checks and other administrative purposes: GOP budget “morally and ethically reprehensible”:Backed by Big Labor:Opposes offshore oil drilling:Instagram: Campaign Website: Port City :Retired Army Colonel Marcia Morgan will challenge Ted Davis’ state representative seat (1/8/2018) Ted Davis, who state assembly seat has been uncontested for two terms, will have a challenger in the 2018 election.Marcia Morgan, a former professor and retired colonel in the United States Army, announced today her campaign for District 19. Morgan, a Democrat, will be the first candidate to oppose Davis since he defeated Emilie Swearingen by nearly 20 percentage points in 2012.Morgan retired from a career in the Army after teaching ROTC at University of California, Berkley, and two tours in the Pentagon, including a stint working from the Chief of Staff of the Army; Morgan returned to work for the Army as a contractor.“Following a short retirement, I was asked to return as a contractor to continue working toward providing quality logistical support, giving the soldiers of this country access to the finest equipment and living conditions possible. The military had already taught me that the best way to reach an objective was often through collaboration, cooperation and communication. These skills were truly honed as a contractor, when it was no longer possible to simply direct a task be done a particular way,” according to Morgan’s campaign website.Morgan said that she had not thought about running for office until recently.“As events continued to unfold after the 2016 elections, I, like many, became increasingly concerned about the direction in which our great state and nation were heading,” Morgan said.“Although running for political office was never on my radar, I felt compelled to take a stand for issues I have cared about throughout my life. I am deeply concerned about our environment and protecting natural resources. Providing a quality public education for all our children is a mandate that we can’t ignore. We need an economy that helps individuals and families thrive. And we must be known as a state that treats all its citizens equally. We need voices in Raleigh that will advocate for these basic principles. That’s why I’m running,” she added.District 19 include the southern part of New Hanover County, and includes southern Wilmington, Kure Beach and Carolina Beach. For more information on Morgan’s campaign, you can visit her campaign website or Facebook page.Election filing ends Wednesday. Take a look at who is running so far (2/27/2018) There is only one day left until the filing period for candidates wanting to run for public office in 2018 ends, and, so far, 29 candidates submitted their names to run in New Hanover County....In District 18 for the N.C. House of Representatives, incumbent Deb Butler has no competition as of Monday, and will be running for reelection.District 19 N.C. House of Representatives Republican incumbent Ted Davis Jr. will face off against Marcia Morgan, a Democrat, and David Perry, a Libertarian....Star-News Online: Fundraising in full swing for fall election (2/7/2018) Dr. Kyle Horton has already raised more money than the two main opponents U.S. Rep. David Rouzer, R-N.C., faced in the 2014 and 2016 elections combined, but the Democrat’s campaign account remains dwarfed by the two-term incumbent.Horton raised $83,614 in 2017, which is more than the $60,141 New Hanover Commissioner Jonathan Barfield raised for the 2014 election and the $14,860 J. Wesley Casteen raised in 2016.Most of Horton’s fundraising has come in small amounts -- just seven of the 229 donations she received were $1,000. None were higher and all but 33 were in amounts of $250 or less. Horton said she believed those smaller donations are from people, instead of companies, who are more likely to vote.“A lot of these people who are coming to our events and are giving small-dollar donations and what they can afford,” Horton said. “I’m really excited about the fact that we have so many donors. I’m hoping they will show up to the polls.”But Horton has an uphill climb to match Rouzer’s fundraising. The Republican raised more than $700,000 for his re-election campaign last year as he faces perhaps his most aggressive challenger so far. In contrast to Horton, Rouzer’s contributions were primarily in higher dollar amounts. Of his 572 donations, 385 were in amounts of $1,000 or more. Just 67 of those donations were $250 or less.Rouzer said he believed the increasing dollar amounts come from relationships he’s developed since he worked on the staff of former U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms, R-N.C., and through his time serving in the state Senate.“I’ve been around the block awhile and have a lot of supporters who believe in what I believe in,” he said....N.C. HouseOne Democratic challenger has outraised a Republican incumbent in the region. Retired Army Col. Marcia Morgan raised $72,125, including a $50,000 loan she gave to her campaign. Her opponent, N.C. Rep Ted Davis, R-New Hanover, who faced no opposition in 2014 and 2016, raised $43,754 in 2017.“I’m very serious,” Morgan said. “I believe very firmly in what I would like to accomplish. I care very deeply about the issues that I’m fighting for and I appreciate the support that I’m getting.”The race has also attracted a Libertarian candidate, David A. Perry of Carolina Beach, who filed his organizational paperwork with the N.C. State Board of Elections late last month....PHOTOS: Student walkout at Hoggard (4/20/2018) Lee, Peterson raising large amounts for NC Senate race (5/25/2018) In a repeat of two years ago, N.C. Sen. Michael Lee’s re-election attempt -- this time against former Wilmington mayor Harper Peterson -- is shaping up to be the region’s most expensive contest for the N.C. General Assembly, not counting the lopsided amounts raised by N.C. Sen. Bill Rabon, R-Brunswick, and his challengers.Lee, a Republican, had raised $188,638 as of April 30 and Peterson, a Democrat, raised $75,761, according to campaign finance reports. The combined amount of more than $260,000 is nearly the amounts Lee and then-challenger Andrew Barnhill, a Democrat, had raised to this point in their 2016 race -- which was one of the state’s costliest Senate contests that year.“We have expected it,” Peterson said of the large amount of fundraising from both camps. “It’s hard to raise money. It’s uncomfortable to ask people for money, but when you frame it in a way that ‘I want to represent you and I want to be your voice and advocate for you in Raleigh,’ people respond.”Lee could not be reached for comment.Most of Lee’s donations have come in larger amounts -- 79 of his 119 donations from Jan. 1 through April 21 were in amounts of $250 or more, according to his report. Meanwhile, most of Peterson’s have been small donations -- just 38 of his 189 donations were $250 or more, according to his report.“We don’t naturally attract big donors,” Peterson said. Each small donation “represents a vote and every vote is equal.”Libertarian candidate Ethan Bickley had raised $335, according to his most recent report....The race shaping up to be the region’s most expensive House contest is the matchup between incumbent N.C. Rep. Ted Davis, R-New Hanover, who trails his Democratic challenger, retired Army Col. Marcia Morgan in fundraising. Davis had raised $86,268 so far, while Morgan had raised $103,200 -- though $50,000 of that total is from a loan Morgan gave to her campaign.Libertarian David Perry had raised $1,195, according to his most recent disclosure report...LETTERS, June 6: Davis’ tenure is folly (6/6/2018) Davis’ ‘reign of error’EDITOR: The recent passage of this year’s North Carolina state budget once again shows us the folly of Rep. Ted Davis’ tenure in the legislature. Toxic Gen X spilling Chemours got just what they wanted from Davis: a weakened state government that will be unable to properly test our water for non-regulated chemicals such as Gen X. In fact, Chemours helped write the bill as Davis and his Republican colleagues yet again put the health and safety of our drinking water at risk just to keep the corporate campaign contributions flowing into their coffers.Since Davis was elected to the legislature, our local film industry has all but dried up, leaving thousands of workers having to move elsewhere for work. Davis was also instrumental in expanding the sales tax to cover labor, making it more expensive for all of us to get our automobiles and appliances fixed. In addition, Davis helped make our schoolteachers some of the lowest paid in the nation. And who can forget Davis’ vote for HB2, which made North Carolina the laughingstock of the nation and sill affects recruitment of high paying jobs to our state.Ted Davis’ reign of error must end this year. Luckily voters in House District 19 have a clear choice as his opponent, Marcia Morgan, isn’t a career politician. Rather Morgan was a career military officer who will use those skills to bring much needed pragmatism and cooperation to a deeply ideological legislature. With our help, Morgan will help guide North Carolina away from the fringes and back to the middle where regular folks will have a seat at the table once again.Matt Bigham, WilmingtonSurfrider Foundation holds GenX panel on story’s 1-year anniversary (6/7/2018) WILMINGTON – A year to the day after the Cape Fear region first learned of GenX, about 100 people gathered in the Union Station auditorium at Cape Fear Community College to review what has been done and what still needs to occur.Panelists fielded a wide-ranging set of questions that touched on the science of perfluorinated compounds, the politics of environmental pollution and whether Wilmington’s water is safe, among other topics. The event was hosted by the Cape Fear Chapter of Surfrider Foundation as part of the region’s inaugural Clean Water Week.A clear message during Thursday’s event was that scientists and residents are concerned about perfluorinated chemicals beyond GenX. Other compounds shown in multiple studies to be observed at high levels included Nafion byproducts 1 and 2, as well as PFMOAA.The Environmental Protection Authority’s Athens lab, which is testing samples for DEQ, recently received standards for several non-GenX perfluorinated compounds, said Linda Culpepper, the interim director the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Department of Water Resources. The lab is, Culpepper said, finishing validation of its test method and will check samples from several key dates from the past year. “We had hoped to have those results back already,” said Culpepper, who pledged they would be posted on DEQ’s website as soon as they became available.A study conducted by N.C. State University’s Center for Human Health and the Environment (CHHE) indicated Nafion byproduct 2 and PFMOAA were found in November at significantly higher levels than GenX. While the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has set a health goal of 140 parts per trillion for GenX, there is no health information available for those additional chemicals.“The concern should be about what we don’t know is in the water,” said Dana Sargent of Cape Fear River Watch.Sargent referenced a recent WRAL report on the N.C. Manufacturers Alliance’s lobbying resulting in changes to the state budget bill’s emerging contaminant portion, specifically a portion providing for a mass spectrometer that can only test for already known chemicals, not identifying spikes of unknown chemicals.Earlier in the meeting, Culpepper likened the mass spectrometer conversation to choosing between a Chevrolet, Cadillac and Tesla.“What we were given,” Culpepper said, “was a moped.”Others speaking included Susanne Brander, an Oregon State University toxicologist; Larry Cahoon, a UNC Wilmington biologist; Jamie DeWitt, an East Carolina University toxicologist; Jim Flechtner, the executive director of Cape Fear Public Utility Authority; and Jane Hoppin, the deputy director of CHHE.Elected officials present at Thursday’s event included New Hanover County commissioner Rob Zapple, as well as Clifford Barnett, Margaret Haynes and Paul Lawler, members of the Wilmington City Council.Candidates for office present included Marcia Morgan, a candidate for N.C. House District 19; Leslie Cohen, a candidate for N.C. House District 20; and Harper Peterson, a candidate for N.C. Senate District 9. All are Democrats.In response to a question from Peterson, Flechtner said Wilmington’s water is safe “given what we know is out there.” The utility has made strides toward constructing a granular activated carbon system at its Sweeney Treatment Plant that will cost $46 million to install and $2.7 million annually to maintain.“I think it’s a shame that people in this community have had their confidence shaken in their water supply,” Flechtner said. “I think it’s a terrible thing, so I think it’s incumbent on us as a utility to come up with solutions.”North Carolina is fortunate, Cahoon said, to have EPA scientists Andy Lindstrom and Mark Strynar, who first identified GenX as the chemical coming from Chemours’ Fayetteville Works facility, as well as Detleff Knappe’s N.C. State lab that determined it was passing through water filtration systems.Without those scientists, Cahoon warned, Chemours would still be releasing GenX in the Wilmington-area’s drinking water.“We would be sitting here – or not here, actually – blissfully unaware that our water was contaminated,” Cahoon said, “because what we had that caused that to happen was a complete failure of the system that we have to make sure that doesn’t happen.”Watauga Watch: More New Hopes on the Horizon (1/15/2018) Marcia Morgan, running in the 19th NC House DistrictMarcia Morgan District includes Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Wrightsville Beach and parts of Wilmington, all within New Hanover County Incumbent Republican: Ted Davis Jr., an attorney, originally appointed to the seat in 2012 and reelected to the office since then without Democratic opposition. The most that can be said about him is that he's a seat-warmer who votes as he's told by the bosses. Democrat Marcia Morgan was an educator, became a career Army officer who retired as a colonel. She taught ROTC and did two tours at the Pentagon including a staff position with the Army Chief of Staff. She says, "I have thoroughly enjoyed retirement and the freedom to do as I please, but the current political environment has challenged me to step forward once again. I do not have a background in politics, but I DO have a strong sense of service to this community and a demonstrated ability to accomplish difficult tasks. I believe we have a commitment to improve our economy, provide equal opportunities for all and protect our environment – and one of the fundamental ways to accomplish those things is through quality education." If you would like to contribute to Marcia Morgan's campaign: 's "2018 Candidates Worth Watching for #ncga" (7/15/2018) In no particular order...These are the Democratic candidates in NC House and Senate races that I've got my eye on in 2018. I call them the Democratic A Team. (Wanna make sumthin of it? Get your own list!) WataugaWatch has covered all of them -- you know how to search, top left corner above.NC HOUSE Gail Young in NC House District 83 Christy Clark in Dist. 98 Joe Fowler in Dist. 76 Steven Buccini in Dist. 59 Dan Besse in Dist. 75 Marcia Morgan in Dist. 19...The Weather Continues:My CONVERSATIONS with My Democrat NC Representative Deb Butler, City Councilman Rev. Clifford Barnett, and WWAY TV-3 Ace Reporter Andrew James at Wilmington, NC's BIG PROTEST of Trump's Immigration Policies (6/30/2018) >>> AND AT THE IMMIGRATION PROTEST TODAY:Something over 300 people showed up -- the great bulk of them White people over 55 years of age. Almost NO Blacks or Latinos were in attendance, although the NAACP had a sign-up booth and offered free water, and the lead-off speaker was Head of the local NAACP, and the ONLY elected official speaking was City Councilman and Christian Minister Clifford D. Barnett, Sr.Rev. Barnett is Pastor of Warner Temple A.M.E. Zion Church.Despite Port City Daily Asst. Editor Benjamin N. Schachtman telling me how he poured over MANY of my blog posts in the emails to all City Council-People that are available for the Public to peruse, Councilman Barnett had never even HEARD of me or my blog, so my emails to HIM have ALL been BLOCKED!!!AND, just now checking the address of Rev. Barnett's church, it is in the CENTER of where the whole time I've been back in Wilmington since June 2015, that I always bought Marijuana where the Blacks (and some Whites), hang out at convenience stores and such, selling EVERY DRUG -- and where I get hit on the MOST by CRACK WHORES -- LOL!!! . . . that was until February 2018, when Seth Wayne George(who soon FLED TOWN and Wilmington Police came to ask me what I knew about him), told them I am a NARC, and they stopped selling to me, so now I go elsewhere.I'm NOT sure what to make of the Preacher from the great DRUG GHETTO of Wilmington!!!Through the whole thing, I walked slowly back and forth toward the back -- looking for people I know -- and elected officials. Other than Councilman Barnett on the stage and Deb Butler and Marcia Morgan -- both Democrat Candidates for the NC House -- who did NOT speak, I saw NO ONE, except my bisexual, Valium-Addicted friend from Unitarian church and his wife -- and fortunately, they were both VERY friendly toward me, but he asked me to NO LONGER have him on my email list, then turned his back and cold-shouldered me.And Andrew James of WWAY TV-3 was there filming. Before things began, I had a five-minute conversation with him -- telling him how often I've mentioned him on blog, just yesterday lauded his writing abilities, and told him I've been PRAISING his reporting on this blog -- and emailed him individually at least once, and that he was on my Email List for ALL blog postings.I Met Marcia Morgan, Democratic Candidate for NC House, at Church Today -- and Just Wrote Several TOP WRITERS about my Kenan Family's Complicity in Tennessee Williams's Death. What a DAY!!! (7/8/2018) Marcia Morgan, former educator and retired Army Colonel, will challenge Representative Ted Davis for the District 19 seat in the 2018 election. has received emails of all my blog postings for many months now -- and I wanted her to get to see how reasonable I am in person -- as opposed to often being shrill on blog. I found her charming, and I told her I am NOT in her district, but have followed her, and wish her the BEST OF LUCK, because unlike MOST local Democrats -- and ALL Republicans -- she does NOT appear to be CORRUPTED.She simply smiled, showing she knew JUST WHAT I MEANT.I also had some good conversation with the married couple at Unitarian Universalist, that includes the guy who has not been able to work for years, has "Social Anxieties", and has been on Valium for YEARS -- just like Tennessee Williams was addicted to it -- they BOTH put on it and maintained by doctors. It is better than addiction to Heroin, Crack, or Meth -- or Xanax, as my friend from my Tennessee Williams days, artist Mark Beard, is addicted. Mark's great-grandfather was one of the three Joseph Smith dictated the Book of Mormon to -- and Mark's family owns the largest Mormon Bank today.Other Internet Hits:Ballotpedia: Marcia Morgan (Undated)(North_Carolina) Bold : Champions (2018) NC: 2018 Voter Guide (2018) Preliminary November 6th Voter GuideThe following candidates do not have primaries and will appear on the ballot on November 6th. This guide is a first release. This voterguide will continue to update. We are receiving new questionnaires each week and additionally will have candidates added after the primaries in May.U.S. House of RepresentativesDistrict 10- David BrownState House of RepresentativesDistrict 9- Kris RixonDistrict 15- Dan WhittenDistrict 18- Deb ButlerDistrict 19- Marcia Morgan...Flip NC: The 18 Most Flippable NC House Districts in 2018 (2018) ***Updated in March 2018 to reflect Supreme Court's partial stay on Special Master's NC House Map, returning Wake and Mecklenburg County districts to those drawn under the GOP's 2017 map.***Under the court-appointed Special Master's new maps, Democrats have a fantastic opportunity to break the supermajority in the North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA) in 2018. With strong candidates and a big enough Democratic wave, Dems could even take back the NC House altogether. Here’s how.There are 120 NC House districts and 50 NC Senate districts in the NCGA. Due to extreme gerrymandering, Republicans hold supermajorities in both chambers (75 to 45 in the NC House and 35 to 15 in the NC Senate).Our best opportunity to break the supermajority and restore the governor's veto power is to focus on the NC House, where Democrats need a net gain of 4 seats to break the supermajority and 15 seats to pull even....It Starts by Showing Up11. NC-H63 - Alamance County (Burlington), D-412. NC-H19 - New Hanover County (Wilmington), D-613. NC-H20 - New Hanover County (Wilmington), D-6Roy Cooper lost these three districts by an average of 5 points in 2016 and yet, amazingly, Democrats didn’t field a candidate for the NC House in any of these districts. All three are clearly flippable in 2018 with a solid Democratic wave!Alamance CountyAlamance CountyNew Hanover CountyNew Hanover CountyErica McAdoo pic.pngErica McAdoo, who is running in NC-H63, brings to this race a progressive platform centered on education, health care, and fair maps. Erica manages a local business, works as an educator, and is an advocate for foster children and for improving the foster system.Sign up to volunteer or make a donation at .marcia morgan.jpgThe Democratic candidate in NC-H19, Marcia Morgan, is a former educator and retired Army Colonel. Her platform focuses on the environment, the economy, education, and equality.Sign up to volunteer or make a donation at ...Future Now USA: Signers (2018): Marcia Morgan (2018)'s List: Marcia Morgan (2018) Hanover Democrats: Candidates (2018) House 19Marcia MorganMarcia has a demonstrated lifetime of caring for others, both in education and in service to this country. As the youngest of four children growing up in Texas, she was part of a family that learned the challenges of inequality early on when her father passed away when she was two. However, she was raised with the belief that the foundations for success were strong faith, hard work and a good education. As an educator, she taught at all economic and academic levels, from the first days of Head Start in Texas to being on the Graduate Faculty at Smith College in Massachusetts and even teaching ROTC at the University of California, Berkeley. While in the Army, she was stationed in Korea, Germany and the Netherlands, where she worked closely with the local nationals who were part of her commands. She also had two tours in the Pentagon that gave her the opportunity to participate firsthand in how high level decisions are made. Upon retiring as a Colonel from the Army after 25 years of service, she chose the Cape Fear area as her future home in 2000 and was finally able to move here full time in 2012. Since then, she has been active in church and community affairs and enjoying the delights of living in this beautiful region. With the events leading up to and following the 2016 election, she felt it was time to step up once again to fight to make a difference for the people around her. Marcia has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from Texas Wesleyan University as well as a Master of Science and Ph.D. from The Ohio State University. She is an active member of the Harbour Point community in Carolina Beach.Sierra Club: 2018 Endorsements (2018) in 2018 state and local races who have been endorsed by the Sierra ClubTo get information about election dates, find your district, check your registration status and more, visit the NC Board of Elections website....District 19 (New Hanover, part): Marcia Morgan…: Retired Army colonel announces run for state House seat (1/8/2018) retired Army colonel has announced her candidacy for a seat in the NC House of Representatives.According to a Monday afternoon news release, Marcia Morgan is running to represent House District 19 in the North Carolina General Assembly. The district area starts just south of Greenfield Lake and includes the towns of Kure and Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach, and areas in between. Ted Davis Jr. has represented the district since 2012, and he ran been unopposed in the last two primary and general elections.“As events continued to unfold after the 2016 elections, I, like many, became increasingly concerned about the direction in which our great state and nation were heading,” Morgan said in the release. “Although running for political office was never on my radar, I felt compelled to take a stand for issues I have cared about throughout my life. I am deeply concerned about our environment and protecting natural resources. Providing a quality public education for all our children is a mandate that we can’t ignore. We need an economy that helps individuals and families thrive. And we must be known as a state that treats all its citizens equally. We need voices in Raleigh that will advocate for these basic principles. That’s why I’m running.”Morgan, a registered Democrat from Carolina Beach, is a former educator and retired Army colonel with a BA in mathematics from Texas Wesleyan University, and a masters and Ph.D. in physical education from Ohio State University.More information on Morgan’s candidacy is available here or on her Facebook page.Lumina News: Candidate for Wrightsville Beach’s state house district to focus on beaches, water, schools (1/18/2018) the coastline will help maintain the county’s economy by encouraging continued tourism to Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, said a Democratic candidate who will challenge Republican Rep. Ted Davis, Jr. for the 19th district seat in the North Carolina General Assembly.“I want to make sure to stop things that might damage the beach, and perhaps look at more cost-effective technologies designed to help restore and maintain the beaches” said Marcia Morgan, who will be Davis’ first challenger in two terms.Morgan announced her 2018 campaign for the District 19 seat last week, which includes Wrightsville Beach, Myrtle Grove and Monkey Junction and the other county beach towns. Davis’ last challenger was Democrat Emilie Swearingen, former mayor of Kure Beach, whom he defeated by nearly 20 percent in the 2012 election, according to Ballotpedia.Morgan, a retired educator and U.S. Army colonel, served for 25 years before retiring from the military, where her experience included two assignments at the Pentagon.“While working for the Chief of Staff of the Army, I had the opportunity to learn first-hand how to make difficult decisions at high profile levels,” said Morgan, who added that she had been selected for command in every commissioned rank held.While she agrees that her career path is a sharp contrast to Davis’ experience, Morgan said that her military background is highly relevant to the position.“I was known for the ability to get things done, and I think that’s critical,” Morgan said. “I’m not saying that I would not have a lot to learn, but I am a pretty quick learner. I have been to different countries and seen different governments, and that has given me an open mind.” Addressing the ongoing GenX water contamination issue in the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority would be one of her top priorities, Morgan said. Government officials wasted valuable time researching the chemicals instead of making efforts to remove it from the water system, she added.“If someone is breaking into your home, you stop the intruder,” Morgan said. “And then you get the security company involved so you can prevent the scenario from happening again.”Morgan said she will also focus on improving the North Carolina public school system, and ensuring equal education and work opportunities for minorities.Morgan earned a mathematics degree from Texas Wesleyan College and a graduate degree from Ohio State University before taking an administration role at Smith College in Northampton, Mass.Her campaign will use the color scheme of purple because it represents all branches of the military, and it is a symbol of teamwork, she said.“As events continued to unfold after the 2016 elections, I, like many, became increasingly concerned about the direction in which our great state and nation were heading,” said Morgan. “Although running for political office was never on my radar, I felt compelled to take a stand for issues I have cared about throughout my life. I am deeply concerned about our environment and protecting natural resources. Providing a quality public education for all our children is a mandate that we can’t ignore. We need an economy that helps individuals and families thrive. And we must be known as a state that treats all its citizens equally. We need voices in Raleigh that will advocate for these basic principles. That’s why I’m running.”Meanwhile, Davis announced on Jan. 8 that he was appointed as a vice-chair of the House Select Committee on Redistricting. Davis has served in the General Assembly since 2012, following 16 years on New Hanover County Board of Commissioners, including terms where he served as the board’s chair.In Raleigh, Davis serves as the chair of the House Judiciary Committee and vice-chair of the House Appropriations and Rules committees.North Carolina 10th Congressional District Democrats: Blue Monday 2.0: NC House Dems Announce Five News Candidates to Break the Majority (1/29/2018) Raleigh – The NC House Democratic Caucus, together with the NC Democratic Party, today announced a new slate of Democratic candidates challenging Republican incumbents this elections season. The announcement comes on the heels of NCDP’s best fundraising report ever heading into a midterm election. Democrats have $2.4 million on hand, an unprecedented partnership with Governor Cooper through Break the Majority, and exciting candidates across the state.“Democrats have promised to contest all 120 seats in North Carolina and hold Republicans accountable for their partisan attempts to rig the system,” Democratic Leader Representative Darren Jackson said. “Across our state, people want new Representatives who will fight for our middle-class families, tackle the important issues, and bring common sense back to Raleigh. Today’s new slate of top tier candidates takes us one step closer to achieving that goal.”Here’s are today’s announced candidates: Joe Fowler, HD 76, who’s focused on cleaning up coal ash and GenX water pollution and investing in public education. Christy Clark, HD 98, small business owner focused on economic growth, investing in public education, and affordable health care. Steve Buccini, HD 59, an electrical engineer running to “get our state legislature focused back on the right issues – not partisan games.” Lowell Simon, HD 52, small business owner who “will fight for our fair share and bring a renewed focus on economic development in rural North Carolina.” Dan Besse, HD 75, Winston-Salem City Council Member running to bring “a new set of priorities” to Raleigh. In addition to today’s announcements, strong Democratic candidates across the state have already stepped up to run, including: Darryl Moss (HD 2); Kandie Smith (HD 8); Dan Whitten (HD 15); Kandie Smith (HD 8); Dan Whitten (HD 15); John Johnston (HD 16); Tom Simmons (HD 17); Marcia Morgan (HD 19); Linda Bennett (HD 26); Terence Everitt, Adam Wright, and Joseph Longoria (HD 35); Jen Ferrell and Matt Calabria (HD 36); Sydney Batch (HD 37); Ashton Clemmons (HD 57); Martha Shafer (HD 62); Erica McAdoo (HD 63); Rick Foulke (HD 68); Aaron Cave (HD 73); Terri LeGrand (HD 74); Bryson Jones and Jerry Langley (HD 79); Wendy Sellers (HD 80); Aimy Steele (HD 82); Gail Young, Senah Andrews, and Earl Schecter (HD 83); Ray Russell (HD 93); Christy Clark (HD 98); Brandon Lofton (HD 104); Sam Edney (HD 113); Rhonda Schandevel (HD 118); and Joe Sam Queen (HD 119).Longleaf Politics: 9 N.C. candidates with enough cash to upset an incumbent this November (2/18/2018) Money isn’t everything in politics — but it is an important thing, particularly if you’re a challenger trying to upset an incumbent. It’s obviously crucial to establishing name recognition and turning out voters.But perhaps more than that, money is a useful proxy to determine which candidates have actual traction.I scoured campaign finance reports to see which challengers have raised a meaningful amount of money at this stage in the game — ensuring that they’ll at least put up a fight against the incumbent candidate.We’re currently in the middle of filing season, with candidates lining up for November’s elections. Already, though, certain challengers have risen above the pack — raising enough money already to show that they’re a serious contender.We found nine of them worth highlighting.This isn’t to say that candidate’s not appearing here don’t have a chance. The most recent campaign finance disclosures cover the period ending December 31 — leaving plenty of time for fundraising.For example, the list leaves off candidates like Chad Stachowicz, who is considered a strong challenger against N.C. Sen. Dan Bishop in Charlotte’s District 39.... Stachowicz had raised only $5,000 as of the end of last year.8) Marcia MorganThe retired Army colonel kickstarted her campaign with a $50,000 loan and has more than $72,000 total, well ahead of her opponent in N.C. House District 19, incumbent Ted Davis Jr...Charlotte Observer: HB2 ‘saddened and infuriated’ her, and it’s why she’s challenging the man behind it (2/22/2018) For Beth Monaghan, HB2 was personal.She watched her son Jordan, 23, come to terms with his sexual identity before coming out as gay in college. They both saw House Bill 2, the so-called “bathroom bill,” as a slap against people like him.“There’s nobody that’s a stronger advocate for their child than a mother,” says Monaghan, 58. “And for my home state to pass legislation that said, in effect, my son is ‘less than,’ saddened and infuriated me.”Now the Charlotte Republican is running against one of the main sponsors of the 2016 legislation, GOP state Sen. Dan Bishop. They’ll meet in the May 8 primary in a district that stretches from southeast Charlotte through Matthews and Mint Hill.Bishop, 53, did not respond to requests for comment.GOP consultant Larry Shaheen said Monaghan will “merely be symbolic opposition” to Bishop, a well known lawmaker and former county commissioner.HB2 was the law that required transgender people to use the bathrooms and locker rooms of the gender on their birth certificate, not of their gender identity, in government buildings. It came in response to a Charlotte anti-discrimination ordinance and sparked a national backlash as corporations stopped investments in the state and the NCAA and ACC moved championships.Bishop and other defenders said the law was designed to protect people, especially girls, from sexual predators. He criticized what he called the “radical transgender agenda” behind the push to allow transgender people – or, as critics said, those who claimed to be – into whichever bathrooms they chose.Bishop, whose role in HB2 landed him on CNN and MSNBC, had taken a lead role on social issues before.In 2015 he co-sponsored the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which to supporters would have guaranteed their exercise of religious liberty. Critics said it would have invited discrimination against the LGBTQ community. Business leaders objected too, and the effort died.An HB2 compromise between Republican lawmakers and Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper essentially repealed the law last year, though it failed to placate social conservatives or LGBTQ advocates.A year later, HB2 is no longer a hot button. But it has motivated at least a handful of candidates who see it as emblematic of a General Assembly that has taken the state in what they see as the wrong direction.“It is not the only thing I’m running on, but it is one of the things,” said Democrat Marcia Morgan, who’s running for a House seat in New Hanover County. A former Army officer and a lesbian, Morgan said HB2 symbolizes “the regressive policies of the current legislature.”...Stand Up for the Truth: Gay "Christian" worship band says many more in closet (3/2/2013) A trio of openly homosexual singer/musicians who performs as “Micah’s Rule” is making a splash on the Christian worship music scene, and the groups says there are many more like them singing in churches as well as performing in well-known artists’ groups around the world who haven’t come out yet.The group has sprung from its home church, Wilmington’s St. Jude Metropolitan Community Church in North Carolina.What exactly does a gay praise band sing about? In one song, “Walk the Road,” they sing: “Sometimes you just have to be the one to set your own self free … what matters isn’t what you’re told. But how you walk the road.”Compared to Scripture, these lyrics are quite blasphemous. Galatians 5:13 [Open in Logos Bible Software (if available)] : “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.”Of course, progressive Christians are celebrating the band’s breaking of barriers. According to the ultra-liberal Huffington Post, Greg McCaw, Chasity Scott and Mary Anne Hewett “don’t want their sexuality to define them.” Says McCaw:“It’s just our back story, plain and simple, but we’re not using that as a marketing tool for our music, positively or negatively. We want to be a musical group like any other, but we realize our back story will get out.”McCaw says there are many people who are gay in the music industry in Nashville, “but they’re so far in the closet.” He himself was the bass singer for many popular Christian musicians including Sandi Patty, Bill and Gloria Gaither and the Gatlin Brothers for 22 years. He also served as a Church of God pastor for more than 25 years in five states.How far reaching is their music and their message? Just in their own home church, member Marcia Morgan believes their music has attracted more people to the church. Another St. Jude’s member Sherry Tucker Henderson bought copies for everyone in her family for Christmas.“I listen to it day and night,” she said as she was driving to Florida on a trip. Henderson packed 35 more Micah’s Rule CDs to take to churches there. “It’s a message I think everyone needs to hear.”Encore: LIVE LOCAL, LIVE SMALL: Gwenyfar Rohler interviews District 19 candidate Marcia Morgan (3/6/2018) MEET THE CANDIDATE: Marcia Morgan vies for NC General Assembly. Courtesy photo.encore (e): Why is it important for you to seek office now?Marcia Morgan (MM): I’ve been blessed with an amazingly rich professional life. As a former educator and retired Army colonel, I have devoted my life to educating and protecting others. Although I had not considered state politics to be my “next career move,” I have become increasingly dissatisfied with current leadership at the NC General Assembly (NC GA). In talking with residents throughout District 19, my frustrations with the NC GA are shared—folks like the single mom in Myrtle Grove working two jobs, yet still struggling to provide for her family; the students at UNCW’s Watson School of Education second-guessing their noble choice to teach the youth of NC; and the family of five living in Pine Valley buying bottled water because they are frightened to give GenX-tainted tap water to even their family pets. These are real issues that require real leaders willing to work tirelessly, and across party lines, for real solutions.e: Please, explain to us your plan for addressing GenX.MM: Clean drinking water is not a luxury; it is a right. For decades tens of thousands of residents in New Hanover and Brunswick counties have been drinking water contaminated with GenX, an acid used to make Teflon, Gore-Tex, fast-food wrappers, and other products. Linked to health problems, including cancer and reproductive issues, GenX has been left unregulated by the Environmental Protection Agency and consequently has left residents of my district and others at huge risk.Public knowledge of the contamination is nearing the one-year mark. Yet, in almost one year’s time, the NC GA has been unable to pass legislation that updates drinking water standards, fully funds state agencies to set and enforce standards, and holds polluters accountable. With more than eight months until election day, I implore current leaders in the NC House and Senate to come together now. Do not wait for new leadership in November—put the health of our district first!When I arrive in Raleigh, I will continue the work I am hopeful current legislators will finally begin—the work to protect the right of my district and all North Carolinians to clean drinking water, the work to fund the DEQ, to amend or pass common-sense legislation, and to protect the environment and put our health above the bottom line of the polluters.e: Public education is of paramount importance. What do you plan to do in the NC House to improve it in NC? What issues need to be addressed?MM: NC was once known as the South’s “education state.” As a leader in education, we were a state of many firsts: the first to expand teachers’ contracts to 10 months to allow for planning and training; the first to offer full-day kindergarten, as well as a reading program for grades first through third; and the first to hire teacher assistants for every classroom from kindergarten through third grade. NC also spearheaded innovative schools and programs, like the NC School of Science and Mathematics, and former Gov. Jim Hunt’s signature Smart Start program.Despite once being a forerunner in education, recent leadership in the NC state legislature has denied the key principle from our legacy of firsts: the belief that investing in the education of our children is an investment in our future. We must return to this fundamental belief before more damage is done. We must once again support our students by providing them the resources and environment necessary for success. We must attract and retain the best and brightest teachers by investing in them. We must offer competitive salaries that increase annually with experience and reward those with postgraduate degrees and/or National Board Certification. We must establish effective mentoring programs for new teachers and evaluation procedures for all teachers, while fully-funding opportunities for professional growth. To do this, we must refrain from prioritizing tax cuts over education. We must revisit the school-voucher program and insist on greater accountability for school choice programs.Just as we have a duty to protect and serve the thousands of children attending our public schools, we also have the duty to protect and defend our teachers—the second largest workforce in New Hanover County. As a former educator, I know how important it is. We cannot get it wrong. Our future depends on it!e: What are your thoughts on the Skyway Bridge? NCDOT says it is still part of future planning.MM: As our area continues to grow, we must continually look for economical yet environmentally-responsible ways to keep traffic flowing smoothly and safely for our residents and visitors. The proposed Skyway Bridge or Cape Fear Crossing may be a viable way to do that. I would want to review the draft environmental impact study coming out in fall and take a closer look at the economic, human and development implications on both sides of the river before coming to any final decisions.e: What are your thoughts on proposed passenger rail service to our area?MM: There is no doubt a passenger rail service to southeastern NC would have a significant and likely positive impact on our district’s economy. Not only would it provide residents of my district an alternative to standard car travel to and from Raleigh, it would make it easier for folks from our state’s capital, and from possible connections in Goldsboro and Fayetteville, to enjoy our beaches, our riverfront, and everything in between—and spend their dollars here. Although I am enthusiastic about seeing the return of passenger rail to Wilmington, I will need something more than the Passenger Rail Study to understand the complete economic and environmental impact, as well as the source of funding for such an undertaking.e: Deb Butler introduced a bill for NC to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. What is your position on ERA? In your opinion, how is NC doing protecting the rights of all citizens? What would you do in the NC House to improve the situation?MM: Equality for all is one of the themes of my own campaign. It is something about which I feel strongly and, as such, I fully support Deb Butler’s introduction of the bill to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.Under the control of the GOP, the NC GA has been leading the race to the bottom when it comes to protecting the rights of all citizens. The passage of unconstitutional voter ID laws and racially gerrymandered voting districts earned the state an election integrity score of just 58 out of 100 on Harvard’s 2016 Election Integrity Project, leading one author to declare NC was “no longer classified as a democracy.”Additionally, women and members of the LGBTQ community are victims of the NC GA’s refusal to protect the rights of all citizens. The GA’s assault on women’s access to healthcare and the passage of the embarrassing and ill-informed HB2 “bathroom bill,” among other transgressions, really leaves NC citizens feeling dehumanized.What would I do in the NC House to improve the situation? That’s easy: Treat all human beings equally, regardless of gender, color of skin, who they love, who they pray to (or don’t), or how much money they make. District 19 deserves a representative who will listen to and protect the rights of all. By supporting Rep. Butler’s bill and leading the General Assembly to its passage, our country is one state closer to amending the U.S. Constitution to include the ERA. e: What is your position on gerrymandering and voter ID laws?MM: Gerrymandering, no matter which party is responsible, is wrong. Anything that promotes one citizen’s vote counting more than his fellow citizens’ is detrimental to the spirit of democracy and the democratic system. Voter ID laws are similarly detrimental. Since voter fraud is not a valid issue, then it’s obvious the true intent of such laws is to discourage and disenfranchise African-American, Latino, and even elderly voters from exercising their Constitutional right.When I’m elected as the District 19 representative to the NC House, I’ll work to fight for the rights of every citizen to have their voices heard and their votes counted. When working on the redistricting process, I will maintain a constituent-first focus, and urge my colleagues to establish a neutral commission to redraw district maps without party and racial bias, ensuring that we create districts that are legal and make sense to our citizens. In short, I will put my constituents’ needs first rather than worrying how a change to a district will impact my position in the legislature.e: Is there a future for reclaiming our film industry?MM: Yes—it brought so much to the economy of Wilmington and southeastern NC—not only in terms of jobs for our citizens but also in spending at local businesses, tourism dollars and more. The successful general-tax incentive program that led to $377 million in movie and TV spending across the state in 2012 was followed by the devastating grant-based program, which all but nailed the doors shut on the industry here.The capped incentive program put in place in late 2017 is moving in the right direction, but we need to do much more. When I’m elected to the NC House, I’ll vote to reinstate the general tax-incentive programs that led to Wilmington becoming a leader in the film industry. State and local officials have offered incentives to businesses and industries that bring far fewer jobs, with far more concerns, especially environmental. Every chance I get, I’ll support a sustainable industry we know boosts the local economy across the board over businesses that don’t make good neighbors, like a gypsum plant that promises to hire 51 people but could potentially release nearly two tons of formaldehyde into the air.e: What steps can our NC GA take to prepare for natural disasters? How do you plan to address climate change issues and its impact on NC citizens’ daily lives?MM: Several factors need to be considered as we face the likelihood that southeastern NC will experience a superstorm like Harvey and Irma. With dated infrastructure on the one hand and continual development on the other, it is going to be a challenge of funding and patience for New Hanover County and my district.In advance of the storms, it will be critical the assembly work with local municipalities to find ways to minimize damage. Projects aimed to increase coastal resiliency will be key in moving forward. With the use of innovative technology and advances in engineering, citizens and municipalities can minimize the threat to life and property. Reconsidering building codes and best land use practices are an important part of the equation, as are stormwater retention and redirection.One economic concern for all of us in eastern NC is skyrocketing cost of flood insurance—a necessity if we hope to rebuild after major storms. We must fight for fair assessments when compared to the amount of inland flooding and lower rates offered. Recently, our rates went up while inland rates were going down. We need to review the models being used and take a hard look at how rates are set.Ahead of an approaching storm, hurricane preparedness must be a part of the package, including educational outreach, accurate predictive models, robust communication capabilities, and efficient state and local plans that deal with evacuations and the safe return of citizens. We must properly budget for all-hazards preparedness funding to be able to recover as quickly and completely as possible following a disaster. A 2016 special report listed NC as the fifth least prepared state, which is alarming in light of the probability of hurricanes in this area.WTOP: North Carolina ‘bathroom bill’ saga lingers in election year (3/30/2018) North Carolina is again an attractive location for big out-of-state corporations. The state no longer sits squarely in the crosshairs of culture wars over transgender rights. College basketball tournament games are back, after a one-year hiatus.But the saga of the state’s so-called bathroom bill hasn’t been forgotten, and many Republican incumbents who passed House Bill 2 in 2016 are being targeted this election year, with the flap over the law still an issue.In a compromise reached a year ago this week, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and the Republican-controlled General Assembly approved a partial repeal of HB 2, which did enough to remove the issue from national newscasts, to the relief of people from all sides.“The issue is behind us in a lot of ways,” said Bob Orr, a former state Supreme Court justice. “I’m just glad that’s one less unpleasant issue that people are talking about.”But Democrats seeking to retake control of the legislature — along with at least one Republican primary challenger — hope to benefit from anger over the law and its aftermath. The situation adds to the GOP’s challenges in districts where Democrats are already energized in opposition to President Donald Trump and unhappy with state Republican policies on taxes, school choice expansion and the environment.“HB 2 was a very dangerous bill, and it got my attention,” said Democrat Marcia Morgan, a lesbian and first-time candidate running this fall for the Wilmington-area House seat held by Republican Rep. Ted Davis.One of HB 2’s chief sponsors, Sen. Dan Bishop of Charlotte, faces a GOP primary in early May against Beth Monaghan of Charlotte, who has a gay son.Bishop “abandoned Republican values” of limited government, individual dignity and equal rights, said Monaghan. “I just have too much pride in my state of North Carolina to not do something about this senator.”Unseating Bishop would be difficult in the GOP-leaning district encompassing south Charlotte and bedroom communities outside North Carolina’s largest city. He was a longtime county commissioner and has a big campaign cash advantage. In an interview, Bishop said he can’t imagine Republicans in his district will be interested in “that unpleasant controversy that has been put to rest.”Bishop said he plans to focus his campaign on the GOP’s tax cuts, controlled spending and the state’s improved business climate. While HB 2 “is dwelled upon by my primary opponent,” Bishop said, “I’m not hearing that as the top thing on people’s minds.”But Democrats believe Bishop and many other Republicans in competitive districts with plenty of independent voters are vulnerable because of what the law did and its perception as discriminatory.Republicans said HB 2 gave privacy and protection to children using restrooms and locker rooms. The law said transgender people had to use public bathrooms corresponding to their birth certificates, and barred non-discrimination ordinances by all local governments.A national backlash affected thousands of jobs as concerts and conventions were canceled. The NCAA moved sports championships out of North Carolina, and the 2017 NBA All-Star Game set for Charlotte went elsewhere, although it’s now returning in 2019.“In especially urban and suburban areas … what HB 2 did is kill the Republican brand,” said Morgan Jackson, a political consultant for Cooper and state Democrats’ legislative races. “It is still a very salient issue with swing voters.”HB 2 and its aftermath are particularly sensitive to Charlotte. The law got passed in March 2016 response to the Charlotte City Council approving an ordinance expanding its antidiscrimination protections to LGBT people using public accommodations. It was GOP Gov. Pat McCrory, a former mayor of Charlotte, who signed it into law.McCrory and Democrat Jennifer Roberts, the mayor at the time the ordinance was passed, both paid a price.McCrory narrowly lost his re-election bid in 2016 to Cooper, who made HB 2 a big issue. Gay rights groups also spent money and time seeking McCrory’s defeat. Then last fall, Roberts lost in the Democratic mayoral primary, despite her support from state and national LGBT organizations.“The two biggest public faces of it are no longer with us — the mayor and the governor,” said state GOP Executive Director Dallas Woodhouse, who downplays the role of HB 2 this year. Voters, he said, “were sick seeing it on TV every night. So now that it’s gone away, they want it to stay away.”Still, a lot is riding on these elections. The partial repeal said local governments can resume enacting new ordinances expanding LGBT protections for public accommodations in December 2020.Republicans could delay that date if they keep veto-proof majorities. But if Democrats win six more Senate seats or four more House seats to end the GOP’s super-majorities — or take even more seats, regaining control of both chambers, they might be able to revisit the issue in their favor.Gay rights groups didn’t like the repeal bill because it still barred local governments from expanding protections for transgender people.Matt Hirschy, interim executive director of Equality North Carolina, said he sees more impassioned candidates than ever on the subject of advancing LGBT rights. But he acknowledges the public’s malaise over the “bathroom bill” requires a different strategy than just attacking HB 2.“There’s a lot of general fatigue about the word ‘bathroom,'” he said.EMILY's List: EMILY's List Endorses Nineteen Women Leaders for North Carolina's State Legislature (5/10/2018), D.C. – Today EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, endorsed nineteen women leaders for the North Carolina state legislature. Stephanie Schriock, president of EMILY’s List, released the following statement:“Under Republican leadership, public education and voting rights have come under attack in North Carolina. The Republican state legislature is more concerned with pushing their ??agenda than protecting the people they were elected to represent and it's time to hold them accountable. These nineteen women have stepped in to give North Carolina voters the voice they deserve. Electing pro-choice Democratic women to state offices is an important step in building up the pipeline in this critical swing state with a history of illegal gerrymandering. EMILY's List is proud to endorse these impressive women leaders who have what it takes to fight for change for North Carolina's women and working families." EMILY’s List endorsed the following slate of challengers and incumbents: ??Cynthia Ball (HD-49)Sydney Batch (HD-37)Jean Farmer Butterfield (HD-24)Christy Clark (HD-98)Ashton Clemmons (HD-57)Leslie Cohen (HD-20)Allison Dahle (HD-11)Julie Von Haefen (HD-36)Rachel Hunt (HD-103)Terri LeGrand (HD-74)Jen Mangrum (SD-30)Natasha Marcus (SD-41)Lisa Mathis (HD-51)Erica McAdoo (HD 63)Helen Probst Mills (SD-25)Marcia Morgan (HD-19)Rhonda Cole Schandevel (HD-118)Martha Shafer (HD-62)Aimy Steele (HD-82)EMILY's List also endorsed Satana Deberry for Durham County District Attorney. Deberry won her primary Tuesday night and will advance to the general election.: LGBTQ Candidates Make History in Democratic Primaries Across U.S. (5/23/2018) Last night was a huge night for Democrats, and an even bigger night for the LGBTQ community. Texas Democrats nominated Lupe Valdez, who could be the nation’s first openly lesbian governor and the first openly LGBTQ person of color to hold any statewide elected office. Additionally, Texas Democrats nominated Gina Ortiz Jones and Eric Holguin who, if elected, will become the first openly LGBTQ Asian American woman and Latinx in Congress, respectively....Here’s a snapshot of some of the new LGBTQ candidate successes so far this primary season:NORTH CAROLINANorth Carolina Democrats have nominated a candidate in every single legislative district this year, including more LGBTQ people than ever, including: Brandon Anderson (SD-45) Cecil Brockman (HD-60) Deb Butler (HD-18) Linda Bennett (HD-26) Allison Dahle (HD-11) Marcia Morgan (HD-19) Dan Whitten (HD-15)Conservation PAC: Conservation PAC announces 2018 legislative endorsements (7/10/2018) The North Carolina League of Conservation Voters (NCLCV) Conservation PAC announced its initial state legislative endorsements today.Facing potential losses in its anti-environment majority, the desperate General Assembly has ramped up its protection of polluters’ profits over people’s rights to clean air and water. The farm bill shielded Smithfield Foods from legal accountability for infringing on the property rights of their farms’ neighbors. The budget failed to give the Department of Environmental Quality the resources it needs to detect and regulate GenX and other contaminants in millions of North Carolinians’ drinking water. It also punted yet again on the Jordan and Falls Lake rules implementation, letting developers continue to dump waste downstream.In light of this legislative assault on North Carolinians’ basic rights, NCLCV is working to establish a Green Caucus—a group of environmental champions who will work to promote clean air, clean water, and clean energy for all North Carolinians.Last cycle, NCLCV was instrumental in getting Roy Cooper elected governor, defending the Attorney General’s office, and flipping four House seats held by anti-environmental legislators. The 2018 cycle presents a huge opportunity for NCLCV to make further gains.“Gov. Cooper has already done tremendous work reversing the McCrory administration’s damage, and acting as a bulwark against the worst environmental legislation coming out of the General Assembly,” said Dan Crawford, NCLCV director of governmental relations. “Our mission this year is to bring him the back-up he needs to uphold his vetoes, and to make headway toward turning the Green Caucus into a majority caucus, so that we can move a positive, pro-environmental agenda forward.”Conservation PAC has endorsed the following champions who, once elected, will make strong environmental advocates:North Carolina HouseDarryl Moss — HD2 (Granville, Person)Tess Judge — HD6 (Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Pamlico)Kris Rixon — HD9 (Pitt)John Johnson — HD16 (Columbus, Pender)Marcia Morgan — HD19 (New Hanover)...WUNC: Offshore Drilling Cuts Across Party Line In North Carolina Coastal Campaigns (7/12/2018) James Morrison reports on how the issue of offshore oil drilling cuts across party lines in political campaigns in North Carolina.President Trump is putting coastal Republicans in a tight spot this election cycle with his proposal to open waters off the Atlantic coast to oil and gas exploration.The coast is mainly represented by members of the president’s party, but offshore drilling is highly unpopular among voters along North Carolina’s coast. “To put a percentage on the opposition, I would guess it’s 90 percent plus that is in total opposition,” said Dare County Board of Commissioners Chair Bob Woodard.Woodard is a vocal opponent of offshore oil and gas drilling. He has spoken with both Governor Roy Cooper and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke about his opposition to drilling.If your constituents are saying they oppose it and they give you valid reasons to oppose it, that's what you're in office for. You're in office to serve your constituents. -Bobby HanigWoodard is also a Republican, although he said this is a bipartisan issue in the Outer Banks. “You got seven governors all the way from Maryland to Florida, four Dems and three Republicans opposed. So I’d say that’s bipartisan,” he said.The Dare County commissioners are unanimous in their opposition to drilling, along with most other coastal municipalities in North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina. Brunswick County has 13 municipal resolutions against offshore oil and gas drilling, which is more than any other county in the nation. While this opposition is nothing new, it’s growing stronger. Some Republican candidates have learned this the hard way.In the Republican primary for state Senate District 1, which includes all of the Outer Banks and some inland areas, Bob Steinberg, who opposes offshore drilling, beat challenger Clark Twiddy, who supports it. Beverly Boswell, the incumbent for state House District 6, which also spans the Outer Banks, supports offshore oil and gas drilling. And she lost in the Republican primary to Bobby Hanig, who opposes drilling. “If your constituents are saying they oppose it and they give you valid reasons to oppose it, that’s what you’re in office for. You’re in office to serve your constituents,” Hanig said.Boswell tried to label Hanig an “extremist environmentalist” during the campaign. He flatly denies that accusation and calls himself a conservationist who is also a conservative Republican. “I believe in Donald Trump. I believe in Make America Great Again. We just disagree on one issue,” Hanig said.Democrats See Vulnerability In Coastal DistrictsWhile coastal Republicans may be on the same side as environmentalists when it comes to coastal drilling, they quickly split paths. Hanig and Woodard support President Trump’s push to cut environmental regulations on existing oil refineries. They say there would be no need to drill in coastal waters if we could refine our existing oil supply more efficiently. And this is where Democrats see an opportunity.“Republicans are tied to the hip with Donald Trump,” said North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Wayne Goodwin.The Democratic party is targeting vulnerable districts this election cycle to break the Republican supermajority in the state legislature.“We are especially targeting coastal districts,” Goodwin said.That’s because of the unpopularity of President Trump’s push for offshore drilling and his roll back of environmental regulations. Democrats think this could be a liability to coastal Republicans. And they could be right, especially along the state's southern shores. Environmental issues are front and center in Wilmington right now because of offshore drilling and Gen X contamination in the Cape Fear River, according to Erin Carey of the North Carolina Sierra Club. “If you tell people the water they’re drinking -the water they have given their children and mixed into baby formula- has industrial chemicals in it, people start paying attention, Carey said.Gen X Contamination Sparked Environmental HypervigilenceGen X is expected to be a major issue in elections around Wilmington. In state Senate District 9, Republican Sen. Michael Lee is being targeted by Democrats because he was slow to draft Gen X legislation with co-author Holly Grange, of House District 20.Both Grange and Lee also support offshore drilling. Their Democratic opponents oppose it.In state House District 19, which covers Wilmington, Republican Rep. Ted Davis came out against offshore drilling in January after years of support for it. His Democratic challenger, Marcia Morgan, is making coastal waters and Gen X central pillars in her campaign. There is one candidate who supports offshore oil and gas drilling who is expected to be safe this election cycle. Rep. David Rouzer of North Carolina’s 7th Congressional District is the only coastal representative from Delaware to South Carolina who supports offshore drilling.But Rouzer’s Democratic opponent, Kyle Horton, thinks she can beat an incumbent in what’s considered a safe district. She’s hoping kitchen table issues like the economy, healthcare and education will resonate with voters who are also concerned about protecting waters inland and off the coast. “I’m deeply concerned we are rolling back any of those protections that would put our coast and our economy here fundamentally at risk,” Horton said.Horton herself is a vocal opponent of offshore drilling. She had a family member die when the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.Coastal Republicans are seeing people’s opinions about environmental issues shift this election cycle, but they can’t chase these voters too far without distancing themselves from a president popular with their base. These candidates will have to oppose environmental deregulation and offshore drilling, while not getting too far from a president - and two North Carolina senators in Washington - who support both those things. ................
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