R. Andrew Porter's blog

CQ Politics published an article today detailing several NC Congressional races.

"North Carolina’s filing deadline elapsed Friday with few surprises, but especially crowded fields are set in the gubernatorial and Senate races for the May 6 primary.

Five Democrats are running, hoping to challenge Republican Sen. Elizabeth Dole in November: state Sen. Kay Hagan, self-employed trucker Duskin Lassiter, businessman Jim Neal, podiatrist Howard Staley and lawyer Marcus Williams. Hagan and Neal were the two best-funded candidates by the end of the year; Hagan reported raising $563,000 with $516,000 on hand by Dec. 31 while Neal reported raising $215,000 including a $120,000 loan to his own campaign."

On Thursday February 28th, the Fayetteville Observer published an opinion article entitled "On point: Congressional vigilance is needed to ensure educational excellence." The article discussed the need for members of Congress, in particular those that represent the areas around Fort Bragg, to appropriate additional impact aid to support the burden that Fort Bragg's future growth will put on the communities around it. Although members of Congress are responsible for federal education appropriations, there must be accountability and sound policy from state and local officials as well. State and local officials decide how those appropriations are used. It is up to the constituents of these officials to hold them accountable for their education policies. If there is a valid documented fear that the entrance of new students from Fort Bragg families will harm the education system, then local and state officials need to prepare for such a situation. Setting aside funds, cutting programs, and submitting requests for additional funding are some steps that can be taken before it becomes a real problem.

The Breast Care Center at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center is going to help save and improve the lives of many women. As the son of a breast cancer survivor, I appreciate and understand how important these efforts are to breast cancer screening and treatment in Fayetteville. Nevertheless, I think about my father and two brothers. According to recent cancer statistics,1 in 2 men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and 1 in 6 will have prostate cancer. To make matters worse, North Carolina has one of the highest rates of prostate cancer in the nation. Locally, Fayetteville Mayor J. L. Dawkins lost his repeated battle with prostate cancer in 2000. My only conclusion is that Fayetteville needs a companion Prostate Care Center for men.