nc-12

Update: Still no word from McIntyre or Etheridge. Please call them and see if we can get them to take a position on the Clean Water Protection Act (HR 2169.) Thanks!

The Clean Water Protection Act (HR 2169) would reverse the Bush Administration’s 2002 decision that the toxic “waste” created by mountaintop removal could be defined as “fill material,” and recklessly dumped into our water ways. This practice has already destroyed over 1200 miles of American headwater streams, and eliminated access to safe, clean potable water for many communities. The CWPA (HR 2169) currently has 107 co-sponsors, and a lot of momentum. But we need more to get out of committee and onto the floor.

We have 5 of 7 Democrats from NC onboard, and we need to know if Bob Etheridge and Mike McIntyre are “wit’ us” or “ginst us” on HR 2169. Please ask.

If you have a moment, please see if your Congressman is a co-sponsor, and take a moment to call Etheridge (202-225-2731) and McIntyre (202-225-2731), politely but forcefully asking that they co-sponsor the Clean Water Protection Act (HR 2169), and take a stand against mountaintop removal.

A quick report on our NC Dems and mountaintop removal below…

In the November 2, 2006 election, Mecklenburg County, had several very close results in both national and state races, including a 329 vote squeaker in the Kissell-Hayes Congressional election. Scrutiny of the vote totals has revealed an unexplained undervote: a significantly higher percentage of voters than in the past declined to vote for the most prominent races such as those for US House of Representatives. Never in past years had the Congressional races been "outperformed" by downballot races such as for sheriff, county commissioner etc.... but it did happen in 2006. Mecklenburg County includes parts of three Congressional districts. ALL three districts had a significantly higher undervote in Mecklenburg than they did in other counties, and all three races had a significantly higher undervote than they did past years for the same race.

For a look at the data, analysis, and an account of the problems that arose during the recount, please read on...

Totals per Congressional Quarterly.

Notes: Being an incumbent usually gives you a huge $ advantage. We have 3 challengers doing quite well. Brad Miller and Mel Watt both have challengers who have raised a considerable amount of money.

2 & 7-Etheridge and McIntire are sitting on a lot of cash. Except compared to Taylor and Hayes, who each have more than $1 million on hand. Look for the airwaves to get real ugly very soon.

5-Foxx outspent Sharpe 4 to 1.

8-Hayes outspent Kissell 2 to 1.

11-Taylor outspent Shuler 4 to 1.

13-Robinson outspent Miller 2 to 1, but Miller has more cash on hand.

Last night I attended a gathering for Larry Kissell at Veteran's Park in Charlotte. Congressman Mel Watt, NC-12 and Congressman Artur Davis of Alabama spoke to rally the group of Kissell supporters, neighborhood leaders,local elected Democrats and party officials. I figure there's nothing new either of them can tell me about Larry. I've read everything there is to read about him. Hell, I've written a lot of it.

So, for me, it wasn't what they said about Larry. It was the warmth with which they embraced Larry in his bid to represent North Carolina's 8th.

Join me on the flip...

I saw this in the Hill and it provided another reason why I think Mel Watt should consider moving to a state-wide race. Name recognition, party power, and hopefully he can excite the base. The mention of Watt is in regard to something I wish he hadn't done maybe.

The Congressional Black Caucus is positioned to dramatically increase its clout next Congress if Democrats win control of the House.

The 43-member group, already one of the most powerful blocs among House Democrats, would control as many as five committee gavels in a Democratic House, including two exclusive panels, Ways and Means and Judiciary. Members of the group also would lead 15 subcommittees, six of them on exclusive panels. And Caucus Chairman Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) would be a contender for majority whip.

Earlier this year, many in the CBC, including Chairman Mel Watt (D-N.C.), vociferously defended Rep. William Jefferson (D-La.) when Democratic leaders moved to oust him from the Ways and Means Committee.

In what is nothing short of a amazing, the Congressional Black Caucus is actually still steering the wagon of defending corrupt "black" Democrat Rep. William Jefferson.

And who is the beastmaster you ask behind this? None other than our very own Mel Watt (NC-12). When told about the continuous pressure by House Democrats to have Jefferson step down in order to have a transparent and honest federal government he responds:

It's about to blow up in their face...

How about a bevy of beautiful blockquotes on this, the 81st anniversary of John Scopes' arrest for teaching evolution—thank God that Clarence Darrow dealt once and for all with the forces of militant ignorance back in 1925!

Here are some links to interesting stories in and about NC today:

Here are a couple of non-primary stories to balance out a complete NC politics breakfast.

North Carolina Democrats have stepped up to the plate in our house races. All of the Republicans are going to have to stand by their records. I was going to make a chart of my own, but Swing State Project already had one with the presidential vote in the district on the side:

NC-01 (57/43 Kerry): Butterfield (D) unopposed
NC-02 (54/46 Bush): Etheridge (D) v. Dan Mansell (R)
NC-03 (68/32 Bush): Jones (R) v. Craig Weber (D)
NC-04 (56/44 Kerry): Price (D), Kent Kanoy (D), or Oscar Lewis (D) v. Steve Acuff (R)

Mell Watt will give a pre-State of the Union address tomorrow afternoon at 3pm in Durham. The public is invited. Details.