March 27, 2020

President’s job approval masks underlying concerns about virus response and the economy

While President Trump enjoys a bump in his approval ratings, underlying numbers on the economy and for Republicans in general don’t look as good. According to the Gallup Poll on Tuesday, President Donald Trump has matched his best ever approval rating of 49 percent. That’s up five points in the two weeks since his approval slid to 44 percent. The five point uptick for the President in the Gallup Poll is matched by other public polls conducted in the last week.

Americans rallying behind an executive during a crisis isn’t a new phenomenon, nor is it exclusive to the President. Governor Cooper, who has also been out front on COVID-19, has also seen his approval numbers increase. A PPP survey released on Tuesday has Cooper’s approval at 56 percent (higher than Trump’s 49 percent). Additionally, 63 percent of respondents said they support Cooper’s handling of the coronavirus. Similarly, the conservative NC Civitas Institute’s poll found Cooper with a 62 percent approval rating and Trump with 52 percent. 

March 23, 2020

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Get the latest North Carolina-focused news on heath care, education, politics, and evolving stories like COVID-19 delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. Check out the preview including some content from today's email below and sign up here. 

March 16, 2020

Get the latest on Coronavirus in NC

Following Gov. Cooper’s emergency declaration last Tuesday, State health officials have continued to keep North Carolinians updated on the status of COVD-19, or Coronavirus, in the state. Here’s what you need to know from North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and where you can go for more information.Where to find out more information as this develops:

• NCDHHS updates this webpage regularly with the latest information.
• NCDHHS has set up a call center for 24/7 guidance on COVID-19, to access it call 866-462-3821.

March 9, 2020

2020 Legislative Races to Watch: Primary Update

With Super Tuesday behind us, 2020 is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal legislative elections in North Carolina history. Democrats have a clear path to win majorities in both chambers of the legislature after historic pickups last cycle broke Republican supermajorities. With a decennial census and subsequent redistricting coming up, control of the legislature will impact not only the next two years, but also the next decade of North Carolina policy. Competitive races for Governor and a US Senate seat are gaining significant media attention and the state looks to once again be a key presidential battleground. In totality, these races represent major change from last cycle’s blue moon election with no top of the ticket races. 

This report highlights the 27 House and 14 Senate districts most likely to be competitive this cycle. This assessment incorporates candidate fundraising information where available, detailed analysis of new legislative districts (including past Democratic performance and demographic information), and other qualitative data about each candidate. Expect the list to shift as the election approaches and new information becomes available.

February 21, 2020

2020 Races to Watch: First Quarter Campaign Finance Reports

2020 first quarter campaign finance reports are due February 25, 2020. Here we've aggregated Election to Date totals for candidates on our 2020 Races to Watch list as well as key statewide races. Check back frequently for updates!

February 13, 2020

Lt. Gov. Dan Forest's newest baseless claim: “We’re like, the most transparent people ever.”

via GIPHY

Today on a Wilmington-based talk radio show Lt. Governor Dan Forest bragged about his commitment to transparency.

“We have the most aboveboard campaign that's ever existed in the history of NC. We're like, the most transparent people ever. Everything we do shows up on Facebook. So you don't have to search very far to figure out what we're doing on any given day.” - Lt. Gov. Dan Forest, 2/12/2020

His comment comes after Forest refused to return a request for public records for 10 months. These records could provide crucial insight into the Lt. Governor’s ties to Greg Lindberg, the man at the center of the bribery scandal involving the state Republican Party. Lindberg’s federal corruption trial is scheduled to begin early next week in Charlotte.

February 13, 2020

2020 Legislative Races to Watch: February Update

This report highlights the 27 House and 14 Senate districts most likely to be competitive this cycle. This assessment incorporates candidate fundraising information where available, detailed analysis of new legislative districts (including past Democratic performance and demographic information), and other qualitative data about each candidate. Expect the list to shift as the election approaches and new information becomes available. 

February 11, 2020

Real Facts NC sues Lt. Governor’s Office for Lindberg records

North Carolinians deserve to know what financier sought from Dan Forest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RALEIGH – Real Facts NC filed suit in Wake County Superior Court Monday seeking public records that could provide crucial insight into Lt. Governor Dan Forest’s ties to Greg Lindberg, the man at the center of the bribery scandal  involving the state Republican Party.

Lindberg’s federal corruption trial is scheduled to begin next Tuesday, February 18, in Charlotte.

Last week WRAL reported on an email that revealed Forest aide Hal Weatherman requested a meeting between Commissioner of Insurance Mike Causey, Greg Lindberg and John Gray. Both Lindberg and Gray were indicted along with former NCGOP Chair Robin Hayes for attempting to bribe Causey. The indictments go to trial next week in federal court in Charlotte.