by This is just a reminder for North Carolinians. In addition to being a battleground state, we will have some extremely close and important statewide elections.
After the presidential, senate, and Governor’s races, I would put the election of an attorney general to succeed Roy (#ReadyForRay) Cooper (D) as the most important. State Sen. Buck Newton (R) has been a great friend to gun owners since he has been in the State Senate. His opponent, State Sen. Josh Stein (D), voted with gun owners only about 1/3 of the time.
The races for NC Supreme Court and Court of Appeals are also important. One thing I’ve noticed in these six races that just struck me as really odd is the racial composition. In the race for Supreme Court and in four of the five Court of Appeals races, you have a white Republican facing off against an African-American Democrat or Independent. This is not to say that there aren’t a number of good African-American attorneys in North Carolina which there are or to say that all white lawyers tend to be Republicans which they most certainly aren’t. It just defies the odds to be merely happenstance and I don’t have a good explanation for it.
Here again are GRNC-PVF’s recommendations for pro-gun candidates in national, statewide, and state legislative races.
2016 GRNC-PVF General Election
Candidate RecommendationsCandidate recommendations versus evaluations: Below are recommendations for effective voting strategies by the Grass Roots North Carolina Political Victory Fund. Candidate recommendations, which are more limited than blanket “endorsements,” are not made in all races, only in races where a clear pro-gun candidate stands out or where strategic voting is necessary to keep anti-gun candidates out of office.
Recommendations differ from GRNC candidate evaluations. While the evaluations are intended to provide an objective measure of where candidates stand on Second Amendment issues, GRNC–PVF recommendations are analytical and therefore subject to interpretation. For a full explanation of GRNC’s objective star evaluations, go to: http://www.grnc.org/remember-in-november/grnc-candidate-evaluations-2016
Important note: Candidates who lack voting records or other history on Second Amendment issues and who fail to return GRNC’s candidate survey automatically receive a zero star evaluation (0) on the assumption that they are hiding their position from gun voters. Every election year, we receive complaints about ostensibly pro-gun candidates who receive zero star evaluations due to failure to return the survey. Each candidate is mailed a survey to the address he or she registered with the State Board of Elections. If they fail to return the survey, we cannot help candidates who will not help themselves.
Voting instructions: General election One Stop Early Voting begins on October 20 and ends on November 5 at 1:00 PM. Absentee ballots must be received by 5:00 PM on November 8. Election day is November 8 between 6:30 AM and 7:30 PM. Click here to find your polling place on election day, or click here to find your One Stop Early Voting place.
Important changes to voting laws: Due to ongoing litigation, same-day registration will still be permitted during One Stop Early Voting. Straight party voting is no longer permitted, so GRNC strongly suggests you investigate individual candidates. Please click here to find out about identification requirements.
GRNC CANDIDATE RECOMMENDATIONS
Key to listings: Included in listings below are scores on GRNC’s candidate survey, pro-gun voting percentage, and GRNC star evaluation (0-star, *, **, ***, or ****, depending on how closely a candidate can be expected to agree with a control group of conservative gun owners). “NR” means the candidate failed to return GRNC’s survey which, for candidates without voting records, gives the candidate a 0-star (0) evaluation.
US PRESIDENT
Thanks to his change in position on key Second Amendment issues, DONALD TRUMP now holds a GRNC 3-star (***) evaluation. He may or may not be your first choice, but make no mistake: The election of Hillary Clinton to POTUS absolutely will allow her to make at least one (and probably more than one) Supreme Court appointment – this from a candidate who is on record as saying the SCOTUS decisions affirming an individual right to arms are “wrong.” Without doubt, such a Clinton Supreme Court would reverse both the Heller and McDonald decisions and pave the way for massive gun bans. Beyond Clinton’s fundamental and pervasive corruption, she is on record as supporting semi-auto bans, universal gun registration (a/k/a/ “universal background checks”), and Australia-style gun confiscation. If Democrats also gain control of the US Senate (see below), the Senate Majority Leader will be Sen. Charles Schumer – a dedicated, long-term opponent of gun rights. Do not for a moment think you can “sit this one out” simply because you don’t like either candidate. It is your duty to keep Hillary Clinton out of the Oval Office.
US SENATE
In this closely contested race which could be key to control of the US Senate, GRNC-PVF recommends Republican RICHARD BURR. With a 91%* pro-gun voting record, Burr holds GRNC’s highest 4-star (****) evaluation. Opponent Deborah Ross has a long history of antagonism toward both gun rights and traditional American values. Beyond her abysmal 21% voting record, as NC House Judiciary Chair, Ross was responsible for killing one of GRNC’s first Castle Doctrine bills, despite the fact that it had cleared the Senate and was sponsored by a fellow Democrat. In fairness, with a 94% survey, Libertarian Sean Haugh also earned a GRNC 4-star evaluation. Because he will likely garner less than 5% of the vote, however, a vote for Haugh is a vote to put anti-gun Deborah Ross in the Senate and to potentially give Hillary Clinton the votes needed to pass gun control.
US HOUSE
District 1: With only a 33% voting record, incumbent GK Butterfield earned only GRNC’s lowest 0-star evaluation. Unfortunately, Republican challenger H. Powell Dew, Jr. failed to return GRNC’s survey, also earning a 0-star evaluation. GRNC-PVF recommends Libertarian J. J. SUMMERELL (survey 95%, GRNC ****).
District 2: GRNC-PVF recommends Republican GEORGE HOLDING. Holding scored 95% on GRNC’s survey, earning four stars (****), while challenger John McNeil refused to return the survey, netting a 0-star evaluation.
District 3: With a 100% survey score and a 97% pro-gun voting average, earning a GRNC four-star evaluation (****), GRNC–PVF continues to recommend incumbent WALTER JONES. Challenger Ernest Reeves refused to return the survey, netting a 0-star evaluation.
District 4: Against longtime anti-gun Democrat David Price (0% voting record, GRNC 0), GRNC–PVF recommends SUE GOOGE, who returned GRNC’s candidate survey with a score of 81%, earning three stars (***).
District 5: With a 100% GRNC survey score and 100% pro-gun voting record earning GRNC’s highest four-star evaluation (****), GRNC–PVF continues to recommend incumbent VIRGINIA FOXX over Democrat challenger Josh Brannon, who refused to return GRNC’s survey, netting a 0-star evaluation.
District 6: Although the US House has not had any gun votes in the 114th Congress, on the basis of his 99% survey score and GRNC four-star evaluation (****), GRNC–PVF recommends MARK WALKER over Democrat challenger Pete Glidewell, who refused to return GRNC’s survey, netting a 0-star evaluation.
District 7: Due to his 100% pro-gun voting record, earning GRNC’s four-star evaluation (****), GRNC–PVF recommends DAVID ROUZER over Libertarian challenger J. Wesley Casteen (82% survey, ***).
District 8: Although the US House has not had any gun votes in the 14th Congress, on the basis of his 100% survey score and GRNC four-star evaluation (****), GRNC–PVF recommends RICHARD HUDSON over Democrat challenger Thomas Mills, who refused to return GRNC’s survey, netting a 0-star evaluation.
District 9: Due to his 100% pro-gun voting record, earning GRNC’s four-star (****) evaluation, GRNC–PVF recommends ROBERT PITTENGER over Democrat challenger Christian Cano, who refused to return GRNC’s survey, netting a 0-star evaluation.
District 10: With a 98% GRNC survey score and 100% pro-gun voting record earning GRNC’s highest four-star evaluation (****), GRNC–PVF continues to recommend long term gun rights supporter PATRICK McHENRY over Democrat challenger Andy Millard, who refused to return GRNC’s survey, netting a 0-star evaluation.
District 11: Although the US House has not had any gun votes in the 14th Congress, on the basis of his 100% survey score, leadership in defending gun owners against federal abuses, and GRNC four-star evaluation (****), GRNC–PVF recommends MARK MEADOWS over Democrat challenger Rick Bryson, who refused to return GRNC’s survey, netting a 0-star evaluation.
District 12: Against longtime anti-gun Democrat Alma Adams (11% voting record, GRNC 0), GRNC–PVF recommends LEON THREATT, who returned GRNC’s candidate survey with a score of 85%, earning three stars (***).
District 13: This district represents a rare opportunity for gun owners to elect a gun rights supporter who has not only talked the talk, but walked the walk. GRNC-PVF strongly recommends Republican TED BUDD (survey 100%, GRNC **) over Democrat Bruce Davis (survey: NR, GRNC 0). Beyond running for Congress, Budd owns a gun shop. Frankly, we should have recommended him in the Republican primary election, but underestimated his ability to beat no fewer than 16 Republican challengers.
STATEWIDE RACES
North Carolina Governor: In this critical and tightly contested race, GRNC-PVF recommends PAT McCRORY (GRNC ***) over longtime anti-gun Democrat Roy Cooper (58% voting record, GRNC 0). Having, in years past, killed pro-gun legislation as NC Senate Judiciary Chairman, Cooper will most certainly veto any pro-gun legislation GRNC could get passed by the legislature. Although Libertarian Lon Cecil scored 99% on GRNC’s survey, earning four stars (****), he will draw only a few percent of the vote, potentially helping Cooper get elected. Cooper must be kept out of the governor’s mansion at all costs.
North Carolina Lt. Governor: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent DAN FOREST, who scored 95% on GRNC’s survey, earning four stars (****). Challenger Leslie Coleman, during her tenure in the NC Senate, voted with gun owners only 67% of the time, earning a low one-star (*) evaluation.
North Carolina Treasurer: GRNC-PVF recommends DALE FOLWELL (****) who earned a perfect 100% pro-gun voting record while in the NC House.
North Carolina Attorney General: For the open seat vacated by Roy Cooper, GRNC – PVF recommends BUCK NEWTON for Attorney General. In the NC Senate, Newton has been a leader for gun rights, cementing passage of three omnibus pro-gun bills. With his 100% survey score and 100% pro-gun voting record, Newton earned GRNC’s highest (****) four-star evaluation. By contrast, Newton’s opponent, anti-gun Sen. Josh Stein voted with gun owners only 38% of the time, netting him a 0-star evaluation.
Judicial races: GRNC-PVF recommends you vote for all of the following:
BOB EDMUNDS for NC Supreme Court
PHIL BERGER, JR. for Court of Appeals (Stephens seat)
RICHARD DIETZ for Court of Appeals (Dietz seat)
BOB HUNTER for Court of Appeals (Hunter seat)
HUNTER MURPHY Court of Appeals (Geer seat)
VALERIE J. ZACHARY for Court of Appeals (Zachary seat)NC SENATE
Note: Only contested races are covered.
District 1: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent BILL COOK (100% voting record, GRNC ****) over Democrat challenger Brownie Futrell (survey: NR, GRNC 0-star).
District 2: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent NORMAN SANDERSON (100% voting record, GRNC ****) over Democrat challenger Dorothea White (survey: 68%, GRNC *).
District 4: GRNC-PVF recommends challenger RICHARD SCOTT (survey: 95%, GRNC ****) over Democrat incumbent Angela Bryant (voting record: 22%, GRNC 0).
District 11: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends RICK HORNER (survey: 97%, GRNC ****) over Albert Pacer (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 12: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent RONALD RABIN (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Democrat challenger Susan Byerly (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 15: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent JOHN ALEXANDER (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Libertarian Brad Hessel (survey: 94%, GRNC ****) and Democrat Laurel Deegan-Fricke (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 16: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent ERIC WEAVER (survey: 100%, GRNC ****) over Democrat Jay Chaudhuri (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 17: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent TAMARA BARRINGER (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Libertarian Susan Hogarth (survey: NR, GRNC 0) and Democrat Susan Evans (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 18: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent CHAD BAREFOOT (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Democrat challenger Gil Johnson (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 19: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent WESLEY MEREDITH (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Democrat challenger Toni Morris (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 20: GRNC-PVF recommends challenger BARBARA HOWE (survey: 99%, GRNC ****) over anti-gun Democrat incumbent Floyd B. McKissick, Jr. (voting record: 50%, GRNC 0).
District 21: GRNC-PVF recommends challenger DAN TRAVIESO (survey: 99%, GRNC ****) over anti-gun Democrat incumbent Ben Clark (voting record: 25%, GRNC 0).
District 22: GRNC-PVF recommends challenger T. GREG DOUCETTE (survey: 99%, GRNC ****) over anti-gun Democrat incumbent Mike Woodard (voting record: 0%, GRNC 0).
District 24: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent RICK GUNN (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Democrat challenger John Thorpe (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 25: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent TOM McINNIS (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Democrat challenger Dannie M. Montgomery (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 27: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent TRUDY WADE (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Democrat challenger Michael Garrett (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 28: GRNC-PVF recommends challenger DEVIN R. KING (survey: 100%, GRNC ****) over anti-gun Democrat incumbent Gladys A. Robinson (voting record: 0%, GRNC 0).
District 30: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent SHIRLEY BLACKBURN RANDLEMAN (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Democrat challenger Michael W. Holleman (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 33: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends CATHY DUNN (survey: 100%, GRNC ****) over Jim Beall Graham (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 36: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends PAUL R. NEWTON (survey: 100%, GRNC ****) over Robert Brown (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 37: GRNC-PVF recommends challenger BOB DIAMOND (survey: 96%, GRNC ****) over anti-gun Democrat incumbent Jeff Jackson (voting record: 0%, GRNC 0).
District 38: GRNC-PVF recommends challenger RICHARD RIVETTE (survey: 99%, GRNC ****) over anti-gun Democrat incumbent Joel Ford (voting record: 25%, GRNC 0).
District 39: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends DAN BISHOP (NC House voting record: 94%, GRNC ****) over Lloyd Scher (survey: 47%, GRNC 0).
District 41: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent JEFF TARTE (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****), who has sponsored pro-gun legislation and been a leader for your rights in the Senate, over Libertarian Chris Cole (survey: 95%, GRNC ****) and Democrat Jonathan Hudson (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 44: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent DAVID L. CURTIS (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over challenger Nic Haag (survey: 97%, GRNC ****).
District 45: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends DEANNA BALLARD (survey: 100%, GRNC ****) over Art Sherwood (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 46: GRNC-PVF recommends WARREN DANIEL (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****), who has been a leader for your rights in the Senate, over Anne Fischer (survey: 49%, GRNC 0).
District 47: GRNC-PVF recommends RALPH HISE (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Mary Jane Boyd (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 49: GRNC-PVF recommends challenger WILLIAM MEREDITH (survey: 100%, GRNC ****) over anti-gun Democrat incumbent Terry Van Duyn (voting record: 0%, GRNC 0).
District 50: GRNC-PVF recommends JIM DAVIS (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Jane Hipps (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
NC HOUSE
As above, only contested races are covered.
A large number of open seats plus a number of RINOs who voted against gun owners on omnibus pro-gun bill HB 562 make NC House race is critical in 2016.
Please note that GRNC-PVF is withholding recommendations for any incumbent who voted against gun owners more than twice in the 18 floor votes for omnibus pro-gun House Bill 562 in the last session.
District 3: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent MICHAEL SPECIALE (recent voting record: 94%, GRNC ***) over Marva Fisher Baldwin (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 6: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends BEVERLY BOSWELL (survey: 88%, GRNC ***) over Warren Judge (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 7: GRNC-PVF recommends challenger WILLIAM DUKE HANCOCK II (survey: 81%, GRNC ***) over anti-gun Democrat incumbent Bobbie J. Richardson (voting record: 9%, GRNC 0).
District 9: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends GREG MURPHY (survey: 94%, GRNC ****) over Brian Farcas (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 10: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent JOHN R. BELL (recent voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Evelyn Paul (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 11: GRNC-PVF recommends Republican challenger RAY MARTIN (survey: 85%, GRNC ***) over Libertarian Brian Lewis (survey: 90%, GRNC ****) and anti-gun incumbent Democrat Duane Hall (voting record: 9%, GRNC 0). (Yes, Lewis had a better survey score by 5%, but is unlikely to have the resources to win.)
District 15: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent PHILLIP SHEPARD (voting record: 93%, GRNC ****) over Dan Whitten (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 16: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent CHRIS W. MILLIS (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Steve Unger (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 18: GRNC-PVF recommends challenger GERALD (JERRY) BENTON (survey: 96%, GRNC ****) over anti-gun Democrat incumbent Susi Hamilton (voting record: 5%, GRNC 0).
District 25: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent JEFF COLLINS (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over James D. Gailliard (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 34: GRNC-PVF recommends challenger BILL MORRIS (survey: 95%, GRNC ****) over anti-gun Democrat incumbent Grier Martin (voting record: 24%, GRNC 0).
District 37: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends Republican LINDA HUNT-WILLIAMS (survey: 92%, GRNC ****) over Libertarian Robert Rose (survey: 95%, GRNC ****) and Democrat Randy Barrow (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 38: GRNC-PVF recommends Libertarian challenger OLEN WATSON III (survey: 96%, GRNC ****) over anti-gun Democrat incumbent Yvonne Lewis Holley (voting record: 9%, GRNC 0).
District 46: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends Republican BRENDEN JONES (survey: 92%, GRNC ****) over Libertarian Thomas (Tom) Howell, Jr. (survey: 98%, GRNC ****) and Democrat Tim Benton (survey: NR, GRNC 0). (Yes, Howell had a better survey score by 6%, but is unlikely to have the resources to win.)
District 50: GRNC-PVF recommends challenger ROD CHANEY (survey: 100%, GRNC ****) over anti-gun Democrat incumbent Graig R. Meyer (voting record: 17%, GRNC 0).
District 51: GRNC-PVF recommends Libertarian challenger JOHN SAULS (previous NC House voting record: 83%, GRNC ***) over anti-gun Democrat incumbent Brad Salmon (voting record: 44%, GRNC 0).
District 55: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent MARK BRODY (voting record: 97%, GRNC ****) over Kim Hargett (survey: 54%, GRNC 0).
District 59: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent JON HARDISTER (voting record: 97%, GRNC ****) over Scott A. Jones (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 67: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent JUSTIN P. BURR (voting record: 96%, GRNC ****) over Carson Roger Snyder (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 69: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent DEAN ARP (voting record: 94%, GRNC ****) over Gordon B. Daniels (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 74: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent DEBRA CONRAD (voting record: 97%, GRNC ****) over Marilynn Baker (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 82: GRNC-PVF strongly recommends incumbent LARRY G. PITTMAN (voting record: 97%, GRNC ****), who frequently sponsors pro-gun legislation and is a leader for your rights, over Earle Schecter (survey: 63%, GRNC *).
District 92: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends Republican BETH DANAE CAULFIELD (survey: 98%, GRNC ****) over Democrat Chaz Beasley (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 93: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent JONATHAN C. JORDAN (voting record: 98%, GRNC ****) over Sue Counts (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 94: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent JEFFREY ELMORE (voting record: 100%, GRNC ****) over Michael T. Lentz (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 98: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent JOHN R. BRADFORD III (voting record: 94%, GRNC ****) over Jane Campbell (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 104: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends Republican ANDY DULIN (survey: 100%, GRNC ****) over
Democrat Peter Noris (survey: NR, GRNC 0).District 105: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends Republican SCOTT STONE (survey: 90%, GRNC ****) over Democrat Connie Green-Johnson (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 109: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent DANA BUMGARDNER (voting record: 97%, GRNC ****) over Susan Maxon (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 113: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends Republican CODY HENSON (survey: 92%, GRNC ****) over Democrat Maureen Mahan Copelof (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 118: GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent MICHELE D. PRESNELL (voting record: 97%, GRNC ****) over Rhonda Cole Schandevel (survey: NR, GRNC 0).
District 119: GRNC-PVF recommends challenger MIKE CLAMPITT (survey: 100%, GRNC ****) over anti-gun incumbent Joe Sam Queen (voting record: 25%, GRNC 0).
District 120: For this open seat, GRNC-PVF recommends KEVIN CORBIN (survey: 95%, GRNC ****) over Randy Hogsed (survey: 70%, GRNC **).
This message, supporting the candidates listed above, is authorized and paid for solely by the Grass Roots North Carolina Political Victory Fund. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.
