Retrowire's North Carolinian Endorsements for the Bernie voter!

[retrowire]

Hello all!

So, I've been asked by several North Carolinian DUer's now for my opinions on who we should vote for. Some of you have already done your homework but are unsure of one or two options. Some of you are unfamiliar with North Carolina's current political make up. Some of you just need a second opinion! So I've decided to write up this OP.

DISCLAIMER: I am not telling you who to vote for. That is your solemn right and I respect any differences in opinion we're bound to have. This is just a post that I'm writing to help those who are leaning on their options and need a little help with committing.

-------------

Okay, I'm going to go down the line of all the down ticket Dems that I'll be voting for on Tuesday. Some of them are only within my district, so unless you live in Wake County, THOSE particular Dems won't be necessary for you.

I've done all kinds of research on each of the candidates, I've looked at their voting records (when I could find them), their top contributors (when I could find them) and any statements they've made politically (when I could find them). Other than that, I looked at their mission and their experience. So let's go down the list!

--------------

My Endorsement for Senate: KEVIN GRIFFIN http://www.gowithgriffin.org/

My Notes: Not a career politician, currently the president of an employment recruiting company. Very smart regarding business needs and has great ideas about businesses being distributed in more rural areas. Knows what the businesses need in order for that to happen. A strong progressive. A SANDERS DEMOCRAT. (meaning he has approved of Bernie's platform and proves that he would certainly work well with a Bernie presidency.)

My Endorsement for Governor: KEN SPAULDING http://www.kenspaulding.com/

My Notes: A true progressive. Anti Fracking, Pro Choice, Anti Discrimination. Issues are the most important thing to him on his website. His popular rival Roy Cooper is too entrenched in economics. Even when confronted with issues against LGBT people, Cooper's first response was "Well how would it effect the economy?" Roy Cooper is also funded by Big Pharma, Big Tobacco and Progress Energy, the same energy company that caused the Coal Ash Spill that ruined one of NC's rivers. Roy Cooper doesn't have a stance on much. But he always seems to have a stance on things when it comes to economics. Ken Spaulding however, is focused on that and much more.

My Endorsement for Lt Governor: LINDA COLEMAN http://www.LindaforNC.com/

My Notes: Knows exactly what she's talking about regarding NC's economy and job issues. She knows exactly which industries have left NC and we need back (Auto and Film industry). Seems much more knowledgeable than her rivals.

My Endorsement for Department of Justice: JOSH H STEIN http://www.joshstein.org/

My Notes: Very knowledgeable on crime and punishment, knows which crimes are most common in NC, also an adamant equal rights advocate.

My Endorsement for Department of State Treasurer: RON ELMER JR http://www.elmerfortreasurer.com/

My Notes: Sounds like a local Robert Reich. Definitely knows his stuff. Knows the numbers very well. Pension and retirement is his top priority. Totally against Wall St.

My Endorsement for Department of Public Instruction: JUNE ST CLAIR ATKINSON http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/statesuperintendent/

My Notes: She's the incumbent and says all the right things. She's basically identical with the rival but has more experience already working in the Public Instruction Department. She's been in the department since 2005. And in her tenure she has lifted the NC graduation rate from the 60 percents to the 80 percents. She's doing her job well and her challenger isn't promising anything that she isn't already. Keep her in.

My Endorsement for Department of Labor: MAZIE BUTLER FERGUSON http://www.mazieferguson.org/

My Notes: Pro Union and wants to repeal "Right to Work" laws that restrict the collective bargaining of workers. Cares about farm workers, wants to encourage technological training to all eligible workers, not just high school graduates. Is more focused on the worker rather than the business as her rival seems to be.

My Choice for the Connect NC Bond: YES http://connect.nc.gov/

Reasoning: I did the best research I could. Essentially, this is the state taking out a 2 billion dollar "mortgage" to invest into our infrastructure, education and National Guard. According to the website and several other sources, it WILL NOT RAISE OUR TAXES. But according to an opposition website it WILL RAISE OUR TAXES. Looking into it though, most Democrats and Liberals approve of the Bond. The Republican party is split 50/50 on it. And from what I read, it's the Tea Party division of the Republicans that are the only ones opposing it.... Anything the Tea Partiers are against... I figure I'm for it.

And if you live in the Wake County District 16 Area... My endorsements are Jay Chaudhuri for State Senate and Vicki Scroggins Johnson for Board of Commissioners District B. http://www.jayfornc.com http://www.Vicki4Wake.com

Notes: Jay Chaudhuri is a Progressive champion. He supports equal pay for women, fighting LGBT discrimination, strong gun control, higher minimum wage, reducing income inequality, Pro Choice, higher pay for teachers, reduction of class sizes, restoring funding to schools, etc... AND Vicki Scroggins Johnson has more experience in district management than her rival. Has broader goals rather than just being focused on a few things.

--------------------

So there you have it. I hope that cross referencing your list with my list can help you out. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.