What’s most at stake for NC voters this election? The two major parties offer two answers.
Welcome to NC Voices, where leaders, readers and experts from across North Carolina can speak on issues affecting our communities. Send submissions of 350 words or fewer to opinion@newsobserver.com.
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Editor’s note: For this week’s NC Voices we asked representatives of the N.C. Republican and Democratic parties to answer this question: What is the most important issue in this election for N.C. voters?
GOP: Biden and inflation hurt NC
The writer is chairman of the N.C. Republican Party.
When it comes to the issues that matter most to North Carolinians, the status of our economy and inflation are top of mind.
If Democrats like Cheri Beasley and Wiley Nickel are elected into office, they would likely vote with President Biden 100% of the time, as evidenced by their support for him on the campaign trail. Both have attempted to escape the radical, far-left agenda they support, but voters already know their stances on the following issues.
Under the leadership of Biden and Democrats, too many North Carolinians are forced to choose between empty stomachs or empty wallets. Families are being crushed by bills and rising taxes because of Biden’s failing policies.
As a result of inflation caused by Biden’s outrageous spending, the average N.C. household had to spend an extra $645 last month compared to a year ago. North Carolina families are struggling now more than ever to get food on the table and provide for basic needs.
Also weighing heavy on voters’ minds are their paychecks. Recent studies show that real wages have gone down 2.8% and there’s no way to keep up. Three in five Americans are living paycheck to paycheck because soaring inflation has outpaced the money earned — for the 17th month in a row.
North Carolina Democrats also embrace Biden’s war on American energy. The Biden gas hike has yet to let up and his answer is to lift sanctions on Venezuela instead of unleashing American energy.
Voters in North Carolina are deeply concerned about their economic security. From runaway inflation to record high gasoline and grocery prices, Democrat policies have put enormous pressure on family budgets across the Tar Heel state. Rather than trying to find solutions to the problems they have caused, Biden and the Democrats have continued to double down on their disastrous policies. No wonder the voters trust Republicans on every one of these key issues — which will be reflected on Election Day.
Michael Whatley
Dems: Democracy is on the ballot
The writer is the first African-American woman to chair the N.C. Democratic Party.
This November, the most important issue for North Carolina voters is protecting our state from threats to our democracy. From the Jan. 6 insurrection to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the very fabric of our democracy is unraveling as constitutional certainties are undermined by Republicans. North Carolina Democrats are fighting to protect our democratic values and elect candidates that will work for the people.
At every turn, Republicans have sought to dismantle the rights and freedoms of North Carolinians – whether it be the voting rights of communities of color, LGBTQ+ rights through HB2 and other discriminatory legislation, or the reproductive freedoms of millions of North Carolina women. Throughout their tenure, they have gutted investments in working families – grossly underfunding our public schools, cutting unemployment benefits to some of the lowest in the nation, and leaving over 500,000 people statewide without access to quality, affordable medical care – all while further enriching corporations that are seeing record profits.
North Carolina is at a crossroads. Democrats would rather lead with good ideas than with fear tactics that are meant to divide us. We are fighting for the integrity of our democracy – to build a state that puts more money in the pockets of middle-class families, invests in a better public education, and provides access to affordable healthcare so that people can live a long and fulfilling life.
We hear from folks who feel their vote doesn’t matter. This election, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Women’s healthcare is on the ballot. Your economic future is on the ballot. Fair and free elections are on the ballot. Public schools are on the ballot. Now is the time to turn out your votes for Democratic candidates up and down the ballot.
Bobbie Richardson
