State of North Carolina secondary Archives: on Government Reform
Jeff Jackson:
Keep governor's strong non-political elections board
Legislative Summary: SB 68: Consolidate the functions of elections, campaign finance, lobbying, and ethics under one regulatory agency by creating the Bipartisan State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement.Analysis by Election
Law Society: SB 68 was created by the Republican-led General Assembly, put in place "just as a Democrat was elected governor, so as to weaken the governor's appointment powers over the elections board." Several counties are encountering problems
with getting new voting machines.
Veto Message: Similar legislation to this was held unconstitutional. This legislation will undermine NC's ability to conduct fair, legal elections that maximize voter participation.
Legislative Outcome: Vetoed by Governor Roy Cooper on Apr/21/17; Veto Overridden in Senate 33-15-2, Roll Call #94 on Apr/24/17; State Sen. Jeff Jackson voted NO; Veto Overridden in House 75-44-1, Roll Call #317 on Apr/25/17.
Source: Election Law Society on North Carolina voting record SB 68
Apr 24, 2017
Don Davis:
Keep governor's strong non-political elections board
Legislative Summary: SB 68: Consolidate the functions of elections, campaign finance, lobbying, and ethics under one regulatory agency by creating the Bipartisan State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement.Analysis by Election
Law Society: SB 68 was created by the Republican-led General Assembly, put in place "just as a Democrat was elected governor, so as to weaken the governor's appointment powers over the elections board." Several counties are encountering problems
with getting new voting machines.
Veto Message: Similar legislation to this was held unconstitutional. This legislation will undermine NC's ability to conduct fair, legal elections that maximize voter participation.
Legislative Outcome: Vetoed by Governor Roy Cooper on Apr/21/17; Veto Overridden in Senate 33-15-2, Roll Call #94 on Apr/24/17; State Sen. Don Davis voted NO; Veto Overridden in House 75-44-1, Roll Call #317 on Apr/25/17.
Source: Election Law Society on North Carolina voting record SB 68
Apr 24, 2017
Valerie Foushee:
Keep governor's strong non-political elections board
Legislative Summary: SB 68: Consolidate the functions of elections, campaign finance, lobbying, and ethics under one regulatory agency by creating the Bipartisan State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement.Analysis by Election
Law Society: SB 68 was created by the Republican-led General Assembly, put in place "just as a Democrat was elected governor, so as to weaken the governor's appointment powers over the elections board." Several counties are encountering problems
with getting new voting machines.
Veto Message: Similar legislation to this was held unconstitutional. This legislation will undermine NC's ability to conduct fair, legal elections that maximize voter participation.
Legislative Outcome: Vetoed by Governor Roy Cooper on Apr/21/17; Veto Overridden in Senate 33-15-2, Roll Call #94 on Apr/24/17; State Sen. Valerie Foushee voted NO; Veto Overridden in House 75-44-1, Roll Call #317 on Apr/25/17.
Source: Election Law Society on North Carolina voting record SB 68
Apr 24, 2017
Al Pisano:
Opposes making voter registration easier
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Make voter registration easier"?
A: Strongly oppose
Source: OnTheIssues 2020 interview on North Carolina Governor race
Apr 30, 2020
Bev Perdue:
Consolidate 14 state agencies into 8; cut $2.2B from budget
The budget that I deliver to you later this week is 2.2 billion dollars less than the budget that I inherited in 2009. It spends 11% less per capita and sheds thousands of state positions. Never before in history has North Carolina better lived the
phrase "doing more with less." And, we must continue to do more.North Carolina must be more agile, more responsive to citizens--less bureaucratic as we focus our limited resources on our core missions of jobs and education. I sent [a list of]
345 boards and commissions: Eliminate those that don't clearly benefit our businesses or our people. I submitted more than 900 state regulations that are outdated and confusing--the first wave of the results in our Regulatory Review. Eliminate those
900 now--and get ready to see hundreds more. Later this week, I will present a budget that consolidates 14 state agencies into 8, that privatizes some services, that continues the hiring freeze and halted pay raises in all but the most critical jobs.
Source: North Carolina 2011 State of the State Address
Feb 14, 2011
Cal Cunningham:
For campaign finance reform & independent redistricting
Cal will fight for campaign finance reform, fair maps, independent redistricting, and a political system that empowers voters to make their voices heard. Cal has pledged not to accept any corporate PAC money, and he supports overturning the
Supreme Court's Citizens United decision. He believes the Senate should reform the filibuster rule that is too often abused to promote gridlock and stop votes on important legislation. Cal has pledged never to become a lobbyist.
Source: 2020 North Carolina Senate campaign website CalForNC.com
Jun 10, 2020
Dan Bishop:
Weaken governor's appointment powers over elections board
Legislative Summary: SB 68: Consolidate the functions of elections, campaign finance, lobbying, and ethics under one regulatory agency by creating the Bipartisan State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement.Analysis by Election
Law Society: SB 68 was created by the Republican-led General Assembly, put in place "just as a Democrat was elected governor, so as to weaken the governor's appointment powers over the elections board." Several counties are encountering problems
with getting new voting machines.
Veto Message : Similar legislation to this was held unconstitutional. This legislation will undermine NC's ability to conduct fair, legal elections that maximize voter participation.
Legislative
Outcome: Vetoed by Governor Roy Cooper on Apr/21/17; Veto Overridden in Senate 33-15-2, Roll Call #94 on Apr/24/17; State Sen. Dan Bishop voted YES; Veto Overridden in House 75-44-1, Roll Call #317 on Apr/25/17.
Source: Election Law Society on North Carolina voting record SB 68
Apr 24, 2017
Deborah Ross:
Voted NO on shortening early voting period
HB 658 Amending Early Voting Period
Bill Passed House (60 - 58); Rep. Deborah Ross voted Nay .Highlights: - Requires the early voting period to begin the second Thursday before the election, whereas existing law requires the early voting period
to begin the third Thursday before the election.
- Requires county boards of elections to accept early voting on the last 2 Saturdays before the election, whereas existing law requires early voting only on one Saturday.
Source: VoteSmart synopsis: 2011-2012 North Carolina voting records
May 18, 2011
Deborah Ross:
Establish one-stop registration and voting sites
Rep. Deborah Ross Sponsored bill HB 91 One-Stop Registration and Voting Sites House--allows individuals to register and vote at one-stop voting sites within their county. Highlights: -
Requires individuals to show proof of residence and to complete a registration form
- Allows voters to immediately vote after registering at one-stop sites
-
Allows individuals who are already registered to update their information at these one-stop sites
-
Gives the State Board of Elections the power to enforce and determine the time frame for extending "same-day registration and voting" to all voting booths
Source: VoteSmart synopsis of 2007 North Carolina voting records
Mar 22, 2007
Erica Smith:
All federal candidates should release tax returns
TAX TRANSPARENCY--I support NC's T.R.U.M.P. Act, (Tax Returns Uniformly Made Public) filed by my colleague, Senator Jay Chaudhuri, to require all candidates who run for the
Office of President of the United States to release their tax summaries prior to their names being placed on the ballot. A step further--I believe that all federal candidates should report this information.
Source: 2020 North Carolina Senate website EricaForUS.org
Feb 7, 2020
Erica Smith:
Sustain veto keeping strong non-political elections board
Legislative Summary: SB 68: Consolidate the functions of elections, campaign finance, lobbying, and ethics under one regulatory agency by creating the Bipartisan State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement.Analysis by Election
Law Society: SB 68 was created by the Republican-led General Assembly, put in place "just as a Democrat was elected governor, so as to weaken the governor's appointment powers over the elections board." Several counties are encountering problems
with getting new voting machines.
Veto Message : Similar legislation to this was held unconstitutional. This legislation will undermine NC's ability to conduct fair, legal elections that maximize voter participation.
Legislative
Outcome: Vetoed by Governor Roy Cooper on Apr/21/17; Veto Overridden in Senate 33-15-2, Roll Call #94 on Apr/24/17; State Sen. Erica D. Smith voted NO; Veto Overridden in House 75-44-1, Roll Call #317 on Apr/25/17.
Source: Election Law Society on North Carolina voting record SB 68
Apr 24, 2017
Erica Smith:
Voted for shielding death investigation records from public
Legislative Summary: SB 168: An act making technical, conforming, and other modifications to laws pertaining to the Department of Health and Human Services.Veto Message : SB 168 includes a provision to change the handling
of public records by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner which could have the unintended consequence of limiting transparency in death investigations.
Analysis by WBTV-3: Cooper vetoed Senate Bill 168 which closed a loophole that
makes law enforcement records public if they are in the possession of the medical examiner. Protesters have expressed concerns that limiting public access to the death records could hide actions that happen in police custody. Some have said the lack of
transparency would only serve to increase police distrust.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 43-0-7, Roll Call #877 on Jun/26/20; State Sen. Smith voted YES; Passed House 109-1-0 on Jun/25/20; Vetoed by Gov. Cooper on Jul/6/20.
Source: WBTV-3 on North Carolina legislative voting record SB 168
Jun 26, 2020
Greg Brannon:
I believe in a constitutionally limited government
Brannon said, "This campaign I'm mocked because I talk about the Constitution. If you came to me and I have the honor of being your surgeon and I didn't talk anatomy and physiology, would you trust me? With a pilot flying a plane or an engineer building
a building, you always have an authoritative structure of documents to go by. But not government?" Brannon questioned whether Burr uses the constitution as a strict guide, and questioned whether Burr is truly a conservative. "Is it conservative to
fund an unconstitutional executive order to have amnesty?" Brannon asked. "That's Obama's plan. [Burr has] not done the job of hindering President Obama. He's actually aided him in fundamentally transforming America."
When asked if he agreed with
Burr on any policy matters, Brannon would only say that Burr believes in a "bigger government than I do." Brannon said he believes in a constitutionally limited government. "What has he done to shrink government?" he said. "Can you name one?"
Source: Beaufort Observer on 2016 North Carolina Senate race
Feb 21, 2016
Greg Murphy:
Weaken governor's appointment powers over elections board
Legislative Summary: SB 68: Consolidate the functions of elections, campaign finance, lobbying, and ethics under one regulatory agency by creating the Bipartisan State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement.Analysis by Election
Law Society: SB 68 was created by the Republican-led General Assembly, put in place "just as a Democrat was elected governor, so as to weaken the governor's appointment powers over the elections board." Several counties are encountering problems
with getting new voting machines.
Veto Message : Similar legislation to this was held unconstitutional. This legislation will undermine NC's ability to conduct fair, legal elections that maximize voter participation.
Legislative
Outcome: Vetoed by Governor Roy Cooper on Apr/21/17; Veto Overridden in Senate 33-15-2, Roll Call #94 on Apr/24/17; Veto Overridden in House 75-44-1, Roll Call #317 on Apr/25/17; State Rep. Greg Murphy voted YES.
Source: Election Law Society on North Carolina voting record SB 68
Apr 25, 2017
Holly Grange:
Weaken governor's appointment powers over elections board
Legislative Summary: SB 68: Consolidate the functions of elections, campaign finance, lobbying, and ethics under one regulatory agency by creating the Bipartisan State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement.Analysis by Election
Law Society: SB 68 was created by the Republican-led General Assembly, put in place "just as a Democrat was elected governor, so as to weaken the governor's appointment powers over the elections board." Several counties are encountering problems
with getting new voting machines.
Veto Message : Similar legislation to this was held unconstitutional. This legislation will undermine NC's ability to conduct fair, legal elections that maximize voter participation.
Legislative
Outcome: Vetoed by Governor Roy Cooper on Apr/21/17; Veto Overridden in Senate 33-15-2, Roll Call #94 on Apr/24/17; Veto Overridden in House 75-44-1, Roll Call #317 on Apr/25/17; State Rep. Holly Grange voted YES.
Source: Election Law Society on North Carolina voting record SB 68
Apr 25, 2017
Holly Grange:
Voted for shielding death investigation records from public
Legislative Summary: SB 168: An act making technical, conforming, and other modifications to laws pertaining to the Department of Health and Human Services.Veto Message : SB 168 includes a provision to change the handling
of public records by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner which could have the unintended consequence of limiting transparency in death investigations.
Analysis by WBTV-3: Cooper vetoed Senate Bill 168 which closed a loophole that
makes law enforcement records public if they are in the possession of the medical examiner. Protesters have expressed concerns that limiting public access to the death records could hide actions that happen in police custody. Some have said the lack of
transparency would only serve to increase police distrust.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 43-0-7 on Jun/26/20; Passed House 109-1-0, Roll Call #1063 on Jun/25/20; State Rep. Holly Grange voted YES; Vetoed by Gov. Cooper on Jul/6/20.
Source: WBTV-3 on North Carolina legislative voting record SB 168
Jun 25, 2020
Jeff Jackson:
Voted for shielding death investigation records from public
Legislative Summary: SB 168: An act making technical, conforming, and other modifications to laws pertaining to the Department of Health and Human Services.Veto Message:SB 168 includes a provision to change the handling of
public records by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner which could have the unintended consequence of limiting transparency in death investigations.
Analysis by WBTV-3:Cooper vetoed Senate Bill 168 which closed a loophole that makes
law enforcement records public if they are in the possession of the medical examiner. Protesters have expressed concerns that limiting public access to the death records could hide actions that happen in police custody. Some have said the lack of
transparency would only serve to increase police distrust.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 43-0-7, Roll Call #877 on Jun/26/20; State Sen. Jeff Jackson voted YES; Passed House 109-1-0 on Jun/25/20; Vetoed by Gov. Cooper on Jul/6/20.
Source: WBTV-3 on North Carolina legislative voting record SB 168
Jun 26, 2020
Jeff Jackson:
Sustain veto keeping strong non-political elections board
Legislative Summary: SB 68: Consolidate the functions of elections, campaign finance, lobbying, and ethics under one regulatory agency by creating the Bipartisan State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement.Analysis by Election
Law Society: SB 68 was created by the Republican-led General Assembly, put in place "just as a Democrat was elected governor, so as to weaken the governor's appointment powers over the elections board." Several counties are encountering problems
with getting new voting machines.
Veto Message: Similar legislation to this was held unconstitutional. This legislation will undermine NC's ability to conduct fair, legal elections that maximize voter participation.
Legislative Outcome: Vetoed by Governor Roy Cooper on Apr/21/17; Veto Overridden in Senate 33-15-2, Roll Call #94 on Apr/24/17; State Sen. Jeff Jackson voted NO; Veto Overridden in House 75-44-1, Roll Call #317 on Apr/25/17.
Source: Election Law Society on North Carolina voting record SB 68
Apr 24, 2017
Marjorie K. Eastman:
I believe in term limits; two terms and I'm out
She showcased that "I believe in term limits. Two terms and I'm out. I'm not there to put up a tent and make this a career.""The other three candidates in this race have a combined 40 plus years running for political office.
That's the same amount of time in politics as Joe Biden. We must stop the revolving door of career politicians looking for their next taxpayer-funded paycheck while delivering zero results."
Source: FOX News on 2022 North Carolina Senate race
Oct 5, 2021
Marjorie K. Eastman:
Signed US Term Limits Congressional Pledge
[On term limits]: "One of the main reasons our government is dysfunctional is because it is full of career politician. North Carolina deserves a leader, someone who is there to do the right thing and not cast votes that only extend their political
career. Along with making this pledge to the voters of North Carolina, Marjorie K. Eastman signed the U.S. Term Limits Congressional Pledge.
Source: U.S. Term Limits on 2022 North Carolina Senate endorsements
Oct 12, 2021
Mark Walker:
Require photo ID for voting
Q: People should be able to vote without photo identification?
WALKER: Strongly Disagree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 North Carolina House race
Sep 30, 2014
Pat McCrory:
Blamed election loss on massive voter fraud without proof
In 2016, when McCrory narrowly lost to Roy Cooper, he refused to concede. McCrory and his allies spent all of November baselessly claiming there had been massive voter fraud, failing to effectively argue that position before various boards of election,
erroneously accusing dozens of North Carolinians of voting illegally and instigating a recount that did not change the outcome of the election. Though McCrory ultimately conceded he would for years continue to suggest fraud tainted the election.
Source: N.C. Policy Watch blog on 2022 North Carolina Senate race
Nov 25, 2020
Phil Scott:
Vote-by-mail bill became law without his signature
Q: Support efforts to make it easier to vote?Phil Scott: Mixed. Reluctantly let a vote-by-mail bill become law without his signature.
David Zuckerman: Yes. Has urged citizens and the governor to ensure that mail-in voting is available for everyone.
Source: CampusElect survey on 2020 North Carolina Gubernatorial race
Nov 3, 2020
Richard Hudson:
Eliminate 527s and force full disclosure
Q: Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?A: I believe we need true campaign finance reform that includes more transparency. We should require more frequent online reporting.
We should eliminate 527s and force full disclosure so the voters know who is paying for political advertisements.
Source: North Carolina Congressional 2012 Political Courage Test
Oct 30, 2012
Roy Cooper:
Voter ID is a solution for no problem
Q: Support stricter ID requirements and other rules on voting?Roy Cooper: No. Voter ID "is a solution for no problem." Vetoed bill that would set "barriers to voting that will trap honest voters."
Dan Forest: Yes. "The only reason to oppose photo voter ID is if you intend to commit fraud at the ballot box."
Source: CampusElect survey on 2020 North Carolina Gubernatorial race
Nov 3, 2020
Roy Cooper:
Veto weakening appointment powers over elections board
Legislative Summary: SB 68: Consolidate the functions of elections, campaign finance, lobbying, and ethics under one regulatory agency by creating the Bipartisan State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement.Analysis by Election
Law Society: SB 68 was created by the Republican-led General Assembly, put in place "just as a Democrat was elected governor, so as to weaken the governor's appointment powers over the elections board." Several counties are encountering problems
with getting new voting machines.
Veto Message : Similar legislation to this was held unconstitutional. This legislation will undermine NC's ability to conduct fair, legal elections that maximize voter participation.
Legislative
Outcome: Vetoed by Governor Roy Cooper on Apr/21/17; Veto Overridden in Senate 33-15-2, Roll Call #94 on Apr/24/17; Veto Overridden in House 75-44-1, Roll Call #317 on Apr/25/17.
Source: Election Law Society on North Carolina voting record SB 68
Apr 21, 2017
Roy Cooper:
Vetoed shielding death investigation records from public
Legislative Summary: SB 168: An act making technical, conforming, and other modifications to laws pertaining to the Department of Health and Human Services.Veto Message : SB 168 includes a provision to change the handling
of public records by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner which could have the unintended consequence of limiting transparency in death investigations.
Analysis by WBTV-3: Cooper vetoed Senate Bill 168 which closed a loophole that
makes law enforcement records public if they are in the possession of the medical examiner. Protesters have expressed concerns that limiting public access to the death records could hide actions that happen in police custody. Some have said the lack of
transparency would only serve to increase police distrust.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 43-0-7, Roll Call #877 on Jun/26/20; Passed House 109-1-0, Roll Call #1063 on Jun/25/20; Vetoed by Gov. Cooper on Jul/6/20.
Source: WBTV-3 on North Carolina legislative voting record SB 168
Jul 6, 2020
Ted Budd:
It's time to take on the Establishment
Having never run for office before, I did not jump at the opportunity to run for Congress this year. I prayerfully weighed the decision with my wife & family, and I sought advice from friends and colleagues. I filed for Congress on the last day, because
I don't believe we can expect anything to change as long as we keep sending people with political resumes to solve our problems.It's time to take on the Establishment. We cannot send another politician to Washington with so much riding on this
election. We need men and women in Congress who are willing to make the tough decisions it will take to solve problems--no matter how the liberal media and the politically correct Establishment react. Now is the time to take a stand and get things done.
I am running for Congress to serve my community and defend our conservative values. Freedom, the family, and fiscal responsibility are under attack like never before. Taking a stand will make a difference.
Source: 2016 North Carolina House campaign website TedBudd.com
Nov 8, 2016
Ted Budd:
Deregulate small businesses strangled by big government
Ted's record is clear: he is dedicated to fighting for North Carolina families.
That's why Ted voted to cut middle-class taxes and why he votes to deregulate small businesses who are strangled by big government.
Source: 2022 North Carolina Senate campaign website TedBudd.com
Apr 28, 2021
Ted Budd:
Falsely claimed bill would allow minors to vote
Budd recently tweeted he's opposed to a federal voting rights bill because he said it "allows minors to vote." His office said he was referencing a provision that would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to preregister to vote. And that's the key word there:
preregister. That does not mean they could vote early. It means that those kids could fill out paperwork and get everything in order so that when the day comes, when they do turn 18 and the election does come around, everything is ready to go.
Source: WFAE 90.7 NPR Fact Check on 2022 North Carolina Senate race
Mar 17, 2021
Thom Tillis:
No new restrictions on independent campaign expenditures
Tillis voted NAY on HB 748: Campaign Financing Restrictions (Passed House, 57-47)Legislative summary:- Requires an person or other entity making independent expenditures in excess of $100 to file a statement including the principal
occupation of the donor
- Requires a person that makes an independent expenditure to disclose by report to the State Board of Elections within 48 hours of incurring an expense of $5,000 or more, or receiving a donation of $1,000 or more.
-
Requires every person that incurs an expense for the direct costs of producing or airing electioneering communications over $5,000 to report the identification of the person incurring the expense, and the names and addresses of all entities that donated
funds or anything of value in an aggregate amount of more than $1,000.
- Specifies that each media outlet must require written authority for each independent expenditure or electioneering communication to be deemed public records
Source: North Carolina House voting records (Votesmart synopses)
Jul 10, 2010
Thom Tillis:
Helped engineer voter ID legislation
Tillis is one of Gov. Pat McCrory's closest allies and helped engineer majorities in the state House and Senate for the GOP in 2010.
The addition this year of McCrory, the state's first Republican governor since 1993, accelerated an ambitious agenda that included voter ID legislation, lower corporate and personal taxes and reductions in unemployment benefits.
Source: Charlotte Business Jnl. on 2014 North Carolina Senate race
Dec 12, 2013
Thom Tillis:
Photo ID for voting
Question topic: People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Tillis: Strongly Disagree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 North Carolina Senate race
Sep 30, 2014
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023