"From Kay Hagan’s refusal to run to Anthony Foxx’s literal laugh out loud regarding the prospect of challenging Senator Richard Burr, the Democrats’ recruitment failure has left them desperate in North Carolina. Deborah Ross’ candidacy underscores that desperation. Senator Richard Burr’s record of fighting for commonsense solutions contrasts perfectly with a former lobbyist deemed the ‘most liberal NC Democratic nominee in history.’" – NRSC National Press Secretary, Alleigh Marre
BACKGROUND:
Deborah Ross Is A Former ACLU Lobbyist:
- "A former lobbyist for the state American Civil Liberties Union, Ross served in the Legislature for 10 years and now works for Triangle Transit." ("After Hagan’s no, Democrats wait for Burr challengers," Associated Press, 8/23/2015)
Ross Deemed "The Most Liberal [U.S. Senate] NC Democratic Nominee In History":
"Cons: If nominated, would be most liberal NC Democratic nominee in history." ("Burr Challengers Slowly Coming Forward," PoliticsNC, 8/12/2015)
Over The Past Three Election Cycles, There Has Been A Very Strong Republican Trend In North Carolina:
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In 2014, Thom Tillis beat incumbent Democrat Kay Hagan 49% to 47% (North Carolina State Board of Elections)
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Republicans hold 10 of the 13 U.S. House Seats (GovTrack)
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For the first time in 20 years, a Republican Governor was elected in 2012 ("McCrory wins N.C. governor’s race, ends GOP drought," Associated Press, 11/7/2012)
- In 2010, Republicans flipped the State Legislature holding a majority in the State House for the first time since 1994 and a majority in the State Senate for the first time since Reconstruction (North Carolina State Board of Elections)
Senator Richard Burr Won By 12 Points – Over 300,000 Votes – In 2010:
- Richard Burr: 54.81%, 1,458,046; Elaine Marshall: 43.05%, 1,145,074 (North Carolina State Board of Elections)
President Obama Remains Deeply Unpopular In North Carolina:
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A July poll conducted by the Democratic polling firm PPP found that 53% of registered North Carolina voters disapprove of President Obama’s job performance. ("Trump leads GOP field in North Carolina," Public Policy Polling, 7/8/2015)
- The President’s numbers have stayed around the mid to low 40’s for most of 2015. (North Carolina: Obama Job Approval, HuffPost Pollster)