Candidates talk endorsements

By Scott Nicholson
State and federal legislative candidates have been piling up the endorsements as Election Day draws nearer.
Fifth District Democratic U.S. Congressional nominee Roy Carter received an endorsement from the Alliance for Retired Americans.

Alliance President George Kourpias praised Carter for opposing the privatization of Social Security and strengthening Medicare.

Kourpias also cited Carter’s stance on health care.

“Our members can support your candidacy because of your belief in the need to provide more affordable health care for older Americans, to create a Medicare drug program that benefits seniors, not insurance and drug companies, as well as the need for stronger retirement and pension security, and quality long-term and nursing home care.”

The Alliance for Retired Americans represents more than 3.5 million retirees and older Americans, including 41,097 members in North Carolina.

Carter has also received endorsements from the National Education Association, North Carolina Association of Educators and former N.C. Gov. Jim Hunt.

The National Right to Life Political Action Committee announced their endorsement of U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-5) in her bid for re-election. As graded by the PAC, Foxx had a 100-percent “pro-life” voting record during her current term.

The National Rifle Association also endorsed Foxx’s re-election campaign. Foxx, who is a lifetime member of the NRA, received the NRA’s endorsement for her position on Second Amendment rights.

“Virginia Foxx has demonstrated a proven commitment to the Second Amendment rights of North Carolina’s gun owners, hunters and shooters by voting preserve this constitutional freedom,” said Charles Cunningham, the NRA’s director of federal affairs. “Congresswoman Foxx is truly dedicated to protecting the rights of gun owners.”

Foxx also secured an endorsement from the National Federation of Independent Business.

The organization’s political-action committee SAFE (Save Americas Free Enterprise) Trust bases its endorsement on a candidate’s positions and voting record on small business issues.

Her other endorsements include U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Susan B. Anthony List and Freedom’s Watch.
N.C. Senate candidate Jerry Butler, the Republican nominee for District 45 seat, has received endorsements from Grass Roots North Carolina, a non-profit organization promoting rights of gun owners. As a local dentist, he is also endorsed by the N.C. Dental Society.

N.C. Sen. Steve Goss (D-45) recently received an endorsement from the North Carolina Association of Educators’ Political Action Committee.

“We are delighted to recommend Steve Goss to our membership,” stated Sheri Strickland, president of the NCAE. “Steve Goss has demonstrated a genuine commitment to public schools and to public school employees.

Goss has also been endorsed by the Conservation Council of North Carolina, State Employees Association of North Carolina and the N.C. Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. He also has been judged pro-gun rights and pro-Second Amendment by the National Rifle Association based on answers to a questionnaire.

District 93 House of Representatives candidate Dan Soucek, a Republican, has received two endorsements, including one from Foxx.

“Dan Soucek is a solid conservative who shares the values of the citizens of the High Country,” Foxx said. “He and his family are committed to lives of service.

“His education at West Point, his service in the military, his work with Young Life and his work at Samaritan’s Purse have prepared to him to go to Raleigh to fight for smaller government, a stronger economy and better education for our children.”

The National Federation of Independent Business, a small-business association, has endorsed Soucek in the 93rd District House race.

The endorsement was made by NFIB/North Carolina SAFE (Save America’s Free Enterprise) Trust, which is comprised of NFIB members.

N.C. Rep. Cullie Tarleton has received at least four endorsements for re-election.

His re-election has been endorsed by the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE), Conservation Council of North Carolina, the N.C. Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers and The N.C. Sierra Club.

NCAE, the largest professional organization of educators in North Carolina, recommends candidates to its 70,000 members after an extensive interview and evaluation process.

Major issues include support for moving teachers’ salaries above the national average, support for salary improvement for public school classified employees, protection of health insurance benefits, support for retirement benefits, class size reduction, and other working conditions issues.

District 93 N.C. state representative candidate Jeff Cannon, a Libertarian, had announced no endorsements as of press time.