Mecklenburg County Republican Party

Another Day, Another Mess for NC Democrats

Gideon — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:48:01 +0000

Dems In Disarray
In North Carolina, Democrats Embraced Their Scandal-Plagued Chairman As Their Convention Faces Greater Scrutiny

_____________________________________________________________________

THIS WEEKEND, “BESIEGED” NORTH CAROLINA STATE DEMOCRAT PARTY CHAIRMAN DAVID PARKER WAS REINSTATED DESPITE ALLEGATIONS HE COVERED UP SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Politico: “North Carolina’s Democratic Drama” (Charles Mahtesian, “North Carolina’s Democratic Drama,” Politico, 5/12/12)

Parker, Despite Allegations Of Covering Up Sexual Harassment, Said He Would Remain In His Post After The Party’s Ruling Committee Indicated That They Would Not Accept His Resignation. “David Parker, the besieged state Democratic Party chairman, said Saturday that he would remain in his post after the party’s ruling committee voted not to accept his resignation. In doing so, Parker defied pressure from party leaders from Washington to Raleigh to step aside because of the concern that his handling of sexual harassment accusations by a staffer would damage the party’s efforts in the fall.” (Rob Christensen, “Democratic Party Chairman Resigns, Then Unresigns,” The News & Observer, 5/12/12)

· Parker Agreed To Stay On After A Body Of Party Activists From Across The State Voted 269-203 Not To Accept His Resignation. “The change in heart came after the Executive Committee, a body made up of party activists from across the state, voted 269-203 not to accept his resignation.” (Rob Christensen, “Democratic Party Chairman Resigns, Then Unresigns,” The News & Observer, 5/12/12)

Parker: “This Is Our Democratic Party. These Are Our Ideals.” (WRAL News, 5/12/12)

News & Observer: “Democratic Party Chairman Resigns, Then Unresigns” (Rob Christensen, “Democratic Party Chairman Resigns, Then Unresigns,” The News & Observer, 5/12/12)

Activists Supported Parker So They Could Continue Receiving State Taxpayer Funds

The News & Observer Headline: “Why Do Democratic Activists Want Parker? Follow The Money” (“Why Do Democratic Activists Want Parker? Follow The Money.” The News & Observer, 5/13/12)

But “Without Him As Chairman, Local Party Activists Weren’t Guaranteed To Get Their Money – A $1 Million Pot Of State Tax Dollars…” “Without him as chairman, local party activists weren’t guaranteed to get their money – a $1 million pot of state tax dollars split among them for get-out-the-vote operations, often without much scrutiny as to how it is spent. State political parties receive this money when taxpayers check a box to give $3 from state tax dollars to the political party of their choice.” (“Why Do Democratic Activists Want Parker? Follow The Money.” The News & Observer, 5/13/12)

Memo From Democrat Activist: “While Couched In Terms Of A Fake Sexual-Harassment ‘Scandal’ Where No Sex Occurred, The Ulterior Motive Is To Get Rid Of Parker, Who Has Insisted That Tax Checkoff Funds Be Distributed Fairly, Statewide.” “‘While couched in terms of a fake sexual-harassment ‘scandal’ where no sex occurred, the ulterior motive is to get rid of Parker, who has insisted that tax checkoff funds be distributed fairly, statewide,’ states a memo to Democrats included in an email newsletter from party activist Gene Messick before Saturday’s vote.” (“Why Do Democratic Activists Want Parker? Follow The Money.” The News & Observer, 5/13/12)

Democratic Executive Committee Member Bill Franklin, Who Was Against Parker’s Resignation: Parker Ensured That District Party Chairs Would Get The Money. “Democratic executive committee member Bill Franklin, who suggested keeping Parker at the helm, said in an email to activists that the party’s district chairs controlled the funds but top party leaders worked to change state law to weaken that power. Parker pledged to return order and make sure the district chairs get the money – thus, endearing himself to the activists.” (“Why Do Democratic Activists Want Parker? Follow The Money.” The News & Observer, 5/13/12)

As Much As $1.3 Million In Taxpayer Dollars Was At Stake. “The tax checkoff this year could amount to $1.3 million, the email says.” (“Why Do Democratic Activists Want Parker? Follow The Money.” The News & Observer, 5/13/12)

Democratic Official June Mabry: “The Party Stood Behind A Chair That Stood Behind The Party.” (WRAL News, 5/12/12)

KEY DEMOCRATS, NEWSPAPERS SHARPLY CRITICAL OF DEMOCRATS’ DECISION

Parker Stayed On Despite Pleas From State And National Democratic Officials To Leave His Post. “The move came despite an effort by party leaders including Gov. Bev Perdue, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Walter Dalton, key state elected leaders, the national party, and the White House to ease Parker out.” (Rob Christensen, “Democratic Party Chairman Resigns, Then Unresigns,” The News & Observer, 5/12/12)

Lt. Governor And Democratic Gubernatorial Nominee Walter Dalton (D-NC) Is “Surprised And Disappointed.” “The lieutenant governor is surprised and disappointed,’ Dalton’s campaign said in statement. ‘David Parker had assured him that he would resign and assist in the smooth transition to a new chair. Clearly that did not happen.’” (Rob Christensen, “Democratic Party Chairman Resigns, Then Unresigns,” The News & Observer, 5/12/12)

· Gov. Bev Perdue (D-NC) Is Supporting Lt. Governor Dalton In However He Wishes To Handle The Controversy. “‘I’m focused on investing in education and passing my other budget priorities,’ she said in a statement. ‘Walter Dalton is the Democratic gubernatorial nominee, and I’ll support him in however he wants to handle the matter.’” (John Frank, “Gov. Perdue Puts Democratic Party Mess At Walter Dalton’s Feet,” The News & Observer, 5/14/12)

Pittsboro Mayor Randy Voller (D): “This Is A Circus Without The Elephants.” “Added Pittsboro Mayor Randy Voller: ‘This is a circus without the elephants. You’ve got about everything else here.’” (Rob Christensen, “Democratic Party Chairman Resigns, Then Unresigns,” The News & Observer, 5/12/12)

ALL THIS ADDS TO OBAMA’S DIMMING CHANCES AT WINNING THE STATE

The Associated Press: “Once A Bright Spot For President Barack Obama, North Carolina Is Now More Like A Political Migraine…” “Once a bright spot for President Barack Obama, North Carolina is now more like a political migraine less than four months before Democrats open the party’s national convention in Charlotte.” (“Their Convention In Charlotte Just Months Away, Democrats Cope With Political Headaches In NC,” Associated Press, 5/12/12)

More Than A Dozen Trade Unions Are Boycotting The Democratic National Convention In Charlotte, And Some Plan To Protest At The Event. “Many labor leaders were upset that the convention would be held in a state that offers few protections for workers and in a city with no union hotels. While some unions plan to attend, more than a dozen trade unions are boycotting. Union protests also are planned for convention week.” (“Their Convention In Charlotte Just Months Away, Democrats Cope With Political Headaches In NC,” Associated Press, 5/12/12)

“State Unemployment Was 9.7 Percent In March, Well Above The National Average Of 8.2 Percent That Month, And It’s Much Higher In Some Rural Counties.” (“Their Convention In Charlotte Just Months Away, Democrats Cope With Political Headaches In NC,” Associated Press, 5/12/12)

The Sitting Gov. Bev Perdue’s (D-NC) Sagging Poll Numbers Led Her To Not Seek Re-Election. “With sagging poll numbers, Perdue announced in January that she would not seek a second term. Her decision came on the heels of bruising budget battles with the GOP-controlled Legislature. Republicans in 2010 captured the Legislature for the first time in 140 years.” (“Their Convention In Charlotte Just Months Away, Democrats Cope With Political Headaches In NC,” Associated Press, 5/12/12)

As The Democratic National Convention Continued To Face Criticisms For Recruiting Corporate Contributions

On Friday, The Wall Street Journal Highlighted That Despite Democrats’ Pledge To Ban Corporate Donations For The Convention, They Are Using A Special Fund That Allows Millions In Corporate Contributions. “Democrats have trumpeted their ban on corporate donations to their national convention this summer, saying that it shows they are free from the influence of special interests. But through a special fund, convention planners are accepting millions of dollars in corporate contributions to help pay for many of the activities outside the convention hall—as well as some expenses directly related to the event.” (Brody Mullins and Peter Nicholas, “Democrats’ Fund Taps Corporate Donors For Convention,” The Wall Street Journal, 5/11/12)

The Fund Is Called New American City Inc., And Will Raise Over $10 Million To Cover Administrative Costs And Celebrity Entertainment. “The fund, called New American City Inc., plans to raise more than $10 million to cover convention expenses, including salaries for convention workers, promotional materials and overhead. Costs also include entertainment for delegates and others, such as a welcoming party for the media that will feature celebrity performers and as many as 10,000 guests.” (Brody Mullins and Peter Nicholas, “Democrats’ Fund Taps Corporate Donors For Convention,” The Wall Street Journal, 5/11/12)

The Three Largest Donors To New American City Inc. Are Wells Fargo, Bank Of America Corp., And Duke Energy Corp. “The three largest donors to New American City say their donations are civic contributions to help their city. Bank of America, like Duke Energy, is based in Charlotte. Wells Fargo is based in San Francisco but recently acquired Wachovia Corp., which was based in Charlotte.” (Brody Mullins and Peter Nicholas, “Democrats’ Fund Taps Corporate Donors For Convention,” The Wall Street Journal, 5/11/12)

Duke Energy Corp. CEO And Co-Chairman Of The Host Committee James E. Rogers Said Much Of His Own Company’s Money Went To The Convention Before Its Planners Banned Corporate Contributions. “One contributor to the New American City fund, Charlotte-based Duke Energy, also has made available a $10 million line of credit for the event. Duke Energy’s chairman, president and CEO, James E. Rogers, is co-chairman of the host committee. Mr. Rogers said "a lot of the money" donated by the company had been given before convention planners banned corporate contributions.” (Brody Mullins and Peter Nicholas, “Democrats’ Fund Taps Corporate Donors For Convention,” The Wall Street Journal, 5/11/12)

The overriding question in this particular mess though is, when will DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and the Obama Campaign denounce Chairman David Parker’s decision to retain his chairmanship at the NCDP and call for his immediate resignation?

Another Day, Another Mess for NC Democrats

Gideon — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:29:09 +0000