An environmentalist group named Rep. Susi Hamilton a “Rising Star” a few weeks ago, but the lawmaker is no longer rising, at least in the eyes of the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters.
The group revoked the award it gave to Hamilton at a June 20 Green Tie dinner after the Wilmington Democrat switched her vote on the controversial SB820, which allowed an override of Gov. Bev Perdue and sets the state on a path toward fracking.
“This is a bold step that the organization is not taking lightly,” the group said in a release.
“Politics is not a zero sum game, and other awardees have made choices that we did not agree with. However, the circumstances, timing and weight of this issue warrants a significant response,” said Nina Szlosberg-Landis, president of NCLCV.
The group accuses Hamilton of brokering a deal with Republican leadership to “trade her vote” to secure an extension of tax incentives for the movie industry.
N.C. Dem plans DNC no show
Hayden Rogers is joining a flurry of North Carolina congressional candidates breaking with party ranks by skipping the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte and not endorsing Barack Obama.
The Asheville Citizen-Times reports that Rogers said his “sole focus is on running for Congress.”
“I will be concentrating my time and energy on reaching out to as many voters as possible,” he said.
Rogers, who wants to represent District 11, will face the winner of a July 17 Republican runoff.
The other Democratic candidates taking the same approach, U.S. Reps. Mike McIntyre and Larry Kissell, are in some of the most conservative districts in the state since redistricting.
Jeb Bush stumps with McCrory
Pat McCrory will again be joined on the campaign trail by Jeb Bush, former governor of Florida.
Bush endorsed McCrory’s bid for governor in May and has already hosted a dinner on his behalf, and the pair will meet again at a July 19 women’s brunch in Asheville.
Bush will join the Republican July 19 at the Double Tree Hilton in Asheville for a women’s brunch to support the former Charlotte mayor. The event runs from 10 to 11 a.m. and costs $35 to attend and $500 to host.
Staff writers Austin Baird and John Frank
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