An organization founded by Erskine Bowles and Al Simpson announced Tuesday that it has raised more than $25 million to launch a national campaign to encourage policymakers to pass debt legislation in the coming months.
The Campaign to Fix the Debt has collected contributions from corporate CEOs and others for a national media campaign and advertising campaign to urge lawmakers reach a solution to the debt crisis.
The organization was founded by Bowles, a Charlotte investment banker and former president of the UNC system, and Simpson, the former Wyoming senator, who headed a deficit commission appointed by President Barack Obama.
The Campaign to Fix the Debt is being chaired by former Sen. Judd Gregg and former Gov. Edward Rendell, a Republican and a Democrat.
Ryan to smile for cameras
GOP vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan was scheduled to make his fourth visit to the state Tuesday evening, a layover really on his way to a rally at a factory in Danville, Va., Wednesday morning.
The Wisconsin congressman was planning to meet with supporters at the Piedmont Triad International Airport slightly before 8 p.m. for a photo op that will get him on the 11 p.m. news. According to his campaign, he would not answer questions from reporters or make a statement.
While Ryan is in Virginia, Michelle Obama is making two campaign stops in North Carolina. Wednesday afternoon, she’ll speak to students at N.C. Central University in Durham, and then she’ll head to Greenville to talk to students at East Carolina University.
Incumbents win NCAE support
The N.C. Association of Educators announced its support of six candidates in Council of State races in the upcoming election, and all are incumbents.
“At the end of the process, we determined the current Council of State is doing a good job for North Carolina and deserves re-election,” said Rodney Ellis, NCAE president.
Four – auditor Beth Wood, treasurer Janet Cowell, Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin and Secretary of State Elaine Marshall – are Democrats, and two – Commissioner of Labor Cherie Berry and Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler – are Republicans.
The NCAE previously announced its support of June Atkinson’s campaign to be re-elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Haley to stump for McCrory
South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley will campaign for GOP gubernatorial candidate Pat McCrory on Wednesday in Fayetteville. Haley is scheduled to attend a rally at 5 p.m. at the N.C. Veterans Park, and a fundraiser later in the evening.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie campaigned for McCrory last week.
Staff writers Rob Christensen and Austin Baird
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