North Carolina politics are always interesting. It’s been six weeks since I said it, and I still stand by that statement.
A race for the State Supreme Court is still undecided because the candidates are so close and the GOP candidate won’t concede (while the Democrat candidate calls him a threat to democracy). We will provide an update in a future article.
The bill passed both chambers but was opposed by Democrats, including the Governor. Roy Cooper along with State Attorney General Josh Stein were not in favor of the bill as it contained “power grabbers” which would weaken Stein’s position and change the responsibilities and duties of state officials and agencies once Stein is elected.
Cooper overruled the bill’s veto, even though the bill passed. Cooper’s veto was overridden by Republicans in both chambers since Republicans hold a supermajority until the end of this year in the General Assembly.
It is expected that the NC Dems’ “sue till blue” strategy (as Republicans refer to it) will lead to lawsuits. A recent development following the veto override last Thursday has sent the state Democrats into a tailspin.
Cecil Brockman (D-Guilford) and Joe John (D-Wake) were the two Democrats who did not vote for the override of the veto.
It was learned after the fact that Rep. John was out for a pre-scheduled throat cancer treatment. Brockman, however, has unleashed hell on his Democrat colleagues after some of them criticized him for missing the vote even though Republicans would have been successful in the override whether he was there or not.:
Brockman says that his party sent people to look for him because he didn’t show up to the meeting after the chamber voted on overriding the veto. This is even though he had been open about his mental issues.
The statement reads: “The depravity of the NC Democratic Party has no bounds.” “The party sent angry mobs after I spoke out about my mental struggles.”
Brockman has also criticized the North Carolina Democratic Party, saying that they would rather people sacrifice their needs for the white Democratic elite than the needs of the community.
“Let me make it plain and clear for you: Over these next two years, you need me. I do not need you.”
Brockman’s complete letter is below:
Rep. Brockman was challenged in a primary because he had been accused of voting too frequently with Republicans and missing votes that he felt he shouldn’t have missed. Tricia Cottim had a similar issue in 2023 when she switched to the Republican Party and gave them an extra vote in the House of Representatives for veto overrides.
Brockman has floated the idea of switching parties in the past. Despite living in a district where he’s voted blue in previous elections, he’s not ruling it out.
Brockman replied to The News & Observer in a text message on Monday that he was a “lifelong Democrat”. He said that he preferred to “see our Party focus on what a successful party is doing to win back a majority” rather than “fighting other Democrats.” “
Brockman responded: “This behavior is the same as that which drove Tricia Cotham away from our party. Everyone has limits. “
Brockman’s party switch, or his decision to work more closely with the GOP, would have similar implications for the country as Cotham’s. It would allow Republicans to push through their priorities while overriding Stein’s expected vetoes.
As it has been for some time, this would lead to lawsuits from Democrats. This would put state Republicans in a stronger position to counter Stein’s political influence while also building the GOP coalition to turn the state more red from a policy perspective and for future elections.
The reactions by Republicans and Democrats to Brockman’s scathing letters provide an indication of how the state Dems are doing at this moment.
As an example, former state senator Joel Ford is a black Democrat who, like Brockman, was ostracized by the party for working with Republicans on occasion.
Former NC House Member Marcus Brandon (D).
I want to personally thank all of the black leaders who have reached out to Rep Cecil Brockman. His true compassion and support from the black community have been inspiring. It is up to us to stop the toxic behavior coming from our delusional party. Keep him in your prayers.
Former NC House member Scott Stone (R):
Your constituents are your priority and you represent them with honor. We may not have agreed on everything, but I enjoyed working with you. If your party doesn’t want you, come over. There is only one GOP.
State GOP spokesman Matt Mercer:
The Carolina Journal, Nick Craig:
You love to see it. You truly do.
