JAMES HANDILY WINS MECKLENBURG COUNTY STRAW VOTE
69% to 31%
Where does Ed Stand on the issues?
The Mecklenburg County Republican Party held a 'straw vote' of the various precinct officers present (about 300 people). They voted on races for Congress (NC 9) and other offices including District 6.
My opponent, Mr. Driggs was touting his endorsements from certain liberal GOP (Tim Morgan, John Lassister, and others). He was circulating around the room trying to drum up support without actually expressing an opinion on anything. I was not there due to health issue but my wife and adult daughter showed up.
At the end of the night, when the votes were counted James beats Mr. Driggs among GOP faithful 146 (68.86%) to 66 (31.20%). Part of Driggs' 66 votes includes some brought in by his Campaign Manager to vote for him - some hired gums I was told. Without that, the route would have been even more complete and my winning margin even higher.
One of us is a REPUBLICAN and the other candidate is one in name only because he doesn't actually vote in GOP primaries and has no interest in GOP matters. I have said that it is hard for real Republicans' to get excited about a candidate who has missed most GOP primaries and major issues for the last 10 years and this straw poll reflects that.
Mr. Driggs is a liberal and the GOP rank and file saw that and it was reflected in the vote total.
But what does Mr. Driggs believe: Well here are a few questions to consider that perhaps he could answer where he stands for the public consumption:
1. Is he in favor of giving CMS $30 million more (I am not). If he is, is he prepared to raise taxes to do so? If not, what would he cut from the County budget?
2. Is he in favor of splitting CMS and creating Southern and Northern School Systems? I am.
3. Is he in favor of forming a new 'Town of Ballantyne'? I am.
4. Is he in favor of strict Voter ID laws (BOE is a County department)? I am
5. Is he in favor of the NC Marriage Amendment (The county issues marriage licenses)? I am
6. Does he support the 287G County program that identifies and deports illegals (the County controls the Jail)? I am
7. Does he plan on supporting a refunding of the local PBS station he is an advocate for. If elected would be given tax dollars to PBS from the County budget"? I will NOT
So lets find out what Mr. Driggs believes and why he holds those positions. I am confident that once those are outlined, Mr Driggs himself will have to conclude that he is a liberal unsuited for District 6.
The GOP Voters in District 6 want a CONSERVATIVE - not someone who gets pats on the head from liberals outside the district and refuses to take a stand. Along the way this evening Mr. Driggs repeatedly said that the Mayor of Matthews supported him which is not true. I contacted the Mayor of Matthews, Jim Taylor, this evening who when asked said:
"You can state that I support your re-election if you think it will help. You have always been a supporter for Matthews and all the towns for that matter. " (e-mail dated 2-16-2012)
Perhaps a miscommunication by Ed's Campaign Manager.
Onward. If you want to help the Bill James Campaign visit http://billjames.org
Bill James
County Commission
District 6
Twitter: @meckcommish
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Web site: http://billjames.org
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