2026 Democratic Ballot: US Senate

WEBVTT
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Hello friends, thanks for joining me in the NC Deep Dive.
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I'm your host, Amanda Benbow Lunn, and we are in the thick of the 2026 primary election season.
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Early voting starts in less than a week on Thursday, February 12th, with election day being Tuesday, March 3rd.
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When you go to vote, you will be handed a ballot based on your address and your party affiliation.
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If you are unaffiliated, sometimes also referred here as independent, then you will have your choice of which party's ballot you would like to vote.
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Please note that you are only able to cast one ballot, and that there are no primary ballots for the Libertarian, Green, or No Labels parties.
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Moreover, candidates for the general election in November who do not have a primary challenger will not appear on your primary ballot.
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They get a pass directly to the general election.
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Due to time constraints and the plethora of candidates, and my belief that having as much information as possible is of vast importance, this primary election segment will consist of me covering one race at a time and going over each candidate's website and what I can find in a simple Google search in case it's easier for you to take the information in this way.
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I'll also be reading over the answers they gave if they submitted any responses to our 2026 voters' guide questionnaire.
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If you are short on time, you can check out our NC Deep Dive Voter Guide for the 2026 primary election found pinned to our Facebook page or in this episode's show notes at www.ncdeepdive.com.
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It will be an easy way to access each candidate's website and research the candidates on your own if that is a better use of your time.
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Without further ado, friends, let's dive in.
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For this episode, we're delving into the Democratic ballot and covering the U.S.
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Senate race.
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The candidates are as follows Daryl Farrow, Justin E.
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Dues, Roy Cooper, Robert Colon, Marcus W.
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Williams, and Orrick Quick.
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I'll start from the top, go through and let you know what's on their websites and information that I can find online about them in a general Google search, along with if they answered any of our questions for our 2026 voters' guide.
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So to start off with, we have Daryl Farrow.
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He does not have a website that I could find online.
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The only thing that really pops up in a Google search is Ballotpedia, and it just says that he's running for election for U.S.
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Senate to represent North Carolina.
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He's on the ballot in the Democratic primary on March 3rd.
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He did run for a race in 2020 for the U.S.
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House of North Carolina for District 3.
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He lost that race with 36.6% of the vote.
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He did not answer any of Ballotpedia's questions.
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And his campaign finance summary just has for his 2020 race and says that he had zero contributions and no applicable expenditures.
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Moving on to Justin E.
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Dues, his website, justicewithdues.org, says ethics plus morals times people over party equals a more perfect union.
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Justin E.
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Dues, working class fighter for U.S.
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Senate.
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Top priority equals affordability.
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Wages to $30 per hour by 2030.
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Healthcare as a human right, taxing billionaires out of existence, punishing corporate greed, busting monopolies, constitutional amendment to end gerrymandering, overturn Citizens United, add term limits.
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He has a graph there for NC's unaffiliated voter power, with them having the majority of registered voters, falling behind the rest of the world.
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There are two graphs.
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One that says living less and shows that the US ranks lowest in life expectancy out of a few different countries that are Monaco, Singapore, Japan, and Canada, and earning less with Canada, Russia, China, and Haiti beating the US, but we are ahead of Mexico.
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How to save democracy.
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Start by calling out unethical politics, says Dark Money Puppets in Congress, written by Justin Dews.
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Introduction: The Shadow That Controls the Stage.
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When registered voters head to the booth, they're often hoping to shape the futures and the generations that follow.
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Yet underneath a darker force, untraceable money often determines the outcome.
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Unfortunately, this was not something our founders foresaw that one day PACs, think tanks, and nonprofits would pour billions in dark money to flood elections, that there would be no transparency on who's paying or what they want in return.
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This is our current status in 2026, where corporations and billionaires wield influence far beyond their vote.
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The power of this dark money is at such a scale now that it's shaping legislation, blocking reform, and capturing politicians through donations and lobbying.
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From fossil fuel subsidies to pharmaceutical price protections, too many policies serve profits over people, and voters are left wondering why change never comes.
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Money in politics will continue to threaten democracy unless we do something about it.
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With floodgates open over the last 15 years, wealthy corporations, individuals, and special interests bent both parties to their will.
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Political campaigns now resemble a race to see who can beg for the most money, meaning voices of everyday citizens are drowned out by cash.
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For historical context, this isn't how American democracy was designed.
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For much of the 20th century, campaign finance was tightly regulated.
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That changed dramatically with the 2010 Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United versus FEC, which unleashed unlimited corporate political spending under the guise of free speech.
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Since then, the rise of dark money groups and mega donors has drowned out individual voices.
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Meanwhile, the lobbying industry has ballooned into a $4 billion powerhouse, with former lawmakers and corporate lawyers writing laws behind closed doors.
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The result is a political system increasingly for sale.
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Citizens United didn't just open Pandora's box, it unleashed a tsunami of corporate influence, washing away the notion of government for the people, by the people, and transforming it into a playground for the wealthy elite.
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America does not suffer from a lack of patriotism.
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It suffers from a lack of humility in the halls of power.
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You can feel it in your wallet and your workplace.
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Big pharma lobbyists protect drug monopolies.
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Energy giants delay climate action, and tech firms block data privacy laws.
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This is corporate influence controlling Congress.
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Americans pay more, work harder, and see less, continually frustrated that Washington doesn't seem to work for them.
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The gap between what the people want and what Congress delivers is purchased gridlock.
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Core issues and reform proposals.
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Issue equals unlimited political spending by corporations and billionaires can give unlimited amounts through loopholes.
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Reform equals overturn Citizens United and pass a constitutional amendment to allow limits on corporate political spending.
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Issue lack of transparency by dark money groups that hide donor identities from the public.
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Reform equals real-time transparency that requires disclosure of all donations over $200 within 48 hours.
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Issue equals lobbying industry power that allow former lawmakers and corporate insiders to dominate lawmaking.
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Reform equals lobbying bans that prohibit members of Congress from becoming lobbyists for at least 10 years.
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Issue equals pay-to-play culture where donations often buy access, influence, or even legislation.
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Reform equals ban corporate PACs and end direct corporate funding of campaigns and third-party spending groups.
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Issue equals voter disillusionment and public trust erodes as government appears rigged for the wealthy.
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Reform equals public campaign financing that offers small donor matching programs to elevate everyday voices.
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What we can do now, these issues should be a clear warning sign to the founding principles of representative government, where the size of one's wallet outweighs the strength of one's convictions.
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To do that, aside from overturning Citizens United here and now, near-term and long-term possible solutions with enforceable rules, real penalties, and zero loopholes.
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Total ban on individual stock trading by members, spouses, and children.
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Members may hold a U.S.
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Treasury Sex Securities and B broad-based low-fee diversified funds like a total market or an SP 500 index.
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Mechanics and enforcement include a 30-day divestiture window after taking office into a qualified blind trust run by a court-approved fiduciary, criminal penalties for violations, felony insider trading standard, and automatic disgorgement of profits plus trouble damages.
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SEC plus DOJ, joint jurisdiction, house slash Senate ethics must refer within 14 days of credible complaint.
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Real-time public dashboard showing each member's compliance status.
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Missed filings trigger automatic fines.
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No member of Congress, spouse or dependent shall directly or beneficially own or transact in any individual equity option, crypto token, or sector specific fund.
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NASCAR level donor transparency.
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You shouldn't need a PhD to know who owns your representatives.
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Sports figured this out decades ago.
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Mechanics and enforcement mandate the top 10 funding sources.
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PACs, bundled donors, dark money, pass-throughs traceable to a source, and top industry categories must be visibly displayed wherever members appear in official capacities, on a nameplate patch in chamber or committee, and prominently on official websites, newsletters, and hearing placards.
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Quarterly updates with machine readable data sets, $5,000 a day fines for noncompliance, loss of committee voting after 30 days delinquent to address compelled speech objections, tie it to access to official platforms like floor speaking time, committee questioning, official mail privilege, you want the microphone, where the disclosures.
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Near term.
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Corporate lobbying ban.
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Banning corporate lobbying by for-profit corporations and their controlled entities.
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Allowed.
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Testimony in public hearings, written comments on rules and participation in multi-stakeholder advisory processes on the record.
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Not allowed.
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Paid private for-profit lobbying communications or indirect lobbying via trade associations.
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Enforcement.
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DOJ public integrity plus mandatory lobbyist registry audits.
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Violation equals corporate felony, triple damages on contracts slash benefits gained.
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Revolving door cooldown.
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10-year cooling off period for members and their chiefs of staff from any paid lobbying slash strategic advisory work aimed at Congress or agencies.
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Lifetime ban on lobbying for any entity that benefited from a program the member directly authored or that appeared in the member's committee's jurisdiction in the prior four years.
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Three open books rule.
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Open calendars, all member slash committee meetings posted within 72 hours with attendees, topics, and materials, security-sensitive redactions allowed with IG sign off.
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Open contracts, any federal contract greater than $100,000, posted with plain English summary, scoring sheets, and bidder list.
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Open drafts.
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Legislative text and amendment redlines posted 72 hours before any vote.
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Long-term constitutional amendments.
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Section 1, term limits for Congress.
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House, six terms, 12 years lifetime.
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Senate, two terms, 12 years lifetime.
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Partial terms greater than two years count as full, with Section 2 being anti-gerrymandering for fair maps, not safe seats.
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Nonpartisan, independent commissions shall draw all congressional districts.
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Required criteria: equal population, contiguity, compactness, respect for political boundaries, preservation of communities of interest, and partisan fairness measured via accepted metrics such as efficiency gap slash mean median.
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Explicit ban on intentional partisan advantage.
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Fast track judicial review with special masters authorized to impose maps if commissions or legislatures fail.
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No federal court abstention.
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Section 3.
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Overturn Citizens United.
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To overturn Citizens United, we need a constitutional amendment to limit money in politics.
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This would allow Congress to set rules on campaign spending and end the idea that corporations have the same free speech rights as people when donating.
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It puts power back into the hands of voters, not billionaires.
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It goes gutted, reversed, overturned, if not locked in.
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Every reform era in American history, from trust busting in the early 1900s, post-depression, bank rules in the 1930s, Watergate ethics laws in the 1970s, to post-2008 financial reforms, was followed by relentless industry pressure and court decisions that nibbled, then devoured the safeguards.
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Without constitutional foundations and self-executing triggers like automatic fines, automatic pay reductions, automatic prosecution referrals, the next wave of lobbyists and donors will whittle new legislation down to a press release.
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So we must code the guardrails into text to weaponize transparency and criminalize the grift.
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Then stop pretending that disclosure alone is enough and ban the behavior that breeds corruption in the first place.
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We the people is not a slogan.
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It's a standard.
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A Congress that can day trade defense stocks, hide who bought their last fundraiser, carve their own voters, and float seamlessly into seven-figure lobbying gigs does not represent we the people.
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The promise of democracy is one person, one vote, not one dollar, one law.
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We can't fix healthcare, climate change, or the economy until we fix who Congress listens to.
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So it is time to drag dark money into the light and cut the corporate strings.
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What can you do?
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Support candidates who reject PAC money, share the truth about dark money, demand disclosure laws and lobbyist bans, organize and volunteer where you can.
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Real reform starts with informed citizens refusing to be sold out.
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Every problem has a solution.
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There are tabs for a path to $30 per hour by 2030, Healthcare is a birthright, tax the rich, Wall Street Scam, Housing Crisis 2.0, Parasitic Gerrymandering, Forever War Profiteering, Dark Money Puppets in Congress, Human Evolution 2.0, Roy Cooper's 40-year report card, climate change and national service, no human is illegal, a bill of data rights for the 21st century, corporate tax dodgers, capitalism from slavery to subscriptions, up to 25% of the animal kingdom show LG TBQ traits, MAGA equals Made America Gilded Again, Echoes of a Genocide.
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And each of these goes to an article that he has written.
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I won't read into them as that would be quite lengthy, but if you are interested, he goes into plenty depth of all these topics, his plans for various problems and their solutions.
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His website says Be the Change, and there's a video for Justin Edu's working class fighter for the NC Senate.
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Let's work together.
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Interested in working together, you can fill out some info, host your candidate, a listening session to get to know the candidate, sign up for campaign updates and statements, or volunteer for the campaign.
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North Carolina 2026 elections, voter dates and deadlines.
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He has voter registration.
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February 6th was the voter registration deadline.
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Early voting starts on the 12th.
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Absentee ballot request deadline is February 17th.
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In-person early voting ends on February 28th at 3 p.m.
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There's a link for your sample ballot and find out where you can vote on election day, which is March 3rd, 2026.
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And the absentee ballot return deadline is 7:30 p.m.
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on that same day.
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Why I'm running, similar to why I joined the Marine Corps to serve.
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Number one, anti-corruption.
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We need term limits, removal of dark money, and lobbying from the system, nonpartisan primaries or ranked choice voting options, etc.
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Number two, level the playing field for the average American worker.
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The federal budget rests more on the backs of individual earners than it does on the backs of wealthy corporations.
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It's due time that changes.
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Number three, updates to American democracy, universal health care, education reform and expansion, immigration reform, and data privacy.
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John F.
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Kennedy, 1962.
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The time to repair the roof is while the sun is shining.
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There is a tab for Project 2030 that says we can do better.
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Democracy is not a spectator sport.
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Project 2030 Act, a working class antidote to Project 2025, a policy roadmap, legislative action for our country and species.
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Each is a piece of the puzzle towards a more perfect union.
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A equals affordability, C equals corruption, T equals together.
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Act one equals affordability.
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It goes back into the problems he listed and the solutions that he has.
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Act two equals ending corruption.
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There are more articles that he has here, like two-party stranglehold, how to steal an election, term limits in, dark money's out, tax the rich.
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To ensure democracy is not sold, remove these.
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Gerrymandering, overturn citizens united, corporate lobbying, and add these.
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Term limits, election day as a national holiday, nonpartisan primaries, ranked choice voting.
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Act three equals together.
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There are more articles that include immigration reform, climate change, climate solutions, public education reform, and others.
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It's not left versus right.
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It's the United Corporations against the working class.
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Here are concrete things that we can fight for.
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One, Glass de Gaulle reinstituted.
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Passed in 1933, this act prevented commercial banks from engaging in activities of investment banks, repealed in 1999 by Clinton.
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Two, repeal the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and reinstitute the limits on media market ownership and the cross ownership of stations in the same market.
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Three, ban corporate lobbying straight and simple.
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Four, utilize Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 to break up monopolies and ensure competition in the marketplace.
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Five, utilize Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914 to protect workers who strike and to protect the market from price gouging and other unfair pricing action.
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7.
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Ban corporations from residential property.
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We fought back before.
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Let's do it again.
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How you ask?
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What we can do about gerrymandering.
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End partisan gerrymandering by giving map drawing power to independent commissions instead of politicians.
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Use clear, fair rules that prioritize communities and equal representation.
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Add transparency and public input to keep it honest and accountable.
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How to remove dark money?
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To overturn Citizens United, we need a constitutional amendment to limit money in politics.
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This would allow Congress to set rules on campaign spending and end the idea that corporations have the same free speech rights as people when donating.
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It puts power back into the hands of voters.
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How to remove corporate lobbying?
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To remove corporate lobbying, we need strict laws that ban or heavily limit paid lobbying by corporations.
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Close the revolving door between Congress and lobbying jobs, require full transparency on meetings and money spent, and empower public interest advocacy instead.
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The goal.
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Policy shaped by people, not profits.
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How do we add term limits for Congress?
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To add term limits to Congress, we need a constitutional amendment setting a maximum number of terms for House and Senate members.
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This keeps fresh voices in office, reduces career politicians, and helps prevent corruption.
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It can be passed by Congress or through a convention of states, then ratified by 38 states.
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How to make Election Day a national holiday?
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To make Election Day a national holiday, Congress must pass legislation designating it as such.
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For instance, the Election Day Holiday Act of 2024 proposes to establish the Election Day as a legal public holiday.
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This change aims to increase voter turnout by giving more Americans time to vote without work conflicts.
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However, the bill must pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by the president to become law.
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How to save open primaries.
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To make primaries nonpartisans, state would need to adopt a system like a top two or ranked choice primary.
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In this setup, all candidates run in one primary regardless of party, and all voters can participate.
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The top candidates then move to the general election.
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States can change this through legislation or ballot initiatives, giving voters more choice and reducing party control.
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Meet Justin.
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A quick intro to Justin.
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Father of four, working two full-time jobs.
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Marine Corps squad leader 2003 to 2012, veteran of OIF and OEF that will stand up to forever wars, proxy wars, and DOD waste hidden under the pretense of supporting the troops.
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Unbuyable.
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Fighting to overturn Citizens United will not accept corporate or PAC money.
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Lifelong public servant with humility, courage, honesty, integrity, faith in the scientific method.
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Childhood, 1985 to 2003.
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Born in 1985 as the youngest of four in a small town, Ohio, Selena.
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Lost my mother to skin cancer when I was five, ingraining in my mind the fragility of life, but also the gratitude for each new day.
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I remember spending summers at my grandmother's dairy farm helping out with baling hay, driving tractor, and messing around with the electric fence.
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My father is a welder/slash fabricator that started his own company, Duesway, Inc., where I started working at 13, scrubbing toilets, taking out trash, and sweeping floors.
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Long story short, I learned at a young age the value of a sound work ethic.
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When 9-11 occurred, a seed of service or desire to help others was planted in my heart.
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Marine Corps Service, 2003 to 2012, enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2003, shortly after graduating high school, with eyes set on protecting and defending our nation from what at the time was called a global war on terror.
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Leaving home and popping my bubble via military service opened my mind in so many new ways.
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From the relationships and the bonds forged with people from all over the world to experiencing humanitarian operations and getting to help people, although we were trained to fight, showed me that we were all just human, often looking for the same things food, shelter, and belonging.
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Shared misery and shared sacrifice form strong bonds just as powerful as family.
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I took great pride, as I hope you can see in the video below, in my service.
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I also saw rampant fraud, waste, and abuse by the DoD, opening my eyes to Hidden and an exploited pretense of supporting our troops.
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This blind patriotism is supporting unethical private for-profit defense contractors like Raytheon, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman, to name a few.
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Not only have they been war profiteering, but our society's love affair with military service has a tally in lives lost that only continues to grow by each new generation we ship off.
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The men that I know who have died in service to our country are the best men I have ever met or known.
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So why do we keep repeating this?
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We are the first civilization alive with the technology and knowledge to do better.
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Imagine the impact some of these men or women could have had when they returned to their community, to their homes and families.
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Yet we will never know because their lives were cut short in combat or training for it.
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After starting my own family during enlistment and missing several milestones due to deployments, I decided to leave active service to concentrate on raising good kids and pursuing my education, the business world, 2012 to 2024.
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All businesses are not created equal.
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What we are seeing in the US right now is capitalism without competition, also known as exploitation.
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I have been a part of small family-owned businesses, large corporate behemoths, helped dozens of folks start their own company, and in 2019, I formed my own medical device startup.
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After finishing my MBA at UNC Charlotte in 2018, I was inspired to create a safe wearable to address injuries sustained during service that would replace the use of opioids for pain management.
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What I have learned along the way is that if you value profits above all else, which may be ideal for ownership, is that everyone else's purpose, passion, and happiness is left in the dust.
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We can do better.
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The constant chasing of money has hollowed out various sectors of our economy, hurting the average American worker while benefiting an elite few and redistributing wealth from the bottom 90% to the top 10% over the past 40 plus years.
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The tax burden has shifted from American corporations to American workers, and corporate greed has all but made the American dream out of reach.
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I want to right those wrongs.
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The political arena from 2024 to present.
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Similar to why I joined the Marine Corps, I feel a call to serve.
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I was taught to always leave a place better than I found it.
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And we can agree that our political system has some structural issues and is not fulfilling its duty.
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That's why I'm running.
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If I can make any positive impact to remove corruption from the political process that both sides are guilty of, then I'll know my children in future generations can live in a society that cooperates and works together.
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I want to help people, and I believe this is a chance for me to do so.
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I don't plan to be a normal politician.
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The thought of asking for money makes me cringe.
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I'm for a constitutional amendment to make gerrymandering illegal, an end to corporate lobbying, moving to nonpartisan primaries so you don't have to be an extremist to get it to the general election, adding term limits to Congress, reversing the harmful Citizens United decision that allows extreme dark money to flood our political arena.
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Servant leadership.
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A decade in the Marine Corps revealed the fraud, waste, and abuse hidden behind the $1 trillion DoD budget.
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War is profitable, which is why we see endless conflict around the world.
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I'm about as anti-war as it gets now that I've seen the opposite side and too many friends come home in caskets.
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Democracy is not a spectator sport.
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All it takes for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing.
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Get to know Justin.
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There are guiding philosophies, don't suffer imagine troubles.
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He who suffers before necessary suffers more than necessary.
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Never complain.
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Trust the process, step by step, persistence over the long haul.
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Don't have an opinion on everything.
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The world is under no obligation to make you happy or make sense to you.
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Don't be all about business.
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Laugh and love often.
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There are some favorite quotes, one of which is the meaning of life is to find your gift, the purpose of life is to give it away by Pablo Picasso.
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He lists some greatest joys being a father, learning new things, growing as a person, mentally, emotionally, and physically, and making people laugh.
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Who do I look up to?
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General Philosophy, Aristotle, Marcus Aurelis, Epictectus, Purpose of Life, Gandhi, Picasso, Teddy Roosevelt, Political Accomplishment.
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Lincoln, FDR, Churchill, JFK, Scientific Perspective, Carl Sagan, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Bill Nye.
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There's a contact page if you have general or press inquiries, if you want to join the fight for working class, reach out about volunteer opportunities.
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They're always looking for fellow Americans who can spread their message of peace and optimism.
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And then there's a sign up or donate tab.
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He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.
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Muhammad Ali.
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I'd rather have your vote and support than your money.
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But if you are so inclined to donate, it is greatly appreciated.
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And that is his website.
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Generic Google search pulls up his ballotpedia.
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He is running for election for the U.S.
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Senate to represent North Carolina.
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He'll be on the Democratic ballot, a primary on March 3rd.
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Justin Dews was born in Coldwater, Ohio.
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He served in the U.S.
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Marine Corps from 2003 to 2012.
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His career experience includes working as an educator and business owner.
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In 2024, is when he ran for U.S.
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House for North Carolina in District 8.
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He lost that vote with 40.4% of the vote.
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He did not fill out the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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His campaign finance for 2026, which data from this year may not be complete.
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So far, he has zero dollars in contributions and his expenditures are not applicable.
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He did fill out our voter's guide for the NC Deep Dive podcast.
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Question number one: experience and preparation.
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Which part of your background best prepares you for this role and what aspects of the job would be new for you?
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My background is a mix of public service, leadership under pressure, and real-world economics.
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I was a Marine Corps infantry squad leader 2003 to 2012, an OIFOEF veteran, and I've spent my civilian career working across a mix of small businesses, large corporate environments, and the startup ecosystem after earning my MBA at UNC Charlotte.
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Despite leading Marines and companies, I have not held elected office, and federal legislative procedure would be new territory.
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I truly enjoy learning and have been known as a quick study and am passionate about how politics and legislation can be used for the greater good.
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I'm honest about what I don't know and I'm ready to do the work.
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Top priority if elected, what is the first issue you would focus on and how would it directly affect the people in North Carolina?
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First issue, affordability, because it drives everything else, including housing, healthcare, family stability.
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It's explicitly my top priority.
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What I would do first, introduce slash support and affordability first package anchored by a phased path to $30 per hour by 2030, structured so large corporations pay the bill and small to mid-sized businesses aren't collateral damage.
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Direct effect in North Carolina.
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More take home pay per capita, less workforce churn, stronger local spending at Main Street businesses, far fewer families one bill away from a financial crisis.
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Number three, decision making.
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When deciding how to vote, how do you weigh party positions, constituent input, policy outcomes, and what is politically achievable?
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My standard is people over party.
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I weigh decisions in this order.
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One, facts, evidence, and science.
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Two, constituent impact.
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Does it lead to an ethical and moral outcome?
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Does it help the greater good?
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Three, policy outcomes.
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What will measurably improve affordability, health, and opportunity?
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Four, political achievability.
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Although I won't let what's convenient replace what's right.
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Four, redline non-negotiable principle.
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What is one issue or principle you would not compromise on, even under political pressure?
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I will not compromise on anti-corruption issues.
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I will not take corporate PAC dark money.
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And I will fight to dismantle the systems that keep policy and elected officials for sale, including Citizens United, gerrymandering, lack of term limits, and corporate lobbying.
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5.
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Independence and representation.
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When would you say no to party leadership, donors, or advocacy groups in order to best represent your constituents?
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He says, I will proudly say no to anyone anytime their demand conflicts with affordability, outcomes for working families, anti-corruption commitments, including term limits, gerrymandering, no corporate pack dark money, end to corporate lobbying, and evidence-based policy, science and facts over messaging.
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Six, concrete example, can you describe a specific local or practical problem in North Carolina and explain how your approach would differ from current efforts?
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A practical problem North Carolinians feel is that starter homes are increasingly competing with corporate slash investor buyers, which reduces the number of homes available to owner occupants and can push up both prices and rents.
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Using deed data that's intended to capture buy and hold corporate investor activity, investors bought about 12% of North Carolina homes sold in 2023 and about 14% in 2024.
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In my opinion, residential homes are for families, not corporations.
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How my approach differs.
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I support turning that frustration into enforceable federal policy, getting private equity and big corporations out of private residential property.
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I'd support legislation already introduced among other measures like a national jobs program that builds more inventory, not just calling out the problem and saying we need affordability, but introducing specific policy mechanisms that change incentives and behavior and lead to creative new solutions.
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House Resolution 1745, Hope for Home Ownership Act, uses tax pressure to push certain hedge funds to dispose of ownership of single family homes.
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House Resolution 3214, Home Act of 2025, empowers HUD to investigate and respond to unreasonable housing pricing.
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Number seven, how should voters hold you accountable if they feel you are not representing their interest?
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Voters should hold me accountable through all means possible.
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Call me, text, email, sit down and chat.
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I want to be accountable only to the people, not donors.
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I will publish explanations for major votes and what outcome I expect.
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If elected, I'd love to host regular listening sessions and keep constituent access central to the role.
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If voters believe I'm not representing them, they should tell me why, as everyone knows something you don't.
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I'm never opposed to updating my stance when provided new data or information.
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If that doesn't work, I'd say to organize, show up, and replace me, because one of my favorite lines is democracy is not a spectator sport.
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8.
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Learn more.
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How can voters learn more about you, your values, and your priorities beyond a campaign slogan or endorsement?
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The best way to learn about me is to read what I've laid out on the campaign website.
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He mentions Project 2030, Act, Affordability, Anti-Corruption Together, the policy pages under Solutions for Everything, including wages, housing, healthcare, anti-corruption, and Meet Justin, including service work, philosophy, and why I'm running.
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Nothing else really showed up on the Google search beyond just regular election details and social media.
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Next on our list of who will be on the Democratic ballot for the U.S.
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Senate is Roy Cooper.
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On his website, there is a link where you can donate for him.
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It says fighting for North Carolina, you can join the team.
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For too many Americans, the middle class feels like a distant dream.
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Meanwhile, the biggest corporations and the richest Americans have grabbed unimaginable wealth at your expense.
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I'm running for Senate because it's time for that to change.
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And there is a video You can meet Roy Cooper.
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As governor, Roy Cooper led North Carolina to be one of the fastest growing states in the nation with good quality of life, a strong education system, more healthcare coverage, and better paying jobs.
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The state was named the best state for business three of the past four years.
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Cooper was born and raised in Nash County, North Carolina, where he attended public schools and worked summers on the farm before earning undergraduate and law degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
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He represented everyday people and small businesses while practicing law in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, where he and his wife Kristen raised three daughters.
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His mother was a public school teacher, which helped cement his deep commitment to public education.
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For years, he taught Sunday school and tutored students in local public schools.
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Cooper entered public service after being elected to the legislature, where he worked to raise teacher pay and strengthen law enforcement, and wrote North Carolina's first children's health insurance initiative.
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After being elected Attorney General, Cooper prosecuted criminals, protected North Carolina families, small businesses, and seniors for four consecutive terms.
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He oversaw a sharp decrease in crime and fought for consumers by putting scammers and predatory lenders out of business and standing up to the drug companies and big banks, getting billions of dollars back to North Carolinians.
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Elected governor in 2016 and re-elected in 2020, both years that Donald Trump carried North Carolina, Cooper's mission was to ensure that all North Carolinians had the opportunity to be better educated, healthier, and more prosperous for generations to come.
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Governor Cooper worked to create thousands of new jobs and worked with members of both parties to enact hundreds of bipartisan bills.
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He succeeded in getting a bipartisan agreement to expand Medicaid, which in early 2025 has already brought health care to more than 650,000 North Carolinians.
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He enacted a plan to incentivize hospitals to relieve more than 4 billion of existing medical debt for 2 million eligible North Carolinians and prevent new debt.
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He also focused on boosting public education, tackling the opioid crisis, revitalizing rural communities, and making sure North Carolinians have the trainings to fill the better paying jobs that require new skills.
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Governor Cooper believes that if we work together, we can build a North Carolina that works for everyone.
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He does have Facebook, Instagram, X, Blue Sky, TikTok, and Flickr.
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There's a tab for get involved.
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These are not ordinary times.
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What's going on is wrong, and I've had enough.
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Even now, I still believe our best days are ahead, but I need you with us.
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Together we can win this race and get America back on track.
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There's a button where you can make a contribution.
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What's good for North Carolina is good for America.
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The first step to the Senate majority starts right here in North Carolina.
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Make a contribution today to send Roy Cooper to the U.S.
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Senate.
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Volunteer.
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Races are often won face-to-face, door-to-door, neighbor to neighbor.
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We can't win this fight without you.
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Sign up to volunteer now.
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There is also a link to a store where you can buy various merchandise.
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All proceeds go to supporting Roy Cooper for North Carolina.
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There are various sweatshirts, hats, hoodies, stickers, bumper stickers, retro t-shirts, and the like.
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And that is the entirety of his website.
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Nothing untoward was found on a Google search for him.
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He does have a Wikipedia page.
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A lot of what I've read from his website is on there.
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Ballot Pedia comes up that he's running for election to the U.S.
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Senate to represent North Carolina.
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He's on the ballot for the Democratic Party on March 3rd.
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Cooper of the Democratic Party was governor of North Carolina.
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He assumed office on January 1st, 2017.
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He left office on January 1st, 2025.
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Cooper was term-limited and could not run again for governor.
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During his final year in the position, WRAL News Deborah Morgan and Will Duran said Cooper's two terms as governor have been largely defined by the antagonistic relationship between him and the Republican-led General Assembly.
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He won the battle over Medicaid expansion, but has seen plenty of losses too, on issues like stricter abortion laws, looser gun laws, and massive corporate tax cuts.
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Key GOP priorities that Cooper and Democratic legislators failed to stop.
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Cooper said when I got elected, we were in the culture war battlefield of the bathroom bill, and people were leaving North Carolina.
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Now we have record numbers of jobs.
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We've been first in business for two years in a row across the county.
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My warning to people is that we won't continue to be first in business if we become last in education.
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Cooper was born and raised in Nashville, North Carolina.
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He received a bachelor's degree from UNC Chapel Hill in 1979 and went on to receive his law degree from the same school in 1982.
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Cooper joined his family's law firm out of college and practiced for the next 18 years.
00:37:32.400 --> 00:37:41.119
Before becoming governor in 2017, Cooper served a variety of elected roles in state government, beginning with the North Carolina House of Representatives in 1986.
00:37:41.119 --> 00:37:47.039
In 1991, then Governor Jim Martin, Republican, appointed Cooper to the North Carolina State Senate.
00:37:47.039 --> 00:37:49.920
Cooper was elected majority leader in 1997.
00:37:49.920 --> 00:37:56.719
In 2000, Cooper ran for North Carolina Attorney General, defeating Dan Boyce with 51.2% of the vote.
00:37:56.719 --> 00:37:58.400
He was re-elected four times.
00:37:58.400 --> 00:38:08.559
Cooper ran for governor in 2016, challenging incumbent Governor Pat McCrory, and what Cook political analyst Jennifer Duffy said was among the most closely fought in the country.
00:38:08.559 --> 00:38:17.599
Cooper said the truth is Governor McCrory has the wrong priorities for North Carolina, giving away the store for those at the top at the expense of the middle class in our schools.
00:38:17.599 --> 00:38:25.360
House Bill 2, which prohibited transgender individuals in the state from using a bathroom that does not match their gender at birth, was an issue in the race.
00:38:25.360 --> 00:38:31.280
McCrory signed House Bill 2 on March 23rd, 2016, and opponents immediately sued the state.
00:38:31.280 --> 00:38:34.079
Cooper, as attorney general, said he would not defend the law.
00:38:34.079 --> 00:38:38.559
Not only is this new law a national embarrassment, it will set North Carolina's economy back.
00:38:38.559 --> 00:38:47.280
Cooper defeated McCrory 49.02%, 48.8%, breaking the state's Republican trifecta for the first time since 2012.
00:38:47.280 --> 00:38:51.519
Libertarian candidate Lon Vernon Cecil won 2.2% of the vote.
00:38:51.519 --> 00:38:58.079
North Carolina was the only state in 2016 to vote for a Republican presidential candidate and a Democratic governor.
00:38:58.079 --> 00:39:03.440
Before elected office, Cooper was appointed by Governor Jim Hunt to the State Goals and Policy Board.
00:39:03.440 --> 00:39:11.679
He also worked for his family law firm, Fields Cooper, as an attorney specializing in civil suits, personal injury cases, and insurance defense.
00:39:11.679 --> 00:39:17.920
He then served in the North Carolina State Legislature from 1987 until becoming Attorney General in 2001.
00:39:17.920 --> 00:39:21.039
He served in that role until becoming governor in 2017.
00:39:21.039 --> 00:39:28.719
So he's held office as the governor of North Carolina, the North Carolina Attorney General, North Carolina State Senate, and the North Carolina House of Representatives.
00:39:28.719 --> 00:39:37.599
He did not fill out the candidate connection Ballopedia survey responses, nor our voter's guide for the 2026 primary for the NC Deep Dive.
00:39:37.599 --> 00:39:45.920
His campaign finance summary for the year of 2026, which there's an asterisk that says totals above reflect only available data.
00:39:45.920 --> 00:39:59.599
His contributions that he's received is $17,979,856, and he's spent only $5,610,562.
00:39:59.599 --> 00:40:09.039
There was an article that I found online that says he dramatically outfundraised his competitors for the North Carolina's open U.S.
00:40:09.039 --> 00:40:09.599
Senate seat.
00:40:09.599 --> 00:40:16.800
Cooper, a Democrat, brought in nearly $18 million since entering the race last July, according to campaign finance documents.
00:40:16.800 --> 00:40:22.320
He broke records when he raised $3.4 million during the first 24 hours of his campaign.
00:40:22.320 --> 00:40:25.440
And this article was written on February 2nd of this year.
00:40:25.440 --> 00:40:29.599
The title is Cooper Reports Sizable Lead in Fundraising for 2026 U.S.
00:40:29.599 --> 00:40:30.400
Senate race.
00:40:30.400 --> 00:40:40.400
After spending about 5.6 million, Cooper is left with $12.3 million in his war chest, a substantial haul ahead of what's expected to be one of the country's most competitive races in November.
00:40:40.400 --> 00:40:46.639
North Carolina will be in the spotlight as Democrats aim to flip a seat in a state that's voted three times for President Donald Trump.
00:40:46.639 --> 00:40:52.480
With incumbent Senator Tom Tillis opting not to seek re-election, the open seat has drawn plenty of attention and money.
00:40:52.480 --> 00:40:56.719
Democrats consider it one of their best pickup opportunities this election cycle.
00:40:56.719 --> 00:41:04.000
Campaign finance reports detailing fundraising and spending in 2025 were due at the Federal Elections Commission Saturday.
00:41:04.000 --> 00:41:23.519
It says on the GOP side, for comparison, the Republican National Committee Chair Michael Watley raised about 5.2 million in 2025 and he spent about 1.5 million, leaving him with 3.7 million cash in hand compared to the 12.3 million that Roy Cooper has.
00:41:23.519 --> 00:41:32.159
The other Democratic candidates, it says here, have not yet filed their reports with the FEC as of noon Monday for the writing of this article.
00:41:32.159 --> 00:41:35.599
Nothing else major shows up in the Google search.
00:41:35.599 --> 00:41:39.599
The next candidate we'll be discussing that's on the Democratic ballot for U.S.
00:41:39.599 --> 00:41:41.280
Senate is Robert Colon.
00:41:41.280 --> 00:41:47.039
On his website, it says Robert Colon for United States Senator, creating a safer America for everyone.
00:41:47.039 --> 00:41:47.920
Show your support.
00:41:47.920 --> 00:41:49.360
Request a sign today.
00:41:49.360 --> 00:41:52.239
Find out more about Robert Collins' priorities for the Senate.
00:41:52.239 --> 00:41:54.639
See my policy positions and priorities.
00:41:54.639 --> 00:41:56.800
Robert's priorities for Senate.
00:41:56.800 --> 00:41:57.360
Crime.
00:41:57.360 --> 00:41:59.760
Society must deal with criminals properly.
00:41:59.760 --> 00:42:03.599
What works best in large cities may not work as well in small towns.
00:42:03.599 --> 00:42:06.079
Constitutional principles must always guide us.
00:42:06.079 --> 00:42:06.880
Immigration.
00:42:06.880 --> 00:42:08.800
Immigrants should abide by the law.
00:42:08.800 --> 00:42:10.800
Immigration laws should also be fair.
00:42:10.800 --> 00:42:13.599
We should give those who come here hope for a better life.
00:42:13.599 --> 00:42:14.320
Peace.
00:42:14.320 --> 00:42:16.800
America has nothing to gain from another war.
00:42:16.800 --> 00:42:18.320
We should be at peace with the world.
00:42:18.320 --> 00:42:21.599
Our president is to be applauded for his leadership in this area.
00:42:21.599 --> 00:42:22.559
Tax reform.
00:42:22.559 --> 00:42:24.639
The principle of low taxes is sure.
00:42:24.639 --> 00:42:26.000
Government should be frugal.
00:42:26.000 --> 00:42:26.719
Values.
00:42:26.719 --> 00:42:29.840
America is founded on values that we all should defend.
00:42:29.840 --> 00:42:32.719
These values are freedom, justice, and unity.
00:42:32.719 --> 00:42:35.679
Find out more about how to vote for Robert Colon.
00:42:35.679 --> 00:42:38.000
Learn about voting in the Democratic primary.
00:42:38.000 --> 00:42:40.880
There is a link on this page to voting resources.
00:42:40.880 --> 00:42:42.719
The election date is March 3rd.
00:42:42.719 --> 00:42:45.920
The registration deadline is 25 days before the election.
00:42:45.920 --> 00:42:47.519
Day by mail and online.
00:42:47.519 --> 00:42:50.880
Update political party, same process as registering.
00:42:50.880 --> 00:42:57.920
And then he also has a Spanish link that changes the language for everything into Spanish.
00:42:57.920 --> 00:43:07.599
He says, called to serve, I am a family caregiver, community volunteer, and proud Eagle Scout, committed to service, responsibility, and a stronger, more united America.
00:43:07.599 --> 00:43:11.360
I am running for election to bring these ideals to the United States Senate.
00:43:11.360 --> 00:43:13.679
Show your support, request a poster today.
00:43:13.679 --> 00:43:15.280
Your commitment can shape the future.
00:43:15.280 --> 00:43:19.440
Join Robert Colon in advocating for a government that reflects our shared values.
00:43:19.440 --> 00:43:25.760
Request a poster today and support a candidate who puts community first with a link to request the poster.
00:43:25.760 --> 00:43:28.800
That is the totality of his website.
00:43:28.800 --> 00:43:33.599
The only thing that really pulled up for a Google search is his Ballotpedia page.
00:43:33.599 --> 00:43:35.840
He's running for election to the U.S.
00:43:35.840 --> 00:43:37.679
Senate to represent North Carolina.
00:43:37.679 --> 00:43:41.039
He'll be on the ballot for the Democratic primary on March 3rd.
00:43:41.039 --> 00:43:56.239
He does have a history of running in 2022 for the general election for the US Senate for North Carolina, but he lost in the Democratic primary with only 1.1% of the vote.
00:43:56.239 --> 00:44:18.159
He also ran in 2020 for the US House for North Carolina in District 7, and he lost the Democratic primary then as well with 17.3% of the vote.
00:44:18.159 --> 00:44:50.800
He did not fill out any of Ballotpedia's survey questions, but in 2022 he sent in these are the issues I will fight for, promote the positives of globalization to strengthen international ties and free trade, oppose war as a tool for resolving conflicts between peoples, reduce government spending on conventional or atomic weapons of war, remodel the justice system with human dignity and equality at its forefront, safeguard the rights of the accused with fair trials and representation, fight against arbitrary imprisonment and deportation.
00:44:50.800 --> 00:44:53.760
And that was pulled from his website in 2022.
00:44:53.760 --> 00:45:10.239
For the campaign finance summary, there is nothing for this year, but for 2022, it says that his total contributions were $23,601, and his expenditures were the exact same for that $23,601.
00:45:10.239 --> 00:45:14.719
He did fill out our voter's guide for the NC Deep Dive podcast.
00:45:14.719 --> 00:45:16.960
Number one, experience and preparation.
00:45:16.960 --> 00:45:22.000
Which part of your background best prepares you for this role and what aspects of the job would be new for you?
00:45:22.000 --> 00:45:30.639
He responded, My time as a Boy Scout up to becoming an Eagle Scout has given me an understanding of the Constitution, which no doubt would be of use to me in this role.
00:45:30.639 --> 00:45:33.440
What would be new for me are the practical details of the job.
00:45:33.440 --> 00:45:34.639
Two, top priority.
00:45:34.639 --> 00:45:40.079
If elected, what is the first issue you would focus on and how would it directly affect people in North Carolina?
00:45:40.079 --> 00:45:46.960
He said the first issue to consider if I'm elected would be crime, which interferes with the lives and property of people in North Carolina.
00:45:46.960 --> 00:45:48.880
Number three, decision making.
00:45:48.880 --> 00:45:56.480
When deciding how to vote, how do you weigh party positions, constituent input, policy outcomes, and what is politically achievable?
00:45:56.480 --> 00:46:03.119
He said, I put constituents over party and policy over constituents, while keeping politics in view at all times.
00:46:03.119 --> 00:46:05.280
Red line non-negotiable principle.
00:46:05.280 --> 00:46:10.079
What is one issue or principle you would not compromise on, even under political pressure?
00:46:10.079 --> 00:46:14.239
The role of parents in their children's education is a non-negotiable to me.
00:46:14.239 --> 00:46:16.559
Number five, independence and representation.
00:46:16.559 --> 00:46:22.400
When would you say no to party leadership, donors, or advocacy groups in order to best represent your constituents?
00:46:22.400 --> 00:46:26.320
He said, I would say no when what they want from me is unconstitutional.
00:46:26.320 --> 00:46:28.320
Number six, a concrete example.
00:46:28.320 --> 00:46:34.960
Can you describe a specific local or practical problem in North Carolina and how your approach would differ from current efforts?
00:46:34.960 --> 00:46:36.239
He said, public health.
00:46:36.239 --> 00:46:37.920
I would never ban masks.
00:46:37.920 --> 00:46:39.519
Number seven, accountability.
00:46:39.519 --> 00:46:43.760
How should voters hold you accountable if they feel you are not representing their interest?
00:46:43.760 --> 00:46:47.199
He said they should request redress of their grievances.
00:46:47.199 --> 00:46:48.639
Number eight, learn more.
00:46:48.639 --> 00:46:54.320
How can voters learn more about you, your values, and your priorities beyond a campaign slogan or endorsement?
00:46:54.320 --> 00:46:57.760
He said they can learn more at RobertColon for Senate.com.
00:46:57.760 --> 00:47:01.760
The next candidate on the list for the Democratic ballot for the U.S.
00:47:01.760 --> 00:47:03.440
Senate is Marcus W.
00:47:03.440 --> 00:47:04.159
Williams.
00:47:04.159 --> 00:47:06.239
So he is running for U.S.
00:47:06.239 --> 00:47:10.400
Senate now, but his website still says Attorney Marcus W.
00:47:10.400 --> 00:47:11.840
Williams for Governor.
00:47:11.840 --> 00:47:22.800
The site is now exclusively dedicated to providing fundamental and background information as Attorney Williams conducts a 2024 campaign for the Office of Governor of the great state of North Carolina.
00:47:22.800 --> 00:47:26.800
Updated details are available at the social media connections embedded below.
00:47:26.800 --> 00:47:31.679
In our 2016 campaign for North Carolina Attorney General, Attorney Marcus W.
00:47:31.679 --> 00:47:37.599
Williams received nearly 47% of the statewide vote in the Democratic primary of March 15th.
00:47:37.599 --> 00:47:44.960
According to the final statistics of the NC State Board of Elections, Williams garnered 445,524 votes.
00:47:44.960 --> 00:47:48.000
We appreciated the fine support of each voting citizen.
00:47:48.000 --> 00:47:48.480
Thank you.
00:47:48.480 --> 00:47:53.599
There are links for Twitter, or X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
00:47:53.599 --> 00:47:56.880
And then the rest of the website talks about Marcus W.
00:47:56.880 --> 00:47:59.599
Williams for North Carolina Attorney General.
00:47:59.599 --> 00:48:02.960
So none of this has been updated for this election.
00:48:02.960 --> 00:48:08.400
Doing a general Google search, his ballotpedia is really the only thing that pops up.
00:48:08.400 --> 00:48:11.199
It says that he's running for election for the U.S.
00:48:11.199 --> 00:48:12.880
Senate to represent North Carolina.
00:48:12.880 --> 00:48:15.920
He'll be on the ballot for the Democratic primary on March 3rd.
00:48:15.920 --> 00:48:27.360
Williams earned his BA in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1975 and his JD from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1978.
00:48:27.360 --> 00:49:01.599
His professional experience includes working as an attorney at a private practice, as an assistant public defender for the state of North Carolina from 2001 to 2006, and as an executive director for Pennsylvania Legal Services from 1996 to 2000, as an executive director for legal services of the Lower Cape Fear from 1987 to 1996, as an executive director for legal services of the Coastal Plains from 1983 to 1987, and as attorney slash law clerk slash community fellow from Southern Minnesota Regional Services from 1976 to 1983.
00:49:01.599 --> 00:49:09.760
In 2024, he lost in the primary for governor for North Carolina with 5.7% of the vote.
00:49:09.760 --> 00:49:14.480
In 2022, he lost in the Democratic primary for U.S.
00:49:14.480 --> 00:49:18.880
Senate for North Carolina with 2.8% of the vote.
00:49:18.880 --> 00:49:22.800
In 2020, he lost the Democratic primary for U.S.
00:49:22.800 --> 00:49:27.280
House of North Carolina for District 9 with 13% of the vote.
00:49:27.280 --> 00:49:36.000
In 2016, he lost in the Attorney General Democratic primary with 46.6% of the vote.
00:49:36.000 --> 00:49:45.840
In 2014, he lost the Democratic primary for the North Carolina State Senate for District 13 with 27.3% of the vote.
00:49:45.840 --> 00:49:49.760
In 2012, he lost the Democratic primary for the U.S.
00:49:49.760 --> 00:49:54.639
House of Representatives for North Carolina with only 27% of the vote.
00:49:54.639 --> 00:50:00.239
His campaign finance for 2026, keeping in mind the data from this year, may not be complete.
00:50:00.239 --> 00:50:09.760
He has had $1,780 in contributions, and he has also spent that same $1,780 in expenditures.
00:50:09.760 --> 00:50:16.960
He did not fill out the questions for the North Carolina Deep Dive Podcast Voters Guide, but he did send in the following.
00:50:16.960 --> 00:50:40.639
Further, the four community economic development initiatives and work products that have been successfully implemented can best be discerned by the eye of the voter.
00:50:40.639 --> 00:50:43.280
I request that you allow them to speak for me.
00:50:43.280 --> 00:50:52.559
Please access complete background facts and the updated social media platforms via the website www.hurryquake.us.
00:50:52.559 --> 00:51:01.920
That's H-U-R-R-I-Q-U-A-K-E.us, which is the same link that goes to his website that I read a portion of.
00:51:01.920 --> 00:51:05.440
The last candidate that will be on the Democratic ballot for U.S.
00:51:05.440 --> 00:51:07.280
Senate is Orrick Quick.
00:51:07.280 --> 00:51:12.000
Going to his website, it says be part of our launch team, donate today.
00:51:12.000 --> 00:51:17.039
There are tabs for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Blue Sky.
00:51:17.039 --> 00:51:18.639
It says fight back America.
00:51:18.639 --> 00:51:19.679
You can join the team.
00:51:19.679 --> 00:51:28.079
Orrick Quick for North Carolina, a Democrat guided by faith, fighting for working families, protecting life, and bringing principled leadership to Washington.
00:51:28.079 --> 00:51:29.599
Support our campaign today.
00:51:29.599 --> 00:51:30.960
There's a donate now button.
00:51:30.960 --> 00:51:31.679
Meet Orrick.
00:51:31.679 --> 00:51:40.079
As a pastor of New Covenant Church and former co-host of The Preachers on Fox, he has dedicated his life to serving others and bringing people together.
00:51:40.079 --> 00:51:44.880
A proud NC State graduate and winner of the 2024 Great American Speakoff.
00:51:44.880 --> 00:51:50.719
Oric combines his faith, communication skills, and commitment to North Carolina families in his campaign for U.S.
00:51:50.719 --> 00:51:51.119
Senate.
00:51:51.119 --> 00:51:52.639
It says learn more about Orrick.
00:51:52.639 --> 00:51:55.599
Orrick Quick, a servant leader with a heart for the people.
00:51:55.599 --> 00:51:56.719
More than a candidate.
00:51:56.719 --> 00:52:01.679
He is a servant leader, a husband, a father, a pastor, and a relentless advocate for the people.
00:52:01.679 --> 00:52:08.559
With a life story shaped by faith, family, and fearless determination, Orrick represents the kind of leadership America needs.
00:52:08.559 --> 00:52:10.559
Compassionate, principled, and proven.
00:52:10.559 --> 00:52:11.840
Support our campaign.
00:52:11.840 --> 00:52:14.079
A story of faith, resilience, and purpose.
00:52:14.079 --> 00:52:25.599
Born and raised in North Carolina, Orrick graduated from North Carolina State University, where he not only pursued his academic studies, but also played Division I football under legendary head coach Chuck Amato.
00:52:25.599 --> 00:52:34.719
His time on the field taught him the discipline of preparation, the courage to face adversity, and the strength of teamwork, values that have defined his approach to leadership ever since.
00:52:34.719 --> 00:52:40.800
For over 17 years, he has stood faithfully by his wife, raising a strong and beautiful family of four children.
00:52:40.800 --> 00:52:47.599
His unwavering commitment to marriage mirrors his devotion to the people he serves, steadfast, loyal, and grounded in integrity.
00:52:47.599 --> 00:52:55.920
As a pastor of New Covenant Church, Orrick has spent nearly two decades pouring into his community, ministering to both the brokenhearted and the hopeful.
00:52:55.920 --> 00:53:06.800
One of the most defining commitments of his life has been the 13 years he has spent teaching Bible study in a nursing home, showing up week after week loving and honoring those society too often forgets.
00:53:06.800 --> 00:53:08.480
Faith, family, and service.
00:53:08.480 --> 00:53:10.639
At the heart of Orrick's life is his family.
00:53:10.639 --> 00:53:16.079
For 17 years, he and his wife have built a strong marriage rooted in faith and mutual respect.
00:53:16.079 --> 00:53:22.079
Together they are raising four beautiful children who are learning the values of service, integrity, and compassion.
00:53:22.079 --> 00:53:30.320
As pastor of New Covenant Church, Orrick leads by example, showing his children in congregation what it means to serve others with humility and love.
00:53:30.320 --> 00:53:37.039
His family is not just his greatest joy, they are his motivation to fight for policies that strengthen families across North Carolina.
00:53:37.039 --> 00:53:43.119
He said, My family keeps me grounded and reminds me every day why this fight for North Carolina families matters.
00:53:43.119 --> 00:53:45.119
A testament to survival and faith.
00:53:45.119 --> 00:53:47.599
Orrick's very existence is a testimony.
00:53:47.599 --> 00:53:56.880
When his mother was diagnosed with lupus, doctors advised her to abort him, fearing the pregnancy would threaten her life, but his mother chose faith over fear and chose life.
00:53:56.880 --> 00:54:00.239
At five years old, Orrick was hit by a car and left for dead.
00:54:00.239 --> 00:54:07.599
Through his father's relentless prayers and the grace of God, his life was spared and he had to relearn how to walk through painful rehabilitation.
00:54:07.599 --> 00:54:12.719
At eleven years old, he was thrown through the back windshield of a car in a horrific accident.
00:54:12.719 --> 00:54:18.960
In an unforgettable act of strength and faith, his mother lifted the car off of him and declared that he would live.
00:54:18.960 --> 00:54:24.000
That moment led to 13 weeks in a full body cast and again he had to learn how to walk.
00:54:24.000 --> 00:54:34.719
Years later, after both knees snapped and doctors diagnosed a blood clot in his lung, Orrick endured a third journey of physical and spiritual recovery and had to learn how to walk all over again.
00:54:34.719 --> 00:54:39.760
I've had to learn how to walk over three times in my life, literally and spiritually.
00:54:39.760 --> 00:54:42.079
It is the perfect metaphor for his leadership.
00:54:42.079 --> 00:54:45.280
The ability to get back up no matter how hard life hits.
00:54:45.280 --> 00:54:57.760
National speaking champion, winner of the 2024 Great American Speak-Off, triumphing over 30,000 participants nationwide, earned standing ovations and high praise from John Maxwell, Jesse Itzler, and Grant Cardone.
00:54:57.760 --> 00:55:06.800
Project 400 helped turn nearly 400 elementary school students into published authors, proving that every child deserves to see their name in print and their dreams in motion.
00:55:06.800 --> 00:55:16.239
Faithful Ministry, pastor of New Covenant Church, and 13 years of dedicated Bible study teaching and nursing homes showing consistent love for those society often forgets.
00:55:16.239 --> 00:55:21.760
National Platform, TV co-host on Fox's The Preachers, and two appearances on The Dr.
00:55:21.760 --> 00:55:26.239
Oz Show, reaching millions with messages of faith, wisdom, and cultural insight.
00:55:26.239 --> 00:55:35.360
Student athlete, NC State graduate and Division I football player under legendary coach Chuck Amato, learning discipline, courage, and teamwork that defined his leadership.
00:55:35.360 --> 00:55:40.159
Devoted family man, 17 years of faithful marriage and proud father of four children.
00:55:40.159 --> 00:55:43.679
His commitment to family mirrors his devotion to the people he serves.
00:55:43.679 --> 00:55:49.360
His guiding principle never allow your past to have a meeting with your future without your potential being present.
00:55:49.360 --> 00:55:54.880
Through every season in life, Orrick Quick has exemplified what it means to lead with love and govern with purpose.
00:55:54.880 --> 00:55:57.440
He is not motivated by power, but by people.
00:55:57.440 --> 00:56:00.000
His policies are forged in personal experience.
00:56:00.000 --> 00:56:02.079
His leadership is shaped by live truth.
00:56:02.079 --> 00:56:08.159
There are buttons where you can support Orrick or join his team, a proven leader, a faithful servant, a voice for the people.
00:56:08.159 --> 00:56:10.800
This is not a man running for office to build a career.
00:56:10.800 --> 00:56:17.039
This is a man answering a call to defend the Constitution, to fight for the voiceless, and to restore the soul of our nation.
00:56:17.039 --> 00:56:18.719
There's a button to see his platform.
00:56:18.719 --> 00:56:19.760
No more lies.
00:56:19.760 --> 00:56:21.920
The platform of Orrick Quick for U.S.
00:56:21.920 --> 00:56:23.039
Senate, North Carolina.
00:56:23.039 --> 00:56:26.159
A constitutional, moral, and people-centered agenda.
00:56:26.159 --> 00:56:27.760
It's a button to support the mission.
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No more government overreach.
00:56:29.440 --> 00:56:32.320
Government must stay within constitutional limits.
00:56:32.320 --> 00:56:34.239
You need a fighter, not a politician.
00:56:34.239 --> 00:56:36.159
I fought corporate banks and won.
00:56:36.159 --> 00:56:38.719
It's time to get results, not play politics.
00:56:38.719 --> 00:56:41.360
The federal government was not meant to be all powerful.
00:56:41.360 --> 00:56:48.320
It was created to serve the people, not to dominate them, spy on them, surveil them, militarize against them, or rule through fear.
00:56:48.320 --> 00:56:53.440
Government overreach occurs when agencies act beyond the authority granted by Congress.
00:56:53.440 --> 00:56:55.599
Executive orders replace lawmaking.
00:56:55.599 --> 00:56:58.480
Unelected bureaucrats create binding rules.
00:56:58.480 --> 00:57:00.800
Citizens are punished without due process.
00:57:00.800 --> 00:57:02.480
Surveillance replaces privacy.
00:57:02.480 --> 00:57:04.239
Force replaces accountability.
00:57:04.239 --> 00:57:08.480
I believe in limited government, separation of powers, and constitutional restraint.
00:57:08.480 --> 00:57:16.559
We must return to Congress writing the laws, the courts interpreting the laws, the executive enforcing the laws, and the people remaining sovereign.
00:57:16.559 --> 00:57:24.719
Not the FBI, not the IRS, not the CIA, not DHS, not ICE, not any agency that operates without full public accountability.
00:57:24.719 --> 00:57:26.800
No more constitutional witchcraft.
00:57:26.800 --> 00:57:30.159
Stop dehumanizing people to strip them of due process.
00:57:30.159 --> 00:57:32.960
You cannot reform a constitutional violation.
00:57:32.960 --> 00:57:38.960
Roy Cooper says that immediate reforms are needed and that more funding should go to ICE and border control.
00:57:38.960 --> 00:57:50.719
If masked officers can detain without warrants, arrest without probable cause, separate families without hearings, deny legal representation, deport without judicial review, then the constitution is being ignored.
00:57:50.719 --> 00:57:54.960
That is not a training issue, that is not a funding issue, that is not a policy issue.
00:57:54.960 --> 00:57:56.639
That's a constitutional crisis.
00:57:56.639 --> 00:58:02.719
Constitutional witchcraft is what happens when government labels people as enemies in order to remove their rights.
00:58:02.719 --> 00:58:11.679
Just like in Salem, accusation replaces evidence, fear replaces law, emotion replaces justice, and people are punished first and questioned later.
00:58:11.679 --> 00:58:25.760
This happens today when people are detained without charges, families are separated without hearings, police are granted immunity without accountability, whistleblowers are silenced, protesters are criminalized, journalists are surveilled, citizens are treated as suspects.
00:58:25.760 --> 00:58:29.920
In America, no one is guilty by identity, status, or accusation.
00:58:29.920 --> 00:58:37.519
Everyone deserves a fair trial, legal representation, presumption of innocence, protection from excessive force, equal treatment under the law.
00:58:37.519 --> 00:58:39.440
Take care of those who you tax.
00:58:39.440 --> 00:58:41.760
If people fund the government, the government owes them.
00:58:41.760 --> 00:58:44.079
Every working American pays into the system.
00:58:44.079 --> 00:58:49.440
Income taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, payroll taxes, gas taxes, fees, fines, tolls.
00:58:49.440 --> 00:58:56.159
Yet millions receive no health care, no housing security, no transportation, no economic safety net, no accountability from leadership.
00:58:56.159 --> 00:59:04.800
If citizens fund the government, the government must provide protection, infrastructure, education, healthcare access, economic mobility, transparency.
00:59:04.800 --> 00:59:06.159
This is not socialism.
00:59:06.159 --> 00:59:07.679
This is a social contract.
00:59:07.679 --> 00:59:11.199
You cannot tax people into poverty and call it patriotism.
00:59:11.199 --> 00:59:13.440
Teachers should make at least $65,000.
00:59:13.440 --> 00:59:16.000
We cannot build a strong nation on weak education.
00:59:16.000 --> 00:59:19.920
Our teachers shape minds every day, yet they earn less than most of the country.
00:59:19.920 --> 00:59:20.719
That's not right.
00:59:20.719 --> 00:59:23.440
North Carolina deserves results, not excuses.
00:59:23.440 --> 00:59:26.960
We're going to start teachers at no less than $65,000.
00:59:26.960 --> 00:59:36.159
Teachers are raising our children, shaping our future workforce, teaching critical thinking, handling trauma, poverty, and behavioral issues, often buying supplies out of pocket.
00:59:36.159 --> 00:59:41.840
Yet many teachers work second jobs, live paycheck to paycheck, cannot afford housing in their own districts.
00:59:41.840 --> 00:59:44.800
My mother was a teacher, I know what the system does to them.
00:59:44.800 --> 00:59:52.480
If we can fund endless wars, corporate bailouts, defense contracts, surveillance systems, we can fund professional wages for educators.
00:59:52.480 --> 00:59:56.079
A nation that underpays teachers is a nation that is planning to fail.
00:59:56.079 --> 00:59:58.480
Restitution for the African American community.
00:59:58.480 --> 01:00:01.840
You could not heal generational damage with symbolic gestures.
01:00:01.840 --> 01:00:12.800
For over 400 years, free labor built the economy, laws blocked ownership, redlining destroyed wealth, mass incarceration fractured families, discriminatory lending suppressed capital.
01:00:12.800 --> 01:00:13.519
The result?
01:00:13.519 --> 01:00:15.360
A massive racial wealth gap.
01:00:15.360 --> 01:00:18.320
Entire communities locked out of generational opportunity.
01:00:18.320 --> 01:00:20.239
Restitution is not about handouts.
01:00:20.239 --> 01:00:22.559
It's about repairing structural damage.
01:00:22.559 --> 01:00:23.360
My proposal.
01:00:23.360 --> 01:00:32.159
Guaranteed business funding up to $250,000 for black entrepreneurs and families to rebuild generational wealth through ownership, not dependency.
01:00:32.159 --> 01:00:33.119
We don't need pity.
01:00:33.119 --> 01:00:34.559
We need access to capital.
01:00:34.559 --> 01:00:36.000
The financial reset bill.
01:00:36.000 --> 01:00:39.599
Reset every citizen's credit to a 750 baseline.
01:00:39.599 --> 01:00:47.599
Your credit score should not determine whether you can live indoors, whether you can drive, whether you can work, whether you can start a business, whether you can move forward in life.
01:00:47.599 --> 01:00:55.679
The current system punishes people forever for past mistakes, locks citizens into permanent financial exile, creates a modern caste system.
01:00:55.679 --> 01:01:06.159
The financial reset bill resets all Americans to a 750 baseline, restores fair access to housing, restores job eligibility, restores transportation, restores entrepreneurship.
01:01:06.159 --> 01:01:10.559
This does not erase responsibility that removes lifelong economic shackles.
01:01:10.559 --> 01:01:13.440
Eliminate property tax for retired Americans.
01:01:13.440 --> 01:01:16.079
You should not lose your home after a lifetime of work.
01:01:16.079 --> 01:01:22.239
If you worked your whole life, paid off your home, retired on a fixed income, you should not be taxed out of your own house.
01:01:22.239 --> 01:01:25.679
Fear foreclosure from the government, lose generational property.
01:01:25.679 --> 01:01:32.559
Property tax on retirees is a hidden eviction system, a quiet wealth extraction scheme, a punishment for aging.
01:01:32.559 --> 01:01:36.800
Your home should be security, stability, legacy, not a government lease.
01:01:36.800 --> 01:01:39.119
Amendments being violated in America today.
01:01:39.119 --> 01:01:41.679
This is where no more lies becomes undeniable.
01:01:41.679 --> 01:01:43.280
Vote Orrick Quick for U.S.
01:01:43.280 --> 01:01:44.400
Senate, North Carolina.
01:01:44.400 --> 01:01:45.840
No more government overreach.
01:01:45.840 --> 01:01:48.320
Government must stay within constitutional limits.
01:01:48.320 --> 01:01:50.159
No more constitutional witchcraft.
01:01:50.159 --> 01:01:55.039
Stop dehumanizing people to strip them of due process and constitutional protections.
01:01:55.039 --> 01:01:56.719
Take care of those who you tax.
01:01:56.719 --> 01:02:01.039
If the people fund the government, the government owes them care, protection, and accountability.
01:02:01.039 --> 01:02:02.800
Teachers making $65,000.
01:02:02.800 --> 01:02:07.679
Our educators deserve professional pay that reflects their value to our children and our future.
01:02:07.679 --> 01:02:10.000
Restitution for the African American community.
01:02:10.000 --> 01:02:14.320
Guaranteed business funding up to $250,000 to rebuild generational wealth.
01:02:14.320 --> 01:02:22.400
The financial reset bill reset every citizen's credit to a $750 baseline to restore fair access to housing, jobs, transportation, and capital.
01:02:22.400 --> 01:02:27.519
He goes into various amendments and when they're violated.
01:02:27.519 --> 01:02:31.760
The core philosophy of No More Lies, this campaign stands on one truth.
01:02:31.760 --> 01:02:36.639
The Constitution was written to protect people from power, not to give power new excuses.
01:02:36.639 --> 01:02:41.119
America does not need more politicians, more agencies, more fear, more control.
01:02:41.119 --> 01:02:46.480
America needs accountability, transparency, due process, economic justice, and human dignity.
01:02:46.480 --> 01:02:48.880
And then there is a get involved tab.
01:02:48.880 --> 01:02:52.239
Join our campaign and help bring principled leadership to Washington.
01:02:52.239 --> 01:02:54.079
Every voice matters in this movement.
01:02:54.079 --> 01:03:01.119
There's a button to donate, volunteer, and for events, along with his campaign headquarters contact information.
01:03:01.119 --> 01:03:06.719
Again, there is tab for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Blue Sky.
01:03:06.719 --> 01:03:12.639
A Google search picked up his Ballot pedia that just says he's running for election for the U.S.
01:03:12.639 --> 01:03:14.239
Senate to represent North Carolina.
01:03:14.239 --> 01:03:16.800
He'll be on the Democratic primary on March 3rd.
01:03:16.800 --> 01:03:19.920
He did not fill out Ballotpedia's survey responses.
01:03:19.920 --> 01:03:26.000
His campaign finance summary for 2026 with an asterisk that says data from this year may not be complete.
01:03:26.000 --> 01:03:31.599
He's had zero contributions, and for his expenditures, it says not applicable.
01:03:31.599 --> 01:03:38.239
The rest of the Google search just has some of his ministry social media and election information.
01:03:38.239 --> 01:03:44.159
He did not answer any questions in our North Carolina Deep Dive Voters Guide.
01:03:44.159 --> 01:03:48.239
And that wraps up all of the candidates who are running for the U.S.
01:03:48.239 --> 01:03:51.119
Senate under the Democratic primary ballot.
01:03:51.119 --> 01:03:55.440
Again, those candidates running in order that they will appear on your ballot for U.S.
01:03:55.440 --> 01:03:59.840
Senate on the Democratic primary ballot will be Daryl Farrow, Justin E.
01:03:59.840 --> 01:04:03.280
Dues, Roy Cooper, Robert Colon, Marcus W.
01:04:03.280 --> 01:04:05.599
Williams, and Oric Quick.
01:04:05.599 --> 01:04:09.599
And that brings this episode of the NC Deep Dive to a close.
01:04:09.599 --> 01:04:23.280
Make sure you check out all the other relevant episodes for the 2026 primary election at www.ncdeepdive.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, or wherever you currently listen to your podcast.
01:04:23.280 --> 01:04:33.599
I will be including helpful links for each candidate and voting in general on our website show notes, including our NC Deep Dives Voters Guide for the 2026 primary election.
01:04:33.599 --> 01:04:39.679
We were blessed to have many candidates that took the time to share their thoughts and speak to voters within Southern Wake County.
01:04:39.679 --> 01:04:48.800
The Voters Guide is arranged by party affiliation and organized in such a way to make it relatively easy to find the races or the candidates you might be interested in.
01:04:48.800 --> 01:04:52.239
All candidates' websites are linked if I was able to find one.
01:04:52.239 --> 01:04:57.119
I also consciously chose to arrange the voters' guide starting at the end of the ballot.
01:04:57.119 --> 01:05:03.199
So often we are aware of the larger races, yet don't hear about or take the time to learn about the smaller ones.
01:05:03.199 --> 01:05:13.519
As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or topics you'd like to share, you may contact us via social media or by emailing ncdeepdive at gmail.com.
01:05:13.519 --> 01:05:22.480
If you found value in this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, review, and share it to help us in our mission to help voters make their most informed choices.
01:05:22.480 --> 01:05:26.559
Thank you for engaging with this episode and becoming a more informed citizen.
01:05:26.559 --> 01:05:28.079
Democracy is a team sport.
01:05:28.079 --> 01:05:33.039
Together we make democracy work and our communities a better place to work, play, and live.
01:05:33.039 --> 01:05:36.320
Your vote matters, your voice matters, you matter.
01:05:36.320 --> 01:05:38.800
Until next time, my friends, Namaste.
01:05:38.800 --> 01:05:44.320
The love and light in me sees and honors the love and light in you.